lateness.

I'm late in doing this "today" because I've been spending time with my husband instead of my computer.

1. I praise God for my husband's ability to play guitar. I love listening to him play. He has been playing for me for over 8 years now. =)
2. I praise God that a very large project I have been working on with some work colleagues will be completed next week. It will be a huge relief to have all this hard work be completed and behind us.
3. I praise God that I may have found a home for the rescue dog we have been "fostering" for the last couple of months. We will be meeting with the woman and her son tomorrow to see if they like him. I will be praying they are a good match.

yesterday's news...

Last night our internet was being stupid, again. (I sure do love our ISP...) As a result, I just typed my praises for yesterday into a Word document to later be copied and pasted. Here is the result of said efforts:

1. I praise God for dinner time with my husband and son. We sit down as a family, my husband says Grace and we enjoy a meal together. So many blessings.
2. I praise God that my husband takes the time to teach our son. He makes everything he teaches him into a game and they have fun together. He teaches him everything from numbers to grilling. It helps our son with his education and the quality time will make a difference in the man he becomes.
3. I praise God that my hospital is doing so well right now. We have been full all week long. High census=job security. =)

growing and learning

1. I praise God for my son's sitter and her family. They have been such a blessing and my son adores them. He gets excited the days he gets to go to their house and that makes me feel so much better about being a working mom.
2. I praise God for the daily trails we face. They aren't all earth-shattering, but each one has it's own difficulties it creates in our lives; in the same moment, each has it's own lessons to be learned and opportunities for growth.
3. I praise God that my son is growing so well. He started out only 3lbs, 8oz at birth and is getting bigger and bigger every day. It amazes me to see how much he has grown and it makes me so thankful that I am able to witness it.

09.27.2011

1. I praise God for the delicious dinner my husband and I created tonight. It was so delicious. I am so thankful that I am able to enjoy eating.
2. I praise God for His faithful love. The more I learn of His love, the more I understand how to love.
3. I praise God for His continued healing.

a day to truly praise.

1. I praise God for the healthy delivery of my newest niece. My sister-in-law delivered her this afternoon and all is well with both of them. Her stats are as follows: 6lbs 14oz, 19 1/2in long, born at 4:21p.m. CST. This was my sister-in-laws third all-natural delivery and I hear she did it like a champ! She is an amazing woman that way. I am so eager to meet the newest baby of our family!
2. I praise God for my husband's helpfulness. This morning he helped get our son ready for the day; I was running late, so it really made a difference in how my day went. I am so blessed to have a helpful husband.
3. I praise God for the weather being cooler. My son and I can play outside in the evenings again. It is so much fun to watch him explore the world and it gives him a great chance to burn a lot of energy so he sleeps well!

happy days.

1. I praise God that I was able to go to church today. Due to many other things, I have missed the last 4 weeks! It felt like an eternity since I have been. It was so nice to be back today; great worship, great sermon. I am so glad this is the church God has provided for me.
2. I praise God for the fun my son and I have grocery shopping, now. I have learned to utilize that time for quality time with him and it is actually an enjoyable experience--even at WalMart after church on a Sunday!!
3. I praise God for the help my husband provided this afternoon/evening. He took time to work with our son on his numbers, played with him outside while he was grilling dinner and got him ready for bed! If I hadn't have spent all night in the kitchen, I would have felt like I had the night off!
4. I praise God that today was such a lovely day.

comfort

1. I praise God that I can always find comfort in His word. Any time I read my Bible, I feel better.
2. I praise God that I can trust in Him, for He is trustworthy. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
3. I praise God for challenging days. They are opportunities to draw nearer to Him and see His glory.

the weekend is here, again.

1. I praise God for the weekend. My husband and I are taking on some big projects around the house. I have been looking forward to it all week!
2. I praise God that I have learned to "go with the flow." It really has reduced my stress levels to be able to just relax and accept when plans don't always go the way I want them to.
3. I praise God that my husband had the wisdom to diffuse a potential "situation" with some new neighbors. He handled everything so maturely and respectably. It was a stupid nothing that could have escalated had it not been for the way my husband handled the situation. I praise God for the wisdom and patience my husband exhibited.

blessings

1. I praise God for the little miracles He performs every day. He is really amazing.
2. I praise God for giving me the strength to choose to forgive. I have learned that forgiveness is a choice and that it sometimes is a choice that must be made more than once. Some days are harder than others to choose forgiveness, but the blessing from that choice is always worth it.
3. I praise God that I get to watch my son learn new things. It is so exciting every time I hear him say a new word, identify a new number/color/letter or develop a new skill. I just can't explain the joy that comes with seeing this little person that came from my husband and me develop and grow; I am so thankful for it.

back to routine...

