Counting My Blessings

So my theme for these past couple of months has been...Joy.  I am earnestly trying to make the choice every day, minute by minute, to be joyful.  Can I tell you, it is harder than it seems to always choose joy but it is so worth it!  I have a great husband, precious children, and I am blessed to be able to be home with them and watch them grow, but as you very well know, we are never HAPPY!  That is, unless we choose to be.  There is always a reason to complain, always an excuse to feel sorry for myself.  I can think of things, even just now, that I can complain about...for instance, the current state my kitchen is in!  (many dishes that need to be washed, and a stove that has been in use quite a bit lately)  I can always think of reasons to be sad, lonely, discontent, etc... BUT WHY?  I am not going to do that to myself or my family.  My family deserves a momma who is joyful and loving...and why shouldn't I be?  No matter how things may seem, they can always get worse.  When we have the right perspective, suddenly life is not too bad, actually, it is quite good.  I serve a God who has promised me an eternity with Him.  My life on earth will one day end, and that will only be the beginning of my eternity with Him.  So, no matter how gloomy a day may seem, there is hope and reason to rejoice. 
And today I am rejoicing for...
God's unending mercy
happy and healthy kids
a sweet and loving husband
a home with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter
a dishwasher
a washer and dryer
a car
phones and computers
FOOD!

nice neighbors

a great church

and the list could go on and on...

We are BLESSED!

So, enjoy today and the next time you find yourself tempted to complain, think of all the things that you could actually be grateful for.  I bet THAT list would be much longer! 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

These Sweet Moments

Alegra is nearing 9 months.  I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone by and now I am here thinking about where and how we might celebrate her first birthday.  Amazing!  But after experiencing this rapid rate of growth and maturity watching my oldest grow up to a young boy, I am much more appreciative of the whiny and needy days.  I am more patient when she is teething and fussy, or not napping well or just wants to be held.  I stare at her more than I did with Matthew when I am rocking her.  I enjoy watching her discover a new toy and explore the tastes of everything that I allow her to play with.  Time just breezes by and will not pause for a second when we think it should.  Troubled times, sickness, "busyness"; none of it matters much to time...it just keeps streaming by.  And so I try to really savor each moment that God gives me with my children. 

Enjoying each moment with my children is something I sometimes have to work at.  There are days when I would rather complain that I am tired and don't feel like being "mommy" today.  But those moments quickly pass when I remember that one day I will look back and realize that these are some of the best years I will experience with my kids.  They still want to cuddle and kiss, they are learning rapidly day by day and I get to teach them and spend the time with them and thoroughly be available to discover new things.  This time is a gift and I should take advantage of these moments.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a break as much as the next person, but after refuelling (which usually includes a prayer time) I am typically ready to continue our adventures. 

Psalm 127:3 says "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him". 

How easy it is to forget this when we are tired and perhaps dealing with a fussy child all day.  It is so easy to become frustrated and "fussy" ourselves.  That is when I usually ask myself, "what good will come of me being fussy?  Will that change my child's attitude for the better?"  No!  It will only make his or her attitude worse.  I find that recharging, praying, and thanking God for these children will change my attitude, help me to get a little more creative, and ultimately manage to find a way to get through to my fussy babe.  And then, a smile, a giggle, and we are at peace once more. 

Enjoy today, we will never get today back again  :)

Peace and Joy,
Jenna