Thankfulness Day 52

Today I am thankful for my new Etsy website!

sweetlilytutus.etsy.com

I'm slowly listing things so keep coming back!

Thankfulness Day 51

"Mom when I'm older I am not going to live with you but you can come visit me." thanks Kai.

Today I am thankful for my son's humor. :)

Thankfulness Day 50

I heard an interesting sermon yesterday in Hemet. Yes Hemet, it's amazing where the Lord takes us!

One of his statements was that we all have a story about how we were led to the Lord and it centers around humbling ourselves and seeing our need for a Savior. For many that was letting our sin drive us to rock bottom and realizing that our own way was actually destructive. He also spoke about Pride and if we boast about how great we are or are very judgmental of others the Lord has to wipe that platform from under us to humble us seeing that only God does the work and is worthy of praise. That His word says He will exalt the humble and pride comes before the fall. Let us all love our brothers and sisters as children of God and give all glory to God for we ourselves can do no good thing unless it is He who works within us.

What brought you to your knees? For me it was seeing so called 'friends' go to jail and actually being scared for my life. I then knew living for myself was destructive and led to an inner core of unhappiness.

Today I am thankful for humility and this road I've been put on in order to gain it.

Thankfulness Day 49

Today Nash wanted to use the potty twice! He actually told me when he had to go and then went and used it with my help. This is a kid that only wants to do things that are his idea and really like control. He will NOT use the training potty or a potty seat. He will NOT sit on it unless it's his idea. He will NOT wear underwear. So I'm just going to let him train himself if it will be easier! Kai wasn't completely potty trained until 3 1/2 so I'm taking my time with this one.

Today I'm thankful that my 'baby' is taking steps to become a big boy.

Thankfulness Day 48

I am thankful today for the beautiful warm weather we are having. In Illinois in March it could still snow and it did last year. Today felt like summer and that kind of weather just puts me in a good mood and makes things look brighter!

Thankfulness Day 47

Today I am thankful for my Spin Class that kicked my behind today!

Thankfulness Day 46

Waiting on Me means directing your attention to Me in hopeful anticipation of what I will do. It entails trusting Me with every fiber of your being, instead of trying to figure things out yourself. Waiting on Me is the way I designed you to live: all day, every day. I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties.

I have promised many blessings to those who wait on Me: renewed strength, living above one's circumstances, resurgence of hope, awareness of My continual Presence. Waiting on Me enables you to glorify Me by living in deep dependence on Me, ready to do My will. It also helps you to enjoy Me; in My Presence is fullness of Joy.

--Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Today I am thankful for this devotion.

Thankfulness Day 45

Today I bought Kai a book to practice his letters. He saw my dad and asked if he would help him. My dad ended up helping Kai for 30 minutes or more. It really meant a lot to Kai and to me.

Today I am thankful for my dad sitting with his grandson and just taking time with him even though I'm sure there were more enjoyable things for him to be doing.

Thankfulness Day 44

Today I am thankful for my new blog heading, thanks huzzy!

Thankfulness Day 43

Monday. They are always tough for me. Another job fell through today. I tend to wonder if we are cursed however I know that isn't true. I also tend to wonder when all of this will let up and how much we can really endure. I'm trying to stay focused on one day at a time and not worrying over the fact that we are running out of money or that we may be overstaying our welcome at my parents house. I'm trying really hard to keep the positive attitude. Nothing makes any sense and that is just where I am at today. I don't want to just endure life but truly live it joyfully. So today I'm trying to find that inner joy to rise above our circumstances.

Today I am thankful for having enough money to get through today.

Thankfulness Day 42

My little Nash is so cute! Some of his favorite expressions are: Hold you mommy, hold you! I need a kiss on the mouth. I just love you Kai. I watch Thomas the tank engine?

He has the cutest raspy voice and knows what to say to melt your heart.

Today I am thankful for my little Nash.

Thankfulness Day 41

Today I found out that Devin got approved by Blue Cross Insurance and has moved onto our family plan. He wasn't approved back in September and had to get a separate policy with some cheapo insurance. I resubmitted him a few weeks ago and he's now approved! Our insurance isn't great but Blue Cross is a good insurance and I'm glad we are on a plan all together.

