MOT of life..........

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name O most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night.

This is the song that was in my head this morning  and it is indeed good.  Given the poorly state of my car recently imagine my gratitude on hearing it had passed its MOT.  You know what it's like, the phone rings and if your car is as old as mine you're open to the fact that it might need bits and pieces replaced although sometimes they could be large, expensive bits and pieces!  In fact since my husband bought the car for me nearly 10 years ago it has only failed the MOT once and it was only an additional minor expense. 

It is easy to be drawn to the attraction of newer models in so many areas of our lives: job, house, even friends, but let's not be quick to ditch the 'old and reliable', the 'steadfast and faithful'.

God has no beginning and has no end, so He is ageless.  He passes the MOT of life every time.  His manual is free and there for all who desire it.   He is reliable beyond measure and will never let you down.  How awesome is this!

Today (day 36) I am thankful I accepted his offer to become a 'God chick'!

To be a Mum...............

I left school pretty pronto today and so was at home whilst Gracie stayed on. A a member of the signing choir Monday is practise day.  As soon as she arrived it's me she looks for.  Up she bounded; "Mummy I just love you so much".  What greater affirmation is there than to be loved, warts and all.  When she wakes in the morning it's me she tiptoes to and wakes with a gentle kiss (although the creaky floorboards give her away).  She gives the best cuddles and I mean right in your neck, legs wrapped around your torso kind of cuddles. 

My boys are no different.  Sam, at 19 still gives me goodnight kiss when he is home and likes to snuggle when the two of us stay up late to watch a movie.  That reminds me I am suffering withdrawal symptoms and due a date with James soon.  Bond, James Bond of course!  Well the 22 digitally remastered cds won't watch themselves you know.  Just in case you're wondering Roger Moore remains the BBE (duh, the 'Best Bond Ever').  Now where was I?  Every mum has her favourite comfy seat and mine is on the red sofa, wall side.  It means I can safely have a cup of tea or glass of sherry by my side.  I can't tell you the battles and cross words that have been exchanged between Aaron and Gracie over whose turn it is to sit next to me or how long the other has been sitting next to me..............

You won't get this kind of pedestal treatment from anyone or anywhere else but your children so lap it up big time.  Today (day 35) I am thankful that after applying to my God I got the job and have been doing it for nearly 20 years!

PS my lovely TA Liz must have had heavenly insight into my post tonight as she handed this to me when she entered the classrom.  It was beautifully written and reduced me to tears.  I have now put it in my 'Tai' box of stuff.  Here it is though, word for word.

A Mum

A mum is a small portion of God's love in action

She looks with her heart and feels with her eyes

A mum is the bank where her children deposit their worries and hurts

A mum is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime

You can have everything in life but you only get one mum

so show this to anyone who is a lovely mummy and let know how wonderful she is

I just did!

x

                

To God be the glory.................

Where did the week-end go!

• Children fed (several times this week-end I might add), check
• Aaron, football match and street dance lesson, check
• washing done & school uniform ready, check
• Gracie's hair, washed, blow-dried, braided, check
• bath & toilet cleaned (someone has to do it), check
• car back on the road, check
• Aaron gave me impromptu dance lesson in preparation for Wednesday, check (I am not competitive I've just got to be good!!!!!! Hee Hee)
• 81 school books marked, check
• Prep for school, check
• Dad taken daughter roller skating in readiness for attending a party next week, check
• school bags packed, check
• 5 hourly doses of paracetamol, check (I am determined not to succumb to the pull of this flu thing)
• Feeling in need of a holiday, check
• Feeling completely rested, no check

Giving God all the glory, check, check, check!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


You know even if we had 48 hours each day we would still not have enough hours to do all we needed or wanted to do.  As a new week starts and although I do not feel very rested I am most thankful for all that I have been able to do and so much more.  I didn't limit myself and God didn't either.  How much more must I not limit my God.  He is able to do all things and is not under the constraints of a 24 hour day.  So lay every thing that is of importance to you and yours at His feet.  Nothing is too mundane so tell Him what you would like to get done and then get on with it, rely only on His strength.  Sing, dance, pray as you along.

