Thoughts of Lulu

Last year at this time we had our little baby girl at home with us. Learning to live in the moment with her. Celebrating everyday.

Sometimes it feels like an eternity ago that I held Lulu in my arms & other times it feels like it was just yesterday.

Such a tiny piece of hope & joy & love for us to be able to share.

I wake up some mornings & think, did this really happen to us? Do we have a daughter that we will never see grow here on earth? How could this all be real?

That is when I start to focus on myself.

My own hurt & my own sadness & my own wants.

And then God…

He gently reminds me that He is enough. He is the 1 constant in my life. He will never ever go away.

And my love for Him swells.

“Jesus Calling” give-a-way

“Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes. There are several dangers to this practice. First of all, it is nearly impossible to discern what others actually think of you. Moreover, their views of you are variable; subject to each viewer’s spiritual, emotional, and physical condition. The major problem with letting others define you is that it borders on idolatry. Your concern to please others dampens your desire to please Me, your Creator.

It is much more real to see yourself through My eyes. My gaze upon you is steady and sure, untainted by sin. Through My eyes you can see yourself as one who is deeply, eternally loved. Rest in My loving gaze, and you will receive deep Peace. Respond to My loving Presence by worshipping Me in spirit and in truth.”

{ Hebrews 11:6}  {John 4:23-24}

–Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

When my mornings start off like this, it tends to be a better day.

As you probably know by now, I have not found a more real devotional book for me than “Jesus Calling” and so I want to share it with you.

Just leave me a comment of when you like to take time to be alone with God.

Is it in the morning, before you start your day?

Is it in the afternoon, to refocus yourself?

Is it at night, thanking Him for all His blessings throughout the day?

I’ll randomly pick a person from the comments over the weekend and get you the book, so you can start enjoying it, too.

see the winner here

Lulu’s Middle Name

Did I ever tell you how we chose Lulu’s middle name?

We’ve never found out with any of our kiddos what we were having. So we had a boy’s first & middle name chosen, but only the name Lulu for a girl.

While I was still pregnant, I saw a pastor friend that we hadn’t seen in a while.

He asked me what number pregnancy this was for us.

After I said,”number 5″, he immediately said, “that’s the number of Grace”.

I’m not sure why at that moment, but I knew that I wanted it to go with “Lulu”.

I know that even in the choosing of Lulu’s name, God was there.

And even now as I learn more about His grace, I am thankful for “my” Lulu Grace.

What everyday things do you see Him in?

Friday Praise & Prayers

“Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. Instead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don’t be fearful; thank Me and rest in my sovereignty.”

-Sarah Young “Jesus Calling”

What today, in your life are you rejoicing about?

Is it your littles that wear you out daily, but also make your heart swell so big?

Is it the BEAUTIFUL fall day that explodes with so much of His glory?

Is it Him and Him alone?

What are you praising God for today?

Take an extra minute of your day and say “thank you” to Him.

 I will do the same…

 

Savoring the moment

Dylan had a soccer game on Sunday & since the other kiddos & cousins were a bit bored with all the action we decided to take a walk around the soccer field.

We stopped part way for a little photo shoot.

And although in the moment, it was a little crazy…

Boo not wanting to share her seat with her cousin.

HJ getting his head stuck in the soccer net (I forgot to tell you that, Kelly, sorry – he was totally fine, just a little scared for about 30 seconds).

Simon & Owen fighting over the ball.

…it is a good moment, a good moment I am savoring.

All grown up {sorta}

This morning as I was paying the bills, Boo said to me, “Mama, when I’m a mommy, will I get to work on your computer?”

Me – “sure, Boo, you can work on my computer”

 …”and will I get to drive your car”

…”you’ll have your own car to drive, when you’re a mommy”

…”I will?” {she said surprisingly} “Can it be pink with pink doors?”

{smile}

Me – “yes, Boo, it can be pink”

I still get amazed how much our kids want to be just like us as parents {well, except for the pink car part}

What a great and humbling job we have as parents.

Friday Praise & Prayers

We received a bookmark that lists 31 daily things to pray for Ana.

Today is to pray for solid self-esteem for her.

I want to use the bookmark to pray for our other children as well.

Today I am praising God for not forgetting us.

As easy as it is, for us, to forget so many things.

He does not forget.

Not even one of us.