Tag

I am new to the cyber world and playing "Tag" in cyber space seems a bit . . . silly, but since my husband "tagged" me, here goes:

8 Things that I did Yesterday:
1. Prayed with my husband
2. Read to my children
3. Celebrated the last day of school at the park
4. Read my Bible
5. Talked to a friend
6. Whispered "I love you" to my little girl
7. Watched hockey, and basketball, and baseball
8. Walked in the rain

8 Things that I Wish/Want to do:
1. Own land
2. Finish my scrap books
3. Know God
4. Read more
5. Bless my children
6. Bless my husband
7. Run
8. Be a good friend

8 Things that I am looking forward to:
1. Spending time with my parents and grandparents this summer
2. Traveling to D. C. with my husband (without the kids)
3. Seeing my "other children"
4. Sharing the lessons that God has lovingly taught me
5. Teaching 2nd grade and Kindergarten in the fall
6. Running a long race
7. Taking quiet walks outside
8. Football season

While there could be many more items on each list. "These are a few of my favorite things." At least at this moment in time, they came to mind.

The Giver of Good Gifts

I am pregnant again. Anyone who has been pregnant knows that there are many emotions and feelings associated with the first weeks of finding out about a new pregnancy. No matter the circumstances there are always feelings of fear, hope, joy, and sorrow. My emotions have been a bit more unsettled this time around. I find myself assuming that we will not carry this baby to term. I think that this is my way of self-protecting. It is easier not to invest than to face the idea of losing another child. But as usual, God doesn't see it that way, and as I am learning, He isn't content for me to rest in the comfortable niche that I have made for myself. He has wonderful lessons for me to learn even in the quiet places of my mind.

In the quiet dark of this morning, lying next to my sleeping husband, God whispered into my heart that this child is also a gift. Just as are the three sleeping down the hall and the three waiting in heaven. Each child that I have carried, if only for a few weeks, is part of my family and my life. Each one has been a gift to me from the One who only gives good gifts, from the One who blesses me each day with the smiles and love of my living children. And from the One who has blessed me to carry three other precious little ones. Whatever time that the LORD God of Heaven and Earth chooses for me to have with this child is a gift, and I do not want to squander this time no matter how long or short by fearing the path ahead.

I trust you, God to do and work the thing that pleases you with my life and the life of this little one. Thank you, too, for this gift.

The Gift of the Marathon

Yesterday, my husband ran his first marathon. I am so proud of him. Watching him as he labored along the course and then finished in victory, caused me to think about several things. I wanted to be running. Whenever I see others running, I want to run too. I hoped that he was having fun and savoring the experience. The marathon is different than many events in that one might train and prepare for many months, but not get to finish the race for reasons out of one's control. The race and its running are a gift.

Life is a gift. Each step is a blessing and should be taken with joy and thanksgiving to the God who has given it. Sometimes, I function as if, I have control over the events of my days. But when, I recognize who is really in control and enjoy each step, I have more fun and so do those around me.

Today is my "marathon." Today is my opportunity to relish my gift.