Thankful Thursday

Yesterday as I was preparing the guest bedroom for some upcoming visitors, I stole a few moments to read the Bible I have on a decorator table in the room. (As you might surmise, focusing on a task and sticking to it is not always my strong suit.) I let the Bible "fall" open and began reading where it landed.

One of the verses I read was Proverbs 18:4: "Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook." At that moment I knew what my Thankful Thursday post would be...

I consider myself blessed that God has placed some very wise people in my life. I am thankful for each one whether they are male or female, young or old, or near or far.

What are you thankful for today?

P.S. I am also thankful and thrilled that this family has a court date for their daughter in Ethiopia. Soon they will travel to Ethiopia to bring home two children to their family.

Thankful Thursday

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." John Wesley

Last night as I read the mail, I had the opportunity to read the Half the Sky Progress Report. It was filled with incredible stories about how orphans in China had been taken care of in a variety of ways because of the efforts of this charitable non-profit organization. Not only was I warmed to know children had been impacted in such positive ways, I was beyond touched when I read about some of the donors who were young children. I thought that's what I want Lindy and her mei mei to be like.

Today I am thankful for thoughtful, generous, charitable people who make a difference. I'm not talking about the people who know exactly the perfect gift to give for whatever the occasion. They're great, don't get me wrong. Who doesn't love receiving the perfect gift? However, I am talking about people who dig DEEP--especially to the point of sacrifice--to help meet someone's needs whether it be monetarily and/or by giving up their time.

I'll admit, it is not always easy for me to put aside my material wants and to-do list to give of my time and resources--especially to those I might not know. I am trying to change this and be less selfish and more intentional about my efforts. It is easy to talk about what I plan to do but when it comes to following through I am not where I want to be. I know I need to consistently model compassion, not only because God wants me to but because I have a little girl who is watching and will be influenced by my actions. So, thank you to the people who give and give and give.

Happy Thankful Thursday! What are you thankful for today?

I was tagged again...

Happy Wednesday~

I was tagged over a month ago by Panda Mom at Pandapalooza with this fun little meme. I am not tagging anybody but invite anyone to join along if they want. Just let me know if you do, so I can read. It is kind of thought-provoking.

Have a great day!!!

I am: a Christian, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend

I think: companies like Daisy (sour cream), Dove Chocolate, and Celestial Seasonings Tea are cool because they put simple, positive, encouraging, and thought-provoking messages on their products.

I know: Jesus died for me.

I want: more than I need.

I hate: peaches--the smell, the taste, the thought of them touching anything I might eat. Truly phobic.

I miss: being with family more often.

I fear: losing the ones I love and running over animals.

I feel: blessed.

I hear: the birds tweeting, the hum of my computer, and a dog barking.

I smell: the Aveda hand lotion on my hands.

I crave: chocolate often.

I search for: simplicity in my life.

I regret: not showing more of an interest in things my mom excels at like sewing.

I love: when Lindy puts her arms around me and says, "I love you, Mommy."

I ache: MUCH less now that I am taking meds again for my rheumatoid arthritis.

I care: what others think a bit too much.

I always: come up with a good response after the fact. For example, I am sure I'll think of much better responses to things once I publish this post.

I am not: good at math at all.

I believe: our experiences both good and bad shape who we are and we can use what we've learned to bless and help others.

I sing: jingles for commercials and kids' songs in my head during the middle of the night.

I cry: each time I watch Sleepless in Seattle, Father of the Bride, and any Gotcha Day video.

I fight: the urge to be materialistic and derive my primary pleasure from earthly things.

I win: when I follow God's commands.

I lose: the battle with dust constantly.

I never: have been to Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, or Idaho. I am also not sure about Mississippi.

I listen: to more kid's music than I'd like.

I can usually be found: at home, in the car, or at church with Lindy in tow.

I am scared: of drowning or being in a fire.

I need: to read the Bible and pray in a more disciplined manner.

I am happy about: an upcoming visit with my brother and his family.

I hope: things will speed up in China because right now I am struggling with the wait.

Happy Father's Day

"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child." Knights of Pythagoras

In a world where men continue to father children without being fathers to their children, I am blessed to be surrounded by many great fathers who defy that trend. What an encouragement it is to watch these men be leaders in their homes and have very active roles in the lives of their children.

This Father's Day I wish God's continued blessings to all the special Dads in my life, including my dad and husband.

Has it really been 16 years?

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Sixteen years ago my dad read these verses to Don and me as he united us in marriage. I believe they mean more with each passing year.

Thank you for your unfailing love, Don, and sixteen incredible years of marriage.

Happy anniversary with love,

Lisa