Kids are Wonderful - Part Two

WARNING - Wordy post ahead...

Well, as I wrote about here, kids are incredible but sometimes they throw a one-two punch that takes the wind right out of you. Kids are talented, smart, funny, wonderful and treacherous all at the same time. When my oldest was little, people would tell me how great a kid he was and that I was doing a marvelous job. I'd laugh - I wasn't doing anything, really, beyond showing up every day. He made it easy. I always said if I survived his teenage years, THEN I'd have something to rave about. Well, I survived but I wasn't raving - not until a couple of years ago when he finally seemed to settle down and we were getting along again.

Being a parent is just plain hard and when you're only so quick or bright, kids can run right over you. I know I don't think well on my feet and I also allow my anger to kick in so rational thought goes out the window.

This last time was a doozey for me. I can vividly recall my oldest telling me at 3 that he hated me and the first time I asked him why, etc. and then after that I just told him that it was ok - he could hate me but I still loved him. The I hate you's went away. This, too, when my youngest told me he didn't care if I was disappointed in him, ripped through me like a machete dipped in hot lava.

At first I just sat there. Aaron tried to clarify it a bit but Christopher was having no part of it - he'd said what he'd meant to say. He'd pulled the string on that arrow, let it go and it hit home. Sunk deep. Then my brain started whirring, spinning - looking for something to reply with, something to say so he had no idea how much he'd hurt me.

What came out? "Wow, Christopher. That was incredibly hurtful." I don't think I hid the hurt so well...

Although, I think it's that I was hurt and not angry that messed him up a little bit and there was my rallying piece. Little bugger - he DID care. I don't know if he thought he was being funny or why he'd commented like he had but now he was trapped.

He'd hurt me and... well... now what?

His father stepped in, told him that was a bit of a foolish thing to say and if he didn't mean it he'd better speak up and fix the situation fast because hell hath no fury like a disappointed mom. That was the message he was trying to get across.

Still? Silence in the backseat. Christopher wasn't going to retract his statement and he wasn't going to apologize for it. I still have absolutely no idea why except he hates, hates, HATES to say "I'm sorry" and hates even more to have to admit he's wrong. Not sure who he gets that from...

I digress. Of course. It's me, after all.

So - I told Christopher that it's ok. If he chooses to feel that way, I can't force him to feel any other way. HOWever... I could come up with a plan to make him re-think how he really feels and how he chooses to share those feelings. So I cut him off. I told him if that was the case, then no more "extras" from me. If he wants to continue piano lessons, he'd better figure out a way to earn money. I wasn't using my hard-earned money on them. If he wants to go to birthday parties or needs something from school, he'll need to talk to his dad. No help from me. I will kiss and hug him good-night but our "good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" game was a thing of the past and on and on the list went. Any time something would come up the question would be asked "Is that an extra?"

He lasted almost a full week. For that I was wholeheartedly impressed, actually. What caved him, though, was when he got a 100% on his spelling test and all I said was "What else are you supposed to get?" Cold. Flat. No excitement whatsoever. Floored him. He didn't like it at all when I wasn't my normal fun, chipper self. Even when I'm angry it's a quick-type anger, the storm is in and then it's gone and the fun starts back up. There was no fun.

It worked almost like a charm. Almost. Like I said, he toughed it out for almost a week but caved when I didn't care so much about his new room (we're moving him into his big brother's old room and the little one's room becomes my office/craft room. Yay!). He had worked so hard over the weekend while I was gone. He'd cleaned, moved, sorted, thrown out and donated so much and well, I walked in, looked around for less than 5 seconds and said "yup - looks nice" and walked out. I think he almost cried then.

Monday he apologized to me. We had a long talk about meaning what you say, saying what you mean. I covered both Matthew 5:37 AND James 5:12 as far as the talk was concerned. We still have to do the Bible work.

