Hello

Well, I keep telling myself that I am not going to let time go by without blogging. This once was a place where posts were written frequently, but I have to be honest, life is busy these days.

All is well and we are even enjoying Spring break this week in spite of the fact it is very cold and we had snow flurries yesterday. I have to admit that being able to sleep in a little later is making me want summer to be here sooner than what the calendar is telling me.

I'm still focusing on the word I choose at the beginning of the year - DISCIPLINE and what it really means and looks like in my life. While there are still areas that I struggle with, I do see growth and have completely embraced the difference it makes.

I can remember having conversations with friends of mine when my children were just elementary school age and them telling me how busy my life will become once they are teenagers. Well, we have arrived at that time. What a job it is staying on top of schedules, being emotionally prepared and present for their needs, homework, friendships, and with two growing boys, just keeping the pantry stocked.

Baseball season is officially here for the boys so that means it's time for me to have an abundant supply of Oxy Clean, Gatorade, and quick and easy meals.

Our oldest son, Sam has also joined a cycling club so we are really looking forward to watching him race in time trials, criteriums, and road races. This is a new sport for him at this level, but what has been amazing to watch is how this is a passion and interest all his own.

Ben is keeping up with his guitar lessons and playing in the youth worship band. There is music being played just about all the time, and I love it. 

And then there is our oldest daughter, Jessica who is preparing to leave in July to attend Hillsong in Australia. This past year has been such a tremendous time of growth for her and I see over and over again God's provision for her and that He has so much more in store for her. 

So, in this season in which we are parenting two teenage boys, letting go of a young woman to live a life all her own, I can honestly say, life is good.

Psalm 50:23

The satin ribbon marks the reading for today in Jesus Calling. I open it, begin reading and like usual, it doesn't take long for the words to speak something personally to my heart.

"When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it. Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying," Thank you, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust you more."

What does this mean for me?

I continue to lay it all before Him. There is nothing that is off limits, nothing that catches Him by surprise, and when it comes down to it, He longs to hear everything I hold inside. 

I am to thank Him even when it's hard. I am learning so much about thanksgiving after reading "One Thousand Gifts". One thing I keep reading, and taking in is that the fullness of my salvation is based on my expression of giving thanks. It's easy and just a given that I can express and offer my thanksgiving when all is good, but can I do it when it's something I haven't planned for, anticipated, or hurts?

"Thanksgiving is the acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our YES! to His grace." - Ann Voskamp 


I've noticed a little shifting in my prayers recently and not just thanking Him after a prayer has been answered, but thanking Him in advance for how He is going to work.

Two words that are so very common, simple, and used all the time, are more significant to me than ever before.

Jesus, thank you.

I also know that He is good and I can completely trust His character. He has proven that to me time and time again. As I continue to walk with Him, I want to have more and more of stories that display His goodness, provision, and power in my life.

So, for this week's Scripture memorization, my verse is Psalm 50:23...

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

to one who orders his way rightly

I will show the salvation of God!"