The day I got married, one of my closest friends looked me in the eye and said "God has many wild and wonderful things ahead for you and Jeremy."

Being called mom by 7 kids is definitely wild. Each day I look for the wonder in it all...and give thanks.

Partnering with my husband in life, parenting, work and serving is definitely wonderful. He is my favorite.



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

#1000gifts

1. Pumpkin spice candle burning on a cool, damp morning.
2. laughing with friends
3. an unexpected "thanks, mom"

This is how it begins.  My journey to 1000 gifts.  I have heard of Ann Voskamp's book for a few years and thought, I need to read that, but have never picked it up.


An invitation to go through the study guide with 8-10 of my people came a few weeks ago and we have begun.  Something added to my Mondays that I really look forward to.

4. A text from an old friend, "you've been on my mind all morning--miss you!"
5. Nicole bringing me chili dinner and closing the van door that was left open at 9pm.
6. Restful sleep in the hours before the sun rises.

I have needed this study.  For a long time.  I'm kinda sad as I look at this past year and find that I didn't take many photos.  I let hurry and worry and busy-ness rob me of relationship and connection.  I let my own dark places keep me from making our family time.....from making our family have time...together and meaningful.

In the past 5 days I have had to hear myself say to others out loud that we don't eat dinner together.  We don't make plans to have family vacation together.  And when I think about it, the only time we are together as a family is a 20 minute drive to church Sunday mornings.

7. Savannah's laughter at the chair stuck on dad.
8. misspelled words
9. losing football games to bring the season to an end. (yes, I'm thankful for that.  Have I ever mentioned I'm not really from Texas? I wear red and I go to MOST of the home games and I think that's enough.  I mean, they're 10. And I don't bring noise-makers unless you count Saimon and I don't wear blingy Tshirts, caps, or flip-flops.  Enough.)

Now that I have offended 97% of the football moms in Texas, my point is this....my attitude has been stinky and joy absent.   And if I believe Him and He shows us thankfulness leads to life and victory and joy, and I want life, victory, and joy, then I begin. to practice. gratitude.

10. nudgings for family time.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Not just a bag of oranges

A cool thing happened yesterday. When I was making my kids lunches I put the last orange in Omar's lunch box and thought, "I'm not going to the store until tomorrow so Omar won't have oranges in his lunch tomorrow." Insert disappointed emoji.

I wrote it on my list and that was it.

My friend Jean has brought us a couple meals lately.
 

Just because.
 

I'm not pregnant and nobody died but she has brought me two meals in the last couple weeks.  (So grateful! That's being the church.)

She brought us a meal yesterday – – chili, Fritos, cheese, brownie-cookies, and guess what else… 


a bag of oranges!

When I saw the bag in her hand I just smiled. 

Really God? Really?

Who brings a bag of oranges when you bring somebody a meal? I have never brought anybody a bag of oranges when I brought a meal.




I just smile every time I see the oranges. God is so sweet.  Just a little reminder that He is real and cares about the small things.