Giving Thanks in ALL Circumstances!

Ok, I think we'd all agree that there are times in life when things are going good, and it's so easy to thank God for everything around you. And, believe me, I try not to take things for granted . . . I try to thank God everyday - even for the little things; for the sunshine, for healthy kids that can run around and play in the grass, for dandelions picked by two little girls before daddy mows them up, for a warm/cool safe house to live in, for our jobs, for a happy, wonderful marriage . . .

BUT, it's so much harder to give thanks when in the midst of cruddy, or less than ideal circumstances: when the car in front of you is moving too slow, or someone cuts you off, when you're out of work, when the furnace conks out, when you've had "one of those days" . . .

OR

WHEN YOU'VE BEEN SICK FOR OVER A MONTH AND NO-ONE KNOWS WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!

I'm beginning to lose my mind! I'm tired of being tired, I'm tired of not being able to do simple things like make lunch for my kids or fold laundry without feeling exhausted, I'm tired of feeling weak and shaky, of my heart racing in the 120's . . . the list of complaints and frustrations can go on and on . . .

But, I wanted to take a moment to tell you what I am thankful for, despite - or inspite - of my circumstances:

1. For the best husband a girl could get! I stand amazed at God's gracious gift of Mike to me. Funny, I thought I picked him for myself . . . but it was all ordained in God's great plan that the quirky 17 year-old I fell in love with would turn into the most selfless, giving, serving, loving husband ever! You have no idea what is in store for you when you exchange those vows - but God does!

2. For my family. If you know me at all, you know I'm a ME DO IT kind of person, thus my nickname - INDEPENDENT GIRL! I'm always on the go, and I rarely take the time to stop and smell the flowers. Well . . . I'm completely stopped and the flowers are beautiful! My girls are amazing! They've been so compassionate, and their prayers for me have brought me to tears (which isn't saying much - I've been crying a lot lately). I've gotten the most beautiful cards and other creations from them, and have truly seen a side to them I haven't seen before! We've raised two incredible little girls! Thank you God!

3. Time - I'm going a little out of my mind, but I've had a lot of time to think and contemplate things.

4. Friends and Family - It is very VERY hard for me to accept help from other people - cuz I'm INDEPENDENT GIRL! However, the meals, offers to watch the kids, offers to clean my toilets, offers of sweet, loving service from people I know well, to those I hardly know! Again, I'm amazed at God's provision for me. I only hope I feel well enough someday to give back the way people are continuing to give to me!

5. Energy - when I finally do feel 100% again (please, Lord, let it be soon!), it will be a LOOOOOOONNNNNGGG time before I take a healthy, energy-filled day for granted again.

6. The sun and weight loss - hey, as long as I'm stuck in the house, exhausted and tired, I might as well be lying in the sun, right? AND, Thanks to the 10 pounds I've lost over the last 2 weeks, the two-piece doesn't look as bad as it once did! I may not be able to do anything . . . but I'll be tan not doing it . . .

7. Prayer - I've always struggled with prayer - how to pray - what to pray . . . and that certainly hasn't changed in the last few weeks, but I am ever so grateful, for those friends and family that have been diligent to pray my family through this tough time! I know God hears and answers our prayers! Keep praying, and know that with all this extra time on my hands, I've been praying a lot more - for all of you! I've actually taken time to petition God on your behalves in ways that I've been too busy to do before! I thank God for all of you!

In Sickness and In Health

Can I just say that I have THE best husband in the whole world! I know some of you may bulk at that . . . but I know it's true!

The last 11 days, I've been in the worst health I can remember . . . read my last entry for details. I've been unable to do ANYTHING, and if you know me at all, you know that's not good. I'm a mover and a shaker . . . maybe too much of one. This last week and a half has showed me the value of slowing down. Although I haven't had the energy to take care of and play with my kids, I now appreciate more than ever, how important it is to take that time. Nothing's more important than the time we spend with our families. When I'm better (hopefully, someday) I will make the time necessary to truly enjoy my kids and my husband each and every day!

Anyways . . . more about Mike. He has stayed home from work (or worked remotely from home) much of last week. He's cooked and cleaned, bathed the kids, tucked them in almost every night . . . he's taken over most all of my weekly responsibilities in addition to his own. He's been a servant. He has given and gotten nothing in return.

In my daily devotions I read John 13 today (yes accountability girls, I may be sick, but I'm keeping up on my reading!) and verses 34 and 35 say, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

The footnote in my Bible says, "Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it's not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back."

Mike has loved me with this kind of love - agape love - unconditional love - and for that I am sooooooo thankful. He has been Jesus to me this week.

Kind of funny, this week Mike said kiddingly, "Boy I wish I hadn't taken that whole 'in sickness and health' so seriously - this is hard work!" Boy am I grateful he did take those vows seriously! I would be lost without him!

I love you Michael! You are my hero - my knight in shining armor!

Sick of Being Sick

. . . SIGH . . .

I'm sorry I've had no exciting additions to the blog over the last several days . . . but I'm just not feeling well.

