The Light of Life

This morning when I was taking the kids to school the song "Forever Reign" came on the radio. I cranked up the volume and the kids and I sang all the way to school. The song speaks so many great truths about God. If you've never heard it, I'd recommend sticking around for five minutes or so and listening to it.

Later in the day, as I was lighting my candles for today's Small Thing, I couldn't help but think of Jesus.


He is the creator of light (Gen. 1:3).
His Word is light (Psalm 119:105).
He brought me out of the darkness and into the light. (Ephesians 5:8-9)


He IS light.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
-John 8:12

Light of the world...forever reign!

The Little Bitty Small Thing

I've been a follower of the blog Home Sanctuary for a while now. It's a very helpful blog where the author, Rachel Anne, posts what we Company Girls like to call the Small Thing of the day. It involves completing a task that applies to one or more areas of bringing Peace, Order, or Beauty to your home. All three of those areas then work together to create "Sanctuary" in your home.

The fun thing about it is that there are points and prizes involved! :) Since it's a new month, I thought I'd just take a minute and talk about today's Small Thing.

Straighten your kitchen chairs or bar stools. That's it. 10 points a pop! Doesn't get any easier than that. I collected 90 points today in about 2 minutes.

So, if you're interested in maintaining Peace, Order, and Beauty in your home during what can be an otherwise chaotic season, stop in and visit Home Sanctuary and join the fun. You'll be glad you did!

~Melissa

10 Things Tuesday

Hey everyone! It's cold out there, but that's not going to stop me from being thankful! It's the end of another month. Only one more to go in 2010! Where does the time go? Let's see...

In January I was thankful that God knows the big picture, even when we think a few pieces of the puzzle might be missing. You can read about it here.

In February I was thankful that God's Word is so encouraging and I have the freedom to pick it up and read it anytime I want. You can read that post here.

In March I was thankful that I can trust God no matter what my circumstances. Even when a beloved family member is ill. Read about that trust here.

In April I didn't blog much, but I did discuss how thankful I am that life is made up of both mountains and valleys. You can read about it in this post.

In May (and always) I was so thankful that I am a happy mother of five beautiful children. Take a look for yourself here.

In June I was thankful to meet with God in a sweet time of worshipping Him. Not only that, but to realize that He can be found in the ordinary moments of my day. You can read about that experience here.

In July I was incredibly thankful and blessed to be spending time with the kiddos at their Grandma's house. See photos here.

In August we took another trip where I was thankful to see extended family on the Oregon Coast. That post is located here.

In September my dad passed away. Even though I was sad to say goodbye, I was thankful that I got to spend the last week of his life with him. And I'm thankful I will see him in heaven again one day. You can see a photo of my dad with me and LR when she was a baby here.

In October I brought back 10 Things Tuesday. I felt a longing inside of me to express my thankfulness for all the blessings God has given me in this life. My first new list was created with my youngest son, and you can read it here.

I know that technically, I'm done with my list for this week. But since this is the end of November, I'm going to add a little bonus for this week.

I am thankful for the blessing of family and friends. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here at home with snow all weekend long. (Lots of it!) Looking back, I am thankful that God was watching over me and my family through the ups and downs of this month. Feel free to read more about what I was thankful for in November here, here, and here.

Have a great upcoming month everyone! And don't forget to be thankful in all things!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:18

~Melissa

10 Things Tuesday - Relationship Addition

We're approaching Thanksgiving and I am excited to host it here at my house this year. It looks like we're just having two extras - my sister in-law and her husband, but we've left an open invitation for friends in case they can't leave town due to bad weather.

Yes, we have snow! Lots of it. In fact, over the past 24 hours we've been on blizzard warning. High winds plus lots of snow = very poor visibility. My back porch (which is covered) was covered in snow this morning. Crazy. The school district did not declare a snow day, so I just declared one on my own. I am not going to risk driving in those conditions!

Well, now that I've given the weather report, lets get on with the thanks-giving! This is my special tribute to all the people in my life that I am thankful for.

1. My husband - He is my best friend, an incredible dad, a comedian, a Pastor, a gifted musician, and more! I love him so much and if you want to read more about why, just go to this post.
2. Anyone who knows me knows I just adore each of my children! They all have such unique personalities. I am so blessed to be the mother of five wonderful children who make me laugh, challenge me to be a better mom, and keep me on my toes (and my knees) all the time! Just because today is his 4th birthday, I'd like to give special thanks for my youngest, CD. He's so fun and I'm glad I have this year and next with him still at home. :)
   
3. My mom - She is always there for me, even when things aren't going the best for her. She's such a good listener and I still go to her when I need sound advice. The older I get, the deeper our friendship grows. I appreciate all that she sacrificed for me growing up even in the most difficult of times.
4. I couldn't imagine not mentioning my dad, even though he passed away this last September. I have so many great memories with him growing up, and into my adult years. I spent the last week of his life with him and it was some of the sweetest time ever. He will be greatly missed this Thanksgiving.
5. My sister - Even though we are 3 years apart, we are the best of friends. I know I can always count on her through thick and thin. We are mountains apart now, but there is nothing we wouldn't do for each other. I love you sis!
   
