Wait on God

A great reminder for parents,
no matter how old our kids are!

College orientation is in the books! One more item checked off our to do list before kid one launches into phase one of adult life.

Like everything else at Samford, orientation was awesome. I met university staff, got contact numbers and email addresses -- even for the executive chef at the "caf," and discovered new friends. More than anything, my heart and mind filled with peace. I know that my son is headed to a school that cares about student success -- in the classroom, in free time, and in life. For the most part, the information offered at parent sessions was exactly what I expected, though provided with a bit more excellence than anticipated. I'm not sure why, but it's always better than I expect. That's good, right?

Then I attended the parents' worship service and, well, orientation moved beyond checking off another to do list item and became a pivotal life moment. The minister shared (my paraphrase) that while this is a significant step in my child's life, it is also a big moment in my life. I was reminded that while God takes away (my son's and my relationship is about to change permanently), He also gives. The time I spent raising my son is done... yes, I still get to be the mama and offer advice, but not as often and only when asked. That means I've done this job well. Now it's time to discover what God has next for me. I do not end when my son leaves home.

The minister encouraged us to wait on God with open hearts and hands, to discover the next step in His plan for our lives. It's not over -- it's time for a change. It's time to step into what's next... 

Not just for my son, but for me.

May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him 

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

The service closed with that verse, my life verse. God couldn't have said "I love you" any more clearly.

God bless!

Reflections

Oh how I wish I had a cool pic for this post... alas...

I've been asked dozens of times about the tears. Yet, I have not cried. My heart swells with joy at my son's accomplishments, his thought process as he prepares to go forward, and his drive to give his best.

While he cherished his Tigger outfit, he's now my J.Crew man, wearing dapper ties because that's who he now is.

Those collages and projects of the elementary years gave way to lengthy essays analyzing the Life of Pi.

Early piano recitals involved learning technique-friendly piano book songs, but now he wows people with Rachmaninoff.

His "job" when he was little was simply to clean his room, but now he drives off to work asking for extra shifts to save for the fall.

Freshman year, he fell for the "good enough argument" (an honors B equals an non-honors A), but this year he achieved straight A's in AP classes, finally appreciating that "good enough" means giving your best.

This chapter of my son's life comes to a close... but as I look back, I don't long for the Tigger-loving days. I rejoice that he has chosen to listen to our advice, he desires to give his best at piano, school, work and in relationships, and that he loves God with all his heart. I'm thankful for the foundational early years, but I am thrilled for today.

He's not done growing yet... I have a feeling that when we reach the next milestone, we'll look back on four years of college with same joy, pride and love we have now.

By humility and the fear of the Lord

Are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4

Congratulations, Nathan! Always, finish strong!

With love,

Mom

Paid in full

Running errands this weekend in preparation for Nathan's graduation party next weekend, I noticed gas prices had dropped to $3.29. Hardly a bargain, but so much better than prices have been, I made the quick decision to top off the tank... just in case they creep back up.

Approaching the pump island, another car came toward me, both of us headed for the same row of pumps. Since I was making the right turn, I got to pull in first. Credit card in hand, I proceeded to the pump as I've done hundreds of times. The screen said, "$55 prepaid. Lift nozzle and select grade." Baffled, I looked around. Everyone at the station was at a tank, pumping gas. No one was waiting in the wings.

"Really?" I thought, "Free gas? Nah." I pushed the button to ask the clerk. She seemed confused. "It's prepaid. Go ahead and pump." She didn't seem to care that I hadn't been the one to prepay it. I asked again, "Are you sure I can have this gas?" "Yes," she replied, "It's paid in full. Go ahead and pump." I heard a hint of, "Wow... this lady doesn't understand how gas pumps work." 

There was no, "Jesus loves you." OR "Someone came in and wanted to pay it forward." Just... "It's paid in full.... (now leave me alone)."

So, I pumped, expecting alarm bells and police cruisers to appear. Nothing happened. The pump quit at $34.14. I smiled to myself as I realized someone else would also be blessed... in a strange way. I replaced the cap, closed the little door, pulled out of the station -- unnoticed. I finished my errands, the whole time expecting to be stopped by the police. Handcuffed. Sent to jail.

