I'm Thankful For: Extended Family

I am so thankful for all of our family-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. I love all my family, both my mom's and dad's side and my family on Kevin's side. I feel so blessed to have such a great heritage and to know that Katelyn is apart of that line, too. I'm so thankful she is loved and we are loved. We know we have the support of family and that is such a comfort and blessing. Today was a great day and we got to see some family we haven't seen in awhile. I am thankful to have gotten to share this day with all the family that could come and missed the ones we didn't get to see. They are always in our hearts. We are blessed!

I'm Thankful For: Rest

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

 

 

I am thankful for a good night's sleep. I don't always have them, when my mind is racing or when fear creeps over me. But when I do, I am so thankful for the rest and I am thankful for when I am struggling to sleep, I can pray and remember the above scripture and many more. He has helped me so many nights. I am thankful for the rest He provides!

I'm Thankful For: Clothing

I'm thankful my family and I have clothes to wear when it is hot, cold, rainy or snowy. I am thankful we don't have to worry about what we are going to wear because we have not. It is not always easy to fill a closet, but God always provides. I'm so thankful He takes care of all of our needs.

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30

I'm Thankful For: My New Church Family

I have old church family that I love dearly. I just wanted to say that first. I am so thankful for all the people in our past. I am thankful for all the leadership we have been under that has helped to bring us where we are today. But today, was just a fantastic day with my new church family that I had to dedicate this post to them. I don't know all of them yet. I can't wait to get to know them. I actually came into this church with the mindset that I wasn't there to make friends. I was just there for Jesus. I even told God that and, well, never tell Him you aren't going to do something. We have become more involved than I ever wanted to be and I have fallen in love with my church family. I am so proud to be apart of this church and to serve alongside them. I'll admit there were a few times in the beginning that I sat in the worship service and just cried thinking, "What in the world am I doing here!" I just felt out of place, but in all honesty it had been so long since I allowed myself to step into His presence. It makes me sad to think that my problem was I wasn't as familiar with Him as I use to be and that was because I grew distant from Him. I hadn't drawn near to Him in so long. I just felt so unworthy and so ashamed and it took awhile to feel comfortable again in His presence, to feel comfortable enough to lift my hands, to no longer hold the tears back and let them flow from a heart of gratefulness. I am so thankful to this church for helping me to draw near again. I am far from where I want to be, but I feel I am far from where I use to be in just a short few months. I have Calvary Assembly of God to thank for that. There are times my mind is flooded with thoughts of, "What have you gotten yourself into," "You don't belong here," "You are just making a fool of yourself." But then I come into this church and there is always someone there who encourages me and they don't even know the battle I had been going through. They keep me going. I wish they knew just how much they mean to me. I am thankful to have been picked up, dusted off and given marching orders. We sat on the sidelines to rest for a season. I think that season had been over for while, but now we are back in the game and I am proud to be apart of this team.

I'm Thankful For: Family Who Love Us

We have such a wonderful family on both sides. They love us, all three of us. They are all so good to take Katelyn when we need the help and they all have the best time with her. We never have to worry if she is okay, if she is being treated good. We know she is in good hands and that is worth so much. We are so thankful for the love and support of family. We are richly blessed!

I'm Thankful For: Family Time and Date Nights

We combined both of these tonight. Spending time as a family and then when Kate went to sleep we spent time together. Yes, it was at home, but it didn't cost much and we enjoyed our time together, all of us. I am so thankful we can enjoy each other's company and I hope we always do.

