Ah, to sit.....

It feels so refreshing to sit right now and simply reflect on God; His character, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and goodness!! He is my joy, hope, and peace! He holds the universe and pours out love all at the same time!
So, I highly recommend sitting down and praying for others when you feel your heart perspective drifting towards self and away from Jesus. I am still refreshed from my time as I typed last week's post. Thank You, Father, for putting my gaze back on You!!! You are so beautiful!!!!
By God's grace, last week my attitude was more other-centered than me-centered. I had opportunities to share truth with others and pray with them! I love enjoying the Lord through relationships and gospel conversations.
An emotional heart-to-heart with my mom was definitely a gift!! Jesus, thank You for the honesty that she and I have and the encouragement we can give each other through scripture! Father, I pray that You would remind her tonight of Your presence and control over all circumstances!!! She trusts You, help her trust to deepen!
Matt had the opportunity to preach at a memorial service (his first). What a picture of Your faithfulness and work to see what 11 months can develop in friendships and heart connections. One couple from our community group lost a parent, and Matt helped usher their hearts into complete celebration over a loved one being with Jesus!!! Yes there is sadness, but oh the joy to know a son has returned home!!!
A conversation with my brother Wednesday night just sent my heart soaring!!! I pray that you would remind him of Your nearness right in the midst of circumstances!! That he would drink deeply from Your Word and love nothing more than You!!!
Lord, thank You for slowing me down toward the end of the week and stirring my heart with great thankfulness for Matt's servant leadership in my life and our family's. His help to me and my heart is quite the grace. I, with Your help, only hope to be the support and encouragement that he is to me. We don't always see eye to eye at first or come to situations the same way, but to ponder the growth of our relationship is to remember the gospel. May our marriage be used as a picture to a dying world of Your love, grace, and forgiveness.
Friday morning brought sweet conversation (and coffee) with a true dear friend that I am continually growing in my gratitude for. You have answered my prayers in Your perfect timing. December and I got together and were able to "let our guard down" and share honest struggles and deep joys with one another. Coming before Your throne together is so uplifting to my sometimes worrisome heart. Your refreshment is satisfying!!
I have absolutely loved spending time with my kids over the past few days. We were so incredibly busy this week but I found myself just watching them, laughing with/at them, wanting to catch some quality time one-on-one when the opportunity was there. One day in particular was so precious with the girls and I. A quiet morning at the library, going to Kroger for a ride on the "penny" horse, and a kiddie hot chocolate at Starbucks. We had so much fun!!! The simplest of things can serve as such a breath of fresh air! Another breather this week was bedtime. Reading, praying, and singing with the kids before bed can feel so rushed (and, honestly, sometimes I'm just "done"), but I found myself drinking in the preciousness of that time!
One other simple thing that has encouraged me this week is all the dinners we have eaten together as a family!! Even with the piano lessons, church activities, and soccer practices we are setting aside that time as sacred in our home. Thank You, Lord, for helping me stay on top of the planning (and may it continue) and giving me the energy to prep and cook when the time comes! AND for Matt's incredible help on multiple levels! This is one of those things that could be overlooked as God's faithfulness in my life and I praise Him that He's allowing my eyes and heart to be so aware of His goodness through dinners!!!
My post concludes this evening by reflecting on God's protection of Noah yesterday. His pinky is only fractured!!! An accident in the gym at church left us wondering, but the X-ray this morning confirmed! I'll take him to the orthopedist tomorrow to see just how bad it is. Noah was such a trooper today. I was so proud of him! He was nervous of the unknown, but he did very well!!! Thank You, Father, for stripping more of his control and reminding Him that You are the One we trust!!!
May God be given ALL the glory for the great things He has done!!

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be added to You."
          Praise You, God!!! It is being added!!!!!! Fill me with more of You and less of me!