Thankful Thursday

 
Yesterday was Sarah’s last basketball game of the season with her school team. I absolutely love watching my girl play. And on this Thankful Thursday, I am so very thankful that I was able to see every single one of her games. She had 10 games, all of which started at 3:30 in the afternoon; and I was there for every single one. I saw every basket, every steal, every juke, every fast break…I didn’t miss one play!

I’m thankful for a job with flexibility that allows me to come and go from the office as needed, and work from home when I miss hours in the office. It’s definitely not stress-free by any means, but the flexibility is so nice to have in this busy season of my family's life, and for that I am thankful.

Now I’m going to brag. 

Sarah with the ball

Sarah is an awesome basketball player! She’s always been ambidextrous, which has really paid off in basketball and softball. She can switch hands while dribbling without batting an eye. She’s got the crossover down like nobody’s business. She dribbles between her legs while the defense is pressing; she even dribbles behind her back. She’s fast, scrappy, and aggressive. She's content driving to the hoop and then making a stellar pass to her teammates. I love watching her jump in the air in excitement when one of her teammates scores...she absolutely loves providing the assists. She’s just plain awesome.

Ok, bragging session is over.

All three of my kids are in this picture! Daniel is in the eagle mascot suit, Olivia is holding the flag during the National Anthem, and Sarah is #13.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Colossians 3:14-16

Re-Entry into Blog World, Take Two...

Oh boy, this is embarrassing. I just cringed as I read through my last blog post.

One of my favorite sayings is, “we judge ourselves based on our intentions, but judge others based on their actions.” So very true. Think about it.

Well, I’m asking whoever reads this to graciously judge me by my intentions. I sincerely meant every word I typed 14 months ago. I truly missed this. I honestly intended to do a simple, snap-shot blog post once a week. So, as my 13-year old son would say, “epic fail!”

So why today? Well, today is my 34^th birthday. And to be honest it’s been a crappy day. I feel entitled right now to be lazy at work. It’s my birthday and people don’t know it; and they’re treating me like it’s any other day, but it’s not…darn it! :)

Anyways, I’d like to share with you a passage of scripture that I’m hereby claiming as mine for my 34^th year of life:

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

Job 23:10-11

You see, I’m in the midst of the desert right now. I’m in a place where I can honestly say I feel there is not one person in this world who understands me, has an inkling of what I'm struggling through, or knows what's in my heart. (Dramatic? Yes. But the feeling is real, and I'm being painfully honest.). But this verse reminds me, without a shadow of a doubt, HE alone knows the way I take. HE alone sees my heart, HE alone understands where I’m at and what I’m up against. And in the midst of this difficult time, I want my feet to closely follow in His steps. I want to follow Him without turning aside. I will not comfort myself with self-pity or excuses. I will be faithful. I want to look back on this season of my life and see I came forth as gold.

When I read through the postings of this blog, it’s like I’m reading thoughts and happenings of another person’s life. It’s at times painful. I miss this past life of LizzyG. Things have changed drastically in our family. I am struggling. I am feeling alone. I am facing mountains which seem impossible to climb, and I just want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head and stay there until God makes the mountains crumble; and it’s safe to come out. But that’s not His way. And one thing this foolish 34 year old woman has learned over the years is, His way is perfect.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

So…back to blog world. I’m not even going to attempt to play catch up on the last 14 months. I’m simply going to start from today. My birthday. My life where it’s at right now. My kids with all their imperfections. I’m not going to try to make you believe I have it all together, I’m a flawless parent, my house is always clean, I have a fantastic job, I have a perfectly balanced life, that I rise while it’s still dark to do my morning devotions, go for a morning run, pack my kids’ lunches, put on perfectly pressed and very trendy clothes for work; and my children wake up with smiles on their faces greeting me with a kiss on the cheek while I prepare their eggs and bacon, and after our morning meal together, we all saunter out the door at 7:30 am, and sing praise songs on the way to school.

The only correct statement in the above paragraph is, “out the door by 7:30 am.” I will never confess to what happens in order to get us to that point. I’ll just hint at the fact it may involve pop-tarts, mascara being applied while driving, and my youngest arriving at school without any shoes (yes, it’s happened).

 PEACE OUT!