Always be joyful. Pray continually ...

and give thanks whatever happens. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

109.  soaking feet - rubbing the anxiousness away and calming the spirit of a boy and his mama.
110.  words hanging from the ceiling for all to read.

114.  an email changing so much in my little world and my teaching career - one of my biggest fans is leaving.

116.  pizza, ice cream cake and a 34th birthday celebrated well.

119.  cold wind. cold, cold wind.
120.  parents that call (and are willing to call) when they don't understand an assignment.
121.  my mom's amazing way of knowing every birthday song under the sun.

123.  John 16:24 - ask & you will receive ... and your joy will be the fullest joy.
124.  an unexpected card in the mail and words only a "farm girl" would know to write.
125.  warm feet burrowed under my "cold" legs.

128.  bits of sunshine in between snow flurries.
129.  U.S. symbols and their gigantic importance in our country's history.
130.  the majestic bald eagle and future writers.

132.  a bank account loaded with money - only if it is for just one day.

135.  arm loads of hamburger = taco meat for a crowd.

137.  the weather and the "power" it seems to hold over our world.
138.  the Foot Book ... again and again .. practice makes perfect ... well, really - what is perfect?

140.  my newest scarf - made with love just for me ... and admired by all.

142. sharing ideas and watching my friends teach.
143.  realizing that my classroom doesn't function very well without me.

145. a bull calf from Murdock Lindsay sold at a good price.
146.  walking through the grocery store only getting what was written on the list.
147.  a house full of friends, food and laughter!  4 birthdays celebrated and another successful taco feed in the history books.
148.  best friends from Nebraska and an extra bed for them to rest their heads on.

152.  cookies and hot chocolate for breakfast.
153.  mornings with less darkness and a lot more light.
154.  time taken to write a note.

158.  email and the "reply all" ... the misunderstanding ... the laughter ... the WOW!  Did she really type that?
159.  a 10 year old shirt worn proudly.
160.  a "pie in the face" finale that made the crowd go wild.

163.  driving into the sun and feeling the warmth - even at 20 degrees.
164.  a safe 3 hour trip, filled with praise music, soft snores and a beautiful view that leads to "home."
165.  politeness oozing from Mack and Mason - I knew it was in there somewhere.

168.  my mom's arm moving ... and moving well.
169.  old toys, dolls, and clothes that bring back all sorts of wonderful. yes, wonderful.

Slow down!  Did you yawn and stretch and thank Me for a healthy body that can get out of bed?  Did you peek outside and see that beautiful sunrise I made for you?  Did you thank Me for the people who love you?
~ Jesus Calling, Feb. 25th

174.  a common life.
175.  old friends and the miracle of new life... almost here.

176.  a competitive spirit. not always my best character trait.

178.  sunglasses, glow-sticks, birthday candles, bowling pins and a balloon.

179.  dinner, dessert, and a mom to celebrate.

180.  blindfolds and a paper donkey - searching for just the right spot with eyes covered tight - not an easy task, but something we try to do a lot in our every-day lives.

184.  fields covered in snow and worship music.
185.  a sermon from the heart of Uganda.
186.  Praise the Lord.  Amen ... Hallelujah ... Amen.
187.  Peter and the hand that reaches for help to a God who is reaching right back.

189.  A pancake and the magic of a candle.

191.  a gas tank filled with love.
192.  Happy Hour at Sonic.

194.  a car unpacked, laundry started, and a house picked up.
195.  bedtime stories and kisses goodnight.

another week - fully lived ... and lived fully.

........................................

and ... if you haven't started counting your {gifts} that the days, hours, minutes and seconds bring - do.

it's worth all the time in the world.

{5} favorites on Friday.

{1} First graders that love to read & are reading because they love it, not because they have to ... but because they want to.

{2} I tried to be sneaky today & avoid getting a pie in the face ... it didn't work out so well for me and now... well, let's just say I think I got what I deserved.