In the midst of it all the blessings were still coming thick and fast.  A birthday card from my mother-in-law arrived from Nigeria yesterday, a phone call from a lovely and dear friend whom I hadn't seen for a while.  The icing on the cake was to receive words of encouragement tonight from my bro' in Christ Don (well he's really just like a big brother to me) regarding my blogging which he is being blessed by. 

So tonight (day 34) when my head hits the pillow (after setting the alarm clock; during term time it wins the stand off every Sunday night!) my heart sings a song of gratitude.

It's good to be a 'grafter'

It's good to come from a family of hard workers or 'grafters' as I tell my children. Culture and heritage are so important in society today to ensure that children grow up grounded.

My husband comes from a long line of 'grafters'. He is never afraid to get his hands dirty or try something for the first time. He will painstakingly research how to do/fix something and then give it a go. Now I know I mentioned that my car, having served me faithfully for nearly 10 years was in need of a few replacement parts, one of which was potentially going to cost some serious wonga. I won't bore you with the details but basically the ignition cylinder needed replacing and as the car is fitted with an immobiliser it looked like it was a 'back to the dealer job'.

However my husband refused to believe it was a job he could not undertake and so began his in-depth search. He found the part to buy at a fraction of the cost, a DIY video on you tube and guess what, today with my assistance (well I knew long fingernails would come in handy one day) we replaced the part!

We always tell our children that in Nigeria this is what would happen all the time; the lifestyle does not afford the luxury of being able to fund expenses such as that of a sometimes expensive mechanic. When I look around our home at the fruits of my husband's labour (including our conservatory) I marvel and thank God that today (day 33) he has not forgotten the lessons in hard work and diligence that his parents instilled in him, lessons I am proudly passing on to our three.

A month into my challenge............"I'm loving it"

I know I've probably told you before but I just l...u....r....v the week-ends.  I can have a 'face off' with the alarm clock and win!  When I wake up in the morning it doesn't matter what time it is, I can accept the offer from my duvet to stay under for just a little bit longer.  Life's little pleasures go a long way so let us all indulge.

Let me start your week-end off with some laughter.  It is the best medicine after all.  My TA shared this with me at school and I now have copy stuck on my desk in the classroom.



My husband said to me yesterday that I had now been blogging for 30 days and he was proud of me!  His exact words were "Honey you're more or less 1/12 of the way to achieving your goal of 365".   I do so look forward to sharing my gratitudes with you, even on days when I have to dig deep (thankfully there haven't been many).  That's what it's all about.  Taking nothing for granted, embracing everything and giving thanks to Him with a glad heart and being in a spirit of thankfulness always, for everything. 

I am thankful for this week-end (day 32) and pray that yours will be full of blessings, both ways.

Rebel in the house!

Everyone should have a night off and that's exactly what I've given myself.  A little snuffly and under the influence of paracetamol I decided, after a chilly stroll home after school with my girl, that despite being heavily laden with a burgeoning bag full of books to be marked I would not succumb tonight.  No, tonight it would be dinner , cuddles, snuggles, bath, hot chocolate with light reading accompanied by more snuggles and cuddles and then bed.  Yay, what a rebel I am!

It is good to just do nothing sometimes and just enjoy the stillness that we call peace and quiet.  Oh and some things can wait until tomorrow.  I gain so much from such times; fellowship with one special guest, my Father.  Awesome!

Before I retire for the evening may I share something with you that my cousin sent me earlier.  Read it and be blessed as I was.

Thank you Lord for early nights (day 31).

G U I D A N C E

Dancing With God
When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realises that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.

If God has done anything for you in your life,
please share this message with someone else.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let's continue to pray for one another.

And I Hope You Dance Through Each New Day!

It's good to try new things.........................

I am a huge fan of 'strictly come dancing' and admire the way the celebrities, many of whom have never danced before embrace the ethos of the show and work hard each week learning a variety of dances, many requiring intricate foot work.  With gritted determination they tackle the waltz, fox trot, jive, tango, disco and anything else that is thrown at them.  It just shows that you are never too young or old to learn something new.

