Well a lot has happened since my last post. My mom got out of the hospital, she went back in, and she got out again. She is still struggling and she desperately needs all the prayers she can get. But today is not about that or her struggles. Today is my birthday. It has been a mostly fantastic day. I was with my family and that is what matters most to me. The funny thing about this is that I have had a complex about my age since I turned 25. 9 years later....I think I am over it. My sister told me once that the thirties have been the best ages for her. She really discovered herself in her thirties (I may be misstating) and how comfortable she is in herself. I was really in awe of her for that.
My thirties started when I was pregnant with my daughter, and have just gotten better since then. I think it is awesome that my grandmother was thirty years old when she had my mom, my mom was thirty when she had me, I was thirty when I had my daughter. Just something that happened but pretty special to me. In my thirties I have become a mother, had a battle with weight that I struggle with my whole life...and won for about 2 years now, came to the strongest relationship I could have never imagined with Christ my Savior, started and complete a few bible studies, continued to help people, learned a delicate balance of my life (yes it gets off balance a lot but it is a start), started to truly become comfortable in my own skin, lost the harsh alligator skin that I had for too many years, shed a lot of my sarcastic nature, take life a little less seriously, did things I NEVER thought I would do, become a version of myself that is more of who I am than I ever knew existed, become comfortable with my self, had hard conversations with people that really needed to happen, forgiven myself for many things and asked forgiveness for many things, learned the true meaning of marriage and love, moved away from the past and looked to the future, dealt with some of my own issues that I didnt really want to face. Now while that may be the longest run on sentence ever, it is just a little of how I feel. Those things never seemed attainable to me. True happiness in God, a marriage of love and trust and gratitude that is my fairy tale come true. My amazing husband knows that even when I dont say the right thing, he knows whats in my heart. I mean I am seriously bad about opening presents and saying something ridiculous. He (now) laughs and hugs me and knows what I was really trying to say. I am so very blessed beyond measure. God has been so very good to us. My sweet hubby said "I hope you like what I got you." It wasnt about the gifts to me, it was that he was there. We went to breakfast as a family. We ran errands as a family. We opened presents as a family. We had lunch as a family. You get the idea. We were all together. We went to see my parents. I took time to sit and talk/yell at my mom. Not really yell, just hopefully inspire and light that fire that she needs right now, I did get a wee fired up and got louder. But hey who is shocked by that...
My point is this, at age 19 I had a lot of knowledge and wisdom that people that age never fathomed, but I still had a lot of growing up to do. I did. There are still more things to learn, do, live, get over etc. But I have come so far. That brings such a smile to my face. Its my birthday. I used to run and slink away from it. Now I think I will relish it. I saw something somewhere (very specific I know) that said You should not be upset about getting older. Not everyone gets that privilege. That may not be the exact words but you get the idea. It gave me a lot of perspective. I may not be the coolest or hippest person out there. But I am me. And that is good enough. Praise God for that! Thank you to my family and friends who have been with me through this journey. You are all truly Godsends! You are good enough too, in case some one hasnt told you lately.