1. I praise God for the last few evenings when I have sat out on the front porch and shared a Popsicle with my son. It has become part of our evening routine this week and each day has brought new laughs and memories with it.
2. I praise God for the healing that has occurred with my grandma. She has been in the hospital the last few nights and was really not doing too well. She is doing much better now and I should hopefully be able to talk with her soon.
3. I praise God that I am not living in constant fear of losing my job. In my field, it is too common for people to no longer have a job because they aren't meeting "the numbers." In past jobs of this type, it was always a dreaded reality hanging out in the back of my mind; now, however, I work for a company that sees more than just "numbers" and acknowledges the many other ways I am an asset to them. It was a long, difficult road God brought me down to get here, but I can see the work He was doing through that journey now and it was well worth it.
4. I praise God for the sweet things my husband says to me. He gave me a couple very sweet compliments when I got home from work and they have been bringing a smile to my face all day.

eternal praise

Today, I am going to break pattern. I have been thinking and praying on this for the majority of the day, after reading my pastor's thought of the day. (You can read it, here: http://prayerthoughts.tumblr.com/post/10440778291/thoughts-september-20) Today, I am not going to just list some of the many things for which I praise God, I am going to talk about the most important reason for my praise: my salvation, Jesus Christ.

As I was driving during work today, I drove past a church marquee that read, "Nails did not keep Christ on the cross, love did." It is that love which brings forth praises from my lips. That incomprehensible, unending love that has saved my life. For that, alone, do I owe God eternal praises.
I have many things for which I can praise God, but all of those can be taken away at the swipe of a hand. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. But, nothing can separate me from God's love. I could loose my family, my friends, all my money and material possessions, my freedom, my health, everything; I would still praise God.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but shall have ever lasting life." John 3:16
That gift was for me, too. When Christ was hanging on that cross, I was on His heart. Me, with all my short comings and failures; He died for me. He died so that I could live eternally in Heaven with God the Creator. There is nothing that can compare to that blessing. For all eternity, I will praise God.

working at it...

1. I praise God that I was able to get so much accomplished this evening. I really didn't do anything in the way of housework all weekend, but I made up for a lot of it tonight. I will have another evening of work ahead of me tomorrow, but then I'll be back on track!
2. I praise God that I took the time this evening to sit on the front porch with my son and share a Popsicle. He has only recently started liking Popsicles (as in, the last couple days) so it was an extra sweet moment we shared this evening. I am so thankful that I am able to take those small moments with my son.
3. I praise God for my comfortable bed. I am really looking forward to it tonight!
4. I praise God for His patience and forgiveness. I am still so far from being the person He desires me to be, some days it can be really discouraging; but He is patient and forgiving, which makes it worth it to keep trying every day.

post for 09.18.2011

Yesterday evening, we had some actual storms here, and our internet was knocked out until sometime after I went to bed. So, I wasn't able to post yesterday, but I did think of the things I would praise about... Here they are:

1. I praise God for flat tires. I had one yesterday that prevented me from going to church. At first, I was very upset, because I really wanted to go, but it gave my husband and I an opportunity to enjoy a few more "kid-free" hours together. I love my son so much and was ready to see him again, but am thankful for the unexpected time with my husband.
2. I praise God for the rain. It was much needed to have a decent rain.
3. I praise God that our AC waited until the end of summer to die. I am also very thankful that we already have 2 window units installed (they were supplementing the central unit) that are helping to keep the house cool. We don't have the extra money right now to fix/replace our central unit, but we aren't sweltering in a hot box, for which I am beyond thankful.
4. I praise God for the time we spent with my husband's family for my mother-in-law's birthday. It was so nice to get together for a good meal and good company. It was also such a huge blessing to watch my husband playing with our niece and nephews. They always have so much fun with him. I am so blessed to have such great in-laws.

s-a-t-u-r-d-a-y night!

