Gratituesday: On Wednesday

A day late... but I am not a dollar short...and that's good right?

I am most thankful that I have my oven back.  Three weeks ago the control board on it popped, spit sparks at me and made me scream...  Everyone came running....  'cuz well, mom doesn't scream often.

Hubby spent a few hours checking everything and fixed it so I could at least use the cook top.  The new control board arrived on Monday.... and by the end of the night, it was all fixed.

I am so very thankful for a husband that knows how to fix things....  the part was way cheaper than a whole new unit.

Now I must go make scones........

Words that Soothe the Soul

Most of the month of February has been melancholy for me.

My inner homemaker/Betty Crocker says why bother....  will I ever figure out this mom thing?..... isn't parenting supposed to be a joy?  Then why does it feel like such a chore?  

There have been trials in my marriage,

problems to solve during the day that seem to multiply like dust bunnies do.....

I have been tired, overwhelmed, and some days I have just really wanted a quiet place to crawl in.... and just bask in the quiet. 

While I was smack in the midst of wallowing in my own private desire for solitude and peace....  I got an email from Mrs. Lori Flem.

You know what she said?

She said...."Marriage isn't supposed to make you happy.  It's supposed to make you married."  She said, it was MY job to make my marriage happy and satisfying.  I was reminded that I am to love him in spite of our differences and that avoiding a conflict doesn't resolve it.

I needed that.  Oh how I needed that.  You see, sometimes the hurts that happen behind the scenes, you can't share with even your closest girlfriend.  But you can share them with God.  He listens.  He knows.  He will send you newsletters like Encouraging Moments, right to your inbox, to speak to your soul.

Maybe you are a mom like me, who sometimes is overwhelmed with the triple crown...

Let's be honest... there really probably isn't a maybe about it...  It happens to us all, we all get tired and overwhelmed. 

As your blog friend, I encourage you to go sign up for Lori's Encouraging Moments.
Go to http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ , and enter your email address on the right hand side of the page.

Maybe this next Thursday, God will use Lori to whisper in your ear... and remind you, just how much He loves you.

****Disclaimer****
I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.”

Feburary 14.....

I sort of have a love- hate relationship with this day.

I love my husband... but Hate the crowds of people that go out on this day.
I love to do special things for the ones I love.... but honestly Hallmark, you can't really express all my emotions for me.

I think the reason I don't like it, is the commercialism.  All the poor people sucked into overpriced floral arrangements, tacky cards, and hideous, chalk like tasting, heart candies.

I think the other reason I may not like it.... is that it is all about feelings.  Warm fuzzy, hot and bothered, cute and cheesy....feelings.  Not one thing that a person can buy, will ever represent real, honest, nitty gritty LOVE.  The choice kind, not the feeling kind.

Feelings are why people say they fall OUT of love.
Feelings cause people to stand up for their RIGHTS in a relationship... and demand things from another person.
Feelings fade.

Choice love says...  I love you when even when you have hurt me.  Choice love doesn't run, even when every fiber of your being wants to.  Choice love is respectful and kind, when all you want to do is scream and yell.  It says, I am on your side, no matter what the circumstance.  Choice love is rooted in commitment that transcends feelings. It forgives. You don't find it in box of candy, or written on a card.

You will find it in the little moments of love that are hidden throughout the year.  The soft holding of his hand in mine.  The touch of calloused, hard working fingers as they brush the hair from my eyes.  Soft shared smiles over the heads of our children.  Gentle deep breaths from the space next to me in the darkness.  His arm around my shoulders as we sit in church.  The way the kids roll their eyes when they see us hug and kiss.

Choice love is the growing old with you sort of love.  The kind that you see when 90 year old people are all hunched over and shuffling hand in hand to their doctor appointments.  The kind you find on wide, sun bleached porches with creaky swings and rocking chairs.  It is steady and true.  It is the kind of love I pray for, for me and for you.....

down and out

There are just times when I have nothing to say.

I am sure my mom doesn't believe that...  but it is true.  Some days I just got nothing.

That is how it has been for awhile.  I sit at the computer and the white posting screen for this blog just mocks me in its emptiness.  So, hopefully you can forgive me and my silence....  I've been contemplative and introspective.... not chatty and light.

I feel myself coming around again...  I am sure things will be back to normal soon.