It's been a few days and still no police. I think I really was allowed to use that free gas, though it's the strangest blessing ever!

Ever since, I have also been thinking that many of us approach Christianity this same way. Jesus paid in full the required sacrifice for our sins, but we can't really fathom it. We wonder, "What's the catch?" "Who's out there watching me to mess up?" OR "If I accept Jesus, I won't ever have fun again." We miss the blessing and focus on other, irrelevant stuff.

Accepting Jesus is a simple thing that we make hard. Really. First, He loves you enough to pay the price in full. No strings. No one waiting in the wings to bust you for making a mistake. Seriously, God doesn't have angel cops out there waiting for you to mess it all up so he can throw you into some pit of damnation. He just loves you. 

Second, God wants you to receive this blessing with all your heart -- no worries about other things. Just be thankful. Otherwise, you miss out on what you've been given, new life IN CHRIST that is infinitely better than the old, sinful life. 

Third, you can have fun! YES, true Christian living means not getting drunk, not sinning in anger, and more... but Christian living replaces all that with true peace -- you can lay your head on your pillow at night knowing that you matter. Christian living is true joy -- a heart full of things you can't imagine without Jesus. God's love is true love -- knowing you, with all your warts, secrets, and skeletons. 100%. All the time.

Jesus paid in full the required sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He's got us covered. We can accept it and live in that joy... Or, we can reject it and look over our shoulder the rest of our lives and miss the blessing.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide.

I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."

And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Psalm 32:5

Where are you today?

P.S. To the generous person who bought my gas. Thank you!!!

Top ten Bible verses for guarding your heart

Like I said Wednesday, Satan is like SPAM! He tip-toes in, slinking about as he slowly seizes your day, your week, your joy, your life -- much like the spammer sneaks in to steal your money and financial identity. We take steps to protect our finances, reading emails carefully, installing anti-spam software and making ever more complicated passwords to avoid being hacked. But do we do the same to guard our hearts against Satan?

The Bible is filled with wise instruction on guarding the heart, particularly in the book of Proverbs (the book of WISDOM)! Here are ten of the best Bible verses to help us guard our hearts. They remind us why to protect our heart, how to protect our heart and who we live for. Let's commit them to memory and spam-proof our hearts. Sound good?

Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Romans 12:2 (NIV), "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

John 10:10 (NIV), "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways."

Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV), "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity."

Luke 6:45, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Colossians 3:1 (NIV), "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."

Deuteronomy 4:9, "But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."

May God bless you as you gaurd your heart to live only for Him!

Love,

Happy Gotcha Day!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, 

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

 plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Ellie's life began abandoned on the street.

Then God gave her us.

Stephanie and Natalie. Ellie and me.
Gotcha Day, March 28, 2005

And God gave us her.

We are truly blessed!

Ellie today. Seven years as a Dawkins!
March 28, 2012

We love you, Ellie!

Always and forever!

MBM: Remembering

A note to Linny,
Thank you for helping me REMEMBER the good things God does and for your encouragement to us all to share them. I see the blessings now more than I ever have. Next week, I'll be sharing a NEW MBM story, but today, I remember this one. It's one of the most marvelous mommy provisions God has ever given me.

A full tank.

Don't miss the blessings!

Britt!

With a horrible headache, I dragged myself to Ellie's dance class. Knowing we had run out of milk, bread and fruit -- lunch packing essentials -- I drove my sluggish self over to Walmart to pick them up while she danced. Without a headache, I avoid Walmart. With a headache, it's on my list of things NOT to do! Since I wasn't near a grocery store, I ignored that list and opted for Walmart location convenience.

Of course, I ended up with the cart with a bum wheel. Thunka. Thunka. Thunka. I pushed that cart through the aisles, picking up the lunchtime necessities. Somehow, peppermint bark jumped into the basket. Really. I have no idea how it happened. *wink*

(Peppermint bark is my FAVORITE Christmas treat. Certainly, that little package just wanted to make me feel better. Right?)