He's learning. Slowly but surely he's learning. I am, too. Little bit by little bit I am learning how to teach him instead of forcing him into Lectureville and "seeing" my point. A lot of that comes from all of the mistakes I made with #1 Son. As wonderful as he has turned out, I wish I had done so many things OH so differently when he was younger. I'm a bit of a control freak and letting that go has been so difficult I can't even think of a metaphor to describe it.

How I love my boys...

EverythingEtsy.com

Another giveaway!! This one is amazing. I believe I may have mentioned the the Nester before but if not, fly on over and check out her blog. She has incredible taste, wonderful ideas and a beautiful home she shares with us. She is also a creator of beautiful tassels. Whatever would a tassel be necessary for you ask? Well...as the owner of 4 (the only one I could give away I gave to my son so...even that one is still hanging in my house!), I can tell you they may not be necessary but they are beautiful and they add the perfect touch to a lamp, a door, a cabinet, a shelf... the possibilities are almost endless. I have two wrapped around lamps, one is hanging from my china cabinet door and my son hung his from his shelves.

I digress... the point of this post is to tell you that one of the Nester's tassels is being given away over at EverythingEtsy. It's adorable!! I'm really hoping I win this one - as my friend Barb would say "Look, Bonnie - a bird." :)

Head on over and enter but get going fast - the winner will be chosen randomly on May 1st!

Go... go... goooooooooo!

Give Away Today

Give Away Today is hosting another great giveaway today -

A complete watch from Which Watch Designs.

I absolutely love the watch I purchased - it's like wearing an elegant bracelet instead of just some plain ol' watch. Changing my watch is one of those things I do to keep myself from getting too bored. That and buying new bathroom accessories but that's another post.

Head on over to Give Away Today and enter. I check their site almost daily so - I'll know if you won!

Kids Are Wonderful

And I mean that sincerely - no sarcasm in the title. Hard to believe with me since I use sarcasm like it's my most favorite perfume but...no... kids really are wonderful. Even when they reach their little hands into your chest cavity, grab your heart and squeeze it so hard the seams pop.

That's what my 9 year old did Tuesday night and I'm still not sure I've completely recovered. He's my stepson so we've always struggled a bit with that dynamic. His mother lives in Iowa, he rarely sees her and speaks to her only once every month or two (my opinion on her is a post I probably shouldn't ever consider doing...) however, she IS his mother and I've always respected that.

He uses it, though and that doesn't surprise me, either - he is a kid. I always figured he'd be in his teens or twenties (I'm hopeful teens...) before he realized that I'm more of a mom to him than she has ever been - you know the thought process. I've never pictured it as a Sound of Music moment or anything - he'd realize it, give it some serious thought and then be grateful to God that He put a "Mom" in his life. Know what I mean?

Tuesday...

How do my short stories always take so long to tell??

It started out innocent enough. I picked him up from school and noticed he needed to tie his shoe. I mention that to him, he says "ok" and off we go. We were in the van when I mentioned it so I figured he'd have it tied before we arrived home and didn't give it another thought. Then four hours go by, it's 9PM and we're picking him up after our class. His shoe is untied again. Or...I thought it was again. I ask him and he says oh...no....he forgot to tie it... 4 hours have gone by and he hasn't noticed the shoe is untied. In my head I'm giving thanks that this very rambunctious and energetic 9 year old hasn't stepped on this lace and fallen flat on his face but I have this look on my face that says I can't believe you ignored my request.

It's a simple request. I really should let it go, right? What's the harm in forgetting I asked him to tie his shoe? Except that it's a common event in regard to just about everything I ask him to do in the last couple of months and it's starting to feel a bit more like passive-agressive behavior than just kid stuff. The simple stuff he doesn't do when asked is feeling a lot like he wants me to know he doesn't have to do what I tell him to do - even if he ends up having to do it AND gets corner time...

Then I set myself up for the heart squeeze. I ask him - how does he think it makes me feel when he ignores my requests for him to do something? He thinks for a minute and then says "disappointed." Aaron and I are nodding, telling him that's a good word and describes exactly how I feel. Then...I have to ask... "do you care if you disappoint me?" And he says "not really."