Whitney
Friday, January 25, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Glory in the Disaster
The last 5 weeks and 2 days have had my mom in the hospital. Tomorrow she is supposed to go home. She has (in my opinion) been to hell and back during this time. Chaos, illness, surgery, and more complications and ups and downs than I could have ever imagined have happened during this time. My dad and I have been up just about every day...until we got sick. My dad, my daughter, and I all managed to go down at the same time. My husband is the last man standing. We are all getting better. But today when I got the news that mom gets to come home tomorrow I immediately started praising God. Of course. That is natural. But what I was praising Him for struck me as funny. It reminds me of James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
I had been on the phone with my dad and we were having a wonderful conversation about the book of Ecclesiastes. I praised God for how my relationship with my dad has grown during this time. We have banded and bonded together, and it is good for us on many levels. I praised God for the prayer warriors who have been with us and stuck by us since day one. I praised God for the prayer warriors that I didnt know were there. I praised God for the all uplifting and encouraging emails, texts, phone calls, face book messages that all of us have received. I praised God that when all of us were ready to give up, that He was there and He was faithful. I praised God for hearing our cries, and they were there daily in multitudes. I praised God for the people who took over without even asking or being asked to step in and help take care of and be there for my mother when we could not. I praised God for such an amazing surrounding of people that I will never look at the same. I praised God because I am so grateful for everyone during this time that my words dont seem to be enough, and that seems to be okay. I praised God for my sister, I talked/messaged with her more during all of this than I had in the whole 10 months they had been gone. I needed that. I needed her. Still do. I praised God at how amazingly well Haley has handled everything from the hospital, to after the surgery, all of it. I praised God for our faithfulness even when we felt tested. I know many years ago, all of us would have handled this differently. I just simply praised God. I still am. I will continue to.
When I first studied James (with my amazing bible study ladies) I looked at that verse with such trepidation. I now know that I have lived it, and it is hard but it is true. There are a few times we weren't sure that things were going to turn out the way we wanted, to put it politely. But we remained faithful in our prayers and in our God. He is the great physician. We have persevered. We will continue to persevere. There is still an uphill battle with her recovery, but He can do it and so can we. We will be strong and faithful. I never would have imagined this road 5 weeks ago, and I dont want to do it again. But I can find the joy in the pain. I was able to ask for help, and when it was offered, accept help graciously, that is something I am beyond horrible at. I am grateful that so many people around us were here for us. It means the world to all of us. Thank you friends. Thank you family. Thank you God. By no means is it over but I feel like she will be so much happier at home. So I praise God. He is great. Tomorrow our new "trials of many kinds" begin, but with God, we can do this. Be faithful dear friends.
Whitney
I had been on the phone with my dad and we were having a wonderful conversation about the book of Ecclesiastes. I praised God for how my relationship with my dad has grown during this time. We have banded and bonded together, and it is good for us on many levels. I praised God for the prayer warriors who have been with us and stuck by us since day one. I praised God for the prayer warriors that I didnt know were there. I praised God for the all uplifting and encouraging emails, texts, phone calls, face book messages that all of us have received. I praised God that when all of us were ready to give up, that He was there and He was faithful. I praised God for hearing our cries, and they were there daily in multitudes. I praised God for the people who took over without even asking or being asked to step in and help take care of and be there for my mother when we could not. I praised God for such an amazing surrounding of people that I will never look at the same. I praised God because I am so grateful for everyone during this time that my words dont seem to be enough, and that seems to be okay. I praised God for my sister, I talked/messaged with her more during all of this than I had in the whole 10 months they had been gone. I needed that. I needed her. Still do. I praised God at how amazingly well Haley has handled everything from the hospital, to after the surgery, all of it. I praised God for our faithfulness even when we felt tested. I know many years ago, all of us would have handled this differently. I just simply praised God. I still am. I will continue to.
When I first studied James (with my amazing bible study ladies) I looked at that verse with such trepidation. I now know that I have lived it, and it is hard but it is true. There are a few times we weren't sure that things were going to turn out the way we wanted, to put it politely. But we remained faithful in our prayers and in our God. He is the great physician. We have persevered. We will continue to persevere. There is still an uphill battle with her recovery, but He can do it and so can we. We will be strong and faithful. I never would have imagined this road 5 weeks ago, and I dont want to do it again. But I can find the joy in the pain. I was able to ask for help, and when it was offered, accept help graciously, that is something I am beyond horrible at. I am grateful that so many people around us were here for us. It means the world to all of us. Thank you friends. Thank you family. Thank you God. By no means is it over but I feel like she will be so much happier at home. So I praise God. He is great. Tomorrow our new "trials of many kinds" begin, but with God, we can do this. Be faithful dear friends.