I'm Thankful For: My Husband

There are absolutely no words to describe how thankful I am for Kevin. He means the world to me. He is patient, kind and loving. He is always there for me, even in the smallest of ways. I have gained some weight over the past several months and my comfy pants are no longer comfy to put on b/c of the drawstrings having knots in them that I can't get out. I told him about it and showed him and he said, "I'll take care of that." He fixed the knots for me so I could comfortably put them on. He didn't judge me and tell me what I know I need to do, "Lose some weight." No, he just keeps reminding me of how beautiful I am to him and makes sure I am comfortable, while I am at my worst physically. I know someone may read this and laugh, but it really was a sweet moment for me. I am thankful for the hard work he does to support our family financially and I am thankful for the encouragement he gives when I am at a point of, "I don't know what we are going to do!" I thankful he helps out around the house and with Katelyn when I need it. He does it without complaining. I am thankful for the laughter he brings. He is so funny and he helps me see the humor when I am being completely ridiculous. :) I am thankful he serves God and is leading our family. These choices we have had to make aren't always easy, but I know he is truly seeking and following God. He is so talented. God has blessed him with wonderful gifts and I love watching him use those gifts. It's like seeing a new person come to life. My life is richer and fuller with him in it and I am so thankful he picked me to be his wife. He is my best friend! I love him with every part of my being and I want nothing more than to be by his side to the very end. Thank you, Lord, for my husband!

I'm Thankful For: Story Time

Yes, I am thankful for story time with Katelyn. It is nice to get to snuggle with her and go through the book with her, watching her fascination one page at a time. She gets so excited naming things off on the pages that she knows. Another thing I am thankful for is I usually get a nice reminder of something I need to be reminded of in the message of the book. Like yesterday, I was a reading a book about our different emotions. Each emotion was a different color. I turned the page nearing the end of the book and read, "It's not always up to you, The way that you feel. But how you act is a different deal." There are days when my attitude really stinks and I am not the best at handling stress. I definitely need that reminder often and how humbling it is to be reminded by a children's book. I am so thankful for lessons learned and little reminders. I am thankful that God can use anything to speak to us. All we have to do is keep our ears, eyes and hearts open. I am thankful for story time with Katelyn Joy! I get as much enjoyment out of it as she does.

I'm Thankful For: My Sister-Jennifer

I am so thankful for Jen. She is an amazing sister. When we were younger, we use to fight all the time, but we couldn't stay angry for very long...at least not me. haha I remember one time we got into a fight and my dad sent us to our rooms. Our rooms were right next to each other and I remember knocking on the wall that separated our rooms to get her to come to her door. I poked my head outside and waited. She opened her door looked down the hall and I whispered loudly, "I'm Sorry!" That was the end of that fight. I know we are not perfect sisters and we still aggravate each other from time to time, but I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is a rock. I go to her for advice and prayer and she tells me like it is. I don't always like what she has to say, but it is exactly what I need to hear. She does so much for so many people and sacrifices a lot. She brings humor to a heavy situation and lightens the mood. She does so much that no one ever sees. She doesn't seek recognition. I try whenever possible to recognize the things she does. Like today, I called my aunt to see how she was and what she needed for groceries and found out that Jen had went and bought her groceries on Sunday. I so appreciated her doing that for me and for my aunt, but I didn't know about it until my aunt told me. When I had the chance, I told her thank you. Another thing about Jen is she is an encourager. She has lifted me up so many times with her words and God's word. I know she does it even when she is in need of encouragment herself. She gives out of her need. She is an amazing woman. I know she loves her husband and children and all her family and friends. She teaches her children in the way they should go and we can already see the fruit of her labor. She will stand up for her family and stand firm beside them. She is a priceless, irreplaceable friend in my life and I am so thankful she is my sister!

I'm Thankful For: Our Veterans-My Brother

Yesterday, was Veteran's Day and today, I am devoting this thankful post to all Veterans. I am so thankful for your service to our country. Your work, your dedication, your love for our country is not without deep appreciation. I am proud of you all. I want to specifically name a few family members who have served: my brother, Jerry Elmore, my uncle, Harold Freeman and my cousin, Jeremy Book...Thank YOU! I love you all!