Not really.

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did y'all hear me cry out there on the east coast???? It took all I had in me not to lash out (yes - I really am an incredibly immature child pretending to be mature most of the time) with something I'd never be able to take back. It went quiet in the van. Ominously quiet.

So...before I talk about what I did do, I have to ask. What would you do? What would you have said?

Thankful Thursday - Provision

First, I have to say this is the first week I've noticed the attachment to the Thankful Thursday button. I like it.

Second, Laurie at Women Taking A Stand is hosting Thankful Thursday again this week and her topic choice is provision. Thank you, Laurie, for putting this together for us each week and giving us a "home to hang out."

Every day I am amazed at God's provision. Not just in "things" although those are in great abundance. Yesterday's post mentions a quote a friend posted on her Facebook status. It has had me thinking ever since.

I am brought-to-my-knees thankful for so much God has granted me. I have no idea why He chose me to be placed in this country at this time with those people who love me as He has but He did and with that I am truly humbled. Those pictures of sad-eyed, starving children in other countries haunt me day in and day out. The women I sit down with every month who live in our area shelter haunt me.

To whom much is given, much is expected...Luke 12:48

God's provision to me is abundant and amazing and for that I am truly grateful. I have not "suffered" much in my life. Beyond feeling thankful, though, what am I doing with that provision?

This is a week for thinking and wondering just what God is planning for me. While there is always some trepidation (Will I miss God's call? Will He ask more of me than I am willing to give and will I obey?), there is also great excitement. God is moving me again...where to this time?

All glory and praise to El Shaddai, Jehovah-Jireh.

Blessings!

Got me thinking today...

A friend of mine posted this line on her Facebook status this morning:

"To own a Bible is a tremendous responsibility -
to whom much is given, much is required."

It has had me thinking all day long. It has the ability to be quite the weighty thought, don't you agree?

To own a Bible is a tremendous responsibility.

It is also an amazing privilege.

To whom much is given, much is required.

If I were to be honest, I'd say I wasn't very good at sharing what I've been given. I should be more deliberate about that in my life.

National Service Bill

Does anyone else find it more than just a bit sad that our President considers it important to tie monetary perks and education assistance to volunteerism?

What does it say about a person when they need an incentive to help others?

I think I'm a bit confused.

Catherine Holman Giveaway

Catherine Holman, a wonderful artist (one of my favorites) is hosting a giveaway over at her blog, Pigment of Your Imagination. You have until Friday, April 24th at midnight to leave her a comment to enter. She's giving away the original painting, Beloved, shown above.

In addition to painting wonderful pictures, there is a story attached to each work of art. Catherine's imagination and talent combined draw you back to see what's new, to see who is new and to find out all of the recent happenings in her little villages. I absolutely love checking in from time to time - it's like visiting with dear friends.

This time there is the chance to take one of them home!!!!! Head on over and enter and as always, let me know if you win! I love the idea of being able to celebrate right along with you.

Blessings!

Accident

What is it about car accidents that get the adrenaline flowing? I had a minor accident yesterday - thankfully no one was hurt (it wasn't my fault - I'll get that out of the way right away) and my car looks ok (it's not - it will get a diagnosis tomorrow) but still - I was shaking for a full hour after it happened. The woman hit my tire, doing probably 5 miles an hour (may be a bit faster but not much, that's for sure) and the whole time I knew both of us would be fine but still... Shaking away I go. It made me fumbly and fuzzy-headed, too. I think I would be horrible in a crisis.

I didn't think to get her insurance information or that my camera was in my purse and I should take pictures of where we were and on and on my list went. I did have the presence of mind to tell her I wanted her contact information (she just wanted us both to go on our merry way...) and I took the license plate off of her car.

Still - I'm on the phone with my insurance agency and I realize all of the information I DIDN'T collect and I felt like a complete idiot. While I was at the accident scene, it didn't look like I was going to need to call them but, of course, my car has a boo boo that I can't see. I should have realized that was a very real possiblity.

