1. A week and a half ago, one of my incredibly dear friends entered a life-changing experience. Her husband was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with Pancreatitis, underwent an extremely scary crisis, was put in ICU here in Bentonville, and just yesterday was transferred to a hospital in Omaha where there is a team of specialists helping to get James back to health. To say God's presence has been evident would be a major understatement. We are all in awe of the mercy, grace, strength, and love He has shown through the small steps achieved in James' health, the outpouring of support from family and friends, and the faith seen in Amy and through her perspective. I have been completely overwhelmed by my church's response. To see the Body of Christ work in this way is such a testimony. So, if you would, please pray for James to continue to heal and for the family to be strengthened even more.
2. High school drama. I'm so glad I'm over that. Now I'm not saying a little drama or teenage issues don't creep back in every once in a while at age 27, but geez, NOTHING like what I'm witnessing in my cell group girls. Want to know what I blame? (other than pride, selfishness, gossip, and regular teenage self-esteem issues?) Twitter and texting. I try not to get caught up in wondering what will be around in 13 years when Reese enters this stage. Oh dear.
3. Double spacing should not be done between sentences. It's just supposed to be one space after the period and before the next sentence. I was always taught to hit the space button twice, so I'm having major issues in correcting something that I've practiced for 15 years.
4. Watching other people's kids before and after having your own children is much different. For example, I instinctively know now to dilute apple juice and to cut up grapes. I have kid snacks on hand. I have toys to play with as well. Case in point--I'm keeping two four-year-old neighbor kids today, and they are happy playing with Reese's toys. I'm not nervous about keeping kids like I used to be. It's much nicer now.
5. I'm thinking Reese is trying to get rid of having two naps every day. I also think Daylight Savings Time isn't nearly as great when you have a one year old who goes by sunlight rather than the clock.
6. I cried on my drive home from the gym yesterday. I was driving by Crystal Bridges, saw the policemen escorting cars onto the property, looked at the big white tent set up with something cooking for an event that night, and thought to myself...How stinkin' cool is this?! The assisted living village across the street has their American flags up, too. That's when the tears started. I LOVE my town and love that this extremely well put together art museum is within walking distance from my home. Friday night can't come soon enough. I just have to go on 11.11.11.
7. To describe what God is teaching me these days would take much more time than I have available right now. Especially seeing that Reese is crying. I'll just say this...I'm learning that constant communication, dependence, and intimacy with Him is essential. I'm learning a ton through reading Bible stories with Reese. God is revealing parts of my character that need some work. I need to have opinions on more things instead of always being that person who agrees with everyone, I need to be more joyful instead of worrying about pleasing others, and really, I just need to pray and read the Word more. That's what it comes down to...I could easily get overwhelmed with all the things I need to work on, but God isn't commanding me to change in one day or even feel that burden. Talk to Him and let Him guide my days. Let my Faith drive my works. Nothing I can do will save me, but it's the faith that Jesus died for my sins that saves. And because of that faith and knowledge of what has been done for ME, I want to do good. Holy Spirit, fill me up and let me pour out for you.
8. Reese stopped crying. She's just laying there in her crib looking up...or maybe she is actually back to sleep. Question to mommy friends: Do your kids wake up, play/cry/talk, and then go back to sleep? Reese does this at most nap times and has even started doing it during the night/morning before I get her out of bed.
9. I love Nordstrom because of this. They have on their store windows signs that say..."at Nordstrom...We won't be decking our halls until Friday, November 27th. Why? Well, we just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving."
10. Completely a different topic than #9, I'm beginning my Christmas list and Reese's, too. It's fun, and I'm finding lots of really great goodies, but it also reminds me of how little I really NEED.
11. Oh, I have so much more to talk about, but I'm sure you are glad Reese is awake and wants her momma. Happy Thoughtful Thursday to you. I hope to be back soon. With pictures.
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