Well I did the same today.   I joined a dance class.  Well to be precise a 'body conditioning with dance' class.  I wasn't sure what to expect and had visions of being hoisted up on to a conveyor belt and put through my paces like a car does when it goes for its MOT!

I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Admittedly I was nervous................ you know what it's like when you go to a place for the first time, you are out of your comfort zone; well it was very much like that.  However we were a real mix of ages, sizes and abilities so I didn't feel out of place.  The instructor was my daughter's ballet teacher and she encouraged and indulged me with a little bit of extra help through out.   After a gentle warm up we went straight into the 'jive' although I think mine was more of a freestyle version.  I am so looking forward to next week's class and will be doing my homework before then!

Today (day 30) I am so thankful that I have opportunities, like this one, to try new things, what a blessing!

Extraordinary blessings................

You know each day doesn't have to be 'wow' day in a worldly sense.  I woke up this morning, still in need of a tad more sleep,  had a busy but productive and rewarding day at school followed by a peaceful evening of lovely fellowship with my peeps!   My son went to football training as he does on a Tuesday evening after an exciting discussion about resurrecting his chores so he can save towards a special outing with his friends at half term.  All in all it has been a pretty regular day.  Oh, apart from the macaroni cheese, made by moi and delicious if I may say so. 

Even in the midst of a 'regular day' I still have so much to thank God for.  I shared a few posts ago that my faithful car has been a little under the weather and is taking some time out on our drive way.  I have been sharing my husband's car and today he was going to play squash at 4.00pm.  He remembered that I had a staff meeting after school and would be tired and probably heavily laden with books to mark and so came to my classroom at the end of the school day specifically to help to carry my bags home so that I wouldn't have to!  What a blessing this man of mine is to me!!!!!!!!  Aaron returned from football buzzing after been praised by his manager for an outstanding performance!

Lord I thank you that although the day may be ordinary your blessings to me are extraordinary.
Today (day 29) I have so much to give you praise for; blessing me with my precious husband, who cares for me and always puts me first and for my boy whose enthusiasm for everything life has to offer always lifts my spirit.

Accepting help.................................

Many pupils benefit from just 'a little bit extra' in order to get them to the next level in their learning.  To this end, at school we provide a variety of intervention groups; listening skills, phonics, reading and Numicon, to name a few. 

One of my pupils who has really begun to blossom in confidence and momentum and is enjoying  daily progress in her learning has just started the Numicon maths (a teaching programme that uses a series of structured images to represent numbers) intervention programme each morning, half an hour before school.  This is thanks to the selflessness of a lovely teaching assistant who has committed to running these five sessions without remuneration!

This morning I was approached by this tearful young girl and her somewhat distressed mother.  She did not want to continue with the programme because she felt that as she was progressing very well and so did not need the extra help.  I smiled and told her that the sessions would enhance her learning further and fill gaps in her subject knowledge.  Furthermore, that she should embrace such help and celebrate the fact that she had been specially selected from many to enjoy such a provision.  Needless to say both pupil and mother went away reassured.

As adults we too sometimes think we have 'arrived', that we can do it alone.  We sometimes think that asking for help with something we are finding difficult or even admitting it is an admission of failure or inability to cope. 

Today (day 28) I am thankful to be reminded that I am still a child, my Father's child.  Like my pupil, I will try not to be afraid to show my vulnerability or express emotion when I don't understand.  I will be more accepting of help and just say 'thank you'.

Happy Sunday!

Earlier this week my son asked me "What is the meaning of life?"  It was part of his RE homework.  I couldn't give an answer, not because I didn't have one but rather I had so many and wanted to find a way of putting it succinctly.

My answer was that for me, as someone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly dedicate my very being into his care and will follow him all my days I believe the purpose of my life is to be a disciple; living a lifestyle where I am seeking, everyday to be more like my Father in heaven; nurturing relationships with other believers and spreading the 'Good News' to pre-believers.  None of these are easy but I will run this race until the day I come face to face with Him.

