Preserving contentment

You know that feeling when God is trying to get something through your head? He has been working in my heart for a long time, but a lot lately on being content. I don't know why I'm so selfish--always looking forward to bigger and better. (buying a house here, a car that isn't in the shop all the time, new clothes.....) How do I so easily forget His provision when stepping out in faith? How do I forget a healthy family? How do I forget His love when walking through a storm? He has been SO FAITHFUL to me.

Our pastor a few weeks ago really touched a nerve in me when he challenged us with this very thing--that Christ in our lives is enough. Our ladies Bible study is currently going through a study entitled "Resting in Him"--the thought to be content and rest in who Christ is and where we are in each season of life. I love when He overlaps in our lives to really teach us what we need to learn.

Recently several of my friends have been through so much and yet their attitudes are such an encouragement to me. I've not just learned I've miscarried, I'm not going through chemo, my second story isn't about to be ripped off my house while I'm 6 months pregnant, my kitchen isn't covered in a garbage bag while mold is removed and I'm 8 months pregnant, I'm not out of state caring for a parent after major surgery, I'm not in the hospital at 26 weeks waiting until my baby comes, I'm not dealing with chronic pain........and yet why at times am I so discontent? God has truly brought this to my attention. I am facing each day ever knowing that Christ in my life is sufficient! So, if you catch me in an overwhelmed moment please know that I'm working on it...I give you permission to speak into my life and remind me that He is sufficient!

My prayer is that I become so content in Who He is that everything else just melts away. I have seasons and yet I pray that this is a constant in my heart......So I'm grateful for a car that can be fixed and a quiet morning at home to play with my kids and love listening to their laughs and raspberries! I'm thrilled to hear Megan singing praise songs as she runs around playing. Lord keep my focus shifted to YOU! I'm off to play with my two little blessings.

Lizards are falling on my head!

You read right--lizards (not raindrops) are falling on my head! It's about to rain and I was trying to cover our new grill back up since the grill cover was askew from our latest winds. I opened the door after checking the screen and the track for those pesky little things. Wouldn't you know a lizard fell from above hit my arm and scurried outside--at least he had that sense about him. I don't know how to contain my screams--I sure hope my children aren't scarred by my total fear of these harmless creatures!

I recently watched a friend's two youngest boys and a lizard got in while their parents were dropping them off. Poor dad had to catch that little guy to get him out before leaving for his meeting. I tell ya, if they don't get out on their own or with someone else helping them I grab for the fly swatter--gotta use it for something here right?

Dueling raspberries!

My husband came up with that title.....isn't he smart? Wonder what it means?

Today after taking the car back to the shop for the 3rd time Jim dropped us off and had lunch before going back to work. After we got the kids settled and food in front of them he looked at me and asked "hear that?" Silence hung in the air for a few moments while their initial bites took the edge off their hunger. Not a minute later we hear one raspberry then the other one raspberries back. "Now that's more like what I'm used to hearing." So we enjoyed our lunch over a raspberry duel! Bon apetite!

***With that said--my car is now in pieces/broken/at the garage until tomorrow. They really think they have it this time--it's the electrical fan motor, shroud and relay. I'm hopeful they know what all that is because I haven't a clue! Sounds reasonable that a broken fan would cause the AC to blow hot air and cause the car to overheat making all the pretty lights come on. Right?***

because I know you're wondering.....

Driving around doing errands today we decided to meet Jim for lunch. As I pulled into his parking lot the car starts blowing hot air in my face. Now maybe fall is starting to cool things off for some people, but here it's still like 95 degrees and HUMID!!! Then that dreaded red light came on and the temp. gauge went all the way up. My wonderful hubby ran to get us lunch and meet us at the car place. Can't you see us eating our Chick-fil-A in the waiting room? I called the mechanic on our way and they had a spot ready for us! Needless to say, by the end of the afternoon we had a new thermostat--my brother guessed right--too bad he wasn't close to fix it : ) Apparently when you put it in hot water it's supposed to open and mine didn't so they hope that's got her fixed. Guess we'll find out when I drive the kids all gussied up tomorrow to go have pictures taken huh?

Dance class take 2

Well, after a week off for labor day it was time to go back to dance class on Monday. Jim and I both gave her the you're a big girl...don't you want to dance with your friends...you know the talk speech. We got there and I had told her I'd be at the window watching and if she got sad she could give me a kiss and go right back to dancing. She did just that and flitted around like a princess. She was most impressed with the princess sparkles she got as a reward for participating in class. (glitter sprinkled on her arm) Here's hoping to many more exciting classes!

Of course it runs like a dream....

Ever have one of those cars? You know what I'm talking about. You drive it, lights come on, it shakes, the ac blows hot in your face, sometimes it doesn't start......You take it in to the garage and they tell you that it drives like a dream. There are no codes showing up. The air was so cold he had to turn it off. What? Are you sure you drove my car? Well, no lights are on although the air still gets hot....what do you do? I plan to drive until more lights come on or I have to call the tow truck.

My best car not fixed story is my Oldsmobile Cutlass that wouldn't let me put gas in! Yep, you heard right. I'd put that nozzle in and gas would spew out all over the ground (and my legs and feet) Try explaining that one. The guy had the nerve to ask if I was putting the nozzle in right. My sarcastic side was working overtime, but I restrained myself from responding that after 15 years of filling up my own car I had magically forgotten how to put gas in a car...... After being stranded at the dealership in the fun-filled city of Chattanooga just short of our bed and breakfast destination we got to the root of that issue.

As a side note my hand me down phone is one of those fancy monsters with the keyboard--the y doesn't work unless you mash hard! I received a hand me down computer after mine bit the dust and wouldn't you know, not the y but the n is the sticker button here! How funny......

Anybody have a great crazy car story? I know my brother could share several--talk about crazy cars.........

Wednesday--chemo #3

***UPDATE***Mama just called and is still getting the last of her saline. They actually decided to change the chemo drug today since she's had such reactions the first two times. It comes from the same tree, just a different part. There's not much research to show how effective or dangerous it is to change mid-treatment, but she even commented that hopefully it will help someone else who might be having trouble with the other type! I'm amazed at people who are willing to take those risks. She and her friend Sheila were already planning a stop for dinner on the way home (since she usually has a couple of days before she feels really bad). ***

As you can see from the title today is chemo #3 for my mom. I know she would appreciate your prayers through the next several days. Her friend Sheila is going with her to keep her company today : ) I'm so grateful God gives us the "family" we need around us to support and love us through our journey.

Going into this treatment mama is feeling stronger. Her blood cells were low and so they gave her a shot to boost her through. The goal is to keep her strong enough to complete treatment without having to delay her chemo. She also has new nausea medicine that she can take twice a day regardless if she's sick or not that has really helped! (rather than the kind you take when you need it....well after you need it)

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing. Thank you to all of you for loving me while I'm away from my mom during this time and thank you especially to her friends who are with her every step of the way. She's blessed to have you all in her life!