I headed to the checkout, the Walmart experience I dread most. Grumpiness abounds in the Walmart checkout lines. Customers are rude. Some are down-right angry. Most of the time, store clerks are absent-minded, not interested in me, my groceries, or their job. Not that I blame them.... what a boring job. Swipe. Bag. Swipe. Bag. Cash or credit? Over and over. They stand on their feet for hours. AND they have to deal with each and every grumpy, angry customer who goes through the line.

Approaching the checkout area, I noticed that one lane was empty -- and open. The young lady working that register leaning on her counter talking to three teenagers beyond the next set of registers. I hesitated. Will she do her job? Or, will she keep yammering with the kids? That happens sometimes.

I decided to chance it.

As I placed the milk on the counter, she instantly turned her focus to me. "How are you?" Not thinking about social expectations, I replied, "I'm tired." Exhausted, really, but I didn't go that far.

Chipper, she asked, "Have you been Christmas shopping?"

"Yes."

She exclaimed, "I've met a lot of people who are tired today. It seems that Christmas shopping does that, but at least you're getting it done before Christmas Eve!"

My foggy, throbbing brain started firing. This isn't the typical Walmart experience. I honestly thought, "Pay attention, Karen. This is a special person." I pushed my focus to her instead of my headache.

She swiped the peppermint bark and placed it in a bag as she shared, "Oooooh, I love peppermint bark! Do you know you can make it yourself? It's so much better than this, and cheaper too." I looked directly into her face, and she animatedly explained how to make peppermint bark. She added that if I buy canisters from the dollar store, it makes a great gift. Cheap!

Everything bagged, I ran my credit card through the machine. It didn't read. GROAN! This frustrates me too. Usually, the churlish clerk barks at me to do it again. Not this girl. "Oh no. It didn't take your card the first time. Please swipe it again." As she smiled warmly.

I am in the presence of a human angel!

I swiped. Bubbly, she declared, "Oh good. It worked."

She handed me the receipt, looking directly at me with a warm smile spread across her face. "You have a great night."

Britt, I just did! Thanks.

Friendship!

After an incredible Thanksgiving weekend, my heart bubbles with things to say... but, it's all bubbling up together. You would not enjoy reading my thoughts! Well, maybe you'd laugh hard at my jabbering and marvel that I've managed to raise three kids without losing one along the way....

So, for now, I'll simply say, "Thank you, God, for the blessing of friendship!"

Who's your friendship blessing?

Treasured Time

Last year's tree. No tree yet this year!

Rob and I took a rare opportunity to sneak away yesterday and get some Christmas shopping done. We finished all our shopping for the extended family, including both grandmas' December birthdays.

Rather than hit the local mall, we opted to shop at the local shops in Chapel Hill, NC. What a treat it was to explore shops without having to remind a certain child to keep her hands to herself. Or to pause and feed two teen boys every fifteen minutes. We got to take our time! And think, without distraction!

When we got hungry, we stopped for a bite to eat.

On the way home, we decided to make a detour -- this time to the mall to find the elusive last gift. If we'd had the kids with us, we wouldn't have done that either... something about bedtimes and school day mornings.

I'm thankful today for the sweet break with Rob. I'm thankful for two responsible sons who got dinner on the table for the kids, read books with Ellie before bed, made sure she brushed her teeth and tucked her in. Treasured time away with Rob, even for an afternoon of shopping, might be the best gift anyone could ever give me!

Love,

Lightning Strikes!

Hello friends,

Isn't that cool? Our mirror flower!

Crazy 24 hours at the Dawkins house. The remnants of Hurricane Lee finally passed through North Carolina yesterday, no biggie. We had a 45 minute thunderstorm warning and cloudy skies. But just like in life, it's the little thing that tripped us up.

I had just flipped on the Weather Channel to see how much longer we'd have rain (my son still doesn't like to drive in really bad weather -- who really does?). Radar showed that the storm was about to end and then: Ka-BOOM!!!! The house shook and everything got "tingly." The rain was already past! Crazy!

Yep -- the last couple minutes of the storm got us! Thankfully, the damage was minor: a hole in the roof (now tarped), electrical wiring and cable blown to smithereens (but no fire), electrical "stuff" zapped (none of the stuff I want to replace, but none of the big ticket items either -- a nuisance, but not a catastrophe) and our bathroom mirror "baked." (That's actually pretty cool -- apparently the electrical current magnetized the backing and made big brown flowers on the mirror).