Today I am thankful that Devin has better insurance as of April 1st!

Thankfulness Day 40

It was a rough 24 hours but luckily we got see our wonderful Counselor named Scott Meacham through Transformed Relationships and he set us back on track spiritually. This man is so gifted and has helped transform our marriage as well as us individually as he constantly points us towards scripture and ushers in the Holy Spirit.

Today I'm thankful for a place to find safety and assurance in a time of insecurity and doubt.

Thankfulness Day 39

I had an interview today. I was going to take the job but did not get offered it. On one hand I wanted it and was very excited. On the other hand I didn't want to be away from my kids when they are so young. I asked the Lord to intervene if this wasn't his plan. This morning He told me that staying at home was my Issac and I need to give it to him as an offering. So I went on the job interview and was going to take it, and I really thought that it would be offered since I worked there previously and many people recommended me, but it was not given to me.

Just as Abraham presented Issac, his promised son, at the altar and the Lord intervened and said "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22

Staying at home with my kids is my promise from God, my Issac. I gave it to him when a job came to me and presented itself. He is faithful and will provide something else. I'm expectant that something will happen for Devin or me soon.

Today I am thankful that there is a job unseen on the horizon.

Thankfulness Day 38

The motorcycle we owned in Illinois was fixed by some dear friends and they sold it for us! $1,400 unexpected dollars!

Praise the Lord we are so thankful, what an unexpected blessing!

Today I'm thankful that we made some money back from an unwise investment!

Thankfulness Day 37

Another one of those hard days. I feel very directionless and a bit angry towards God. Why won't any job for my husband go through? Why all of this waiting? Why can't I just give my parents their house back? What is it that you want from me Lord????

I'm hoping to have some answers soon :)

I am actually thankful today through my frustration because today Kai turns 4 1/2! So I thought I would reflect back on his first year:




Today I am thankful for Kai and 4 1/2 years of so much unspeakable joy!

Thankfulness Day 36

These are my favorite, I'm addicted. I sent hubby out last night to buy me Nyquil so I could sleep and of course some pretzels because it had been at least two days since I've eaten them!

Today I'm thankful for all my favorite snacks!

Thankfulness Day 35

Money.
I hear a lot about it and the Bible talks about it more then any other subject. Money is what can come between a man and God. Money can rule our lives, leave us worried, leave us wanting more, and leave us with sleepless nights. Yesterday I heard that the richest man in the world could pay off all the worlds debt in 6 hours of his typical working day. There is someone out there that could actually end world hunger. Can you believe that someone could change the world in an instant yet they don't probably because of the power that they hold with it. It's sad. I've heard some other stuff but I'm still processing it.

At church this morning our pastor spoke about money that someone had sitting in their savings for a down payment on a house. They had been saving for a long time and it was a big chunk of money. However this couple felt the pull of God on their hearts to give the money away. Not that it's bad to have a house or save for a house but that God had greater plans for it then sitting in the bank. We were all challenged today to give out of the abundance that the Lord has blessed us financially (so we don't hoard the money, get a hardened heart, and become greedy), give extra time we may have, or skills we can help others with. The response was huge from the congregation.

You can't out give God

Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

We are accountable for what he gives us

Luke 16:10
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

Today I am thankful that all that matters to God is my heart and all my earthly possessions will pass away and what will remain are the treasures in heaven and did I use all that was given to me for His kingdom.

Thankfulness Day 34

I have a great mom. She knows my likes, dislikes, taste in clothing, taste in decorating, and the list goes on. I really feel like she knows me and she just feels safe. My mom is that person that will always show me love even when I'm grumpy. She is a woman who prayed over me, when I didn't know it, and her battling prayers brought me back to the Lord.

When I went on my honeymoon my mom decorated our apartment as a surprise to us when we came home. (and it looked awesome!) When I was in Illinois my mom helped decorate our house and sent the kids packages every month. My mom sees a need and always meets it, she is just that kind of woman. She is an amazing grandparent to my boys and they love their "Gigi" so much! I know their relationship with her will be so strong as they get older.

Today I went to Costco (so did my mom) and then I bought Fuji apples, bananas, and 2 loaves of bread (so did my mom) and then we found out that we had bought the same things and now had too much because we just think alike! I love my mom. She knows me. She's selfless. She's my mom.