{3}  My messy desk.   A mess means I've worked hard this week ... and a mess means that I will find little notes and cards and little drawings under to do lists and lesson plans.   Definitely worth the mess.

{4}  Mack loves to sit and watch and read ... as long as he can rub the corner of his blanket along his lip.  Precious, peaceful and probably the one thing I treasure most about his {relationship} with his blanket.

{5}  We're headed {home} for a fun weekend with my family.  Fast & furious ... and another chance to kiss and hug this sweet little girl.

spilling over with goodness.

No man is an island - your actions touch the lives of those close to you ... therefore, the decisions you make today spill over into the lives of others tomorrow. ~ Daily Walk Bible

........................

Lots of goodness spilling over into our lives this week.

This week filled with colds and coughs and runny noses.

This week of cold winds, snow flurries, and hail.

This week of tantrums, tears and toys broken.

.............................

Rough stuff ... but still, through it all, we seek and search for the goodness.

And we find it.

In apples, cattle guards, sweatshirt pockets, and unmasked smiles.

Goodness.  Found.

wordless Wednesday.

423 + 1.

Last Tuesday the words came blinking across my computer screen.

"i've been reading some books that have brought me back to... get together some time this week... feels like it's been way too long... i miss you."

And from 4:30 that afternoon on in the life of me, nothing has been the same.

The very next day, my book arrived.

1000 gifts, unwrapped and poured over with eyes blinking the heaviness of the day away.


............................

Thankfulness has been a character trait I always thought I had.

And after finishing the book Sunday evening, I still do.

I still have {thankfulness} written all over my heart, but it's different.

Different in ways I can't yet explain.

The same, and yet, so different.

Something new awakening in my soul.

Understanding, courage, peace.  Grace flowing ... like a river.

......................

And so, my gifts {that which I am so thankful for} are continuing to bloom and brighten the hard world we live in.

Those tangible ways I am blessed and in turn, can bless others, are new and fresh ... unfolding a new season of my life.

Glimpses of God in the ordinary, in the frustration, in the moments where you see the reflection of yourself and begin to see God.

It's those gifts, that truly make a person.

...........................

I was at 423.

Not counting the entire month of November 2010.

And now, I'm back at 1.

Starting over.

A new understanding of eucharisteo and the desire to share, bless and be blessed in the life I'm meant to live fully.

Yes, fully live.

..................................

1.  the invitation ... and accepting it with anticipation of more of Him and less of me.
2.  a booth in McDonald's Play place where friendship and fellowship echoed and will be etched in my heart and mind forever.
3.  12 penguins and an untidy painter who wasn't afraid to dream.
4.  green crayons and words holding the magic of the "double ee."
5.  cupcakes ... even on paper or in a picture ... they make me happy.
6.  a friend, pliers = fixed panel inside my car.
7.  roses.

8.  a CD filled with 17 songs picked especially for Mason.
9.  pancake mix, syrup, heart molds & 2 little words:  Pancake Girl.
10.  bruises, bumps, and a sweet voice asking, pleading, begging for kisses.
11.  notes scrawled on a church bulletin put into action.
12.  a mirror that is beginning to reflect more of Him ... less of me.
13.  a wardrobe filled with grace.

20.  chocolate chip cookies and jam jars filled with milk.
21.  freckles spattered across noses like paint.
22.  slow, steady heartbeats with no reason or need to race.
23.  my grandma.  and the tears I can hear through her words - tears of joy watering my dry and thirsty soul.

28.  drink in hand, heart open wide, life shared.

31.  brightness. light in the dark morning from a giant-sized moon shining across my sleeping boys.

37.  a slip of paper with a new name and another desk brought through the door.

39. initials, dates, signatures - over and over again - and the peace they bring to the eyes, the soul of my husband.
40.  shades of red, blue & purple bouncing across the growing green wheat as the sun says goodbye to another day.
41.  my name, meaning "peaceful one" ... and the bookmark it's stitched on peeking out from Colossians.

