The Richness of Seeing Day #5 of Thankfulness

The farm boy headed to bible study. 

The dancer to class. 

My farmer was still caring for his ladies. 

So the youngest and I found we were alone. 

She had been up since 3:30 a.m. 

She wanted to snuggle. 

Such a rare gift. 

Knowing I love fixer, upper shows,

she put on Netflix to the perfect choice. 

One that the older daughter had shared  about on my wall just this day. 

We snuggled.

We watched. 

Just the two of us. 

While this journey of children being in

 heaven and growing up and moving on is rough. 

It's these moments that we need to cherish. 

~30 Days of Thankfulness~

I am thankful for:

Sunshine and warm days in November

A productive day of school

Washing windows

(yes! I was able to get one of the 40 done!)

A spontaneous visit with a friend

(poor girl had a double root canal!)

dinner already prepared 

a niece who will come and sit with me and eat her lunch

A daughter, even though far away, still thinks of her mama

Care packages sent

the slow pace of an evening to snuggle with the youngest

lessons I am learning in a quiet home 

that used to burst at the seam with children

eyes that see the beauty: hidden, waiting to be seen

hard discussions choosing church leadership

trusting when there is no other way

Elijah's friends who send me a note when I most need it

learning how to dance in the rain

When we intentionally step into gratitude our eyes are opened. 

We see glimpses of grace we never knew before. 

Won't you join us? 

Ephesians 1:8

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people

Being Molded Hurts

My washing machine is broken.
It's been that way since Saturday.
It's a 5 minute fix.
A sensor that has repeatedly needed to be replaced over the past 4 years.
 5 days, so far, of no laundry.
With 6 people, a dairy farm and hot and humid weather this is a stinky situation.
It is also one that is testing me to the core. 
I don't like the answer I was given.
To wait one week to have a washer serviced is unacceptable in my book.
I have paid for a maintenance warranty.
I have expectations.
They tell me I have options.
I can rent a washer.
My farmer says no.
The last time the technicians installed the washer they did it wrong and
he spent hours fixing the mess they made.
My other option is the Laundry Mat.
I BOUGHT A WASHER SO I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO THE LAUNDRY MAT.
I am inconvenienced.
I am so unsettled in my soul.
I want the service department to be diligent.
A week to me is not good service.

I know, first world problems, as Elijah would say. 

 I am trying to be grateful for the inconvenience.
Trying to embrace what God would have me learn through this situation.

Philippians 4:12
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I struggled to be calm with the service personnel on the phone.
I prayed for her.
I wanted my way.
I am inconvenienced. 
I feel like a child.
I want to scream and get my way.
I am hurting and everything seems overwhelming.
 I need to be content. 
There is a reason.
Being content leads you to grace. 
Grace brings a humbleness and reliance on God.

I head to the Ancient Word.

I read about obedience.
Regardless of the situation.
Obedience is most important.

It is not about me.
It is about being refined and molded into the person Christ wants me to become.

Malachi 3:3
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; 
he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. 
Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,


Purify my heart Lord. 
Even when things don't go my way, I want to be humble.
I don't want to usurp your ways.
Help me to be content. 
Teach me to see beauty in these situations.

My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for you, Lord
I choose to be holy. . .
Purify my heart