Whitney
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The Crazy in the Chaos
So in this past month, my world has really been turned upside down. With my mom being so sick, basically we have been to the hospital, to home, to the hospital, to the grocery store, to the hospital, to home. Christmas came and went and my mom is still in the hospital. New Years' same thing. Since school stopped, my poor child has basically had mommy, daddy when he is home from work, and back and forth from the hospital. She is going crazy. I am going crazy. My house is a never ending mess it feels like. I feel so spread thin that I don't even know what to do with myself. And worse is that when I sit still I feel guilty because I know my poor dad is going even more crazy than I am. I want/need to take care of my family and my responsibilities, but I want to be at the hospital for my mom, try and help my dad when he will let me, keep everyone updated on my moms condition, and in the midst of this my incredible husband studied basically nonstop since Christmas for his hardest certification yet. Dear Lord, I am tired. I need just a few minutes of peace and quiet, and also a clean house would be nice. I will even clean my house if I could have someone entertain or be entertained by my child for a few hours. God is so good. He has been our rock through this whole ordeal. My faith has been tested and grown during all of this.
It's very easy to fall into the woe is me thought when things are not going as planned, or not going well. My entire family has been lifted up by prayer, faith, friends, love, and God. This season has taught us all something. Definitely to be thankful for our health and the loved ones that surround us. I have been truly amazed and encouraged and lifted up by the outpouring of love and prayers that are coming our way. It is such a Godly awesomeness. So why do I feel so beat down, well a month of this will take its toll on anyone. I am not trying to complain or whine. Really I think I would just feel better if I had a clean house. I do so much better when my house is clean. Next week, my little one is back in school so that will make me feel better when at least she is getting to interact with other kiddos again. Luckily for her, she got some pretty awesome and entertaining things for Christmas. I know life will not just go back to normal for us from this point, but it will feel more normal when I get to run to my parents house to visit and help out. Hospitals are just draining I think. Thats what it feel like right now anyway. It will get better. God is good, faithful, never ending, never leaving. I thank all who have thought and prayed for us. We have a long way to go, but we are hopeful in Him.
Whitney
It's very easy to fall into the woe is me thought when things are not going as planned, or not going well. My entire family has been lifted up by prayer, faith, friends, love, and God. This season has taught us all something. Definitely to be thankful for our health and the loved ones that surround us. I have been truly amazed and encouraged and lifted up by the outpouring of love and prayers that are coming our way. It is such a Godly awesomeness. So why do I feel so beat down, well a month of this will take its toll on anyone. I am not trying to complain or whine. Really I think I would just feel better if I had a clean house. I do so much better when my house is clean. Next week, my little one is back in school so that will make me feel better when at least she is getting to interact with other kiddos again. Luckily for her, she got some pretty awesome and entertaining things for Christmas. I know life will not just go back to normal for us from this point, but it will feel more normal when I get to run to my parents house to visit and help out. Hospitals are just draining I think. Thats what it feel like right now anyway. It will get better. God is good, faithful, never ending, never leaving. I thank all who have thought and prayed for us. We have a long way to go, but we are hopeful in Him.
Whitney
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Confidence in the Self
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by people you love. My Christmas was good but will be great when my mom gets out of the hospital. It seems like things just keep coming up. But Praise God they are being caught and dealt with before major issues arise. But that is not what this post is about. Its not even my normal post I think. But a friend of mine came to visit my mom in the hospital. This friend is a dear friend of mine and has been for a long time. She has always been a confident woman not afraid to speak her mind. Anyway, she had lost some weight and looked great (as she always has), and said that she had reached her goal weight and was happy. Well, I thought about that. After I had my daughter, I was rather large. I was under the idea that baby weight just came off. Yep...I could not have been more wrong. Anyway, 2 years later, I have lost the baby weight plus some. I reached my original goal weight. I think most girls just have a number in their head of what they would like to see on the scale. Well, I hit that. Keep in mind, I am doing this the old fashioned way...good ole healthy eating and exercise. It is kind of my hubby and I's thing. We have really gotten into fitness and continue to find and do new programs all the time. Right now we are both doing Les Mills Combat which I love for many reasons. Also eating healthy, we dont like to say diet, because typically when you "lose" weight you find it again. We dont want to do that. So we made a lifestyle change and eat healthy. I get so excited when my sweet daughter eats her fruit and veggies before anything else. Anyway, I digress. So I hit my goal weight and said...hmmmm I wonder if I can do an extra 10 pounds. I am about 5 pounds down with 5 left to go. Then I just want to stay fit and healthy.