Today I'm thankful for my mom.

Thankfuless Day 33

When I get older I'm going to have three children. Two girls and One boy. But Brooke won't marry me and she says she isn't my girlfriend. Who am I suppose to marry?

--Kai age 4



Seriously what 4 year old boy worries about who he is going to marry and plans how many kids he is going to have?

Today I am thankful for my son's soft heart.

Thankfulness Day 32

There is nothing like a drill in your mouth with various bits of your teeth flying around your face as you try to stay calm and wonder if you'll ever feel your tongue & lips again. Yes my friends, I had three cavities filled today. Three. The dentist was amazing however (Dr. Gregg Peterson in Newport Beach) and I didn't feel any shots. Still waiting on feeling the inside of my mouth again.....

My blessing today took place earlier at the doctor for Kai. Dr. Michael Shannon at Seaview Pediatrics http://www.seaviewpeds.com found out Devin is still out of work and told me there will be no charge for today and had the nurse return my $30 copay to me. He saw that Kai had 2 ear infections and told me they will clear up on their own and gave me some free Garlic ear drops to fight the infection. He told me that money should never prevent my children from being seen. You don't even know the sense of peace that gives me. I've learned I can pray off some things but not yet all and so I need a doctor. :)

I am so very thankful that there are people in this world who are not out for their own gain and truly represent the love of Christ. Thank you Doctor Shannon.

Thankfulness Day 31

I am so thankful even at 6am! Yesterday both kids woke up from their naps with gunky red eyes and you could tell it was the beginning of some kind of eye infection (pinkeye?)

So I took authority over that illness and commanded it to go in Jesus name since he told us we have all authority in Heaven and on Earth to heal. Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15-18

Both boys woke up this morning healed with normal eyes. This is just one of many healings that have taken place within my family. Thank you Jesus! And thank you Bill Johnson for teaching me authority!

Today I am thankful to God for healing my boys eyes.

Thankfulness Day 30

Today I got to take some pictures of a friend and her kids. I love my camera! I waited for it for about 5 years and now I can put it to full use! Here are some pictures I've taken over the last few months of friends.







Today I am thankful for a wonderful camera to create memories with.

Thankfulness Day 29

MONDAY. Monday is tough for many people because it represents the start of their work week. Monday represents something a bit different to us. It represents hope. A new week hoping to hear back from the job that Devin was promised. However today, this Monday, represents 3 weeks since Devin was suppose to start his job and for that reason it has been a tough day for my husband and I emotionally.

Today is the day that Devin has to apply for jobs again because all we have heard from the 'promised job' is that they are waiting on approval from his company and it's been 3 weeks. In a way I feel the joy, hope, and feeling of an end to this trial was all taken away from us. When it felt too good to be true, I wonder if it really was just that, too good. And so I am reflective today because we are coming up on 1 year of being back (April 4th) and I see that I have two choices.

1. Get angry at God and the world in general and sit in a place of despair

2. Don't give up my joy but see past my circumstances and believe God's word for what it says

I've sat in 1. for a good portion of my life and let me tell you it didn't get me anywhere but deeper into my hole. So what does 2. look like for me? Basically I'm going to believe that God is good all the time. He doesn't have any bad to dish out because he is good. He works everything out for good and has plans to prosper us and not harm us. He has provided enough money for us to live today and that is true provision. He says I can give him all my worries and troubles and he will strengthen me and support me. He says I am not alone, that He is always with me. He says He is a God of blessing and loves me more then I love my own child. He says to look to Jesus who has saved me and given me life because he loves me. He will provide for me even more then he does for the birds and animals on this earth.

Today is a day where I am consciously choosing to dwell in safe pastures with him even when I'm crying and I'm thankful for that.

Thankfulness Day 28

Time to get crafty! I think the rain brought out the craftiness in me because I was full on creative all weekend. I made a few tutu's, a bow, then these creations:

This is a battleship for Kai's GI Joe's/army men. It's basically an egg carton painted gold and adorned with puffy paint.



I went card shopping for a friends bridal gift and I couldn't find a cute card under 3.99! So I decided to make my own out of my tulle scraps and this is what I created. I think she's kinda cute. Making cards just may be my next idea!

