Counting My Blessings

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

I love the movie, "White Christmas". One of my favorite scenes is when Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby sing "Counting My Blessings." It seems so simple. If things are getting you down, count your blessings. I have so many myself and yet, I seem to forget that when things are rough. Some of the things I would have given anything for before I had them, I now often take for granted. So, today I count my blessings! (Some of you may remember I did this a while back, but I thought it was time to do so again).

**I have amazing friends who love me enough to call me on my stuff/sin when I need it.

**My husband loves me for who I am, even though those extra baby pounds are still hanging around and the laugh lines are now a part of my face...even when I'm not laughing.

**My two boys are happy (most of the time) and healthy.

**All of my family lives close by and I can spend time with them almost anytime I want to.

**My kids love Jesus and fight over who gets to pray first before bed.

**God has provided a job for me that not only helps pay the bills but allows me to actually use the gifts he has given me.

**I belong to a church community that I look forward to seeing/spending time with every Tuesday morning at Bible study and every weekend at worship services and all of the other time in between.

I recently read a book that said it's a good idea to keep track of our blessings (even those that seem the most minor) in a journal so you can have a record of everything God has done in your life. I've started mine...I want to encourage you to start one too!

Your word is "Cow"

Last night I got to see "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the Keller Auditorium It was a really fun show. The acting was very good, vocals were amazing and the show was just really fun to watch. It's about a group of kids (played by adults) competing in their county spelling bee, they've already each won at their school level, so they can go to the national spelling bee. It's a comedy, but also had some really intense moments. Moments that caused me to reflect on how everything I say to my kids contributes to how they see themselves. I already knew that, but it was a really great reminder to see how "well-meaning" parents can drive their children to feel they need to be perfect in order to be loved.

So, what's the title of this post all about? Before the show, people could sign up to be brought up on stage to be a part of the spelling bee. One of the kids/actors was given extremely difficult words, while one of the people from the audience actually received the word "cow." It was funny...I promise. If you ever have a chance to see this show, I'd highly recommend it.

A Perfect Family

I have two boys. Only. We didn't have a girl, just two boys. Sometimes well-meaning strangers (or even people I know) will say..."Oh, two boys? Are you going to try for a girl?" or, my all time favorite, "were you disappointed when your second child turned out to be another boy?" I have a friend who has two girls and she told me that someone told her brother (who has a boy and a girl) in front of her girls, "Oh a boy and a girl. The perfect family!" Her two girls were so sad to learn that the family they had thought was perfect wasn't, by society's standards.

I think that any child is a gift, regardless of gender. My husband and I are happy with our two boys, our own perfect family. I can't imagine my life without either one of them and I would never be able to choose which one I would have to trade in for a girl. God gives us the children that are the perfect fit for US. No matter what their gender, those of us who have children have them because they were created by God to be placed in our lives. And THAT is the perfect family!

Dreamgirls

Go see it. Seriously. You won't be disappointed. The cast is amazing...all the hype about Jennifer Hudson is absolutely true. It's now one of my all time faves.

Wow

Not much else to say but wow. This year's Christmas Eve services went really well. I think I've finally caught up on my sleep.

I got to the church at around 11am and stayed until 1am on Christmas Day. (and I didn't put in as many hours as some others on our creative team).

It's a long day, a tiring day. But so very worthwhile. We had a few sound issues, but God clearly showed up. We knew we couldn't do it without Him. People from our church community shared their 100 words stories and it was so powerful. So powerful to see how He longs to work in our lives and will do so if we let Him. How he will break in on circumstances that seem so dire and hopeless...how He breaks in on lives that are going through the motions and brings abundant love and grace. It's not easy, something so worthwhile never is, but living life for the One who gives it holds so many treasures. As I sat with my family on Christmas Day (my whole family-my husband, mom, brother, his wife, sister, her husband, and each of our children), I sent a prayer of thanksgiving up to God. What did I do to deserve this amazing family He has given me? I am without words to describe how overwhelmed I am by my relationship with each of them...and Him.

I'm so excited to see what this new year brings. I remember people telling me that once we had children, the time would fly by. They were right. It does. There are moments I have frozen in my memory. Sweet times with my two boys, my husband and my family. There are moments when I wish time would stop so I could revel in the pure joy we're experiencing. But, then, we wouldn't be able to experience the countless other small life treasures that are waiting for us.

I hope each of you has a fantastic 2007. A time that you are able to grow closer to God as you grow closer to those He has placed in your life. I know the road isn't always easy, but how amazing is it that we're never on that road alone?