But during this journey, I realized I had never felt confident in myself. Not that I can think of ever. I have always had extra pounds to lose. Again in the hospital, someone was visiting my mom and was speaking of her specialty red velvet cakes (one of my favorites next to these super yummy cupcakes a precious lady in bible study makes). She said she could bring me one, and I said something to the effect of its not good for my eating habits. She replied with something to the effect of you are not going to lose 22 pounds like so and so did when so and so was in the hospital are you. I replied for the first time in my life that I dont actually have 22 pounds to lose. Yet, I am still not comfortable/confident with how I look. Mainly my belly. I feel like no matter how much I have worked, there is still that little pooch that reminds me of jello. Yes, I should wear my mommy belly proudly, as I carried a wonderful child in there but it still escapes. Yes I like myself, there are things about my self I would change (the jello pooch is obvious) but for the most part I like who I am and what I look like, but I have never exuded that confidence my friend had. I may look confident to others as they pass by, but sometimes I feel thats just real world training. You can't look weak or insecure. I want that confidence in myself. I know it is and I am a work in progress. I am already liking the results I am seeing 2 weeks into my combat journey, but I wonder how many people feel like I do? I will never be the size 0 or 2. I am not structurally built that way. But I should be proud of my journey and who I am and who cares what I look like. God loves me and so does my husband. I dont know. Maybe I am just weird. There are just days when I need to take my mind off all that is going on right now. I guess this was the winner today. For those of you who read this I encourage you to hug and kiss your loved ones. Treasure them for they are treasures. Also, remember that no matter what God loves you. No matter what is going on in your life, He is there and always will be. Turn your eyes to the Lord.
But during this journey, I realized I had never felt confident in myself. Not that I can think of ever. I have always had extra pounds to lose. Again in the hospital, someone was visiting my mom and was speaking of her specialty red velvet cakes (one of my favorites next to these super yummy cupcakes a precious lady in bible study makes). She said she could bring me one, and I said something to the effect of its not good for my eating habits. She replied with something to the effect of you are not going to lose 22 pounds like so and so did when so and so was in the hospital are you. I replied for the first time in my life that I dont actually have 22 pounds to lose. Yet, I am still not comfortable/confident with how I look. Mainly my belly. I feel like no matter how much I have worked, there is still that little pooch that reminds me of jello. Yes, I should wear my mommy belly proudly, as I carried a wonderful child in there but it still escapes. Yes I like myself, there are things about my self I would change (the jello pooch is obvious) but for the most part I like who I am and what I look like, but I have never exuded that confidence my friend had. I may look confident to others as they pass by, but sometimes I feel thats just real world training. You can't look weak or insecure. I want that confidence in myself. I know it is and I am a work in progress. I am already liking the results I am seeing 2 weeks into my combat journey, but I wonder how many people feel like I do? I will never be the size 0 or 2. I am not structurally built that way. But I should be proud of my journey and who I am and who cares what I look like. God loves me and so does my husband. I dont know. Maybe I am just weird. There are just days when I need to take my mind off all that is going on right now. I guess this was the winner today. For those of you who read this I encourage you to hug and kiss your loved ones. Treasure them for they are treasures. Also, remember that no matter what God loves you. No matter what is going on in your life, He is there and always will be. Turn your eyes to the Lord.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
The Heartbreak in the Season
We finished Nehemiah at the beginning on December. The name of the study was Nehemiah, A heart that can break. Well this December has been filled with tragedy and sadness in all directions for me. My precious mom has been sick and is in the hospital. We are not sure when she will be getting out, but we are praying before Christmas. A friends sisters husband had a heart attack and passed away at the age of 42, leaving behind his wife and 2 children. Another friends friend sister was killed in a car accident leaving behind her husband and 4 kiddos 3 of which are very young. Oh yeah and she was pregnant. Then yesterday the senseless killing of so many innocent children and teachers who died protecting them. Not to mention the previous months of losing my grandmother and my husbands grandfather. My heart is broken. Truly broken. The brokenness of it all is so much especially at this joyful time of year. I myself have been busy and exhausted. With my mom in the hospital, all my "plans" have been altered. I try and get up there most days to see her and spend some time with her. Other