It could have been worse. Much, much worse.

As I waited on contractors and insurance adjusters and the pleasant, on-time cable guy today, I had lots of quiet time to think!

It's the little things -- one thought of "I wish my husband was more like...", one look at a pornographic website, one pair of shoes you "just gotta have," or one text while driving -- one small choice that can lead to disaster. One step onto the slippery slope of temptation leads to sin. It doesn't take much to blow the life God's given us into a major disaster.

Thankfully, God's better than any insurance policy (or a really nice, on-time cable guy). God's still there if we mess up. He wants to redeem our lives, set us back on the path He had planned all along. Of course, it looks a little different -- we can't undo the past. My mirror looks a little different too. But, it doesn't mean we can't live in the freedom of God's love.

If you carry guilt about something you have done, please ask God's forgiveness for it -- no matter how great or small. He wants to redeem your life! Check out what His Word says in Ephesians 1:3-10 (MSG):

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

Just a moment to confess our misdeeds. A moment to accept his love, given freely. A moment to receive that forgiveness. Just a moment -- and He wipes the slate clean. WOW!

In Christian love,

Why me?

Friends,
It's one of those days... the kind no one thinks anyone has but them. One kid decided to stay up late last night -- really, really late. Grumpy today. Not my fault, I want to scream. I tucked you in at a reasonable hour. You chose to get up after the house was dark and quiet. Not my fault!

Another one is so excited for school tomorrow that nothing makes sense today. I want to hit the fast forward button and get there, but then I feel guilty for wishing life away.

And the last one procrastinated. Doing things this morning that should have been done last week. Mad. Again, I want to scream, "I'm mad too! I wish you had listened!"

It's the last day of summer. Today should be wrapped in a big giant bow. A gift -- togetherness, fun, one last hurrah before the school year grind begins. Instead, we all are grumpy and frustrated. Why me?

Can you relate? Maybe your kids drive you up a wall? Maybe you set the expectations too high -- wanting perfect, but ending up with blah? Disappointed? Frustrated?

For the longest time, days like this ended as they began. Frustrated. At best, I was thankful we survived. But I don't live that way anymore. I've learned not to define the day by emotions, but instead to choose to take my feelings captive. Yes, captive. In a stranglehold (my feelings, not my kids) if needed.

Today I choose to live differently.
I sent the kids off to the pool (once the dallying one finished up).
I'm headed there soon -- after I shop for food to make a fun dinner for five to celebrate the end of summer.
Most importantly, when they left, I prayed. God, still my heart. Calm my frustration. Show me what's important. Today. Just today.

Gotta run!
A pool chair and three wonderful kids are calling my name!
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A Brand New Year -- In August!

It's a brand new year... day one of year number 22 with my wonderful husband!

We celebrated the milestone with a romantic dinner out last night. Yummy food, relaxed pace of service, and a decadent dessert closed one chapter and opened the next. Our menus even celebrated, personalized with "Happy 21st Anniversary" written at the top. So sweet.... You know it's the little things, right? :D

The coming year is one of our biggest yet!

• We prepare to send kid #1 to college! For the first time ever, our nest will get smaller. Hard to believe!
• My speaking ministry is taking off... a little bit. I'm so excited that it's finally God's time to step forward. My family is 100% behind it, which means the world to me! I couldn't do this if they thought it pulled me away from my first, most important ministry, them!
• Rob and I launch a new small group at our church on -- what else? -- parenting, of course!!! God's brought us through so much, it's about time we give back. We are not perfect. We never will be. We know God is the center and we parent in His confidence. I'm sooooo excited to walk with others -- sometimes encouraging them, sometimes being encouraged. Can't wait!!!

I look back, grateful for all God has done.

I look ahead and marvel at all He still has to do. In me, through me, and around me.

Forever prayerful,

The Cancel Button

My kids: I'm not telling you who this story's about!

For some reason, when I use the microwave, I always mess up. I'll put in the wrong time -- setting the coffee to reheat for 1 second instead of a minute. Or I'll put the chicken in to defrost, but end up setting it to cook instead. Thankfully, the microwave (and lots of other useful gadgets) has a "cancel" button. These machines give me a second chance to get it right!