What is it about car accidents? And how do I have one on such an incredibly beautiful day?

Thankful Thursdays - Discernment

This week, I want to thank God for discernment. For that wisdom that comes from God, when we ask for it and when we rely on Him to show us what to think or do about a particular person or situation.

When Susan Boyle walked onto a stage to audition for "Britain's Got Talent", the audience mocked her. It might have been with nothing more than their thoughts but most of them rolled their eyes, gave one of those "looks" to the person in the seat next to them, snickered or flat out laughed. Even the judges were thinking they were in for another one of those nightmare moments when they'd have to buzz someone off the stage.

They judged this woman on her looks.

The moment I saw her, the thought popped into my head "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." That thought did not come from me and while folks laughed at Simon's comments, I just knew something was going to be different about her. She looked like a "weak" contestant - people were so certain she didn't have what it takes simply because she doesn't have stylish hair and her eyebrows aren't plucked.

Then, she started to sing.

When I heard her - I had to fight back the tears. I still do, every time I listen to her sing. If you haven't heard her yet, head on over to YouTube and listen to her. She is well worth your time.

Amanda Holden (and I am sorry if I have her name wrong) called it well - the audience and judges were incredibly cynical when Susan Boyle walked onto that stage and it was the biggest wake-up call ever.

We should not judge a book by its cover. It has taken me years to learn that and I was the biggest snob I know. I still fight it on occasion but God has faithfully - and patiently - put me in places where I have had to deal with people I wouldn't look at twice, my work with the homeless especially.

This week I am thankful for a God who uses the unexpected and/or the weak and/or the powerless to change hearts and open eyes, most especially mine. Moses, Rahab, Ezekiel, Leah, Joseph...the list is long...and now includes a Miss Susan Boyle.

Have a blessed day and join Laurie at Women Taking a Stand for more Thankful Thursday posts.

Canvas Print Giveaway

Sandy at 4 Reluctant Entertainers is hosting a giveaway. Head over to her blog to enter for your chance at a wonderful 16x20 print of the photo of your choice. What an awesome idea! When you click on Sandy's post about the giveaway, she points out and so take the time to notice how the picture wraps around the canvas.


Also, check out Online Printing to see their services. What a beautiful way to preserve your favorite photos!


Plan on adding it to your own home or I'm thinking Mother's Day gifts...

As always - if you enter and then win, check in and let me know! If I don't win, I hope to celebrate with the one who does!


Have a blessed Monday!

Resurrection Sunday

He is risen.

He is risen indeed.

Good Friday Hope

On Sunday, April 5th, I participated in a prayer & praise service at my church. Our normal Sunday evening, laid back, casual service was filled with prayer, singing, sharing and community. It was an amazing evening of glorifying God for all He has done and all He will do.

We prayed through the crucifiction and resurrection of Christ. I prayed through Mark 16:1-8. I've included the prayer I prayed, mostly just so I always know where it is. Please keep in mind this isn't word for word. You know how you can plan something out, work it all out in your head and then God takes you down another path... Well... a change or two here and there but it was enough. Nothing dramatic, you'll still get the point but, well, God changed a few words.

On this Good Friday - I only ask that you ask questions, look deep, listen closely (with your heart more than your head) and believe. Believe.

Here is the prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your willingness to hear us today, Oh Lord. We thank You for being willing to listen to our hearts and we pray, Lord that even as we leave here tonight, our hearts and minds are open to listening to You.

Hope, Oh Lord, is often something so many of us see as being in things of this world. Hope gets placed in our jobs, our children, our spouses – even “chance” or “luck.”

Mark 16 verses 1-8 reads:

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.


Lord Jesus, that resurrection Sunday so long ago… As those women approached Your tomb, bringing what was needed to honor You in death, their minds swirling with all they thought they had lost that horrible Friday. Were they thinking of the hope they had placed in You and thought they had lost? Were they then brought up short by the greatest, the only true hope:

He has risen. He is not here.