Today I am thankful for the ability to get crafty and let the juices flow!

Thankfulness Day 27

Tonight we went to church as a family. Devin, the boys, and I. This may seem very common to some of you who attend church however for us this is a BIG deal! Devin is a worship leader and leads at various churches all over Orange County. He usually has to be at church 2 hours before it starts and then stay to clean up. We never ride together because of that and then our time of sitting together is minimal because he has to be back up on stage.

This month he doesn't have any churches lined up and while this is a bit worrisome because of finances, this weekend was a blessing to be able to spend it together as a family. During church I leaned over to him and whispered "it's like we are having a date night!" Yes, that is sad but so very exciting!

Today I am thankful for the weekend off and having family time.

Thankfulness Day 26

Today I am thankful for the Facebook post on my wall from my husband that read this:

I love you my beautiful bride. I am thankful for such an amazing, supportive and prayerful lover who stands firm when I feel weak.


It's a privilege to pray for him and my boys. The Lord is so loving and answers my prayers so faithfully.

Thankfulness Day 25

My teeth are clean!! Warning a confession that may be unhygienic is coming....

I haven't had my teeth cleaned in (insert drum roll........)

5 YEARS!

Okay I'm glad I got that off my chest! You know, I got busy, I was pregnant twice, then breastfeeding, and then in Illinois! So I just let it go because I've never had a cavity and heck I like my teeth!

But today I went to a dentist (thank you Julie for referring me to your husband!) and well he broke the news to me. I don't have one cavity, not even just two, but THREE that have to be filled and then some he needs to keep an eye on! I guess I waited a wee bit too long for my teeth to be checked out. Oops.

So next week I'm off to the dentist again for three cavity fillings, I hope it doesn't hurt!

Today I am thankful that I found a dentist who I can trust and that I overcame my fear of the unknown. I have cavities and they will be gone by next Friday. :)

Thankfulness Day 24

Oops I forgot to post yesterday and I learned some great stuff last night so here it is!

Romans 5:3

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.



5 things we can to do to redeem disappointment:

1. go before the Lord and honestly pour out to him. e.g. my situation that’s not fair

2. find your voice in the psalms...so we can speak our hurt to God

3. wait in situation until peace from heaven comes.....if we are in position of pride then we don't trust God. if we trust, we get peace and will have understanding of the situation

4. worship and praise in each situation

5. remember what god has done for you....biblical reference was when asked to set up a place of remembrance in heaven so people can remember all the good things God did for us

Today I am so thankful for learning how to take my disappointment to the Lord and not having to sit in it!

Thankfulness Day 23

Today has been a hard day on us emotionally. We have some serious questions for God and we are trying to remain hopeful. The promised job for Devin isn't calling him back and is not communicating. We keep getting "we're processing the paperwork" from the temp agency and he was suppose to start 1 1/2 weeks ago. This is the hardest year I've ever had. I really don't know how much more I can take. Devin feels the same. Today is one of the reasons why I started this thankfulness blog, to help get me through these down days.

Today I am thankful for the song inspired by Psalm 121

I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, creator of the earth
I lift my eyes up to the mountains
Where does my help come from
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, creator of the earth


Oh how I need You Lord
You are my only hope
You’re my only prayer
So I will wait for You
To come and rescue me
Come and give me life

Thankfulness Day 22

On Saturday night we attended an Orange County Revival Fire Prayer Night and it was just that! After a powerful message the pastor started giving words of knowledge of who the Lord had put on his heart and who was going to get healed. As he started calling them up (someone with a mole on their back that looks cancerous, someone whose right leg gives them a lot of pain, someone with severe diabetes, etc) Each person stood who had that problem and healing after healing took place. There were not many who didn't get healed that night. A woman who couldn't stand up because of years of severe back pain got healed and could walk around and even twist! God's powerful anointing was there and it was so unbelievable.

We serve a God of healing, who loves us, delights in us, and wants to set us free. It didn't just happen in Jesus's day, it happens today with all the authority on heaven and earth that Christ gives us to do His work.

Amazing!

Today I am thankful that I witnessed amazing healings and got to be a part of that.