Grateful for...

(our back pasture this morning)

(I've been discontent and out of sorts lately and not really writing because I didn't want my discontentment and anger to show through, I didn't want people to see the real me, more on that later but for now I want to share how my eyes have been opened on this NEW day)

* a husband who has been off work for almost 2 weeks. money is almost nonexistent but it has been sooo nice to have him home with us. Also, much thankful for the small check my husband received this week from work. Not much but enough to pay a bill!!! Lord, you are our provider. I am ashamed that at times I have forgotten that.

*a little girl who sings "I am so glad that Jesus loves me" to her little sister and brother before bed. (Claire)

*a little girl who tells me, "I sowwy(sorry), Mama. I good gurwl (girl) in my hawt(heart)" (Lily)

*a little boy who is taking more steps every day but still stopping every few to find Mama or Daddy and get the confidence he needs to continue on...same baby boy who, when I pick him up, automatically (every time) leans into my shoulder and gives me precious loves and just hangs on... be still my heart

*little purple dragonfly and pink ladybug aprons hanging beside mine in the kitchen

*eager little hands kneading piecrust with mama

*the rain, even though it means financial trouble, it is a balm to my soul, in so many ways. The quiet nights spent inside or on the front porch listening to the rain hit our tin roof, the soup simmering in the slow cooker,the smell of our homemade laundry detergent and the sound of snaps hitting the dryer, the feel of chubby soft little hands as we trace leaves with fat crayons over paper, the sound of children singing praises to a Jesus they love, the sound of children laughing as they dance and play, the smell of a new book, the taste of hot tea, the smell and beauty of Fall candles burning, the quietness late at night as I talk with my husband, the Grace of my God. The rain that brings all of these things into focus.

Oh, how I love them!!!!

God, thank you so much for our beautiful sweet precious family!! We are not perfect and we have struggled so much through the years but I praise you evermore for your faithfulness especially when we have been, at times, less than faithful!

Julie