{disappointment.bag}

So today was Addy's first dentist appointment, and, by the way I see her brush her teeth, I fully expected a not-so-joyous report. But, in true Addy fashion, her teeth were great, and I was bewildered. Truly. You should see her brush her teeth. Have I offered to help? Of course. Has it ever been accepted? Of course not. It's Addy, for heaven's sake! She can do EVERYTHING by herself. EVERYTHING. Just ask her.

Anyway, when we got home, Addy asked where her "disappointment bag" was. Huh? I asked her if this was something she had at school that I was unaware of? No, no, she says. You know, the bag with my new toothpaste and toothbrush inside of it. (Side note: The floss was totally unwound in the car on the way home. No surprise there. Addy can't help herself when it comes to these kinds of things.) OH, your "dentist appointment" bag? Yes. That's the one.

And then I got to thinking. How many of us carry around "disappointment bags?" Big ones. Like bigger than my purse which can hold everything from snacks for the whole carpool line to a whole new outfit that can be converted into a costume at a moment's notice to a pair of flip flops because Addy often wanders out of the house without shoes. And those disappointment bags are heavy. But, you know, we don't need to carry those around, do we? For if we know Jesus, HE is our hope, and He promises to replace our disappointments with joy . . . if we'll let Him. Will you (will I?) let Him? Put down your disappointment bag already. It's not even a cute one. :-)

Read more...

{shape.it.up}

Blog world has definitely been neglected lately, and I'm bummed about it. I love to blog, and I've got SOOOO much to share. And I will. Someday. I did want to share my oldest daughter's prayer tonight, because it was just too funny to not blog about. Let me give you a little backstory . . .

Upon arriving home from what Addy refers to as "Bigwanas," which is the Awanas program (a FABULOUS Christian based children's program), Addy was not in a fabulous mood. At all. Everything - yes EVERYTHING - was a battle, until we finally surrendered Addy to bed, sans stories, prayers, the whole bit. It was that bad.

Meanwhile, I went in to say prayers with Delaney. Delaney said several "thank you God" prayers, and then I asked her if there was anyone that she wanted to pray for. Without hesitation she said a firm, "YES" and then launched into the following prayer:

"Dear God, please help Addy to SHAPE IT UP. AMEN."

Classic, right? I know that NOTHING is impossible with God. We'll see what tomorrow brings . . .

Read more...

{insanity}

I'm not one to stay up late. Ever. No matter what. I didn't even stay up late in college. Seriously. 9:30 pm is pushing it for me - I start to get crazy. But for the last week, I've seen WAY later than that, and I fear that it may be the norm for the next two months. At the same time, I am blown away by God's provision, as so many precious families and couples are entrusting me with their memories. Here's a few memories from the last week or so . . .

Read more...