51.  sunshine, jump ropes, and jungle gyms.
52.  puzzles and the "teamwork" they whisper as the pieces come together.

55.  sitting with 2 of my oldest friends and sharing life.

59.  a whole night of uninterrupted rest.
60.  cousins and the laughter they create.

61.  cold air blowing reason to stay inside.
62.  a new mama's MOO.
63.  watching and waiting ... and then the sigh of relief when # 2 arrived.
64.  twins and a first-time mama ... who knew exactly what to do.

67.  pitchforks.

68.  salsa made and savored ... addicting in it's warmth and flavor.
69.  words of praise and thanks from a surprising source.

75.  fits and the peace that comes after the storm.
76.  cherry pie, heart crust and George Washington.

77.  soft snores, a day well lived and reasons to give thanks.  so many, many reasons.

80.  hangers with the garments that need to saturate my soul.

84.  apples gone bad and horses that love them anyway.

85.  books with hidden surprise flaps.
86.  belly laughs from Sofia.

88.  journals crated for "such a time as this."
89.  Luke 1:37 ... nothing is impossible with God.  nothing.
90.  phone calls and news of a baby boy.

92.  my sister - ambitious, gracious, patient, beautiful.  mine.

95.  my husband in a cowboy hat - home earlier than expected.

98.  enough quiet to hear the dishwasher cycling.
99.  hugs and kisses goodbye with anticipation of another visit in just a few short days.  5 sleeps from now.

106.  last pages turned.  and I begin to read again.
107.  a stamp, some ink and a reason to mark the days.  each day a gift, an opportunity to bless and be blessed.
................................

Trusting and and being thankful are choices only you can make ... and they are two things you must have {must practice} to stay close to {God} ~ Jesus Calling; 365 Devotions for Kids, February 21.

{5} on friday.

{1} Waking up to snow.  Lots of beautiful white snow ... and leaving school 9 hours later in sunshine and no snow to be found.

{2} $5 foot long Subway sandwiches and friends to share them with.  Spicy Italian on wheat will always be my favorite.

{3} An amazing American Dream production put on by our 3rd graders ... the best way to start President's Day weekend ever.  I'm proud to be a Rocky Heights Raccoon {and an American} - so very proud.

{4} This play list from Hillsong Chapel.  It speaks to my soul and fills me with a spirit of true worship. Scroll down toward the bottom of their page to listen to the album. It's beautiful.

{5} Voicemail from my beautiful sister ... who is on her way to see me!! Blessed indeed.

............................

So ...

here we go ...

running full-speed ahead ...

into days filled with reason to give thanks and experience grace!

... because if our days aren't filled with that ... well, then we're not alive.

So run friends, run ... and find the blessings that await you at every turn, every corner, every step, every door.

Run and don't turn back.

The best is yet to come.

my wardrobe.

I have a few friends who have been posting about their wardrobes.

They're sharing what they're doing to "wear" what they have - changing it up a bit and giving older things new life.

It's refreshing and fun to see such style and beauty come from that which isn't necessarily "new."

But ...

It's also brought a lot of questions and thoughts into my mind about what a wardrobe really is, and as I turn the pages of the books stacked on my night stand I truly begin to understand what "style" really is.

I begin to clothe myself differently.

I begin to see my outward appearance as insignificant - and the grace and mercy and thankfulness pumping through my veins as the items of necessity - ones I should never live a day without.

........................................................

I stood at my closet this morning and fingered through the shirts and sweaters hanging in neat tidy rows. 

I looked up to the folded stacks of jeans.

I pushed the trousers and khaki pants aside.

Nothing seemed to catch my eye.

Everything looked old, out-dated, worn.

The colors aren't as vibrant as they once were.

They are marked with wrinkles and stains.

I finally grabbed a striped shirt, some ironed jeans (I know what you're thinking ... who really irons their jeans?) and a pair of socks ... glancing briefly in the mirror.

