Dear Ellen

Dear Ellen,

You are 13 years old and I am so happy for you! I remember, like it was yesterday, when you were born . . . I can close my eyes and tell you about being in the downstairs of the hospital . . . walking around that basement, stopping ever so often at the vending machine just because it was something to look at. Then, after we toured that for 15 - 20 minutes we would climb the stairs and go to the far end of the OB hall where "my room" was. I remember Dr. Marla coming and checking on me - you were my 1st and long awaited - baby!!! Your dad and I didn't tell either set of parents - we were so excited to surprise them like you were to surprise us!

I think right up until the moment you were born, we called you "junior" and I fully expected to have a little boy (while I secretly hoped you would be a little girl) . . . how God must have smiled when He my saw my heart overflowing with joy at you!

I remember the visitors, grandpa Don's classic line was "wow! she has really good color!". So, don't ever doubt your "color" - tanned or tanless, Papa Don knew from the beginning it was beautiful! Grandpa Nelson just sat and held you early in the morning and grandma Shari swaddled you like she has down countless times since. Grandma Bonnie gave you your take home outfit from the hospital - a beautiful pink little outfit with hat and shoes! She loved you from the moment she met you and both her and grandpa Don were honored with your name . . .
Sweet Miss Ellen Janelle.

Dear Ellen, your name was chosen with great care and much love. It means "Light" and Janelle is of course after your aunt, my sister. It reminds me of her and how I love her so dearly and I hope that it will remind you of the love of sisters too which God has given you Two! You are special girls and I pray you can cherish each other like I cherish my sister. Ellen, our prayer is that your life is one that "goes out and spreads beauty and light" in this world. In this dark world. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it . . . and it only takes one flame to dispel the darkness . . . but that flame has to not be afraid to shine and shine brightly!!! In fact, the brighter the flame, the less of the dark . . . courage, bravery, love, Jesus . . . and the darkness goes away. Always.

Ellen, I have tried to be honest with you about being a teenager. In case I haven't been clear, let me reiterate: IT IS HARD. Period.
Notice what I did not say: I didn't say it was impossible (most people grow into their twenties) and I didn't say it was boring or gross or not fun . . . it just takes perseverance--determination. It takes focus on setting your mind to the things that matter and DON'T lose sight of them. You are a beautiful, talented girl fastly evolving into a young woman . . . you amaze me! Your optimism, your talents, your honesty . . . i am so blessed to be your mom, kid! I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER.

I pray God's blessing on you Ellen; I adore You and I love you!

Sunday Pleasures!

wow. what a great thought, what a great quote, what a great truth:

Learn to count. Period.

So much of life is about counting. Ann Voskamp shares in her book/devotional/study a section titled "Learning to Count". How since we are little, we learn to count. And we just continuing counting - money, friends, things, hurts and then she challenges us, challenges me to 'count the things that really matter.' Count the gifts God has given, the blessings He has bestowed, count the graces He has granted and the things He has turned to good in my life. Count them and sit (or stand) in awe of the One who makes all things new.

I love the analogy she shares of a musician and you stop counting, it's like running around in the forest, in the dark, without a flashlight." To a believer who stops counting blessings, it's like running around in the forest, on the edge of the cliff, in the dark, without a flashlight.

"Without counting, the song loses the harmony. And without counting blessings, our lives lose the song, the light--the beat of God's heart."

Oh Lord, help me to number my days and count them for You!

Yesterday's message: Jesus is Full of Grace & Truth (John 1:14). So often we want others to give us Grace while we hold them to Truth. He talked of intention vs directon - how intent does not get us there--directions do!

He talked of how beautiful when the two things come together - like in the person of Jesus! One who is Full of Grace & Truth! Jesus, the beautiful One.

Lord Jesus, this week, help us - Ryan, the girls, myself to show grace to each other . . . to breath life to one another . . . to be truthful in love . . . mostly, Lord, help us to be more like You--beautiful to those who truly see.


Sidenote:
Girls loved the doon.buggy - got completely muddy & dirty!
Nelson's death date - 3 yrs yesterday (Sunday)
Emily lost a tooth! So glad the tooth fairy remembered . . . she'll wake up soon and tell me!
Awesome family time last night - played Sorry together after watching an "okay" movie (Ryan watched football - all's good) and there was only fighting and irritation at the end of the game - this is a big improvement over last time, PTL!
Ellen plays tonight - God protect her, let her honor You, give her tools she needs to do what You would have her to!
Amen & amen - I love You!!!

HoneyComb is NOT a staple

Okay, I am so thankful my family eats cereal.
I do appreciate how we can eat cereal for breakfast,
or lunch
or supper/dinner.
And, it truly satisfies as our meal - all 3 food groups, less the protein and high on the sugar.

What I have failed at in my mothering skills is helping my family (girls + Ryan) to understand that HONEYCOMB cereal is not a food group alone nor is it a staple of any 1 food group.

Regardless of the BIG, BIG taste!

Now, coffee on the other hand . . . I am sure Heaven is full of such goodies!

And to leave with you a lighthearted video for the day - this just tickled me silly! I love it!!! Makes me want to be a teacher:-)