The message at church this morning confirmed this, not just to me but to all of us who love Him.  We need to step out, reach out, lift up, praise up and bind ourselves together in true agape fellowship.  Only then will we experience the fullness of what He has in store for us, individually and as a body.

What an honour and privilege to walk with the Lord Jesus.  Happy Sunday to you! (Day 27)

Precious days..................

Today (day 26) has been a beautiful day; baking with my daughter this morning and having a post-match chat with my son.  He had a good game and was now looking forward to his street dance class.

Later on the rain did not dampen spirits as I enjoyed afternoon tea with lovely friends as part of a birthday celebration for a very special lady.  The table was adorned with exquisite china and food that pile the pounds before you have even had a mouthful, irresistible and yummy!  Conversation and laughter echoed around the room in wonderful fellowship.

Days like this are precious and essential.  It is good to bless and be blessed, just by spending time caring, sharing, encouraging, reminiscing and looking forward.  Thank you Lord.

Our daily bread............

If George Foreman was asked to say something about January perhaps he would say that 'It's the lean, mean month' and pay day seems sooooooooo far away.  The banter in the staff room has pretty much been around this.  I have to admit that post the festive season I have to be careful and creative in ensuring that the contents of my purse spreads that much further. 

The new term at school means that perhaps articles of uniform might need replacing, extra curricular activities need to be paid for, student accommodation rent is due, my car tax is due at the end of the month and in addition my car, poorly from the harsh winter weather needs some tlc of the monetary kind ASAP.  All this together with the regular family expenditure.  It's enough to send one into a fiscal meltdown!

Yet every time I have opened my purse I have had all those needs met.  I have even been able to bless my extended family and friends.

So although my purse isn't bulging with dosh, wonga, dough, readies, spondoolies (I don't think this word exists, I might have made it up!) it is bursting at the seams with gratitude.

God said He would 'Give us this day our daily bread' and today (day 25) I can testify to that.  So this coming week as I dig down into the depths of my chest freezer and make 'something out of nothing' I am going to sing a song of praise to Him.

Words (1).....................

Today was one of those busy, busy days where your feet don't seem to touch the ground.  But I praise God for it.  From the moment I opened my eyes I knew I would have a long day ahead, so much to do at work and errands to run after it!  In all honesty sometimes I hadn't got a clue how I was going to fit it all in but prayerfully prioritise and begin!  Even when more is asked of me and I say 'yes' or 'not a problem' and then think about what I have just agreed to, God guided me through the day.

In the midst of it all I have been blessed; very kind words of appreciation and affection from not one, but several of my colleagues have made my busy day a special one.

Such actions have reminded me of the power of words, to build or tear down one another.  Tonight when my younger son was feeling a little disheartened about something I was able to use choice words to encourage and lift his spirits and the smile on his face confirmed to me how priceless and necessary such actions are.  For that I am thankful (day 24).

Her Father's daughter............

As we sat down to eat dinner tonight I marvelled at the amazing grace of God.  I looked at my daughter and she giggled each time she caught my gaze.  My goodness she is so like her dad; sideways, face on, any which way, she is his image.  They both have a smile so broad and bright to bring cheer to every occasion.  So many of her characteristics are his too, including their love for food.  By the way, my daughter and I enjoyed a lunch date at school yesterday, macaroni cheese, yum yum!

They even share similar shaped toes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Personality-wise Grace has her father's drive and determination to succeed at everything she commits to and an infectious enthusiasm for everything life has to offer. 

The Bible tells us that we too are made in our Father's image.  How awesome.  What about our characters?  How do they compare with that of our Father?  Well I know that I fall short but my Father in heaven loves me 'warts and all' just as my husband loves his girl.  I will continue to allow Him to mould me and complete the good work he has begun in me because he is faithful............and after all I am my Father's daughter and today (day 23) I am thankful for that.

'Breakthroughs'

I awoke this morning with several songs on my heart but the one that stayed with me throughout the day was  'How great thou art'.  You know God is exactly that.