.....................................

My closet, your closet, any closet ... a blessing or a curse?  A blessing, when we have been chosen by Him.

..........................

Colossians 3:12-17

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

....................................

Styles come and go.

Clothes become worn, loose fitting (or tight fitting).

But the wardrobe God picked out for me - what am I doing with that?

How does it fit?

Do I choose that before anything else?

Have I boxed it up for another season or tried to give it away because it didnt' fit quite right?

..............................

After today, my closet will hold hangers with words (mixed in with my clothes).

Yes, words.

As silly as it sounds, I'm creating a closet with purpose.

I will reach for compassion and wear it proudly.

I will button kindness around me to keep the warmth in.

My legs will be held secure with humility and quiet strength.

Discipline will wrap itself tightly around my neck against the winds that blow my way.

Love will cover my head and saturate my soul.

.........................................

If those articles, those words, those things that God says need to, have to, define us aren't worn for all to see, then I've failed at my choice of attire.

In style ... or out of style ... without His spirit, His cloak of love, I am nothing.

............................................

His hands.

When I downloaded these pictures onto my computer Sunday night, I laughed.

I giggled out loud - remembering exactly what had been going on right before I took these pictures.

And then, after the smile faded from my face, I focused my attention on his hands.

....................................

His hands ... so little now, but not little for long.

.................................

What will his hands make, mold and create?

What will his hands hold tight to?   Reigns, handlebars, chains, horns, steering wheels, a Bible, a ring, a wife, children?

What will his hands cover up and wipe away?

What will they push?

What will they pull?

What books will they hold?

What words will they write?

Will they share hope?

Will they offer forgiveness?

Will they be worn out with love?

What will they give?

What will they receive?

How many times a day will they fold in prayer?

What will these hands become?

.................................

My prayer is this:

That they will bring greatness.

That they will offer joy.

That they will be firm and strong.

That they will hold tight to truth.

That they will be opened with love.

..................

about 222 seconds with these 2.

seek ... and you shall find.

The past 7 days went down in my life’s history book as “hard.” Actually I think the past year has been "hard." Not in a bad way ... just growing me and making me the wife and mother ... the friend and teacher ... the daughter and sister ... the child of God I'm supposed to be.

Rough, tough, and yet filled with moments of God’s goodness and blessings seeping through the cracks of tiredness, frustration, anxiousness, and {so much more}.

Blessings and goodness that put everything in perspective.

And so I seek.

With eyes wide open and arms stretched high for that which is meant for me.

The love that only He can give.

Luke 11:9-13

"Here's what I'm saying:
Ask and you'll get;
Seek and you'll find;
Knock and the door will open.

"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing—you're at least decent to your own children.

And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"

.......................

382. Postcards from Papa George.

383. High expectations.

384. An envelope in the mailbox filled with encouragement and love. Thank you Brenna!

385. Valentine socks and the joy they bring.

386. A gift card found and a much needed purchase made.

387. Lunch pails and love notes.

388. Sandwiches, celery, orange slices and water – day after day after day.

389. Scripture … God’s voice … words that are meant to be read, re-read and shared.

390. The right ingredients and hungry stomachs = provision.

391. Phone calls from friends.

392. Women and men whom I spend 2/3 or my life with each year that see me at my best, and worst … and love me, support me, and cheer me on – day after day after day.

393. An amazing high school student placed in my room 2 hours a day – willing, ready and able.

394. A desk piled with papers, drawings, rocks, paper clips, pictures and love! What would an organized desk be like? I’ll never know.

395. Dreaming of Hawaii with my teaching partners.

396. Unexpected gifts from friends and a new camera strap. Thank you Shara!

397. Phone calls, conversations, comments, and words that speak LOVE, admiration, and encouragement directly to my soul.

398. A wardrobe that still “works” and keeps me clothed and comfortable.

399. Penguins and the silly noises they make … and how silly I must sound trying to replicate them as I read Mr. Popper’s Penguins to my class.