We hear those words, Oh Lord and our hearts leap in our chests; we can’t contain our joy: He has risen.

Our Hope did not remain in that tomb. That Scripture tells us: He is not here. See the place where they laid Him?

Our Hope asks us to speak of Him: Your Word states: But go, tell of Him to His disciples and Peter.

Our Hope goes before us: The Bible says: He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him…

Our Hope keeps His promises: The man in the white robe reminds us: just as He told you.

As the women left the tomb, trembling and bewildered, were they thinking and feeling some of the same things we think and feel as we live our lives, the power of the enemy around us, seeing the havoc sin has wreaked on this earth? Did their thoughts lead them back to You, to realizing what You had done? Did they begin to feel Your hope again, Lord as they had just seen it in that empty tomb?

We praise You, Father God, that You are our Hope. We lift our hands in praise to you, Father God. We lift our voices in worship to you, Lord Jesus.

Our Hope is found in You and You alone. That first Sunday, despite bewilderment and trembling, Your Word tells us to ask: O Death where is your victory? O Death where is your sting?

As the saints pray in Revelation, Oh Lord, we praise You and You alone.

"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.

All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

In the power and the most precious name of Jesus Christ I pray,

Amen.

Thankful Thursday - Sacrifice

As we head toward celebrating Easter Sunday, 2009, the subject today for Thankful Thursday hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand is sacrifice.

My words would pale in comparison so I will, instead, share lyrics of one of my most favorite hymns. Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, it so eloquently speaks to the sacrifice for which I am so incredibly thankful. What else in life brings such awe, such humbled sorrow and such amazing joy?

Be blessed. Have an amazing, miracle, love and joy filled Easter.

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!

Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!

Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!

Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!

Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!

Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!

Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!

Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

What Does Easter Mean To Me?

Angela at Becoming Me is hosting an Easter "carnival" of sorts. She's asked us to write a post (or posts) about Easter between April 5th and 12th (see the button on my sidebar). This is my very humble contribution.

Please forgive me if this doesn't make as much sense as I think it does. My sinuses are in an uproar. Again... Feels like "always." My whine is over - now to my post:

My absolute favorite day of the year is Easter. Easter is a bit commercialized - you'll see more bunnies and eggs than you will crosses usually but what Easter stands for goes beyond anything you can buy in a store. It goes beyond anything you can imagine. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His triumph over death and evil and that one incident is the solid rock on which Christianity stands.

As the apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:17-19: "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'"

In order for man to become right with God, a sacrifice unlike any other sacrifice had to be made. A sacrifice of perfection - no bull, goat, lamb, pigeon or dove would do. Perfection could only be found in the Son of God. So the Son of God willingly gave up His position in heaven - that royal position, at the right hand of God - to come to earth in human form. A baby nonetheless - the weakest, most defenseless human form. He came to die and He did it willingly (John 10:17-18).

Hebrews 4 reminds us: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.


Not only did He come to Earth to die but He came, grew and lived so He could understand what we go through. We can never say we have a distant, unfeeling, uncaring and unknowing God.

As those truths reverberate in my head, as I think on them, dwell on them, I am again brought to my knees in absolute awe at just what Christ did all those many years ago. My words are inadequate and I can't possibly explain to you all that it means. It pulls on emotions so deep in my soul, they have not voice and I can't write them out here, using mere words.

We were created to glorify God. That is the purpose of man. That first Sunday morning a couple of thousand years ago gave us back the ability to do that. It brought back right all that had gone wrong in the Garden of Eden a few thousand years before the cross.

To me, Easter is a glorious awakening. Everything is new again because of Easter. Christ is victorious and we should glorify Him, celebrate Him, with every fiber of our being. Celebrate everything about Him, all He did and will do and all of Who He Is.

What is Easter to you?

Great Blog - Great Giveaway

You know me - I love finding a fun new blog and I love blog giveaways. They are just so much fun and you get to "meet" the most amazing people.