I am thankful for my brother, even though he calls me names (as brothers do) and tortures me by tickling me. He is a loving brother. He is one of those people who will be there for you if you need him. He works hard and serves God faithfully. I appreciate his advice and respect his opinion. He is talented, caring and giving. He is a wonderful father and husband. I hope he knows how loved and appreciated he truly is. I remember one time when I was in the second grade, he came to pick me up from school early. He was about 20 years old. There is a little bit of an age gap between us. Anyway, when he walked in the classroom with his cowboy boots and cowboy hat on, everyone in the class said, "Wow! Your brother is TALL!" I was sooo proud! I was like, "Ya! That's MY brother!" I, also, remember that same year he got me a big gift for my birthday. My mom kept telling me how big it was and I kept asking, "Is it bigger than our house?" I was picturing a giant teddy bear taller than our house. As it turns out his gift to me was a surprise birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. That was huge! I loved that birthday party so much and I am so grateful to him for blessing me with that memory. I am thankful for him, not just because of a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party or that he impressed my classmates by how tall he was or for anything he has ever done for me like helping us cut down our dead pine tree, but just because he is my brother! Thank you, Lord, for that special blessing!

I'm Thankful For: Family Traditions

Today was our Sunday dinner at my dad's house. This is one of my favorite family traditions. We make it a point to meet at my dad's after church every other Sunday. (It use to be every Sunday.) My sister and her family, my brother and his family (my other sister is apart of it when she is down from Independence, MO), me and my family and now my aunt all go down to my dad's for a meal together. My sister, sister-in-law and I take turns cooking the meal. We, also, use these Sunday dinners to celebrate everybody's birthdays as they come. I enjoy cooking for my family, I enjoy having a meal with my family and I enjoy spending time with my family. I miss whoever is missing that day. Sometimes life gets in the way and some of them just can't make it, but we continue on and keep this family tradition alive. I am so thankful to be apart of a family that enjoys getting together so much that we make it point to do so every other Sunday (we get together at other times apart from this, but this is something that is consistent). In a world so full of change and growing apart, we still have something to hold on to that we know we can count on.  I know my dad won't always be around, we all won't always be around, but we make the most of the times we have while we are still here to have them. I was helping out in the nursery during the morning worship service and the lady working in there with me was talking with me about me going down there to cook the meal and she said, "You all are devoted to your Sunday's with your dad." Yes, we are and I am so very thankful for that.

I'm Thankful For: Peace

Haven't gotten on here to post my thankfulness. It has been a little busy around here. That is what this thankful post is about. Saturday, I was overwhelmed with all that I had to do that day and Sunday. It seemed like all my plans were closing in on me and then my mother-in-law prayed for me...

On my way home that night with a to do list still ahead of me and just wanting to crawl into bed and go to sleep, I felt the peace of God which transcends all understanding come over me and I calmed down. I was able to think clearly and felt strengthened to do what I needed to do that night before I got into bed. All that I had to do, I did it with His peace, His strength and I did it well. It wasn't perfect. My cake fell apart taking it out of the bundt pan, but I didn't stress and found a way to patch it up with the icing. It still wasn't a very pretty cake, but it sure tasted good. I think that is what matters. Our lives may not be perfect, but with Jesus, He makes it good. Thank you, Lord, for your peace!

I'm Thankful For: Well, just read on :)

Oh, there are just so many things to be thankful for right now. I just choose each day as it comes. There is no real order for me in how I post my thankfulness. Today, I am thankful for two things: I am thankful for the beautiful day today and how God cares about the desires of our hearts.

First, today is such a beautiful day outside. It is warm with a cool breeze. I have the windows open letting fresh air and bright sunlight inside. I am relishing this sweet day, because I know just around the corner we will be trying to shut the day out. There will be rainy, cold, stormy days and we will be thankful we can shut the windows and doors. But today, we are taking it all in. Isn't that how should be in life? Enjoy the good times and be thankful in the bad. During the good times we should treasure each moment knowing that it won't always be this good. And during the bad times we should be thankful knowing it won't always be this bad. Right now, my baby girl is laying down for a nap and she knows when she wakes up we are headed outside. We need more than just letting the beautiful day inside, we need to take time to go outside and be apart of the beautiful day. Afterall, the weatherman said in just a couple of days it is going to be rainy and turn cold. So I am thankful for this day!