400. Parents that are comfortable talking to me, crying with me, emailing me, and communicating with me on a regular basis.

401. Subway $5 foot longs, a mini-van and laughter.

402.Recess duty. What would life be like without that too? I’ll never know.

403. A new oven and stove top from Mimzy!

404. 4 haircuts, a bit of color for me, and a “cape” of our very own.

405. A Starbucks treat left on my desk.

406. Breakfast out with Papa & Mimzy!

407. Washed vehicles, and the realization that we almost forgot what color they really were.

408. Celebrating Emerson’s life … the twinkle in his eye and his genuine smile will be missed so very much.

409. A successful 30 minutes in a church pew and a little nap for Mack too.

410. A Valentine package stuffed in the mailbox – stuffed full of Love from Papa & Mor Mor!

411. Dinner out!! - With some of my best friends, and biggest fans in a community I love.

412. Pictures sold to one of my favorite classroom families – thank you Dixon’s for supporting education in our community whole hearted. You are appreciated!

413. Crab, steak, and more crab!! Every bite melted in my mouth and was washed down with happiness and laughter!

414. A pirate party purchased! Mack is going to LOVE turning 4 … argh!

415. Mack’s new little habit of crossing his legs while lying down, watching his “favorite” show … which is usually anything that’s on.

416. Sleeping in – it does a body good.

417. A menu planned and groceries purchased.

418. A picnic in the back seat of the car with my 2 favorite boys.
Sunshine.

419. The stack of books next to my bed and the good they do for my heart and soul.

420. {standing} to worship in the front pew and not caring if anyone behind me could see.

421. Turning the BBQ on and enjoying Murdock Cattle sirloin at its best!

422. Laying my head down and not remembering that I fell asleep.

423. Rest.
………………………………

May you feel His love on this day of {love}.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Had a picture in my head

 of how I thought it ought to go

but look who showed up instead

turns out you never know.

Love will steal you by surprise ...

and take your heart just like a thief.

..........................

I wouldn't change a thing ... it's perfectly imperfect.

And something tells me that even if I could ...

I wouldn't change a thing.

......................

Matthew West's {Next Great Love Song} ... go listen now at Klove.com!!

the password that matters most.

we all have them.

the {logins} to our life.

bank accounts.

social networks.

online shops.

search engines.

For business and pleasure, our {passwords} give us access to most everything in our lives.

And the funny thing about passwords is ... they are one big secret.

They're not supposed to be shared.

They're supposed to change frequently.

They're supposed to be kept hidden and private.

........................................

Our {passwords} often define us.

What are we accessing?

How much are we spending?

What are we wishing we had that we don't own already?

How do we spend our time?

Who are we reading about?

Which people mean the most to us?

What can we buy that will make us better?

.................................

a password is: A secret word or phrase that one uses to gain admittance or access to information.

a password is: A code used to gain access (login) to a locked system.

but ...

the password that matters most is found in Psalm 100.

"On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,

sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever."

..................................

So my question to you ...

What place, what site, what account, what shop, what people are you logging into that receive more of your time and energy than that which you give to {worship} the God that created you?

To truly worship God means you enter His courts with Praise, not just once, but over and over again.

Repeating, singing, shouting that {password} of thanks.

You don't want to be anywhere else.

... and those two words ... that password that matters most ...

Well, they are going to put you in a place where you desire nothing more than to be right where you're at.

With no more, and no less.

In His presence.

.................

Two simple words.

Thank.

You.

Go there ... right now ... and see for yourself how good amazing it feels to be right where you belong.

And suddenly, you'll find the words {thank you} around every corner and on every page ... and you'll know that He's whispering to your soul.

Thank you for trusting Me.

Thank you for seeking Me.

Thank you for wanting Me over all else in this world.

Thank you.