It all started about three weeks ago when Bella and I both had the diarrhea/flu, and I've never really risen out of the "funk". I've been tired, fatigued and achey. So last Thursday I went to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, hoping that would help . . . but Friday I ended up with really tight muscles in my back and the inability to breathe well. Saturday I ended up in ER. They ruled out heart problems (EKG), blood clots in the lungs, they took some chest x-rays to rule out issues with my lungs and ribs . . . finally they chalked it up to muscle spasms and gave me a prescription for valium to relax me. Let me just say, all mothers should have some valium on hand at any given moment . . .

Anyway, I started feeling worse rather than better and have been struggling with body aches - especially my back, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, headache, no appetite, weakness and, worst of all, severe fatigue. Let me tell ya how well that works when you're trying to take care of two kids . . . NOT WELL! I've been bawling my eyes out for the last two days!

I had more bloodwork done yesterday and they ruled out mono and TB. My white blood count is great. But, my billirubin is higher than it should be, which indicates some problems with my liver . . . NICE! Still, no answers!

I have an appointment with an internist on Monday, so we're praying that things don't get worse before then. In fact, we're praying that things get better. My doc seems to think it's a nasty virus, but other than that she's got nothing for me.

Mike stayed home today . . . probably so I would stop crying every time he left . . . and it has been wonderful! I've been able to relax knowing the kids are in good hands!

Please pray that I feel better soon! Pray that the symptoms go away . . . or at least don't get worse.

This stinks . . . I'm ready to fully appreciate being healthy . . . no more taking it for granted!

A Church Lady Recommendation

Alright, I know many of you read the Grace in the City Blog so this will be a repeat for you . . . Dana just beat me to the punch! Read her review of this book here.

I've been perusing several Bible translations and children's Bible storybooks to prepare for our summer outreach program for kids - True Victory Sports Camp, and in doing so ran across this book.

I read the whole thing in one sitting . . . I just couldn't put it down. It is written so brilliantly and the illustrations are mesmorizing. Faith saw it and said, "Jesus' picture is right in the middle in a fancy frame, cuz he's the star of the show!" Right on, Faith! She get's it!

This Bible story book takes the major stories of the Old and New Testaments and links them to the over-all redemptive story! The catch phrase on the front of the book is, "Every story whispers his name," and they truly do!

It is written in language that kids will understand, without watering down the important messages! It includes passages that most children's Bible's don't like: the Psalms, Isaiah, Ezra and Nehemiah - passages that are so important to linking the redemptive story together! Psalm 23 is written so beautifully (paraphrased) that I typed a copy of it for myself to have on a bookmark!

This is bar-none the best children's Bible story book out there! Buy a copy of it for your family, buy a copy of it for every new parent out there, buy a copy of it for your kid's grandparents, buy a copy of it for every Toddler-2nd grader you know! It's that good!

Happy reading!

Spring, Where Art Thou?

Ok, you know warmer weather needs to come soon when this happens.

I sent Faith and Bella outside after lunch today to get some much-needed fresh air. I want to be clear, I sent them out properly dressed for the weather! They had a blast riding bikes, pushing teddy bears in strollers and creating treasured pictures with sidewalk chalk. I periodically peeked outside to check on them, and things were terrific!

Then I hear water running in the garage . . . so, again I check on things. Faith decided to wash her bike . . . Ok, no problem.

Next thing I know, the water is running again. When I go to check on them, Faith is down to her underwear and t-shirt (mind you it's 39 degrees here) standing in a bucket of water in the garage.

"What on earth are you doing?" I ask.

"I just really wanted to go swimming . . . the water's warm, Mom . . . feel it!", says she. "Oh, and can I change into my bathing suit?"

"Are you crazy? NO WAY! Get in the house little girl!"

Please, Spring, come quickly . . . the natives are getting restless!

I Ah Done!

This is such a classic Bella move, I just had to share it with all of you!

When she doesn't want to eat anymore, she simply empties her plate onto her high chair tray or the table and says, "I ah done now, see?" Notice, her plate is empty, but the food isn't gone . . . I don't know why, but it's funny every time!

April?

No, I am NOT blogging in reverse order . . . it truly went from "bare piggy" weather back to "put on the entire snow suit" weather in a matter of just days!

I'm not complaining though, cuz the flu has left the building (I hope), and the kids are playing outside affording me some "Mommy time."

Suddenly the glass is half full again!

Glass Half Empty

Ok, so I'm generally a glass half full person . . . but this week has me thinking in glass half empty terms!

It started out with me getting the stomach flu at 1:00 Sunday morning - I could go into much more detail, but it's not necessary - it was bad, that's all there is to it.

Then Bella got it.

Then we started to feel better.

Then we both started to NOT feel better.

Then Bella started throwing up today - in the car no less. THAT'S always a blast - cleaning vomit out of the carseat buckles - YUMMY!

AND, it's snowing! UGH! The fabulous weather guys say it will be colder on Easter than it was on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day.

So much for Spring Break! I'm getting cabin fever!