1. I praise God for the "date night" my husband and I got to have tonight. My son is getting to have a sleep over with my sweet mommy tonight. So far, the evening has been perfect. The best date night in a long time.
2. I praise God for my pastor. He is fearless in preaching God's word, but in a very humble and loving way. I am so thankful for his leadership in the church.
3. I praise God for forgiveness. Every day I find how desperately I am in need of it, every day I become more thankful for it.

the simple stuff

1. I praise God that it is Friday night. This week seemed incredibly long and I know He was helping get me through it. (Also, that means tomorrow is Saturday; I really hope I get to sleep in tomorrow morning!)
2. I praise God that I am able to provide wholesome, delicious meals for my family. Even with working full time and having a toddler, we are able to eat a (relatively) healthy, home cooked meal almost every night. I am so thankful that I am able to provide that for my boys.
3. I praise God for baseball. Yup, that's right. Baseball. I love the sport and I am so thankful I am able to enjoy it. If there is a sport played in Heaven, I am pretty sure it's baseball. ;)
4. I praise God for all the "simple" joys in life: a baby's smile, a boisterous laugh, a crisp morning, a cozy "Fall" evening, the smell of coffee... All of those things are made enjoyable by His goodness, and I am thankful for each and every little one of them.
5. I praise God for Enrichment Classes. This is my son's first year, it's only been two weeks and I can already see he is learning. When I went to get him today, he was sitting on the floor with two other kids about his age and an adult, reading a book and learning. He was so interested and I could tell he was just taking it all in. I am so excited to see what God does with future classes. =)

JLG091686

1. I praise God for the cool, damp day we had today. It was such a refreshing day and made for a perfect evening for some more homemade stew. =)
2. I praise God for my little sister. Tomorrow is her birthday. For 25 years, I have had a built-in buddy, frenemy, partner-in-crime... the list goes on. I remember countless fights and even more nights of sharing a bed keeping the boogey man away from each other. She stood beside me at my wedding and I was with her at the hospital when she brought my nephew into this world. We have been angry with each other, laughed until we've peed our pants and found solace in each other's arms when we were sad. She is my oldest friend. I can't remember life without her and I wouldn't want imagine it any other way. It is just amazing the gift God gives in a sister.
3. I praise God that my son said "Jesus" today. I was at work and missed it, but my husband said he was talking to my son about Jesus and my son repeated His name 3 times! It really blesses my heart to know that and I am so eager to hear that beautiful name come from my precious little boy's lips. (It also blesses me to know that my husband talks about Jesus with my son.)


She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.  She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.  She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.  She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.  Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.  ~Barbara Alpert

still praising 48 days later...

1. I praise God for the rain today. I woke up this morning to it raining at my house; the rain continued until after I left to work. This is very good, as our property is slowly turning into the Mini-Grand Canyon from all the cracks that are appearing in the parched ground.
2. I praise God for my husband's helpfulness today. After I got home from work, he helped with picking up, cooking dinner and getting our son ready for bed.
3. I praise God for the good contacts my co-worker and I made at work today. Successful days like today are very encouraging to us both.
4. I praise God. He, alone, is worthy of my praise. =)

Dancing in the minefields...

Three years ago, today, my husband and I committed the rest of our lives to each other. We have had our fair share of ups and downs, but by the grace of God, we were able to celebrate today and look forward to celebrating many more. In honor of today, all my praises will be in regards to the many ways I am blessed by my marriage.

1. I praise God for my marriage. I know it is a gift from Him, plain and simple. I also know, He is the reason we are still together today.
2. I praise God for my husband. He is my best friend. The only one who knows me more intimately than my husband is my Lord.
3. I praise God that I love my husband more today than I did the day I married him. That is pretty amazing to think of when you consider how some of the things we have been through would destroy most marriages.
4. I praise God for my husband's loving gestures. I am the recipient of them daily, but he has been extra loving today. =)
5. I praise God for the laughter my husband and I share. Again, all the things we have been through together have not taken the laughter from us. I would be missing out on something so fantastic if we couldn't laugh together.
6. I praise God for the way my husband and I compliment each other. In many ways, we are very similar, but in many ways, we are total opposites. The combination works, though.
7. I praise God for the child our love brought into this world. Our son is an amazing gift from God, facilitated by our love for each other.
8. I praise God that my husband tells me he loves me multiple times a day.
9. I praise God that my marriage is stronger today than it was a year ago. I pray God will continue to strengthen us.