days I just cant. When I cant, it breaks my heart again. I don't know if I have ever felt so broken over a Christmas season. But what I do know is that I have felt closer to God because of it all. I have cried out to him, it feels like every day. My daily prayers have changed to crying out to him for healing and comfort of all those broken around me. It just seems natural to do so. Yesterday, I left extra early to pick up my daughter from preschool and hold her extra tight. I took her to Sweet Cece's just because I could. Last night there was a cookie exchange that I missed, because my husband works so very hard so I can stay home, so I sat and snuggled with my girl and read her books until bed time. I thought of those who could no longer do that, and I was sad for them and grateful to hold my little girl in my arms. I have seen political rhetoric asking for a ban of guns, more help for the mentally disabled and more.
Here are my thoughts, no one could have seen this coming. I think we are affected by this because they were small innocent children who did not deserve this (not that anyone does but we hold children in higher regard as a society). People in general want to blame someone or something, guns, God, mental ability etc. Lets all be real for a minute....guns don't kill people and a gun ban will just bring about more guns, God had nothing to do with this, evil exists and this is proof, God will be there for those families and what He will do with it is only known to Him alone, as for mental ability, I have no information to bring to that other than no one can know the thoughts of every single person at every single moment of every single day. It just cant happen. People want to blame. How about instead looking to God and trying to live as He guides us to. True peace can only come from Him. Peace like a River. I cannot imagine being one of those parents in Connecticut, but I will continue to pray for them, and all the families right now that need prayers. Instead of trying to place blame and throw our political ideas out there, lets try to grieve as a country, pray as a country, and live as children of God. In the tragedy that surrounds us, I find comfort in seeing more and more people turning their eyes to the Lord. Maybe thats we are getting out of this. Remembering that Jesus is the reason for the Season. Our Savior was born and died for us. Let us not forget that fact. I leave you with something I saw on Facebook and thought appropriate to share:
This was written by Max Lucado today and is a prayer that could could spill from any of our hearts this evening:
Dear Jesus,
It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. T
Here are my thoughts, no one could have seen this coming. I think we are affected by this because they were small innocent children who did not deserve this (not that anyone does but we hold children in higher regard as a society). People in general want to blame someone or something, guns, God, mental ability etc. Lets all be real for a minute....guns don't kill people and a gun ban will just bring about more guns, God had nothing to do with this, evil exists and this is proof, God will be there for those families and what He will do with it is only known to Him alone, as for mental ability, I have no information to bring to that other than no one can know the thoughts of every single person at every single moment of every single day. It just cant happen. People want to blame. How about instead looking to God and trying to live as He guides us to. True peace can only come from Him. Peace like a River. I cannot imagine being one of those parents in Connecticut, but I will continue to pray for them, and all the families right now that need prayers. Instead of trying to place blame and throw our political ideas out there, lets try to grieve as a country, pray as a country, and live as children of God. In the tragedy that surrounds us, I find comfort in seeing more and more people turning their eyes to the Lord. Maybe thats we are getting out of this. Remembering that Jesus is the reason for the Season. Our Savior was born and died for us. Let us not forget that fact. I leave you with something I saw on Facebook and thought appropriate to share:
This was written by Max Lucado today and is a prayer that could could spill from any of our hearts this evening:
Dear Jesus,
It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. T
icked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Service in the Season
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We sure did. It was filled with food, family, fun, and of course doctors. But that is another story for another time. Everyone is okay so no worries. We had family time and got our Christmas tree up. I love this time of year. People are generally happier (when not in traffic or shopping). People seem to come together more. But I have always loved Christmas. I think it is the whole spirit of everything. This year I thought about doing an advent calendar. One of service. I don't think I am that great at service but I want to get better and I want to teach my daughter. Well I stumbled on a pin on pinterest. I had a free moment while my husband was working out and my daughter was sleeping. I decided to actually read it, you know instead of just pinning and moving on. I could not be happier that I did. It was a total God thing!