6. My in-laws - I could not have been blessed with better in-laws. My Mother-in-law is the reason I wanted to have a big family. The first time I saw all of the siblings interacting I knew I wanted lots of kids. Everyone accepted me as one of the family right off the bat. Family get-togethers are always an adventure!
7. My friends the Phifers - They are such a big part of our lives. I am so blessed to have such committed friends. They were there for us when 4 out of 5 of our children were born. I love their two children and couldn't imagine life without them around! My friend Andrea is the first person I call if ever I need, oh, anything! She is so faithful to me and I love her dearly.
   
8. My friend Michelle - She is so loving and generous. Very sensitive to the needs of those around her. When I have need for prayer, I know she's going to answer the call. I love her family too. Every time I hang out with them I laugh. They are such fun people!
9. The teachers that my children have had since they reached school age - We have been so blessed with good teachers! I love how they have partnered with us to make sure our children get the education that they deserve.
   
10. Our church family - I am so thankful that we are in a church of people who genuinely care about us. The staff is wonderful and my husband really loves working there. The friendliness that I feel every time I walk through the doors on Sunday carries through the week. I know that if ever we have a need, our church family would step up to meet it.
    

These are just some of the current relationships that bless my life. I am so thankful for all my friends and family, near and far. And let's not forget my blogger friends! There are so many moms out there that I don't hesitate to ask for advice when I'm struggling. Thanks for being there when I need you most! :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

May you find yourselves as blessed as I am by the friends and family in your lives.
~Melissa

Company Girl Coffee 11.19.10

That's my girl! She may be small, but she is determined. She ran cross country this year with kids who are taller and faster than her, but she kept the pace and crossed the finish line, and I was proud of her.

Notice the white arrow on the ground just behind her feet. The district painted lines and arrows to show the students which way to run. It reminded me of how God points out to us the direction in which we should go. We just have to fix our eyes on Jesus, watch for the signs, and He will show us the way.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:1-3 (Bold and emphasis mine.)

I don't know about you, but that just makes me want to put on my best running shoes! (Figuratively speaking, of course!)

Have a great weekend all!
~Melissa

10 Things Tuesday

I missed posting last week. Of course, that doesn't mean I didn't have anything to be thankful for! I have tons of things going on in my life that make me thankful.

Like the accident that I was involved in two weeks ago. I feel like I can share a little about it now since the claim is finally closed.

I am so thankful that no one was injured. My youngest son was in the van with me. Both of us were unharmed by the impact. The other party involved was an elderly lady. I was relieved to hear that she too, was ok.

I'm thankful that my husband had just arrived home when I called him and was able to go pick up the kids from school. He also picked us up when the tow truck came to get the van.

I'm thankful that when we got home he immediately sprang into action and called our insurance to take care of the details and all I had to do is answer a few questions about the accident.

I'm thankful that the other party's insurance got us into a rental van the next day and has covered the full cost of the rental.

I'm thankful that even though our van was declared totaled, the other party has great insurance that took good care of us. Everything went as smoothly as I could possibly ask for.

Friday that same week, I was cleaning a knife at the sink and cut my thumb. It was bleeding bad enough that I knew I was going to need stitches. My husband wasn't home, so I grabbed the kids and walked over to my neighbors' house.

I'm so thankful my neighbors were home!

I'm thankful that they were willing to watch my kids while one of them drove me to Urgent Care to get stitches.

I'm thankful that we have health insurance.

I'm thankful that it wasn't worse. I only needed two stitches.

It wasn't the best of weeks for me. However, I am so thankful that God watches over me through the good and the bad. It gave me plenty of opportunities to talk to my kids about God's protection and faithfulness.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." -Psalm 46:1

Company Girl Coffee 11.12.10

I love this guy...
Oh. Sorry about that. Maybe you can see him a little better in this picture...
He's the one surrounded by all those little munchkins that adore him. (Can you count all five in both pictures?) With arms and legs flying everywhere it's hard to get a decent photo of the bunch!

I love him because even when he's had a long day at work and they all charge him when he comes through the door, he gives them his full attention.

I love him because when I cut my thumb and have difficulties washing the dishes, he steps right in to help without even being asked.

I love him because he's there for me whether I need a listening ear or some good sound advice.

I love him because he points out the positive side of my 'tunnel vision' even when I see it as a flaw.

I love him for many other reasons not listed here, but mostly I love him because he loves us with all his heart and takes every opportunity to show it.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." -John 13:34