I am also thankful that God cares about the desires of our hearts. Sometimes in life we make a mess of things and sometimes others make the mess for us, but despite it all God lovingly takes care of his own. I know he can use those messes to create a beautiful story. Here is a little story that means so much to me. A few weeks ago I was getting ready to prepare some Italian Bread Sticks in my bread machine for dinner. I was so excited about trying this recipe and to hopefully make something yummy for my family. I got the bread machine out and opened it up only to find the paddle was missing. All my excitement left. I started searching everywhere I could think of to find that paddle. I never could find it. I was so disappointed. I'm not a skilled baker. I'd like to be, but I'm not. The reality is I haven't had much practice and I haven't had anyone teach me. So, the bread machine helps me out. Well, I knew I'd have to put it on hold, but I never gave up. I posted my bread stick recipe on the fridge and just went about my business.

And then, today, my mother-in-law came by to pick up her car. She had a gift for me that she came across a week ago. She had it set back and had planned to give it to me for Christmas. Well, she thought about it and decided to give it to me early. She thought I might want to use it for the holidays. I know this was all apart of God's plan. I opened the bag and inside was a bread machine! This brought tears to my eyes. Although this wasn't a great need, it was a desire of mine and, yes, I was very disappointed that I couldn't use my old bread machine. I knew I couldn't afford to just run out and buy a new one. I knew I would just have to wait. And I now, today, I know that bread machine was meant for me. At around the time I found out I couldn't use my old one, a lady near Kevin's uncle's house was trying to sell her's and no one bought it. About two weeks ago, Kevin's grandmother was in the neighborhood and saw all this stuff and stopped to ask if she was having a garage sale. The lady said she was boxing it up to donate and she let his grandmother have it all....at least all she could fit in her car. When my mother-in-law saw the bread machine in all that stuff his grandmother came home with, she decided that machine was for me and set it back. No one but God knew just how disappointed I was and how much I desired to be able to use my bread machine. No one can convince me that wasn't God. I am so thankful the God I serve is so mindful of us. He is so personal and so near. I am thankful He cares about the desires of our hearts no matter how small they seem. This was no small thing to me. It meant the world to me! And here it is:

I'm Thankful For: My Dad

We had a nice little visit with my dad today. He had to come to Fort Smith for a doctor's appointment and he brought me my wedding ring that I left at his house yesterday. I am so thankful to call him my dad. He is always there for me whenever I need him. He is someone you can count on to be there and be there before anyone else. When I had surgery this past July, he, of course, was there with me through it all. Katelyn came down with bronchitis and her doctor appointment was at the time of my surgery. so Kevin had to take care of her. My dad took me home and stayed with me until Kevin got back and was able to take over. The next day he checked on me and brought me some candy. He is a sweet daddy. I love him so much and am thankful for each day I get to spend with him. I am thankful for his hugs and occasional kiss on my cheek. I am thankful for the calls to check on me and the quick visits when he is in town. I am thankful he is such a wonderful PaPa to Katelyn. I am thankful he is my dad!

Down at PaPa's

Went down to my dad's today to visit and clean and got a few pics of our time outside. Katelyn just loves to run outdoors, play in the dirt and pick flowoos (flowers). Notice her cupcake shirt? Her nickname is Cupcake. She sure is sweet as one.

I'm Thankful For: My Daughter

"HAAAPPPYYY BIRBAY, MOMMY!!!" This is how I am greeted most mornings. If not that, then "HIIIII, MOMMMY!!!" Then after that she tells me, "I sleep good, mommy!" She is such a joy in the mornings and pretty much all day, every day. I knew her name was perfect for her the moment I put it together-Katelyn Joy. It's meaning: Pure Joy! She has been nothing but a joy in my life and the lives of many others. That little girl that has only been on this earth for 2 short years has touched many lives. She is such a sweetheart. She comes up to me out of the blue and puts both hands on my head and proceeds to kiss me all over my face. Just this evening she started singing a song she was learning off of Diego that was about "mommy." She put her arms around my arm and looked up at me and started singing it to me.