The blog is http://lillightomine.com/index.php. Her project is called Light 'Em Up!, the slogan is "Families Light Up the Community with Kindness". Wow. This was what I was looking for and did not even know it. She talks about bringing God glory this season and remembering that it is all about Him and not us. Teaching her kids what is really important this time of year. She has ideas, printable tags, well just about all the resources you need to do this. I printed it out and talked it over with my husband. We split the list of 100 and circled things we actually thought we could do. There ended up being 24. Now they will likely be done in chunks not everyday, but it is such a big step in the right direction. I was so excited about this. I just wanted to share with everyone. She says something that made my heart smile , " The unofficial Light 'Em Up 2012 No Mom Guilt Pledge:
The blog is http://lillightomine.com/index.php. Her project is called Light 'Em Up!, the slogan is "Families Light Up the Community with Kindness". Wow. This was what I was looking for and did not even know it. She talks about bringing God glory this season and remembering that it is all about Him and not us. Teaching her kids what is really important this time of year. She has ideas, printable tags, well just about all the resources you need to do this. I printed it out and talked it over with my husband. We split the list of 100 and circled things we actually thought we could do. There ended up being 24. Now they will likely be done in chunks not everyday, but it is such a big step in the right direction. I was so excited about this. I just wanted to share with everyone. She says something that made my heart smile , " The unofficial Light 'Em Up 2012 No Mom Guilt Pledge:
1. I am a mom with mouths to feed, etc. – this isn’t the #1 priority
2. I have other Christmas traditions that are good and worthy
3. If I don’t implement this, I am still a great mom
4. If I try this only on one day, I am still a great mom
5. If I see a mom that goes nuts with this – I can celebrate her and not condemn myself
6. I do not have to plan every detail – I can leave room for what might just happen if our hearts are open to the needs around us.
7. No matter my budget or ounce of craftiness - I am open to see how this might work – my family, our way"
T This made my heart smile because mom guilt comes so easy. I beat myself up over not doing enough, not being able to pay off someones layaway, not being able to do the HUGE gift card, etc. This reminder to me was so great. It told me that our 24 was great. The 2 a week I had originally set as my goal was great. I can try. I am open to this and more. I am a good mom. Sometimes I need to hear that, and as I set my heart on a new path I needed that. This is something I can do. My daughter may be 3, but she can hand out candy canes (and eat them) and I can start the foundation for a new tradition with our family. There are lots of ways to serve this year and every year. I also want to bring notice to http://www.small-comforts.org/index.html.
This is an organization trying to help kids who are being placed in foster homes by giving them a back pack filled with essential needs and hopefully a fun thing or two that they can call their very own. These kids are often taken away with nothing. They want to help give them security, dignity, and ownership. Please let me know if you need more information about this group or how to contact them.
