If the pen of a writer could write every day
I Have Been Blessed by Champion Baptist College
Even this world could never contain
How I have been blessed.
Irritation had clouded my thanksgiving. Things were not going according to my plan – including breakfast, and I had had it. I had stuff I wanted, and I wanted it right now! Life was so hard (wink).
Buckled up and pulling out of the driveway, I could hear the Lord speaking to my heart, “Tell me what you’re thankful for.” I immediately felt conviction creeping in. Usually, I find so much to be thankful for. His goodness will catch my breath. Yet, today, I was like a spoiled child who wasn’t getting his way. I was pouting.
Alright, girls, we are going to go around this truck and say what we are grateful for all the way to school this morning. Eva, making me feel about the size of a speck of dirt, piped up with several of her thanksgivings that encompassed everything I should have remembered. Her list consisted of Little Tyson growing steadily as he prepares for his Christmas debut, Charlotte, whom she loves as her own, her home and family and friends.
Charlotte was next, and she threw up her hands and said, “God!” “Happy Day!” I started to laugh at her excitement. Suddenly, after my burnt breakfast, my complaints began to fade. Life was good.
Thanksgiving will develop a miracle in your hands.
Now, it was my turn. I mentioned two curly-headed, brown-eyed little girls riding in the back seat and their daddy, my handsome prince. Next, I also hinted at our little miracle coming soon and finished by mentioning our beautiful town, church, friends, and family.
As you know, I enjoy journaling as often as I can. I wanted to share some entries that never made the headlines but made the personal pages.
These are documented moments in time that will not mean much to you, but as you read, I hope you see how God shows up. You may even grab a pen and start journaling your own ordinary days.
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Here is a sneak peek of some of this year’s happenings…
February 2023 – A friend showed up with a jar of chili she had made. Charlotte took her nap, and we sat in the living room and visited. How sweet of her to stop by after another miscarriage had crushed my heart. This one seemed to hurt a bit more. Her visit showed me how to get up from here and walk on. Thankful for living room chats and a bowl full of chili. It was good for my soul.
March 2023- Charlotte fell into a red ant bed. Chuck and I ran and stripped her down as fast as possible to get all the ants off. The ants covered her! They were even in her diaper! We ran her inside, gave her Benadryl, and ran cold water over her, but nothing was helping. Her face was swelling, and her body was covered in hives. We jumped in the truck and headed to the ER. Chuck drove as fast as he could. Her throat started to get raspy through her crying. I told Chuck to hurry! I held her, prayed, and told her to hang on; we were almost there! Eva had a concerned look on her face but remained calm. She is so much like her daddy. We made it to the ER just fine. They took us straight back, gave her shots, and monitored her for the next couple of hours until the swelling started to go down and she could breathe without wheezing. Thank you, Lord, for your protection over my baby. We now carry an Epi-pen (haha)!
May 2023- I got extremely nauseous at Church on Sunday, yet I was starving. Curiosity started to turn the wheels. Turns out I am about two months pregnant and never knew it. God’s faithfulness abounds – If it’s not good- it isn’t over!
June 2023- Took the girls to get a Subway sandwich, then we took our lunch to the duck pond and had a picnic (the morning sickness is real, but nothing can stop a picnic). Afterward, we drove home to help Daddy mow the grass and finish chores outside. The garden is coming along nicely, and the girls enjoy watching their work bloom. Later, I got supper ready and went to Eva’s championship soccer game. They lost by two penalty kicks, but we were so proud of her and the team for how hard they played! Go BIG Red!
July 2023- Thankful that Mom and Dad are back in the horse business! They have purchased six horses, a truck and trailer, saddles, and tack. Some of Dad’s saddles and tack have been in storage for over twenty years, but all have been removed and restored to their rightful place. Some things are just in your soul- no matter how many years pass. I cannot wait to see what God does (I better get my saddles ready). Looks like corrals will be going up next. I look forward to shoveling manure again- only a country girl could find perfume in manure.
September 2023- Thankful for the laughter and the blessings that overwhelm my life. If I could hug my home, I would (laughing); watching my girls play in the creek, wet, covered with dirt and mud, thrills my heart. Dogs run everywhere, and rabbits sit staring from their cage (probably terrified of the dogs, haha). It reminds me of another creek two young girls played in many years ago.
October 2023- Thankful for good friends who show up when you need a helping hand. Our fridge went out, and Chuck had to pick up a new one. His buddy showed up to lend a hand. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. It was a day full of coolers, collecting bags of ice, emptying and reloading the fridge. That evening, Charlotte ran in and said, “Mommy, Mommy, a rainbow!” I knew she meant the sunset, but there was no sense in correcting her. We sat on the porch and watched the sky turn from pink to orange to gray. So thankful she loves the porch and sunsets like her mommy.
October 2023- We enjoyed a hayride with friends and trick-or-treating down country roads with the girls. I got off the wagon once with my huge belly, but then the comment was made, “Chuck, you want me to let down the ramp for her next time?” My eyebrows lifted, and laughter erupted from everyone. “Oh, come on guys, I am not cattle!” I just kept my seat for the remainder of the stops, giggling. It’s not just a hayride; it’s memorial stones that my kids will remember forever – Digging our roots deep.
Looking over my journal for the year, I have seen God show up where I have asked him, but the ones that stand out the most are where He showed up before I even asked. I can’t take God off guard. Yet, I can see the fruits of our decisions – I have been blessed.
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalms 34:8
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Absolutely wonderful ❣️
God has surely blessed you with sweet words among other things.🥰
You remind me so much of my sister ( your grandma on your mom’s side) that left this world way too soon. She would have been so very proud of you and your family.❤️
God Bless you all.
Love, Aunt Brenda
Aunt Brenda! Thank you for sharing this with me. How sweet. God has been good and faithful. Thank you for reading my stories. I love you and look forward to the next time we get to see each other. Happy Thanksgiving to you. ♥️