One of the most wonderful things about working with children is when you experience a breakthrough in a child's learning and today I had two such tales to share with parents.  The smile on a young face when they 'get it' or tell you how much they are enjoying school now.  It is priceless!

My desire, through prayer, is that each child I teach leaves my care enriched in some way and that I have been a positive influence.  It is not an easy task as you are often in 'battle' with forces beyond your control.  We are constantly under pressure to deliver and make the figures add up, but the rewards far outweigh these.

So when I am marking books late into the night and bleary eyed in the morning I will continue to say (day 22) 'How great thou art'.

Monday, Monday........................

Bob Geldolf wrote about not liking Mondays, pop group 'The Bangles' wrote about manic Mondays.  Well even though I wouldn't say no to a three day weekend and my husband will tell you I become somewhat subdued on a Sunday evening I am embracing Monday mornings!  Let me share my Monday with you:

Working with children in my job as a primary school teacher means that no two days are the same and I look forward to seeing my class on a Monday morning because I know they'll have lots to share with me.  I too return the favour with my Monday morning 'housekeeping'.  Today I did a longer session.  Well it was my birthday weekend after all............so much to tell them!

Monday reminds me that we are on the way to another weekend, that's got to be worth celebrating.

My husband often works from home on a Monday which means that as well as a warm smile and open arms waiting to greet me after school a lovely meal is usually on the way too!

My daughter loves Mondays too as she has her modern dance class which she thoroughly enjoys!

Despite it being winter the sun managed to smile through the bitter chill that was in the air.

Today (day 21) I thank you Lord for Mondays.

How was yours?

Remembering...........................

I called my mother-in-law today ........................to see how she was doing.  We speak often (yay to mobile phones and network coverage, even in remote places) but our chat today was special.  You see today would have been my sister-in-law, my husband's baby sister (metaphorically speaking) and her only daughter's 38th birthday had she not been called by our Lord nearly 9 years ago.

Mum said she had started the day wearing her brightest, most cheery clothing but then changed to something more subdued.  I encouraged her to make sure in future, on this day, that she wears those cheery outfits because what we are celebrating today is the goodness and grace of our Lord who blessed us with my sister in law but also chose that she should return home at the time she did. We reminisced and laughed and left each other in very good spirits.

We do not always understand the ways of God, but the Christian walk is one that will be full of different seasons, including sorrow but also joy and gratitude for the blessing she was to all of us.  None of us have a blemish free character but Mum and I agree she was close!

Today (day 20) I am so thankful for my beautiful, wonderful, inspiring mother-in-law who has been such a blessing to me, even before I began my own journey of marriage with her son, my husband. 

Thank you....................

Today I awoke with the same thoughts each year, on this day, my birthday.  I think of my mother, an awesome woman, who although no longer here, brought me into the world all those years ago.  Despite the fact that I do not have clear memories of her I still miss her terribly. Birthdays are a celebration of that special bond between a mother and child and when that bond is broken (whether through bereavement, estrangement or any other form) it greatly influences the emotions of that day.  For me the day always starts with the sadness that she is not here.  I am however a most blessed individual and today demonstrated that.

My birthday was full of so much love, fun and laughter that I am overwhelmed beyond words.  My husband and children embarrassed me with songs and words of affection throughout the day.  My daughter must have said "I love you mum" a million times.  She always does!   I exchanged tears with my little sister who is a rare treasure, when she called to wish me a happy day.  Her card to me is one I'll treasure for ever.  I enjoyed catching up with my big brother and nephews and sister in law.  My girlfriends came over and we spent some hours in precious fellowship where we laughed, drank, ate and of course I opened some wonderful gifts.  Again they did much more than they should have done and I am so thankful.  The evening was spent in the company of lovely friends and phone calls from my three gorgeous nieces and my dad.

Poignantly, phone calls from my mother in law (including one to wish me 'a happy birthday eve') confirm to me that God does hear the prayers of our heart.  Mine was to have someone I could call 'my mum' and in her I have this because she loves me with the heart and passion of a mother and I her too.

Today (day 19) I am reminded of how much I am loved and for that I am grateful.

