Joy

It is a rainy day here in Anderson and might I add, it is beautiful! I haven't seen rain since we moved here a month ago...unlike you KY and Ohio folk who have seen plenty! I love to watch the rain...I also love to have an excuse to stay inside in my jammies all day! However, I did get out and go grocery shopping this morning and had a wonderful friend call as I was on my way to the store and ask if she could watch the kiddos for me so I could shop in peace. It was truly a blessing!

Yesterday was one of the longest days of my life. I haven't been sleeping well and I was tired and just felt like laying around all day. I had no motivation to do anything. My poor kids, I was a bad mom yesterday. I just left the t.v. on and let them veg in front of it. I don't like days like that...days that my kids and I are bored out of our minds. My good friend Kate's mom used to say, (Kate forgive me, I 'm sure this wasn't her exact words) that only boring people get bored. Yesterday I was a boring person! I like to be active, creative, and motivated to get things done! The day did end on a good note b/c it was girl's night out, but I don't want to have another day like that for a long time!

The following I'm stealing from my friend's facebook post today..."I sometimes forget that everyday is another opportunity to increase our joy in Jesus. For example, I can choose to ho-hum through the day, or I can dig into some of his Word and be encouraged and spurred on toward loving others more! How are you increasing your joy in Jesus today? Through creation? Through playing with your kiddos? Through taking a risk to love someone? Feel free to share!" Thanks Stef, I needed that!!

Yesterday was ho-hum to say the least...today I feel joy! I found joy and was encouraged by His word today. I was reminded to "cast all my anxiety on Him because He cares for me!" 1 Peter 5:7
I found joy in knowing that HE wants me to come to Him so HE can give me rest...and that HE is gentle and humble in heart! Matthew 11:28-30

I also played with Anna Claire today, and I usually do, but today I watched her close as we played. I stopped worrying about all that needed to be done around the house, it's not going anywhere, right? but she is...too fast! I focused on her. It is amazing how fast 4 years have went. She is so kind, loving, creative, and smart. I found joy in watching her play and I am blessed that God gave me such an amazing little girl. And my little Jackson is so sweet! He loves to give hugs and cuddle. When he wraps his little arms around me, I feel joy! One day all too soon, if God chooses to keep us here for that long, those little arms will be big strong arms hugging me. I want him to stay little forever!
Our Children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives--
In each, a treasure stored. Fasick

Time spent with your children is time wisely invested!!

Love you all! I hope you are finding joy today!