Prayer

At this time last year, I was getting ready to make a life change.  I was praying relentlessly about the direction God wanted me to take in my professional life.  I was in an administrative position making the best money of my life, but was utterly miserable.  I'm a nurse and at the core of my job is the desire to help others.  But, I have to tell you...I was helping no one.  God gave me the opportunity to advance very early on in my career and I am thankful for that.  The lessons learned in that job were many and God had that all planned out, too.  But I had come to a place where the job was taking over my life.  I came home and it was all I thought about.  The one word that could describe my life at the end of my time there is simply...DREAD.  I desperately wanted out, but couldn't see the way.  As far as nursing goes, I had it made.  I worked four days a week, no weekends, no nights, no holidays.  If you are in healthcare, you know how few and far between those jobs are!  I also couldn't see how in the world I could take a cut in pay.  We had built a new house a couple of years earlier and had welcomed our third little boy about a year later.  So as much as I wanted out, I was scared of what would await me if I made the leap.  Well, in typical God fashion, a school nursing position opened up in the school district my two oldest attend.  I felt it was a God thing, but convincing my husband and family was a bit challenging at first.  They, too, had the same concerns.  How can we take such a drastic cut in income?  My dad couldn't make sense of the fact that I would want to leave behind what he saw as a "promising career."  I applied for the job and I prayed, prayed, prayed.  I prayed harder than I believe I've ever prayed before.  This job wouldn't just offer a way out of my dread.  I truly believed it was a job in which I could make a difference in the lives of students.  I saw so many possibilities in the position. Ways to express myself creatively and a chance to make something my very own.  I was so excited, but at the same time was reserved because I didn't want to have my hopes crushed.  I continued to pray.  I asked my church to pray.  My ladies small group was praying.  My parents were praying.  Lots of prayers went up to heaven on my behalf.  The hiring process in the public school system is sometimes drawn out and this was no exception.  I had multiple interviews and some time lapsed between those interviews and the school board meeting where the ultimate decision would be made.  I continued to pray and asked God to grant me this opportunity, but at the same time I asked Him to give me peace if this was not His will for my life.  Finally, toward the end of July I received a call and was notified that the school board had voted to hire me.  Talk about excited!!!  I was so excited that it didn't even seem real!  I felt a huge sense of relief and freedom.  And then.......WHAM.  It hit me.  What did I just do?  Can I do this?  Did I make the right decision?  I'm sure God was less than thrilled at my sudden surge of doubt.  He carried me through it and a year later I can say with 100% certainty that I absolutely, positively made the right decision.  There are no perfect jobs and there are days I don't want to go to work.  There are days I get frustrated.  But even with the frustrations, I know I am where God has placed me.  I honestly feel like I do make a difference every day and that is a great feeling.  People ask me a lot if I have any regrets and I always answer them no.  I used to say the only thing I missed about my old job was my paycheck, but quite frankly, I haven't missed that either.  God has a way of making ends meet.  Would I like to still have that extra income?  Well, of course!  But, we have not gone hungry.  My kids still have plenty.  We are still able to go and do pretty much as we please.  And most importantly, I am with my kids as much as any working mom can be and for that I am eternally grateful. 

I started this post with the intention of writing about how we need to pray for each other.  Like I mentioned, I had many people praying with and for me about this BIG decision in my life.  To other people, it may seem trivial.  It was huge to me.  I have a friend right now who's little boy is about to undergo his 3rd open heart surgery and I am praying for her.  I strive to pray for her as if it is my child who is about to undergo that operation.  How often have I said, "I'll pray for you" and then half-heartedly muttered a 10 second prayer for that person?  I don't want to do that.  People have poured their hearts out for me in prayer and I want to do the same for others.  I was up in the middle of the night last night re-filling a sippy cup (don't judge me) and I couldn't go back to sleep so read one of my favorite blogs (www.bitsofsplendor.com).  The writer was having a "heavy" day and honestly shared her feelings and her heart with her readers.  I felt for her.  I have been where she is.  I prayed for her.  I've never met her, but I felt empathy and I prayed for her.  We are called to bear each others burdens and I hope that I am faithful to do that. 

