Tonight at church we helped pack boxes to send across the world for Operation Christmas Child. I loved seeing all three of you so excited to bring these children love and hope. It was such an amazing time working on this project.
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military family
A few weeks ago, I decided to order Holi powder so you could have your own color war by the lake. It was so fun to watch you together; laughing, screaming and painting one another in bright colors.
As most mothers, I am grateful when I see y'all having fun together, and most of the time you do enjoy being together. You really are each other’s best friends, but the reality of life, with multiple children, is that there is also conflict. Big Sissy and Bubby, two and a half years apart, can be very competitive. Your battles have become a valuable lesson in our home about grace.
I love these words by Bob Goff, “Grace doesn't seem fair until you need some.” Often times, you will tattle on each other, pointing out mistakes or misbehavior; almost as if you want to see your sibling get into trouble. Yet, when the situation is turned around you see how hurtful this can be. We explain that God wants us to encourage one another, not seek out each other’s faults. He is the ultimate example of grace. I want you to see how beautiful life can be when we encourage one another. I want you to know the importance of giving grace always.
This is true for both adults and children. How often do we focus on how we have been hurt or wronged? How often do we genuinely give grace and forgiveness? I know there have been times that grace was not easy to give; but I have seen how freeing it can feel to demonstrate grace and to give love, even when it is not deserved.
I cherish these moments where you are blissfully enjoying one another. On days when I find you in the midst of conflict, I am reminded of the never ending need for grace. I know that as your mother, I must demonstrate this example of grace in our home. It’s always a blessing that God will continue to work on my own behaviors, as I mother the three of you.
Mimi and Popi brought over some books that I had when I was a child. You have enjoyed these books so much. I loved seeing the inscription that I wrote myself when I was a child in one of the books. It's funny because I love when people write inscriptions in books now. It must have started when I was a child.
We had such a fun night away celebrating your birthdays. We took you to the Bibidity Bopotiy Boutique, followed by the Frozen Sing Along at Disney Hollywood Studios. It was a night I think you girls will always remember.
We are on our way to the mountains and were on the road ALL DAY today. We got to the hotel tonight and you couldn't wait to swim in the pool. This seems to be the highlight of most road trips.
I was asked this week to give some words that would describe this season of life.
Grateful and fulfilled are two that came to mind.
Daddy and I have been married for almost 15 years. We have spent our summers moving every few years for most of our marriage. This week we returned from vacation. It always feels so good to come home. I couldn't help but think that this was the summer we could have moved away. There’s such a peace I feel right now knowing this is home. This place, this season of life, is so special. It is so unique to any other time. I am grateful.
I am at a place in life where I truly feel fulfilled. Not looking or wanting. Life is not always easy, but I have found that even on the hardest of days there is Light to see and feel. I thank God for this because it isn't the circumstances of life that are filling me, it is Him.
Our trip to Longboat Key each year is one that is treasured by all. A week spent with your cousins and grandparents at the Gulf is something you all love so much. I love this family tradition myself and am so grateful for it.
It doesn't matter how many weeks or months you have been apart. When you see your loved one again for the first time; all of the feelings of sadness fade, and a feeling so indescribable takes over.
I am thankful that God has shown me time and time again, I am Stronger in Him. The days were not always easy but I see God's hands in all of them. We are all so happy to have Daddy home with us again.
Sometimes I worry about the negative impact of technology in our world today. I don't want it to ever consume too much of any of our time. I worry about some of the ways it can be used which can be hurtful. But, then there are so many amazing things to be grateful for. I am thankful for the music we can listen to together. I am thankful for the messages we can hear and learn more about God's word. I am thankful for the friends and family we can stay in touch with all over the world. Really, the list is pretty long.
Today, I am thankful for FaceTime. I am thankful for this sweet moment you had with Daddy, even while he is in Afghanistan. For those few moments you were together and it was priceless.