I wish I had one for my mouth! You know, when hubby comes home from work late and droopy... Instead of "Hey, hurry up. Dinner's on the table," I might actually say "Oh honey, what happened today? You look beat."  Or when the kids shake the house with various crashes and shouts, instead of screaming up the stairs, "Kids. Stop that this instant," I might actually ask, "Hey guys. Whatcha doin' up there?" (My kids actually play together a lot -- why do I always assume the worst?)

Maybe you're not like me... but I know someone out there can relate. Oh please... tell me I'm not alone!!!

Right now, my mouth and I are having a particularly difficult time with one of my kids. This child has always had a hard time understanding "no." I got used to responding to every request loudly, firmly and absolutely. It seemed to be the only thing that sank in. Recently, this kid decided to mature! (Really -- some of you might wonder if it ever happens. Apparently, it does.)

For the most part, this one now thinks before blurting things out, but I still respond loudly, firmly and absolutely. My child, hurt and offended, says, "Mom, you don't have to yell at me. Just say no or later or something nice."

Geesh! When did it get that easy? And why can't I keep up? Seriously, I want a cancel button for my mouth. I want to treat my child with respect and kindness... but I'm not used to the "new and improved" version yet.

Since I don't have a cancel button, I have to settle for "I'm sorry. I'm listening. I'm learning." Then I listen, focus and respond kindly... even when I have to say no. Hopefully I'll catch on soon, but until then, "I'm sorry" will have to do.

Sweet Surprise!

This morning after a fun-filled and somewhat hectic July 4th weekend, I took the kids to the pool. I figured a couple hours of freedom would be nice -- and maybe wear them out a little.

We got to the pool, and as we lugged towels, sunscreen and cooler through the gate, I heard, "Karen Dawkins?" from a familiar, sweet voice. Not so much a question, more the sound of pleasant surprise. I looked over and saw a dear friend at "my" pool.

As it is in life, our lives went different directions and we hadn't seen each other since -- though we kept in touch by facebook. I never would have expected to see her there. But there she was. Joyful reunion.

We laughed. We talked. We understood things without words being said.

I left encouraged for what lies ahead. Energized.

Thank You, God, for this special surprise. Thank You for time with a dear friend -- what I needed the moment I needed it most. Thank You for the gift of her encouragement. I am truly blessed.

You know it's a good day when...

You know it's a good day when:

• You get quiet time with God before the kids wake up -- while it's still actually quiet!
• You survive rush hour traffic, especially when not used to it!
• You get a compliment on your well-behaved children before 10 a.m.
• The dog actually comes the first time she's called.
• Everyone gets everywhere they have to go on time, even though schedules overlap.
• You get to hug the neck of a dear friend you haven't seen in ages!!!

It's been a great day. Counting my blessings as I drift off to sleep tonight!

Memorial Box Monday: Remember. Rejoice.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials, 
so that the tested genuineness of your faith--

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--

may be found to result in praise and glory and honor 
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:6-7

I woke this morning to the news that Osama Bin Laden has finally been killed. I'm so thankful to the U.S. Military and our friends around the globe who helped along the way. The news triggered a flood of memories, catching me off-guard.

The attacks on New York and Washington sent me into a deep crisis of faith. I spiraled into a deep depression and intense, paralyzing fear. My world screeched to a halt. My kids essentially lost their mom for several months. My husband somehow loved me through it all.

Of course, that's not me now. God's love, the promises of hope in His Word, and the love and care of faithful friends helped me overcome. Those friends spoke God's truth into me and pulled me out of the pit. I stand, now, on solid ground... my faith in Jesus.

This morning, with the news of Bin Laden's death, I rejoice. Not so much that he is dead... his journey ends tragically, forever burning in hell. I rejoice that God is bigger than him. God used the events of 9/11 to draw me close to Him. I am forever changed.

Memorial Box Monday started at "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

April 29, 2011 - An Historic Day...

...NOT because of a royal wedding.
It's NATHAN'S 17th BIRTHDAY!!!

Nathan, I love your adventurous spirit!

I love your devotion to family. 