Monday is here again!  Monday's don't bother me nearly as much as they do during the school year.  In fact, right now, Monday is just another wonderful day of summer bliss in my world.  August 20th might possibly change my view, however.  We had a great weekend filled with family time and church.  Nothing too terribly exciting, but a great weekend nonetheless.  This is my first time to link up for Bits of Splendor Monday and I have to say I'm very excited!!  I just started my blog about a week ago and I absolutely love it.  This was all birthed from SheReadsTruth and I am so glad to be a part of the blogging community!  I hope to make lots of connections and form some wonderful friendships.  I am so encouraged and inspired by the blogs of ladies all over the country.  I love reading about their lives, struggles, art projects.....you name it and I'm fascinated by it.  I hope that my blog can inspire someone else in some small way.  Well, happy Monday everyone!  Oh, by the way...it is OFFICIALLY summer and the pump on our pool went out last night:-( 

Flea Market Friday

This whole day has seemed like Saturday to me.  I guess that's because Randy has been off the past couple of Friday's and I'm still not used to him being home.  Buzz & I got up early this morning and headed out to a local jewelry shop and then decided to hit a couple of flea markets.  I've been back on my pinterest kick and also have found some inspiration from a couple of blogs I've been following.  I am looking to find vintage pieces I can bring back to life.  Let me just say, I should have been going to flea markets all along.  You never know what you'll find!  I found a vintage Ethan Allen hutch today, but unfortunately it was already sold.  I love to browse through all the booths hoping to find a diamond in the rough.  I did find a chair today for this project:

Amazingly enough, the seat was already out of the chair I found so that's one less step I'll have to take!  I went to Wal-Mart tonight and got some paint (very similar to this color).  I can't wait to get started on it! 

After our flea market stops, Buzz & I had lunch at the Polar Freeze (at his request) and then had to have the obligatory Tropical Sno:-)  It was a great day with one of my special boys. 

Oh, oh, AND.....I reached my goal today!!!  I ran/walked 4 miles!!  I'm so excited.  My ultimate goal is to completely run the 4 miles, but my mind hasn't caught up with my aspirations just yet.  But, I'll get there:-)

Patience is a Virtue

It's the first official "full" day of summer!  We've been out of school for a few weeks now so it seems kind of strange that summer is really just beginning.  We've been pretty busy.  Two weeks of church camp, baseball, and regular errands have kept us going.  I haven't been home this long with my boys since maternity leave with Gavin.  The boys were in school then so this is really the first time I've had all three of them home for an extended period of time, well....ever!  I must say, I love it.  I love the lazy mornings and all the extra time I have to clean my house, organize, and re-arrange.  I enjoy watching the boys swim and being able to be there for all their activities. 

Brantley (far left) & Buzz (far right) @ church camp

Enjoy:  to experience with joy; take pleasure in.  I must admit learning to enjoy life is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  I am an only child and grew up in a home that was pretty structured and quiet.  Fast-forward 16 years and I live in a house with 4 boys!  You can imagine how different my life is.  There have been many times I have missed the opportunity to enjoy a moment in my boys' life because they were being too "wild" or making a mess and my level of patience was less than optimal.  I regret those missed opportunities.  Thankfully, I believe I have made strides in my quest to enjoy life.  I truly believe Gavin has had so much to do with that.  He has forced me to slow down, to re-examine my life, and has given me one thing I am in abundant need of:  patience.  When you have children, enjoying life goes hand in hand with patience.  I remind myself that it doesn't really matter how big the mess or how noisy the boys, this is life!  These are the moments that they will remember forever and who am I to take away their fun and joy?  So, I strive everyday to slow down (even if its just a little) and enjoy my life even with all the smelly socks, crumbled up chips on my couch, and dirty little fingerprints on my doors.




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Silly boy!

Gavin playing ball with his big brother "Bo"

Buzz & Gavin

New Mercies & A Zebra Chair

Today, or this week rather, has been one of those days.  You know the ones.  The ones that make you feel like an epic failure.  Everything from my food choices to my parenting has made me feel like I'm losing any ground I had gained.  I've hit Mickey D's a couple of times and lost my cool when my soon to be teenage son responded in a not so polite manner.  Everytime I start to feel like I'm just not accomplishing what I'd like to, I remember that God's mercies are new every morning.  It reminds me of a quote from the PBS TV series Anne of Green Gables (a wonderful series I might add):  "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it."  Thank goodness!  It gives me hope and encouragment to know that God will give me new mercy tomorrow- the exact amount I will need to get through.  While I'll never be the perfect parent or completely conquer my junk food addiction, I can rejoice in the fact that I can count on Christ to bring me a little closer to my goals each day. 

