Thank You Lord

This morning as our sweet girl was sitting on my lap her arms were completely relaxed, resting on mine. Maybe this isn't something you pay attention to but to me it's such a gift! I am so thankful she is able to do that now where the tone used to be so much that she didn't relax her arms until she was asleep. I am thankful that she is able to give hugs and snuggles and enjoys it (I can tell by her smiles!) when she used to arch so much that you couldn't give her hugs. I am thankful that she reaches out and touches my face (even if it is more of a poke to the face) when I used to wonder if she'd ever do that. I am thankful that I was sitting with her in the comfort of our home when so many little ones spend their days in the hospital. God gives us so many blessings and I just wanted to say "Thank You".

Free Card

If you are thankful for someone that has made a difference in your life pick up a free card at Family Christian Stores(or a Dayspring retailer) and mail it to that someone special! I think sending a card to someone is a great way to brighten their day and in honor of National Day of Encouragement on September 12 Family Christian Store is giving away a free card. You must pick up your card by September 12th! What a great way to let someone know they have been a blessing in your life! :)

All I Need Is. . .part 2

I am reading a book called All I Need Is Jesus & A Good Pair of Jeans. If you read my previous post on this book I'll have to admit Yes, I'm a slow reader and I've been reading this book off and on. (Thank you Mary for your patience on me returning it. :) ) I highly recommend this book to all ladies! Each chapter is more like a devotion on a different topic and there hasn't been a single chapter where I've thought "I can't relate to this" whether it's selfishness, anger, worrying, etc. One of the more recent ones I read was called "I Wish Life Was Easy". The author talks about how we like to live life without struggles and with the perfect marriage and job and kids and financial stability. The perks in our journey with Christ doesn't mean we won't have struggles but by loving others like Jesus did and serving others we get to be more Christ-like. Our reward is in heaven.

Another chapter that hit home is "I Am Not Sure of My Purpose in Life". The author talks about how we feel we should be driven by a particular career path or have one skill that is unique to us and then we get down on ourselves feeling a lack of purpose. Jesus is more concerned about our character than our career track or having the best personality or looks. We have a clear purpose and that is to follow Jesus.

So proud

Our sweet girl started back to school a couple of weeks ago and is doing so well. I think she is glad to have her teacher and therapists back from last school year. I spoke to her teacher today and she said she was going over the progress check list and Sophia has shown lots of improvement already from last school year. They are very impressed with how much more she is doing! She impresses us all the time. Today we practiced walking on the sidewalk to the door when we got home and she stood so tall and proud! I love the smile she gets when she knows she is doing a good job! We are quite the proud parents!

Throwing Food

So our sweet girl has learned how to knock over her cup and bowls of food on her tray. I'm so proud of her but it certainly makes mealtime more interesting. More clean up! :) I know most of us don't want the mess but I say "Way to go!".

Jason Gray

I went to a Jason Gray concert tonight at my church. His songs, singing and humor were great but the message overall was the best! There are two points that really stand out in my mind. First, he talked about weaknesses. There are many times I feel weak, wishing I was stronger or able to do more. God uses our weaknesses. His grace can shine through struggles we may have. Second, he talked about how things we may have faced in the past aren't as big (looking back) as they seemed in the moment. I know that there are times where I didn't know if I could do what was set before me or I thought I would be completely broken but now as I look back I'm encouraged I made it with God's help and through His strength. Those mountains we didn't think we could climb. . .now they're just encouragement for the next mountain we face.

I encourage you to listen to Jason Gray if you ever get the chance! You can check out his music and messages (put much more eloquently) here.

Silhouette

Kara's Party Ideas has all kinds of fun party ideas but right now they are giving away a Silhouette. I'm entering a chance at winning by posting on my blog. . .
You can check it out here.
A Silhouette is a craft cutting machine. It's great for scrapbooking but also can make neat decorative items with glass etching or vinyl wall quotes. Check it out! If I win I'll share! :)