A blessed weekend.............Thank you lord!

Lord, today (day 18) I thank you for the blessing of another weekend.  Thank you for all you have done for me this week.  Amen!

One of those days!

Today has been one of those days.  You know........................late nights, early mornings and a long working day.  Frustrations from a variety of sources have not helped either!  Such frustrations are intent on distracting me and make me wonder what it's all about.  I know though that I must not lose sight of what God wants for me and where he wants to take me and for that, today (day 17) I am grateful.

Through out today the 'serenity prayer' has been on my mind.  You have probably come across it at some point but here is the full version.  It speaks volumes!

 

The Full Version of the Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change...
Courage to change the things I can,
And Wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.

Attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr

Birthday milestones

Birthdays are amazing gifts.  In the passing of a moment you leave one year behind and enter into a new one.  I just find this transition of time mind blowing.  Certain age milestones make such an event even more wonderful for children and adults alike.

When one reaches a certain age each year becomes a time for reflection, evaluation of life's priorities, reviewing aspirations and of course giving thanks.  I marvel at the knowledge that my Father in heaven knew me even before I was fashioned in my mother's womb and determined the day I would be born.  That is why birthdays are so important to me, not just mine but those of my loved ones, family and friends.

Today (day 16) I am thankful for a friend who is celebrating her special day.  I pray it has been a day full of fun, love and laughter and blessings that have surpassed her expectations.

Love (2)

'Absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder'.  My husband has been away for four days, four long days.  I am thankful that I have had wonderful distractions that have eased my aching heart.  I am not ashamed to admit that I giggled like a school girl when he walked through the door, my smile so broad my jaw ached. 

Love is a wonderful thing, in the many forms in which it comes.  I am so blessed to have in my husband, my earthly soul mate, provider, inspiration, guide and best friend.

Today (day 15) I am grateful to God for his safe return.

Embrace the quiet stillness of the morning..................

Knowing that I had a busy day ahead of me and still feeling somewhat exhausted from the wonderfully busy weekend I woke early this morning and just lay in the stillness of the morning for a few moments to gather my thoughts.  I love spending these quiet times in His presence and encourage you to do the same. 

At school I was blessed to be asked to deliver assembly to KS2 (even at short notice) and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Despite the fact that it was a hectic and non 'full on' day we made tracks with the intervention programmes we have implemented for the children.

I have enjoyed an evening of lovely fellowship with my family; my husband and oldest via 'telephone fellowship' (I've just invented that) and with my younger two enjoying cups of tea and hot chocolate as we read the next instalment in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet!

Lord I am grateful today (day 14) that you reminded me to always commit my day into your hands in those early moments so that I may not struggle with any frustrations a busy day may present.

Tears of gratitude...........

Today has ended in tears!  I knew it would.  I know what you're thinking so let me explain.

My son returned to uni after a truly wonderful month of fun, love and laughter.  Each time he returns after a lengthy stay we challenge ourselves to a 'tears free' departure and that has yet to happen.  My younger two cry because they share such a close, strong bond with their brother that they will miss him terribly.  He is an amazing big brother who loves them deeply and showers them with affection.

My tears are for many reasons: I am so proud to have raised a confident, smart, kind, caring, giving, selfless young man who has begun his own independent journey called adulthood; I too miss him so much and will often go and just sit on his bed.  My son is around the same age that Stephen Lawrence was when he lost his life in the most tragic of circumstances.  Having just watched on Panorama his mother's suffering since that day, 18 years ago, most of all I shed tears of gratitude that I have my beautiful, beautiful boy, healthy, happy and loving the Lord. 

I am today (day 13) grateful that I am able to shed such tears and not those of sorrow...............

Life lessons from children!

Despite having one of those thumping headaches, you know, the sort that won't shift despite medicinal and therapeutic efforts.  Yet it's been a day of great joy.  My God daughter and her brothers are sleeping over and there has been raucous endless laughter.  In addition my younger son's good mate has joined us for dinner and spent the evening with us.  Watching them thoroughly enjoying each others company and finding laughter in just about everything is a source of great joy to me.