"Dancing in the Minefields" - Andrew Peterson (this is my favorite song about marriage)
Well I was 19, you were 21
The year we got engaged
Everyone said we were much too young
But we did it anyway
We got the rings for 40 each from a pawnshop down the road
We said our vows and took the leap now 15 years ago

We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storms
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for

Well "I do" are the two most famous last words
The beginning of the end
But to lose your life for another I've heard is a good place to begin
'Cause the only way to find your life is to lay your own life down
And I believe it's an easy price for the life that we have found

And we're dancing in the minefields
We're sailing in the storms
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
That's what the promise is for

So when I lose my way, find me
When I lose loves chains, bind me
At the end of all my faith to the end of all my days
when I forget my name, remind me

'Cause we bear the light of the Son of man
So there's nothing left to fear
So I'll walk with you in the shadow lands
Till the shadows disappear
'Cause He promised not to leave us
And His promises are true
So in the face of this chaos, baby,
I can dance with you

So lets go dancing in the minefields
Lets go sailing in the storms
Oh, lets go dancing in the minefields
And kicking down the doors
Oh, lets go dancing in the minefields
And sailing in the storms
Oh, this is harder than we dreamed
But I believe that's what the promise is for
That's what the promise is for

long days

1. I praise God for late nights and early mornings. I know, no matter how long the day, He will get me through it.
2. I praise God that my son is doing so much better so quickly. He slept so well last night and has barely coughed today!
3. I praise God for 3 years of marriage. Tomorrow (09.13.2011) will be 3 years since we promised to spend the rest of our lives together. By God's grace, alone, we have come to this milestone.

(09.11.2011)

My baby boy has croup. =( Last night had minimal sleeping and we did not make it to church today. However, there are still so many things worth praising God for.

1. I praise God for opportunities to learn. Sometimes, it is a hard lesson, but I am always thankful for the wisdom gained.
2. I praise God that my son is not more ill than he is. Other than the coughing, a slightly runny nose and the lack of sleep, I can't even tell he is sick.
3. I praise God that tomorrow is Monday and I get to wake up and go to work in the morning. I am so blessed to have a job where I work Monday through Friday.

busy as a bee

1. I praise God for all I was able to accomplish today. I was feeling completely unmotivated earlier, but I somehow managed to get SO MUCH done today.
2. I praise God for my Andrew Peterson CD, "Counting Stars." It is such an incredible CD and has so much scriptural truth throughout it. Every time I listen to the CD, it lifts my spirits.
3. I praise God that I get to go to church tomorrow. I missed last Sunday and have felt off kilter all week long. I am so excited for tomorrow morning.
4. I praise God for the nice, hot shower I am about to take. My body is sore and dirty from all the work I did today; I am definitely ready for that shower!!
5. I praise God for the beef stew I was able to cook (from scratch) tonight. I have been so busy today that I haven't eaten anything since lunch and I am really going to enjoy a bowl of stew after I get done with my shower! =)

l.o.v.e.

1. I praise God for the joy my son has on his face when he sees me after I have finished working for the day. The excitement and love that pours out is so sweet. I treasure those moments so dearly.
2. I praise God that my husband, son and I were able to go out tonight to celebrate our 3 year anniversary (it is actually not until Tuesday, but tonight's dinner was celebratory, nonetheless.) I cannot begin to explain the many blessings there.
3. I praise God for Scripture. The more I read, the more I desire to know; the more I learn, the more I fall in love with God.

Bad day? Not here.

This day could have been bad, but God is good. =)

1. I praise God that He works in His own time and not mine. His plans are always better than mine.
2. I praise God for the beautiful weather we have been having. I love going out in the mornings and having it be crisp and cool; I know more hot weather is around the corner, and I praise Him for that, too. The hot weather helps me appreciate the cooler days so much more!
3. I praise God that my little boy is growing every day. It is such a joy to watch him change from a little baby into a little boy.
4. I praise God for my curly hair. Even on days like today, when it was completely unruly, I am so thankful for it.
5. I praise God for all the good things He is doing in the lives of people I love. It is so much fun to watch Him work.
6. I praise God for the love and laughter that fills my home. I just can't stop praising Him for that.
7. I praise God for Hyland's Teething Tabs. Not only are they wonderful in helping with teething pain, but when my son accidentally ingested nearly an entire bottle earlier, I didn't have to stress because they are homeopathic. When I called the emergency help line and spoke with a pharmacist, I was informed that he would have to consume AT LEAST 6 FULL bottles before we would have to worry. Thank God we didn't have to make a trip to the ER!

beautiful.

