Thankful Thursday

If someone asked me what day of the week is my favorite, I might say Friday like most people since it's the weekend.  But to me, it means a little more than just the weekend being free from work, Friday means I get to spend  more time with my whole family together. Sometimes we watch a family movie, or occasionally play a board game. Sometimes we don't all do something together; but just having all 6 of us (and sometimes friends too) under the same roof makes me happy. Even though Friday's are cool because we get more family time, I'd have to pick Thursdays. I like Thankful Thursdays because I can take the time to sit down & think of all the things I am thankful for and blessed with.

I am thankful that in less than a week, I can start lifting Sadie & carrying her around more.  I will try not to overdo it, but I have had to stoop down to love on her when she's gotten hurt or go to the couch when she'd like to snuggle.  She's even gotten into the habit of asking me "follow me mom" when she wants to snuggle or wants me to lift her up. She'll grab me by the hand & take me to the couch so she can climb into my lap.  It's so sweet and special. I just love that she's okay with that for now. But it will be nice when I can just scoop her up and give her a squeezy hug because she got a bump or needs a quick "Everything is okay" kind of lovins.

I am thankful that some creative mom decided to blog about her point system for grounding her kids when they were late for school & gave them a list of chores worth points in order to earn their way out of trouble.  I put that to work today by typing up my own list and handing it to my older 2 because they were fighting yesterday & other disciplinary actions didn't seem to be working.  They just weren't getting it.  Our list is a work in progress but it seemed to get the point across to them that I am serious about not putting up with their arguing.  After some whining, crying (mostly forced), statements like "I'm not ever doing any of the things on that list." etc  they finally got their points earned and were able to move on with the night.  If you are wondering what my response was to that statement, it went something like this, "I'm sorry to hear that you will be sitting in the corner doing nothing for a long time if that's the choice you make."  And anyone that knows me, knows that I would not have given in very easily.

I am thankful that we were able to attend Braly's Spring Singing concert tonight as a family.  The 4th graders even played a song with their recorders that they've been practicing on for the last few months.  School is quickly coming to a close in the next few weeks and soon, summer will be here.  Well, maybe not weather wise, as it was snowing/sleeting as we walked into the school for the program.  As I waited for Braly to put his recorder away, I laughingly made the comment that it was nice to hear the Summer songs the kids sang but I don't think the weather is agreeing very much. lol  Grateful that after the concert we took the opportunity to get some frostys as a treat. Yes, we are crazy & despite the snow/sleet, we enjoyed them in our warm house (which I am extremely grateful for!).  The best thing about the ice cream was that the kids were sitting at the table and said thank you for the frosty and they also talked so nicely to each other.  Braly received a compliment that he looked very sharp in his dress clothes he picked out.  Which of course he really did look sharp and I don't think I got a good close up of him. oh well. May have to stage that one tomorrow.  I really <3 that they were so loving to each other!  It filled my heart with such joy and gave us an opportunity to have some fun watching and singing The Cup Song!  With much laughter from the girls as one thought they say Taco instead of talk, oh.  We had a good laugh at that.  And then another one was dancing or something and slipped and nearly did the splits and laughed so hard she went running to the bathroom.  Brought back great memories of my cousins & sisters and I putting on concerts for our family or just each other as we sang to background music tapes (Karaoke stuff wasn't as available as it is now and was far too expensive). We used to use the knobs off of Gram's bed or hair brushes, or flashlights as our microphones. And I think Gram & our Aunts were sorry when there were 'real' microphones in the house because that's when we begged them to come listen to our concert. hahaha

I am thankful that in a few weeks, I get to spend more time with my children because school will be done for the summer.  We can make some lists of things we'd like to try to do this summer and make a plan in order to make as many of them happen as we can.

I am thankful that I am healing nicely and that I have been able to drive and get around to get errands and things done.  It is taking me a little longer to do things, but I am so pleased that I can actually do them myself.  That is a nice feeling. Praise God for healing me!

I almost got my desk cleared off again!  That always makes me thankful because I like looking at clean things and that means that my mind won't feel so cluttered so I'll be able to get things done because I can concentrate.  Do you know that feeling?

I found some pieces at the St. Vincent store and with some paint I had in the basement, my drill, some screws and some determination, I was able to put together a tiered tray for the bathroom.  I'll take some more pics tomorrow and perhaps be able to type up my own tutorial.  I got the idea from Pinterest. Yes, I have done a few Pinterest projects lately because I am determined to not allow myself to miss out on creating things like I would if I didn't have a diagnosis like I do.

I have been doing great with my Bible readings which is soooooooo cool to me because I used to have such a hard time being consistent with spending time with God on a regular basis. Out of my desperation of seeking God and healing, I have drawn closer to Him and am learning so much. I am also finding that I crave time with God and really look forward to reading the Bible and seeing how God keeps connecting things that I've read in my chronological Bible plan with my everyday life and with lessons I've listened to, either Sunday's sermon, in a recording that I've downloaded or in talking with others.  I find it so neat how God uses the time I spend with him and then expounds on it even more. :)  Makes me so joyful!