Now, for some happy news.  I got a new zebra chair yesterday and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!  It is a wonderful place to sit and read or write my blog.  In fact, I'm sitting in it right now:-)

My Dad & Me

Today is Father's Day and I am blessed to have a wonderful father.  Because of him I have known unconditional love and acceptance.  My father taught me the importance of making Christ first in my life and I am so lucky to have had his example to live by.  Don't get me wrong, there were many times I failed him and disappointed him no doubt.  However, I have held tightly to the truths he raised me to believe and they are more precious to me as the years go by.  So, Happy Father's Day to my very special dad! 


I would be remiss inot to mention my husband.  I have 3 very energetic boys and my husband is (and always has been) one of the best dads I know.  He dove right in from day one, changing diapers, feeding, bathing, playing, and most impressively napping with our boys.  He has always been very involved in everything our boys do from coaching their sports teams to attending doctor's visits.  We have reallly done everything as a team and for that I'm thankful. 


I had grand plans to jump out of bed this morning around 6 am and get my daily run in.  But.....I hit snooze instead.  I reasoned that I would do it this afternoon, but guess what?  I never got around to it.  That's ok.  I have run every other day this week so one day off is excusable, right?  I only began running about 3 weeks ago.  I used to hate running, but for some reason unbeknowst to me, I suddenly love it!  I'm not great at it yet, but I am quite proud of the fact that I can run a mile WITHOUT STOPPING!!!  YIPEE!!!  Quite a feat for a girl who 3 weeks ago never really worked out in her life.  So, I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get my run in, but tomorrow's another day.


I did get up in time to complete day 3 of the She Reads Truth Soul Detox devotional.  I am so excited to have found this group of ladies!  What an inspiration it has been to me!  In fact, my inspiration for this blog came from the many blogs of other Christian women I have visited since joining the bible study.  I find such encouragement from their words and stories from their everyday lives.  The devotion I read today was from Jeremiah 12:1-4 regarding toxic thoughts.  My most prominent toxic thoughts have got to be critical.  Quite frankly, I tend to be extremely critical sometimes.  Not because I want to be.  In fact, I desperately long to love and accept people just like Christ loves and accepts me.  But, just like Paul I find myself doing what I really wish I didn't do.  So I began to think about why I can be so critical of others and I wondered if criticism of others really stems from a deep seeded disappointment in myself.  You know the old saying, "She tears other people down to make herself feel better."  I don't think I consciously do this, but maybe on an unconscious level that is exactly what is happening.  Don't we all feel a little more at ease when we realize others are imperfect, too?  I guess there's nothing wrong with that thought process in and of itself.  It is encouraging when we find that others stumble and struggle with the same issues that we do.  But, I long to break the chains of my critical spirit once and for all.  So....how do I do this?


Well, obviously first and foremost I ask God for help.  God can give us strength and power to do anything we need to do in this life for His glory.  I've also been reading lately about the armor of God.  Ah yes, that helmet of salvation.  Christ.  The Word.  Imagine what would change if I simply put on my helmet every morning!  I could change a critical spirit into a thankful spirit, one that edifies, encourages, builds up.  Wow!  Wouldn't that be great?

First of all, this blog has absolutely NOTHING to do with quilts.  Or quilting.  Or the love of quilts.  I've recently been inspired by the blogs of several Christian women and decided to begin documenting my own journey.  I wanted to use the title "Beauty for Ashes", but low and behold, it was already taken.  I didn't have any other ideas, so I opened my Bible.  Actually, I opened my BRAND NEW Bible.  The one my dad gave me just yesterday.  It is a Bible for Mom's and sprinkled throughout it's pages are tidbits of wisdom for mothers.  One such tidbit was entitled "The Happy Quilt." Hmm.  Maybe?  I wasn't sold, but that seemed to be what God was pressing on my heart so I went with it.  In fact, my life (and everyone else's for that matter) are much like patchwork quilts, right?  Quilts are pieced together (by loving hands) from scrap pieces of fabric or old t-shirts or baby clothes or....well, you understand.  Isn't that a picture of what God does for us?  He pieces together the moments of our lives (the good, the bad, the scraps) and makes a lovely quilt.  Quilts are special, beautiful, and serve a PURPOSE.  What's that?  They serve a purpose?  Well, technically....yes!  Not only are they wonderful to look at, they serve to provide us warmth and comfort.  Ok God, yet another picture of the Christian's life.  We have PURPOSE!  Sometimes finding that purpose is what creates the pieces of our own individual quilt.  The triumphs, the defeats, the goof ups, the "getting ahead of God" moments, the tragedies, the sweet moments, and the life lessons all make up my quilt.  What about you?  Can you picture your life as a piece of art being quilted by Christ?