She keeps me laughing. The things she says and does makes me wonder all the time, "where did she learn that?" She is a live wire for sure, always on the go. She is dancing, running, jumping, doing flips and yelling, "Mommy, where are you?" She has to be right where I am and that is perfectly okay.  I am going to enjoy these moments when she wants me near. Oh, sure, I enjoy the momentary breaks of quiet so I can pull myself together, but it is not long I'm ready to have her jump on my lap, put her hands on my cheeks and squeeze them while saying, "I'm chubby. I'm chubby."

I love that little girl so very much! I am so thankful God chose me to be her mommy. Sometimes I wonder what in the world was He thinking. Two quiet and shy people were blessed with a loud, crazy, rambunctious, outgoing little girl. She brings us out of our shell and puts a little fun and a lot of interesting into an otherwise boring day. I think we need her as much as she needs us. I'm thankful He gives us just what we need. I am thankful for Katelyn JOY!

Making Your Home a Haven Fall Challenge

I added one more thing on my to do list, but this is pretty simple and not so overwhelming. This week the challenge is to go buy an extra large candle and light it everyday. Everytime the candle catches your eye, pray for peace in your home.

This is something I don't think to do and, yet, it is so important to pray for peace in our homes. The world outside our homes is crazy and unstable and our homes should not be. Peace should rule in our homes and in our hearts. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." I am challenged to make my home a haven and establish peace by praying for it in my home.

For some great encouragement and to participate in the challenge, check out this blog post.

Looking at my candle I pray, Father, let your peace that surpasses all understanding, guard my family's hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, AMEN!

I'm Thankful For: God Supplying All of Our Needs

It seems that Kevin and I are going through a season of trust. We have never been at a point that we have exhausted all of our resources and are unable to help others out as we use to do. This has been real frustrating because we know of others who have greater needs and we so desire to help them. I received a phone call today that was unexpected that made the weight of our financial burden even heavier. Not only are we unable to help meet other's needs, we have some basic needs of our own that need to be met. My first response is to tear up and say, "I don't know what we are going to do!" But, I received some encouragement from my sister today and she reminded me of this verse, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19. This happened to be the scripture we were wavering in faith over a couple of nights ago. I told myself, I have to believe.

As the holidays are approaching and we wonder how are we going to be able to just get through Thanksgiving and still help someone less fortunate than we are, we received an unexpected blessing that I believe will meet the need. I am so thankful He does supply all of our needs. It may not always be how we expect, but it does come and sometimes it stretches our faith and trust in Him. I am thankful for this season. These lessons and tests and valleys are worth so much more than we will ever know here on earth. "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2 Corinthians 4:17

I'm Thankful For: Salvation

My mother-in-law brought to my attention a verse today that helped her realize how blessed she is and it was what I needed to hear. It is Romans 4:7, "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." My greatest need is for a savior and guess what? I have one! I am so thankful He has forgiven me of my transgressions and that my sins are covered. NLT says, "whose sins are put out of sight." I am so glad He looks at me and no longer sees my sins, but sees who I am in Him. If we can say our transgressions are forgiven and our sins are covered, then we can say we are blessed. We are blessed no matter what our situation in life looks like. I just need to remember who I am in Christ and I will remember how blessed I am. I am thankful for that!

I'm Thankful For: My Mother-in-Law

I just have to say that I am thankful for my mother-in-law. She has taught me so much, more than she will ever know and she has paid a high price for it all. Her life has taught me what it means to walk by faith, to trust God for everything and to wait on Him. She spends more time in study of His word and prayer than anyone I know. I think she knows what God's word says more than anybody I know, including most pastors around here. She has inspired me to really dig in and know and understand God's word. She gives everyday of her life out of her need. She has a pure heart for God and for the things He cares about. She is often rejected and misunderstood as she tries to pour into others, including by me, but she still forges on. I am thankful for the wisdom I once dismissed that she has given me. I am thankful for her love and support and to have her apart of my life. I am blessed!