I really have been doing fabulous.  I have a little bit of pain in my hip & back but not even worth taking medicine for. I am thankful for that.  I have been learning about praise and what it can do to just take the time to really Praise God.  It's so wonderful!  And it goes great with my Bible readings right now because I am reading about King David in 1 Samuel and then it jumps to different Psalms that he wrote and it is wonderful to just read those praises and meditate on them as they were coming from my lips to God.  Beautiful. Just beautiful!  Which reminds me...I was asked to guest blog for my friend's blog in June about a Psalm.  For the month of June she'll be featuring guest bloggers that will each share about a Psalm.  I know it's going to be good so I'll share a link for you to check out her blog now and be sure not to miss any days in June.  She is a phenomanal writer and has wonderful insight from God on life as He molds her and works on her, just like he does to anyone that is willing.  My friend Katie is so sweet, encouraging, and a delight to have as a friend.  I am truly blessed to know her.  She's got several great talents. She took the pics of us on the couch and the one that Sadie is pouting on the floor when she & her family came to visit us.  http://www.echoesofmyheart.com/blog

It's great to have an attitude of gratitude.  The 4th graders even sang a song about that tonight & several kids shared what they are thankful for during the song. Some were amusing such as "living in an age of technology" and others were very heart felt and sweet like their parents, siblings, their pets, etc.  I encourage you to have an attitude of gratitude. It makes having a positive attitude a lot easier which helps you have a better day and gives you more opportunities to be a blessing to others. :)

I don't think that I've shared all of Psalm 139 so that's what I'm going to share tonight. I think it is wonderful. I've shared a few verses but here is the whole thing.  It brings me comfort to read this, to know that no matter where I am, God is there with me. That he goes before me and behind me.  He knows me intimately and loves me anyway. With all my baggage (and we all have something), He loves me beyond what I could possibly imagine!  His love is so beautiful to me.  And the neat thing is that he loves you!. Yes, you, no matter what. He loves you just the way you are but what's even more amazing is that He loves you so much that He doesn't want you to stay how you are, but he wants to mold and make you even better with His love, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness, kindness, and so much more.  Lean in to Him and let him press you into the diamond he knows that you are.

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Follow up from surgery is tomorrow.

I can't even believe that it has been nearly 2 weeks since I had the hysterectomy surgery done.  Time really has passed by quickly.  I thought, okay, I'm unable to do a bunch of stuff because of restrictions of lifting or pushing, and I really need to heal so I'll behave & take it easy & even be able to post a few updates on the blog."  Haha what a funny joke.  Even with my mom here to help out & so many friends dropping off meals for us (which was sooooooooo helpful, thank you from our happy bellies), I was unable to find the time to sit at my computer to share an update.  And I really am not a fan of trying to update via my phone so that was why you haven't heard much from me lately.  I am up & moving about quite nicely.  I still have to be careful with lifting anything too heavy or pushing things and bending (good thing my parents bought me a grabber nabber as Braly calls it to help me pick things off the floor without bending much.)  I showed it to you all months ago & it was sitting in the closet for awhile but has resurfaced for the time being.  Tomorrow Adam will take me to Green Bay for my 2 week check up and I am fully prepared to hear that I can drive again & that everything looks great.  I feel great.  I actually couldn't believe how tired I was for the first several days.  I mean, I would get up & help get the kids ready for school (that just really means that I woke them up most days & then bossed them around from my place on the couch & then kissed them good bye.)  I am feeling quite good right now & will keep this very short compared to most of my posts as I really am in need of some sleep in order to be ready to leave for GB on time tomorrow.

BTW, I am still doing pretty good with my daily Bible reading of the chronological plan.  Did you start a plan this year?  How's it going?  I'm so pleased that I'm only a few days behind but should be able to make that up tomorrow with 4 hours in the van.  It is amazing how God has used this time in my life to make good out of what was meant to be evil.  He is teaching me so much and I am learning something every day just by setting aside time to spend with Him.  And I am trying to encourage my children to do the same.  Being consistent can be hard so until something becomes a habit, you just have to start where you're at and do your best to go from there.  Keeping in mind that there will be slip-ups but no need to not get right back where you left off.  God is full of mercy & grace.  So give it a whirl!  Start with just 5 minutes if you feel you don't think you could possibly fit one more thing into your schedule and before you know it, you will be craving the time with God & reading his word.  At least that's how I've felt.  Just like I tell people when it comes to exercising, "Just press Play!"  Just open your Bible or your app (which you can set a reminder with) and read.  A few options are to start by reading the book of Luke.  Or you could start a plan of some sort. Like the chronological one I'm doing.  Buy maybe that seems overwhelming and reading just 1 chapter a day would be your cup of tea. Well then read 1 chapter of Proverbs, it's the book of wisdom.  Or the Psalms are great.  My friend Katie is going to be featuring a chapter of Psalms on her blog each day in June.  I'll share the link when she's got it up so you can check it out.  I actually

just read part of Joshua and wanted to share a verse that is stated several times in Joshua when the Israelites had crossed over the Jordan and were securing the land that the Lord had said he'd give to them.

Joshua 1:9 ►

New International Version Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."