I notice -- in case you wondered -- that you take time to shoot hoops with Ben 

and play princess games with Ellie. You're an incredible big brother.

I enjoyed our Samford trip and appreciate that 

you want our advice on your college search.

I'm so thankful that you want to find a good church, too.

I pray you'll always trust in God.

I wish my grandma could have heard you play piano. You're a gifted musician.

Thank you for practicing without nagging! (Most of the time :D)

I love your sense of individuality!

Sure it's pirates v. ninjas...

You pulled off Gumby pirate like no one else could.

I'm undecided about your love of texting...

At least you text the fam, too.

I love watching you invest in the generation that follows...

priceless!

I'm surprised! You told us you're a great runner.

WOW! I've known you your whole life,

but I didn't know this! 

Happy seventeenth birthday, Nathan (not Nate or Nathaniel)!

I love you, always and forever!

I pray that this year will be filled with joy, 

more understanding of God's plan for you, 

and memories you'll cherish all your life.

Happy Easter!!!

photo © 2007 Zest-pk | more info (via: Wylio)Happy Easter!

Can you tell I've had a crazy week? Between preparing for mock trial competition (my eighth grader) and trying to enjoy spring break with the other two (not so successful -- just so busy), the week has flown by. I could get caught up in all the details and forget what it's all about. But...

 Jesus, my Lord and Savior, lived a sinless life, died undeservedly on a cross and rose again, just for me. And you.

Because of His sacrifice, I parent imperfectly -- and am forgiven.
I forget my purpose -- and am forgiven.
I drop the ball -- and am forgiven.

Because of His great love, I am never alone.
I am filled with His joy to carry me through
Even when life swirls and seems overwhelming.

Today, we are slowing down. I don't want Easter, Jesus' death and resurrection, the very source of Christian life, to pass by unnoticed. I don't want my daughter to get caught up in the Easter bunny, never hearing the message of the Easter Gift.

Yes, it's been a crazy week, but Jesus, I love You. Thank You for sustaining me when I'm running too fast. Thank You for encouraging me, nurturing me, and filling me with joy. I can't imagine life without You. Thank You, dear Jesus, for Easter and my gift of salvation.

Love, Karen

Laundry Day

photo © 2007 Renee | more info (via: Wylio)
My dear husband took our little one to the grocery store. The boys were at church. I was, blissfully, home alone... with piles of laundry. Some people love to do the laundry. Seriously, it's their favorite chore. Some people can't stand it. Those dirty clothes seem to reproduce in the basket and the job never ends.

I'm somewhere in between, I guess. I don't love laundry. I mean, really, stinky teenage socks? ICK! I don't hate it either. As the piles of clean clothes stack up, folded and fresh, I can see my accomplishment. Laundry is laundry.

Until yesterday.

I loaded the bathroom towels into the washer and had a little room left. I trotted upstairs to check bathrooms for any towels that might have been left behind. In the kids' bathroom, three washclothes lined up side by side on the towel bar. They looked cute. I know -- washclothes aren't cute.

But they were.

As I pulled them off the bar, I broke out in a huge grin. It suddenly hit me. No one will ever know that I took a couple extra minutes to get those washcloths. They won't notice when the linen closet is restocked with clean towels. They'd notice if we ran out, though. In that moment, my heart changed. I suddenly realized that laundry is a labor of humble love.

Praising!!!

The apostle Paul instructs believers to praise God in every circumstance. Some circumstances make it easy to pray... others, not so much.

Today, I choose to praise God for:

• Our fireplace and cozy blankets to keep the chills away
• My husband who got up with Ben throughout the night to clean his vomit since I was in bed with a fever. (Rob is highly "allergic" to vomit!!!)
• Seven-up
• Cable television
• Friends who understand when I can't make a deadline due to illness
• Hot tea a la Keurig -- so much easier than a tea kettle with the same great results
• Vicks vaporub -- and the memories that go with it. My grandma swore by it when I was little. Even if it doesn't help, it gives me a sense of comfort and takes me back to sweet memories
• Sweet memories of my grandma 
• Our sweet puppy who seems to understand I just can't play today
• My fuzzy slippers from Ellie

Now, back to bed!