Answer to Prayer

Today was my Beth Moore Bible Study.  Every Wednesday I drop off my girls, and head over to my class in which I am filled up, stretched, challenged, and encouraged.  Then I head back across the parking lot to pick up my girlies.  As I was talking with their wonderful teacher about how the girls did, she shared that they were a delight and then she paused and with complete sincerity stated, "Thank you for bringing them."  The look on her face and the sincerity in her voice made me pause.  Thank you for bringing them?  Thank you for bringing more children for you to have to care for, teach, direct, and instruct?  I had never heard those words before and I was completely at a loss of how to respond.

My mama's heart was so proud of my girls in that moment.  What had they done to receive such a wonderful comment from their teacher?  What had they said or how had they acted?

The only thing I could think to say was that in the evening when I pray over them, one of my prayers is that we will be a blessing to others in the coming day.  That is my hearts desire, that our lives will bring blessing to everyone we come in contact with.  And in her comment, I knew that for this day, the Lord had answered my prayer.

Weekend of Laughs

Their bruschetta was amazing.

We tried an olive appetizer. Yum!

Over the weekend, we journeyed down to Portland to enjoy a present we received for Christmas.  Our excitement began Friday as we dropped our children off at grandma and grandpa's to be loved on and spoiled.  Then we were off!  Just the two of us!!  We were meeting my parents at Macaroni Grill (another Christmas gift from two years ago :) at 6:00, so Seth and I decided to get there early to get a seat.  Upon arrival, the restaurant was empty and we were seated immediately.  We had an hour all to ourselves!  We enjoyed yummy appetizers, flavored lemonade and adult conversation. :)  When my parents arrived we had a delightful dinner and played Farkle.  Then we were off to . . . . .

The Brian Regan Live Show!!!  I just want to say, I didn't know it was possible to laugh for 2 hours straight.  But laugh we did.

Dad was laughing before the show began!

We are all excited!  Out on the town at 8:00?

Our girls spent the night with their grandparents and so in the morning, the four of us (mom, dad, Seth and I) went to Starbucks for breakfast, lingered in Hallmark, and shopped at Old Navy (another gift) where I found some fresh, new clothes that made me feel beautiful.  And the whole day we were repeating jokes from the night before.  The laughter continued. 

Breakfast at Starbucks outside in the sun!!!!

This was a weekend to remember, a weekend of laughs. 

A Good Story

Every story has a few key elements that are required to make it "Good".  A story needs character development.  The reader needs to see the character change in some way, and to feel a connection to the character as they grow and overcome obstacles.  A good story also need conflict and resolution. 

One of those "bad" moments in life.  (The broken leg, not the adorable, little girl. :)

This is the part I have difficulty with.  I don't like conflict.  I have made it a point in my blog to leave out the "bad".  Who wants to remember that?   I don't.  This year however, something is changing in me.  How can my story be complete without a complete picture of my life.  How will my children know the obstacles that were overcome if I never write them?  But mostly, how will I be able to look back at my life and see the Lord's hand protecting me, guiding me, carrying me, rescuing me, and basically being ever present in my life, if I don't remember those times He had to protect, guide, carry, or rescue me from.  I feel the Lord has been sharing with me, that in remembering the hard times, my lifes story will be more complete.  My story will have depth.  I will be able to look back over my life and see how the Lord has carried me through those times.  I will be able to see His hand with me at every turn.  In essence, in remembering the "bad", I will be able to see the goodness of the Lord.

Throughout daddy's recovery we saw how the Lord carried us.

(Please note, I'm not a fan of whining.  I don't allow it in my children and I won't present it here in my blog.  I like to look at things in a positive light.  So, be not afraid, there will be no whining.)