I didn't believe in being "called"
God changed my mind
And He laid the path before me
I wasn't sure I was fit for the job
He reassured me
I got involved
He walks beside me
I took on organizing a 5K
He directed my planning
He went before me
He is working it out
So the date is set
The site is reserved
There is a lot of tentative,
But I'm stepping up and trusting in Him

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Mark you calendars:

Saturday, June 18th

And come take a step for Hope

Hope Challenge, healing the hearts of teens one step at a time

"...for he purified their hearts by faith." - Acts 15:9b

"Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

- Romans 10:17

A Heart's Prayer

All the pieces of me belong to Him.

Each role purpose filled opening my eyes to see;

Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend

A little piece of who He is and what He requires of me.

Underneath there's a woman, who sometimes feels small

Insignificant, overwhelmed, not focused or prepared,

But His grace is sufficient and His blood covers all .

Take away the desire for selfishness and control,

There's no peace in this world when I seek my own way

Bring my heart to YOUR work and steady my soul.

Strip away this world and the temptations that snare,

Fill my mind with your word, grant me boldness to speak 

Use my words and my heart to reflect how you care

My walk, so short, each step you already know

Sometimes deliberate, sometimes filled with mistakes

With endurance and strength may I continually grow

Until you return may I run and not faint

My hope is in you, and I trust in your way.

50 Words

I tried to think of 50-things
To send in a box that you received
This birthday, you're not at home
You're working and serving, but far from alone
You're welcomed and surrounded by an eternal family
I'm so thankful for you dad
You are a blessing to me
So here are 50 words that remind me of you :
1. Dad
2. Daddy
3. Loving
4. Hard worker
5. Faithful husband
6. Papa
7. Fun
8. Fair
9. Talkative
10. Generous
11. Wise
12. Carpenter
13. Protective
14. Handy
15. Logical
16. Elder
17. Strict (but in the best way)
18. Loud
19. Smile
20. Growing
21. Man of God
22. Good with numbers
23. Boat driver
24. Giving
25. Joyful
26. Hugs
27. Too tight
28. Coach
29. Clean
30. Basketball
31. Lake
32. Competitive
33. Our cheerleader
34. Sound advice
35. Smart
36. Leader
37. Honorable
38. Encouraging
39. Forgiving
40. Proud
41. Referee
42. Smart
43. Tearful
44. Strong
45. Determined
46. Provider
47. Example
48. Honest
49. Convicted
50. Godly

Happy Birthday Dad - I love you

Shouting

There's a new trend developing at the G house
It's not one I'm fond of in the least
It's the tune-mom-out trend
It goes something like this...
Please go put on socks and shoes
Socks and shoes please
Put down the toy and put on your socks and shoes
Do you have your socks and shoes on?
No?
What did mommy ask you to do 3-times already
Put on your socks and shoes
Gradually with each request my tone is
Less patient
More irritated
Increasing in volume

Shouting doesn't work
Regrettably, I know - because I've tried.

I've found getting the kids undivided attention requires me giving them mine.
I can not ask, while rushing around completing my own task, or shout commands from downstairs to up
A request is best delivered on their level, while still, in a controlled tone

It's not a perfect world
I'm not perfect
And so sometimes
I shout
At least I already know the solution

For the love of self-control, heightened listening skills and short-lived trends,
Me

PS: I started a new diet, hoping it's going to be a lifestyle change not a diet.
PPS: I am hungry.

More than Pedicures

Your fingers and toes sparkled as you sipped the Sprite, patiently waiting on the stubborn callouses to be filed from my worn feet.
"Mom, I love you this day, right now."
The words jumped from your lips and your beautiful blue eyes danced with delight.
My lips upturned in a proud grin and back to you, my beautiful daughter I replied
"I love you too"
Most of our conversation was saturated with make believe
I enjoyed playing along
And you enjoyed the undivided attention

This day
Right now
And forever I will love you Charlie Grace
Happy 4th birthday (a few days late)
You are passionate, strong and beautiful
You challenge and encourage me with you strong and sweet spirit
And I am blessed to be your mom

Happy Blog-Year 2010

A Year in the life of blogged thoughts
AND
Just in case you have nothing better to do, than re-read my blog
My top 12, (one from each month) because the "Top 10 list" on New Years is over-rated

JANUARY - Charlie and Cupcakes
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-i-made-cupcakes.html

FEBRUARY - My how you grow, A little theology and Simple Honest Love
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/02/love-is.html

MARCH - Questions for mommy and some Truth
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/03/truth-is.html

APRIL - Jesus Loves Me, COOKIES ARE REAL DINOSAURS ARE EXTINCT, Super Dad, Candy Indulgence, Moment living, and Missing Josh & Abbey
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/04/messy-mortar.html

MAY - Worry, Expectations, Celebrating Mom, Diets, and A Do's & Don'ts post
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/05/25-dos-and-few-donts.html

JUNE - Vacation and an Overdue anniversary post
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/06/6-years-12-days.html

JULY - Eclipsed and Hypotheticals
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/07/hypothetically.html

AUGUST - Patients on my heart, A new Mission, Birthday of a baby never born, and Eggs
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/08/eggs-etc.html

SEPTEMBER - Ethan, Nephews, Littlest brother, Loving fall, and Kids quotes
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/09/kids-say.html

OCTOBER - No eating out, Joshua, Love letters, a new blog and a life lived simply
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/10/just-another-manic.html

NOVEMBER - Thankfulness, Fun with feathers, Santa disclaimer, and Still an empty A
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2009/11/a.html

DECEMBER - Fun quotes. Fisticuffs, and a Merry Update
www.reflectionofme-inside-out.blogspot.com/2010/12/merry-update.html


For the love of blessings in 2010, hope in 2011 and journaling via the internet,
Me