Anyway, there are lots of people who need thoughts and prayers this time of year. Help of any kind is always wanted. If you decide to Light 'Em Up, I would love to hear how it goes! If you have any ways you and your family do service, I would love to hear that also. I love this time of year. God bless you!
Whitney
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Giving in the Thanks
Thanksgiving is always a time of thanks. The last year or so I have done the thankful everyday on facebook. The cool thing about that is I think about it everyday and always find something to be thankful for whether its silly or deep. There is always something to be thankful for in our lives. I am most thankful for the giver, God. Without Him I would not be where I am or who I am today. I will not get where I am going without Him and I sure don't want to be with out Him! I think we can get lost in the holidays and forget what the real meaning is. So today I say Thank You God! You are truly the giver! But that is not all I want to mention today, but the most important for sure!
Last time I wrote, I mentioned Spiritual gifts. Well my super sweet sister http://chiselachurch.blogspot.com/ sent me 2 websites for test to take to guide you to your spiritual gifts. Well, so far I have only taken one (I plan on taking the other very soon). I found the results totally interesting. My top 2 gifts are Administration and Encouragement. Okay. I could have told you Administration was something that I am pretty okay at. I like organization and being timely with things. But as a Spiritual gift I was shocked. How do I use that to bring glory to God and help people? Well maybe thats where encouragement comes in, because I know I can use that to help people and glorify God. Like I said I found it interesting. If you are curious about yours, leave me a note and I will post the link. Now I just need to find out how to use these gifts.
Next up is my husband. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have him in my life. He is such a wonderful, amazing, determined, prayerful, dedicated man. I could go on and on about the things I love about him, but I want to instead offer you his website. http://abetterbumpus.blogspot.com/. I bring this up because he has posted something about trying to stay healthier for Thanksgiving. (Yes I wrote the most of it but thats not the point). He has an awesome blog in his own right/write (hehehe see what I did there =) ). Anyway if you are looking for inspiration or healthy recipes or just whats going on in his life right now, check it out. Word cannot express how proud I am of him and for him for all he has accomplished. To God be the glory! I love where we are as a couple and where we are going with the almighty Lord lighting our way.
I know this post is mostly random things just thrown out there but it is what was on my mind today! Go and enjoy your families, a day off, and whatever your traditions over this weekend. I will be cherishing time with my precious family! Happy Thanksgiving! I ask, what are you thankful for today?
Whitney
Last time I wrote, I mentioned Spiritual gifts. Well my super sweet sister http://chiselachurch.blogspot.com/ sent me 2 websites for test to take to guide you to your spiritual gifts. Well, so far I have only taken one (I plan on taking the other very soon). I found the results totally interesting. My top 2 gifts are Administration and Encouragement. Okay. I could have told you Administration was something that I am pretty okay at. I like organization and being timely with things. But as a Spiritual gift I was shocked. How do I use that to bring glory to God and help people? Well maybe thats where encouragement comes in, because I know I can use that to help people and glorify God. Like I said I found it interesting. If you are curious about yours, leave me a note and I will post the link. Now I just need to find out how to use these gifts.
Next up is my husband. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have him in my life. He is such a wonderful, amazing, determined, prayerful, dedicated man. I could go on and on about the things I love about him, but I want to instead offer you his website. http://abetterbumpus.blogspot.com/. I bring this up because he has posted something about trying to stay healthier for Thanksgiving. (Yes I wrote the most of it but thats not the point). He has an awesome blog in his own right/write (hehehe see what I did there =) ). Anyway if you are looking for inspiration or healthy recipes or just whats going on in his life right now, check it out. Word cannot express how proud I am of him and for him for all he has accomplished. To God be the glory! I love where we are as a couple and where we are going with the almighty Lord lighting our way.
I know this post is mostly random things just thrown out there but it is what was on my mind today! Go and enjoy your families, a day off, and whatever your traditions over this weekend. I will be cherishing time with my precious family! Happy Thanksgiving! I ask, what are you thankful for today?
Whitney
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