Blessing 31: Working From Home

I have been with my company for 8 years and almost 6 of those years I have been able to work from home. At times I get bogged down with the fact that I spend pretty much all my time in the house, but what I sometimes fail to realize is even though that may be one negative....there are way more positive. I don't have to look good every day :), I can wear comfy clothes, I have the ability to take and pick up the girls from school, not have to miss work if they are sick, when we move for Chris' job I don't have to find another job, today on lunch I ran...didn't have to worry about going back to work all stinky...cause it is just me:), don't have the waste the gas in my car each day, no rush hour traffic,and I could go on. I am not quite sure why God blessed me with this wonderful opportunity....but I am beyond thankful. I know I coould not find another job with this set up. Thank you Lord for always providing for us even when I am not happy with my work, please help me to always come back to a grateful and thankful heart.

Blessing 30: Kindness of Strangers

Today I was standing in the grocery line at Food Lion. I was opening my wallet to get some cash out when a ton of my change fell out and to the ground. It went everywhere. Three people in front of me turned around and just looked down and then looked at me. I bent down trying to quickly pick it up so I didn't hold up the line when a women behind me came up and started helping me out. She made a comment of  "oh, I have done this too many times to count".  I thanked her for being nice enough help. I paid for my things and left.

It seems rare theses days that strangers stop to help each other out. Sometimes, it is discouraging to me to see that happen. I have to admit at first when this happened to me and three others in line just stared at me while I was picking it up on my own...kind of reinforced this thought.  I am thankful for the lady who came along and encouraged me to remember that kindness of strangers still exist. I hope that I am one of those strangers out there to others that would take the time to also display this kindness.

Share some kindness with a stranger this week...who knows how it will affect their day. :)

Blessing 29: Being Chosen

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)

Did you know that each of us were created with a purpose. A reason we are to be here and fulfill for God. He uses us to complete His amazing, wonderfully designed plan. Sometimes we feel like we are nobody important, so what can my life, my involvement really do to help further Gods kingdom. Just remember this verse....he knew us before he formed us and set us apart....to be holy....to be a disciple. We all have something to give, a special talent. If you are unsure of how God can use you....pray for Him to show you and be ready to be used. Trust me He will.

Blessing 28: Being Taken Care Of

This past weekend I was sick, tired and just feeling yucky. I had three wonderful people to help take care of me. Chris, Katie and Bree all helped out so much so that I could rest and not have to worry about cooking, cleaning or doing laundry. Chris had to work some on Saturday and the girls were so great playing and even took naps for me so I could actually sleep. Chris cooked all weekend for us, did the laundry and kept the house picked up and clean. I know I don't have to say thanks for these things but I want to. I am a lucky girl to have three people who love me enough to want me to get better and be able to rest when needed.

Blessing 27: Fellow Believers

I know one of the ways that God speaks to us is through other believers. Their words, thoughts, actions, etc are ways that God delivers his message to us, his direction for us and confirms within us what we are here to do. The other day I posted this to my facebook, but wanted to add it to my blog as well. I have seen a few videos froms this guy. He has a true gift of putting God's words into a poem and speaking them. Maybe it will be a blessing to you as it was to me.

Click here to watch

Blessing 26: Hands of Protection

I meant to post this on Monday night, but wasn't able to sit down and get it out here. On Monday, night I was extremely grateful for Jesus' hands of protections that were surrounding my car. Me and the girls were on our way home from Katies' gymnastic class. We were on a four lane residential type of road, I was in the right lane and a another car was beside of me in the left lane, but a little ahead of me. All of the sudden this truck come flying past me in the left lane and completely cuts over in front of me. The amount of room between me and the other car that that was in front of me in the left lane was not enough for a car to fit through, but this GUY decided to fly through. He should have hit the front of my car...I have no idea how he fit through me and the other car, but he did. If he had clipped the front of my car...I not sure what would have happened. I am just completely grateful, that Jesus had his protection around us and protected the two most precious things he has given me. I watched this guy continue to weave in and out of traffic and cutting it close with so many others. It made me mad that he or she was driving crazy...but then I stopped and though, well maybe there is an emergency they are trying to get to someone or to the hospital. Then a mile or so down the road I saw the truck turn into a gym. REALLY!!!! It is nice to know that they didn't miss their workout and got there on time...in short of almost taking out four cars in the process. It is beyond frustrating how inconsiderate and irresponsible some people can be.