1. I praise God that my joy is found in Him. The circumstances of my life (be they good or bad) in no way affect His awesomeness. He is always good and loving.
2. I praise God that He is growing me daily. There is still so much growth to be had, but each day, I see more of Him and less of me.
3. I praise God for my husband's grilling capabilities. He has it down to an art and my taste buds are very thankful. ;)
4. I praise God that I am daily able to see His beauty in this world. Every moment of the day, if I look for it, I can always see His goodness and His glory.

Voice of Truth

1. I praise God that my son loves taking a bath and going to bed. Our night time routine is almost always the easiest part of our day. I know it's a huge blessing to have a 2 year old boy who loves to get clean and go to bed.
2. I praise God that He works in His own way. We may not always understand the way He does things, but He uses all things for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
3. I praise God for the wisdom He imparts when I seek Him. He has helped me grow in so many ways over the last couple months.
4. I praise God for the candy bars my husband bought for me today. Sometimes the smallest things mean the most.
5. I praise God for His reassurance. When I start to doubt or fear, He is always there to remind me of His truth.

"Voice Of Truth" Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
And the Voice of Truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"
But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
And the Voice of Truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

brief.

1. I praise God for each new day.
2. I praise God for the cooler weather. My husband and I have sat out on the front porch and had coffee the last two mornings. It has been so wonderful.
3. I praise God for my bed. I am really looking forward to being in it tonight.

Reading

1. I praise God that I have the ability to read. So often, it is something I take for granted, but I know I am so incredibly blessed that I can.
2. I praise God that my son loves books and that I am able to make them available to him. Again, something so easy to take for granted, but a true blessing.
3. I praise God that I am able to read His Word independently. As much as I love listening to sermons, I am so very thankful that I can sit down with my Bible and learn about God on my own time. I have learned so many things through my independent studies; I know I am blessed that I can say that.

Naps and laughter

1. I praise God for naps. Today, while my son was napping, my husband and I decided we would also take a nap. It was so wonderfully refreshing. It's been a long time since we have had a "family nap." It was the best nap I've had in nearly two months.
2. I praise God for the long weekend. I am so thankful that my job permits me to be off on "major" holidays. Even more thankful that I get 8 "free" hours of PTO for the holiday!
3. I praise God for tickle fights. On that note, I praise Him for any kind of family fun "rough-housing" that occurs in my home. I honestly cannot being to express my gratitude for those moments.
4. I praise God that my home has been filled with laughter, again. I know it was only through the work of His hand that this was possible.
5. I praise God for my job. I was just re-reading my list and thinking of how truly blessed I am with my job. It has it's problems, but all in all, I have a wonderful job and I have so many reasons to be thankful for it.
6. I praise God for unconditional love. Only through His grace is it possible that I may receive and, in turn, give it. Such a blessing, words cannot properly explain.

"And she said, 'God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.'" Genesis 21:6

Down to the wire...

Whew! Where has this day gone? It's been a long one, but a good one.

1. I praise God for the white chocolate chip oatmeal cookies my husband and I are about to share. They are my special recipe and they are so good. I am thankful I can bake!
2. I praise God for the strength to lead my heart.
3. I praise God for the continued healing He is doing.
4. I praise God for hope. http://prayerthoughts.tumblr.com/post/9701999937/thoughts-september-2 (<---my pastor's thoughts)

(09.01.2011)

So, I'm really not feeling well at all today, but that doesn't mean that my mouth isn't full of praise for God. =)

1. I praise God for my bed. It is so comfortable and I am really looking forward to it tonight.
2. I praise God for all the little things that occur throughout the day that remind me I can put all my trust in Him. He will never let me down and that is such an incredible blessing.
3. I praise God for miracles. He still does them.