We can learn so much from these fine people called children and today (day 12) I am grateful to be a mother to three!

Blog your blessings!

The first week-end of the new year, what a blessing!  I so look forward to my Saturday morning lie-in with my daughter.  We snuggle and cuddle, rub noses and giggle.  It is priceless.  My boy also returns to uni this wk-end so although there will be tears when we drop him at the station I am so thankful for the month he has spent at home.  Although a fine young man of 19 he is still my baby boy.

My wk-end of excitement continued with an email from my friend, who despite being quite poorly recently, found so much to be thankful for, especially the gift of her friends and family at this time.  In addition she has decided to blog her daily blessings too.  I am sooooooooooo excited and thank God for her and pray a most speedy and full recovery for her.

Today (day 11) I am thankful for the blessing of my family and friends.

Lift your soul with some 'music'

I don't know if like me you love music.  Having just watched an audience with the lady herself, Diana Ross, I'm reminded of how good God's gifts are, especially the gift of singing / song writing.  My music taste is varied, the Bee Gees, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Bay City Rollers (yes), Bob Marley, Ladysmith Black Mambazo Bruce Springsteen, Brian Adams, Phil Collin, UB40 and so many more!  Our home is always buzzing with some fine tunes and we can all often be found on you tube belting it out with one legend or the other.

Even before I take off my coat at school the first thing I do is to put a CD on.  This week it's Ladysmith and I always spend a few minutes giving the children a short biography about each artist.

Today (day 10) I am grateful for the amazing gift that is 'music', it's therapeutic, often healing but certainly uplifting power!

Give thanks

School prep done, check; kids ready, check.  So it should have been plain sailing.  Today was the first day of the new term and it was a pretty busy, full on day.  At the end of the day we were all exhausted and wondering if we had a break at all!  My car, also feeling the pain from this cold winter weather was now resting, not in its usual place on the drive, but where it had decided to sleep for a while!  My husband too had a somewhat fraught day at the office where nothing seemed to go the way he wanted........................

A documentary I later watched about a man who had lost his face to a life threatening tumour but had it restored by a doctor when others had said it was not possible made me thankful for our day, grateful that we had been given today (day 9) with all its frustrations and by His grace tomorrow as well.

What are you grateful for Today?

January!

You know what it's like after Christmas and the euphoria of a new year has quickly faded and January has arrived.  It's interesting to glimpse the faces that were once so full of cheer and warm greetings as they now scurry quickly past.  Perhaps it's the bitterness of the harsh winter weather that brings about this change of spirit.  Or is it that the cup of commercialism that over flows during this particular festive season now leaves only a bad taste in ones mouth and also pay day seems far far away.

I love January, the cold winter evenings provide an opportunity to cosy up with my daughter under the electric blanket reading her favourite books.  At school I look forward with great anticipation, to watching children spring to life in their learning.  Most of all I love it because it is my birthday month.

This January there is and extra special milestone to celebrate; my mother and father in-law will celebrate 50years of marital bliss and for that I am humbled, inspired and grateful (day 8).

Love (1)

Certain things in life warm your heart and lift your spirit; a special phone call for instance.  That's what I received today and it left me smiling and smiling.  Words of encouragement can go a long way, reminding someone of how much they are loved and how proud you are of them.  I had the oppotunity to do that today..............................................

Today (day7) Iam grateful for that special bond that ties us together in a way that cannot be broken.  That bond is ......................love.

I am blessed!

I can't think of a better way to start the year than to be surrounded by your loved ones.  Today I got a double whammy!  My sister and my nieces came over to spend a truly wonderful day creating memories that will be revisited over and over again. The sound of belly splitting laughter as we (more senior participants) struggled in the 'cereal game', our joy as we answered a trivia question correctly.  This is what life is about, blessing and being blessed by each other in fellowship.  My sister was so overwhelmed with emotion when they arrived.........................................., warm hugs at the ready!

Today (day 6) I am grateful to have my sister with whom I can reminisce about the past, find joy in the present and prayerfully look to the future.