Blessings With Names

Recently Mike & I spent an evening with the little girls at their house while their parents were out. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary. We read books and played a bit. Elise requested an episode of Thomas the Train. As it started she said over and over "Thomas the Train" then "I will watch it!" Yep. She is into sentences big time now. She is so tiny, it seems odd to hear her be so verbal. She has a LOT of thoughts, though.

We went through the bedtime rituals, kind of an extended version I think. Let's just say Cordelia is a pretty effective negotiator. She sat so sweetly as I brushed out her curls and braided her hair for bed. I think that was when we were supposed to help her settle down for sleep.  We might not have done that so well. I blame Mike. He's the fun one.

We made time for silliness. We enjoyed lots of hugs and snuggles. I took photos of those little faces I love.

I looked over at Mike with the girls and I felt so truly content. It still seems strange to me to think of my high school boyfriend as a grandpa and me as a grandma, but I'm so glad we get to share this experience as well. 

Blessings... one named Cordelia and one named Elise.

I love...

Some things I love about my life...
I love that I got to marry one of the good guys.
I love that I got to be a mom to some really unique and wonderful people.
I love that I was raised in the church.
I love that I have lived in some unique places, from small towns to large cities.
I love that my Mom has always been a loving role model.
I love that I got to be an RN. Why doesn't everyone want to be a nurse?
I love getting to know two sweet little granddaughters.
I love that I have always felt loved.

I take none of this for granted.


(photo from March 2012)

Blessings

"Blessings"
by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

This song really touched me today.  Please click here to listen to Laura Story sing it.   I found Laura Story's website here.    

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one
And it will suprise you
What the Lord has done

Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.
Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Ev'ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by.

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings,
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven,
Nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
God is over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.