Count your blessings

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings,

See what God has done.

So often I find myself counting everything but my blessings.

I count how often I feel sick.

Or the endless bills it takes just to live.

The amount of times the girls need my help during the day.

Why do I look at the negative?

I feel good more often than I feel sick.

Those bills give us a house that more than meets all our needs, is cute, and keeps us warm. Also, we have plenty to eat. I have never in my life wondered if I will get my next meal.

And those kids who demand so much time? They are the same blessings who come up randomly during the day and declare, "I wove you mama," and "you are the best mommy in the world." The last one I know isn't true, but it is nice to hear it anyway.

My family and friends are a huge blessing. Mom has insisted that I come up there during Gabi's nap time so I can take a nap, or rest, or whatever, and she can make sure Karis consistently does reading and practices her violin and numbers. All of which I am dying to do but often don't have the energy, and thus the patience for my active four year old. Karis is more than ready to read and catching on so fast. She read her first word last week. And, if I need to, we get to stay until the girls bedtime so I have all the help I need. See, what a blessing.

God has placed two ladies in my life who have traveled somewhat the same road I am. They are a few, just a few, years ahead of me and I am eating up their experience and wisdom.

mammamindy.blogspot.com has been such an encouragement. I know if you check out her blog you will be encouraged, too. When I cooked up at Box T her husband was a Bible teacher. Mindy was such a great example of motherhood and servanthood. I was always excited when it was their turn to teach because the family was such a joy to be around. They always treated us to one afternoon off and cooked super for the entire camp. A cooks dream. She has dealt with, and is currently dealing with being sick while having a family. God reconnected us through the blogger world and Her words of advice have been gems for my current state.

Another lady who has been a joy is Lynn, a mother of two of my previous violin students. She fought, and won, the battle over cancer and other illnesses, all while being the mother to very young children. She took the time out of her busy day to send me a very encouraging e-mail about surviving with little ones. It has been something I've read several times and makes me feel like not quite such a failure of a mom. I also have permission to call her anytime day or night to share my frustrations.

Thank you ladies for your part in my life and taking the time to encourage me. Also helping me to realize that the rules of motherhood are different when you aren't feeling so hot. :-)

God is so faithful.

He gives us what we need when we need it.

Count your blessings today and see what God has done.

I know I am amazed.