I'm Thankful For: A Brand New Day

It is Saturday morning and I woke with no place to go this morning. This has become a rare thing. I have the opportunity to get some things accomplished that I have been wanting to for weeks. I am excited just to wake up with that thought alone. I love new days, new beginnings, fresh starts. I think that is why New Year's Day and January has become one of my favorite times of the year. There is just something refreshing about wiping the slate clean, leaving yesterday behind and moving forward. There is an excitement about the memories that are yet to be made and the things yet to accomplish. I love new days! I love mornings! I think mostly because God's word says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 I am so thankful his compassions, his mercies are new every morning. Thank you, Lord, for a brand new day!

Let's Play Outside!

Having fun jumping with mommy on the trampoline!

 

She likes to take breaks from jumping to lay down, look up at the sky and sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

 

 Our view: It is so peaceful!

 

Jumping High!

PLANE! She loves to stop and watch planes fly by. 

 



I'm Thankful For: Our Neighbors

Today, is about the wonderful neighbors we have surrounding us. The neighbors we have been blessed with on both sides, in front of and behind us have all been there for us and given us much to be thankful for. They all have made us more thankful for our home. Our neighbors help make our home special.

Our neighbors in front of us have just adored Katelyn watching her grow as she stood and played at the front door. She went from crawling, to standing to walking right before their eyes and they talked about how much they enjoyed it. This summer we shared produce from our garden and in turn they blessed us with canned veggies and other goodies. Their granddaughter has been so sweet and kind to Katelyn.

Our neighbor behind us came to my rescue when I was locked outside my house and Katelyn was locked in! True story. Katelyn locked the deadbolt to our backyard when I stepped out to bring the dogs inside. He happened to be working outside and walked down his street and around to our street to try to help. Thankfully, our garage door wasn't locked, we don't have an automatic garage door opener, and the door from the garage to the laundry room was unlocked from earlier that morning. He let me in and Katelyn was safely watching cartoons in the living room. His daughters play outside a lot and when we are out there they always come to the fence to talk to Katelyn. She loves it!

Our neighbor to the left showers us with love. We enjoy our conversations with her. I have learned some good homemaking tips from her. She thinks of us on the holidays with sweet gifts. This Halloween she left the candle holder filled with candy at our front door. That is it in the picture above. It was such a nice surprise! She is the sweetest!

And, lastly, our neighbors to the left we have been friends with long before we were neighbors. They have been a blast to live next to. Kevin enjoyed playing music with our friend. They blessed us in so many ways, mowing our yard, giving us veggies from their garden and just being there. Unfortunately, we lost them late this summer. They moved and the house is now sitting vacant. We miss them, especially Katelyn. Their two boys and little girl (I helped babysit) were so good to her. She loved her neighbor friends so much! She still asks if her baby is at home. We count ourselves very blessed to have had them live next door for as long as we did. We are now praying for the next neighbors.

What a wonderful thing it is to count your blessings one by one. What a beautiful season it is while we live here in this home. We are so thankful for each person that makes our lives richer and more blessed. It is rare thing to have a good neighbor and it is a rare thing to be a good neighbor. As a thank you for all the good neighbors we have, we want to be good neighbors in return to each one and share Christ's love. The second greatest commandment is to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:30-31

I'm Thankful For: A House to Clean

It has been a long time since my last blog post, nearly a year! I can't make any excuses, I just haven't had the motivation to do it. This was set up to journal our life, not to brag. I wanted to make sure my motive was pure in what I posted. I feel I am at that point and can now post knowing I am 100%doing this for my family, for my daughter. So in effort to start back I wanted to start posting my thankful for's here on my blog, instead of Facebook or a notebook.

Today, I am thankful for a house to clean. The past couple of weeks have been crazy and my house has been neglected. I am scrubbing the house down in hopes that I will have it done by the end of the day, so I can spend tomorrow playing with my baby girl. It is suppose to be a nice day tomorrow. I know that I could grumble and complain about not having a dishwasher, having an endless pile of laundry and having too much stuff to organize, but I choose to be thankful to have a house to clean instead. Though this house is not my dream house, it is my home. It is small, but it is cozy. It old, but it has stood strong through many storms. It keeps us warm. It keeps us cool. It keeps us safe. It is one of my favorite places to be in all this world. It is our home away from Home! Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of our home!