1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's

will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

...give thanks in all circumstances...Wow! That is not always easy to do, is it? I know it isn't for me. Over the past few weeks I know there have been many times when I did not give thanks. For instance, when I was in so much pain I couldn't roll over in bed without using the assitance of the bedpost, or when I couldn't get up and walk without the help of someone else, or a walker. I know I wasn't giving thanks when some of my best friends left for the Extraordinary Women's conference and I was left at home, or when I had not been out of my house for weeks on end.

...give thanks in all circumstances... I have read that scripture many, many times before, but today when I read those words the Holy Spirit convicted me to the core. The word all stuck out like it never has before. Notice it doesn't say some. It says all. No matter what we are going through we should give thanks. Whoa!

...give thanks in all circumstances... This means that no matter what we are going through, whether it be something major like a serious medical condition, or something trivial like the fact that all of your capris/shorts from last summer are too tight, we should be full of joy and thankful. As Christians we can find comfort in knowing that where we are right now is God's will for [us.] We can also rest assured knowing that in "all things God works for the good for those who love him (Romans 8:28.)"

So, today I challenge you to join me as I commit 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to memory this week. Once we have God's word in our heart, I pray He will use the power of the Holy Spirit to administer an immediate attitude check each and everytime we begin to play host to an awful pity party. I also pray that once the scripture comes to mind we will immediately be reminded that it is God's will for us to be more joyful, prayerful and thankful people no matter what the circumstances, and then to act accordingly!

What can I say?...

I love to read! However, due to the nature of my current job, I usually spend most of my time reading nonfiction. You know.. professional books, most of them concerning literacy (esp. in the primary grades). I also like to read, what I would call "self-help" books. It's not that I don't enjoy reading fiction. It's just that once I get into a book--I CAN"T PUT IT DOWN!!!!!!!!! Actually, I really love reading fiction. However, in my life there seems to be a very fine line between love and addiction (same goes for chocolate, Coca-Cola, shopping...)

For example, I started reading A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury (my favorite author) on Friday night before bed. I woke up Saturday morning and read every possible waking moment that I could. That means in between making breakfast, turning on "shows," playing with my 4 yr. old DD, making PB&J sandwiches, working on the blog, etc. the book was in hand. After reading well over 3/4 of the book it was time to go to bed and......I COULDN"T SLEEP! The characters and the plot were running over and over again in my mind. All I could think about was Jade, Tanner, Ty, and what the remaining pages had in store. I tossed and turned and eventually had to get out of bed, get a drink of water, and take some meds. I tried to clear my mind by watching a little college basketball on TV and eventually I fell asleep. When I woke up this morning all I could think about was getting back into my book. I read the entire time my family was at church and finally successfully completed the book this afternoon!

If you have never read any of Karen Kingsbury's work I highly recommend you get in your car, drive to your local library or bookstore and pick one up. I promise that once you start reading you will not want to stop. You may just find yourself addicted as well!! By the way, while you're out, can you pick up Halfway to Forever for me?

Phillipians 3:14

I am excited to be able to be apart of Philippians 3:14 Fridays hosted by Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman? I think it will be a great way to hold myself accountable for changes that I am wanting to make in my life. Today I will be posting my goals for April. Each consecutive Friday I will post about my progress and how things are going. So.....here it goes.

Daily Goals:
- drink 64 oz. of water daily
- limit myself to one soda/glass of tea each day
- exercise daily (walking...just what the doctor ordered!)
- continue quiet time and working through current Bible study- Discovering God's Will
- M&M: allow Mackaylan to choose at least one activity daily that we complete together (craft, outdoor activity, game, etc.)

Weekly Goals:
- memorize at least 1 Bible verse
- attend required physical therapy sessions
- read at least 1 book

Personal:
- make bed daily (I have been backsliding on this one!)
- meal plan and shop accordingly each week
- "Clean Sweep" each night before going to bed- all items picked up

Projects:
- clean out closet and organize spring/summer wardrobe
- organize KK's clothes/toys
- shop for a few "spring" household decorations
- organize jewelry

Now I guess I need to print these off and hang them in a visible location so I will be sure to adhere to the goals I have set for this month. What about you? Do you have something that you have been wanting to do, but have lacked the motivation and/or accountability to carry through? You are more than welcome to join the fun as we all "press on" toward our goal(s)! :)

Look Who's 4!!!

Today is my DD's 4th birthday! I can't believe how time flies. It was only 4 yrs. ago that the Lord blessed our family with her beautiful smile and sweet spirit! Now, I can't imagine life without her! Below is a list of Fun Facts about Mackaylan at this stage in her life!

At the age of 4, Mackaylan.....

- loves to watch "the singing show"- American Idol
- watches High School Musical repeatedly
- enjoys taking dance (tap and ballet)
- shares a "special kiss" with her mommy- from HSM 2!
- gives "butterfly kisses" to her daddy everyday
- has many names- Mackaylan, KK, Mac, Mac-a-doodle,
Doodle Bug, and sometimes Sarah Allen :)
- favorite foods are PopTarts, chicken nuggets, PB sandwiches
and cheese dip
- Pepsi/Sprite are her favorite drinks
- is a huge helper around the house
- always on the go
- had her first sleepover w/ friends last weekend
- entertains her imaginary friends Casey and Dizzy often
- generous heart
- is finally #2 potty trained w/ the help of many dollar bills
- makes me laugh when she says"Mom, it sure is froggy
outside this morning!"
- another cute phrase "Oh, I have an eyeflash in my eye!"
- changes clothes MANY times a day
- loves watching The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets,
Max and Ruby and anything else on Noggin
- loves Jesus and going to church
- enjoys singing
- would rather play with decorations around the house
than her toys
- loves to help daddy feed Sima
- likes to play outside on her "playground!"
- wears dresses almost everyday
- loves going to daddy's 4-wheeler races with the family
- has lots of friends of all ages
- is often called "chatter box" b/c she talks non-stop!
- has a large vocabulary
- loves learning the meaning of new words
- is anticipating a trip to Disney World in the future
- wants a baby brother or sister about as much as
her mom/dad do!
- is blessed with grandparents who allow her to
"spend over the night" often!
- is loved so much by her ENTIRE family
- loves pink and anything "girlie"
- has a vivid imagination and can pretend play for
hours on end
- preceeds most sentences with "____, I need to tell
you something!"

...and the list could go on and on!

Happy 4th Birthday, Mackaylan! We love you!

Just for fun!

I'm now an official member of the Danny Gokey fanclub! Don't be jealous. You can join too. Head on over to the official American Idol website and join the fanclub of your favorite contestant. What else is there to do when you are cooped up in your house on a rainy Wednesday morning? And don't forget to watch American Idol tonight @ 9:00 to see who is going home. Hey, I'm pretty good at this. Watch out Ryan!