Now that I got my rant out of the way...even though there are crazies out there like this person, who seem to have no concern for others on the road. God's grace still surrounds us and protects us. And as he gently reminds me to pray for those who do wrong against us, they are the ones who need it most. I have to say it is hard to say a pray for this guy....but I am a work in progress. Maybe next time. :)

Thank you Jesus for keeping us safe that night and every day. I can't imagine anything happen to my girls and so thankful you kept that car for hitting us and possible hurting us.

Blessing 26: Fresh Clean Sheet

There are few things that bet getting into bed at night after a long day and snuggling into fresh sheets. To me that is a little piece of heaven. Here's to a night of sleeping in heaven :)

Blessing 25: Shelter and Heat

The last couple of days it has been pretty cold here. At night it has been in the low 30's, which for here is not the norm. In these cold days and nights I realize how thankful I am for our house and that we have heat and a fireplace. Thank you Lord for providing us with shelter and warmth. I pray for those who may not have shelter or warmth that you will provide way for them to find it.

Blessing 24: Showing Your Light

The world is a dark place and the light that shines in the darkness is the love of God. We are called to bring light to others in this dark world.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Remember to be that light...shine bright. Shown love in all that we do, show kindness, forgiveness, show Christ. In any circumstance we can chose are actions. You never know how your response can have an impact. Show someone that there is something different about you....you have a light that can shine bright, let them see it.

Lord, please give me the strength to shine brightly for you each day and a grateful heart to never take the moments you put before me for granted. I know each of them serve a purpose and are part of an amazing plan.

Blessing 23: Devoted Companion

Tonight in reading my devotion I was reminded of a devoted companion, one who walks with me everyday, whether I ask him to or not, he protects, carries me when needed, encourages me, and prepares the way for me. Jesus is this companion.

 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

Why do I or should have stress or worries. He can handle it all IF I will let Him. Jesus took on the world so we wouldn't have to. That to me is the biggest blessing to find peace in that and know He has already won the biggest battle for us. So if you are struggling with something or have a heavy heart let it go and let Jesus be your devoted companion. Thank you Jesus for being mine!

Blessing 22: Lunch Dates

I am very lucky to be able to have the ability to leave my job to go and have lunch dates with Katie. She loves it when either Chris or I meet her for lunch and bring her something special. On Friday, she asked a friend to join us and as we were talking with her friend I realized that some kids don't get to have their mom and dads come meet them. It was very humbling for me and thankful that I can do these things. I do my best to help Katie understand just how lucky she is and because of other kids situations, they may not get to see their mom and dads at lunch.

Hope for Orphans

Most of you have heard me talk about Hug Away, the foundation that helps support kids in Ethiopia and also helps with adoption assistance. Our dear friends Mike and Elaine are the founders and it is such a great cause, one I believe in with all my heart.  I want to talk about the sponsorship program for the kids in Ethiopia. I have a video I want you to watch. Elaine shared this with me and it pretty much says it all. We as Christians are called to help the orphans of this world. Jesus said "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me."Matthew 18:5

Please watch the video, click here....then finish reading.

As Americans, we live good lives. Even if you lost your job or your house or maybe things are just a little tougher then they used to be...are worst day would be a great day to them. At least here in America we have a system that gives assistance if you need it. If you have kids but can't afford to feed them,cloth them...there is assistance for that. Over there, nothing. They struggle, they don't know where or when they will get their next meal. If they are lucky to have enough clothes to cover them then that is all they have.

We sponsor a boy named Burik. We have seen him go from a little boy who didn't have a daily meal and no education to a happy boy who attends school everyday and get a nice big meal each day....notice that is still just one meal a day. Heartbreaking....we gets as much food as we want, a choice of foods to pick from. They are beyond grateful and so thankful for what they get. One story that Elaine told me was when they were over there visiting the kids at the school in Ethiopia, they gave out new pencils to all the kids. One little girl brought hers back to Elaine and said she didn't need it. Elaine said, no please keep it. The little girl said I already have one and she showed Elaine a worn down pencil that she still used. You see they are so grateful for the little that we give. They don't have a desire or want for much. Just their basic needs met. What I want to ask of you that read this and watch the video is that you pray about sponsoring one of the kids in Ethiopia. If you are interesting or want to know more please please contact me or message me on FB and I can tell you more. The sponsorship is 30 dollars a month....I know most of think we can't spare 30 a month but if we are honest we can. Eat out one less time a month,skip going to the movies....maybe even do a fund raiser. Trust me you will get such a blessing out of this. When you see pictures of how happy your child is, when they write you a letter telling you how thankful they are for you. Nothing beats its. Pray about it my friends....

Check out the website: http://www.hugaway.org/

Burik, the boy we sponsor, is below. Front row, second one from the right...with the sweet smile. :)

“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes.” – Radical by David Platt