Today I stumbled across Sue over at Life at Home and at first it was all about the giveaway. I'm sorry - my humanness falls out whenever cute stuff is being given away...

Then, I started roaming around... Oh my golly does this lady set up some beautiful decor!!! I am in absolute awe at the talent out there in decorating and keeping house and am always amazed when I find someone new because they are all so ingenious in their imagination. It is downright incredible. Not a single duplicate anywhere. Ever!!!


For me, I'm just happy to have a few pretties sitting around and that the living gets dusted. This woman and others like her have made their home pieces of art! It is absolutely amazing and I love that they're willing to give us peeks into their homes and share with us.

However...in the interest of actually getting this post done today, the only other thing I'm going to tell you is Sue is also hosting a giveaway. Click. Click... CLICK, I tell you. Enter. The dishes are OH so cute!!!!! If you'd rather not enter, just pray I win because I would absolutely LOVE to add these dishes to my collection. And then invite you to dessert!

I'll even bake my cherry cheesecake.

Thankful Thursdays - Hope

It never ceases to amaze me how the TT subjects almost always tie in to something directly happening in my life. Laurie at Women Taking A Stand is hosting Thankful Thursdays in the month of April and named "hope" as this week's subject. This upcoming Sunday we are having a prayer and praise service for our Sunday evening service and I'm part of the "prayer" portion of the evening. I will be praying for 4-5 minutes on hope.

Hope... a subject so near and dear to my heart because it has caused such an ache knowing that my son and his friends don't seem to have much. I know it's not true with all young people (I read a great story yesterday that reminded me of that) but there are just SO many today being swept up into the darkness. Drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, pornography, gangs... The list is so long and feels like a 1,000 lb. weight on your shoulders. How oh how oh how do we speak hope into these lives when so many of their young friends are dying for the most ridiculous reasons? When lives seem to revolve around darkness and so few find their way out? That's what they see, that has become the "norm" for them. "What's the big deal, Mom?" When I know it's eating him alive...

It breaks a mother's heart.

Even with all of that on my mind, I am thankful this week for hope. Even hope you can't seem to see or find.

I am thankful above all for The Hope. Jesus Christ. My prayer is scales would fall from eyes, He would be seen by so many floundering in the darkness and not just seen - accepted, trusted and loved. He IS the way, the

I am thankful for The Light of Jesus Christ and how just a little bit of it can break through so much darkness.

I am thankful for The Love of Jesus Christ - sharing it with just one person, in one small way (sometimes a smile and acknowledging another's existence is all that's needed) can help start a change to a person's path.

This week I have had the opportunity to speak to my son again, just a bit, about that Hope. He gets angry sometimes when God comes up (Made me laugh time before this last one - he got mad at me and he's the one who brought up God. :) ) but not as much as he used to and I just keep praying for a miracle. I know God can change his heart and that's the miracle I pray for constantly and for that I am thankful, too:

God hears my prayers. God cares about my prayers. God loves when I talk with Him.

How can I not be thankful?

Hope you join us today at Laurie's. Have a blessed week!

Fun April Days

I was clicking through the Hallmark website the other day and came across a printable 2009 Hoops & Yoyo calendar. I don't know if you know who Hoops & Yoyo are but I love 'em. Goofy, silly, usually make little-to-no sense characters but adorable nonetheless.

For fun, I started downloading their calendars. Here are the fun days in April:

April 2 - National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day

April 14 - National Pecan Day

April 17 - National Cheese Ball Day

April 19 - Garlic Day

April 22 - National Jelly Bean Day

April 24 - National Pig-in-a-Blanket Day

April 26 - National Pretzel Day

April 29 - National Shrimp Scampi Day

I wonder - are there cards you give on these National days? Gifts? I would hope to be prepared...

Oh... and before I forget... April is National Soy Foods Month. The whole month. Not just a day.

Gotta love April. I wonder what May will bring. Might have to check back next month (unless Hallmark tells me I can't list their National Days).

No - this isn't an April Fool's Day prank, either.

Enjoy.