enjoy the day

While we don't live for the weekend around here, it sure is nice to have time at home and not feel pressed to get the day started. Hope everyone has a blessed day.

Ps. 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

welcome mat

One of my favorite birthday presents that I got this year was a welcome mat. It just speaks of hope and promise to me-that the current house will sell and we'll be in the new house soon.  I love gifts that have that deliver that kind of boost.  Well...I love gifts :)

Prov. 3:33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

the golden rule

One of the things I'm trying to teach my older daughter these days is to show love to her sister and not be jealous of her when she gets to do fun things first.  It is not as easy as it sounds. We are trying to implement the golden rule at every turn and be examples ourselves. When you have kids, your life is exposed daily and it is so much easier to show them how to live rather than tell them. I'm trying to be ever aware of those little eyes watching my life.

Mt. 7:12 In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.

house for sale

Our home has been on the market since early summer. We have a contract on another home, contingent on the sale of our current one. Everything is in place to move, once we sell this house. Today, we have someone coming to look at the house. This has happened several times, and it is exciting each time we have a potential buyer in our home. So far, folks have only looked, maybe today is the day they will buy. While I am no stranger to waiting, I'm ready for the next phase to begin all the while trusting God and knowing that His timing is perfect.

Prov. 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

acts of service

The possibilities here are practically endless, so prayerfully consider how you can bless your loved one today.

Some ideas for acts of service to get you started: packing lunches, doing a chore, making dinner for a sick friend or a new mom or an old one, babysitting, running errands, paying the bills, returning the library books – whatever you find to do, do it lovingly with all your heart.

Acts 9:36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity.

gifts

gifts- Not only flowers (store bought or wildflowers) and candy and jewelry but little things too- a special hot chocolate packed in your husband's/child's lunch or a new toys/trinkets/pencil. The point here is not the amount of money that you spend, but considering what the person might like while you were out. Some of my best gifts were picked up at yard sales, flea markets and second hand stores.

Prov. 18:16 Giving a gift works wonders; it may bring you before important people!

A special note.
My friend's sister, Sarah Gardner passed away yesterday, and her passing made me think about how our very lives are a gift. I didn't know Sarah well, but I've been following her fight against cancer via caring bridge. I am praying that her family would find comfort in the sweet memories they've shared and even more solace in baby Caroline. There are no guarantees that we will be here tomorrow, so take time to communicate love to your friends and family each day.

quality time

The whole point of targeting the area of quality time is to focus on getting to know your loved one better and truly enjoying the things they like to do. Even if a certain activity is not your preference, your child/friend/spouse will be blessed by your time spent with them when done out of love. Again, this list is just a starting point to give you some ideas.

quality time- for kids-special “daddy-daughter dates” / “daddy-son outings” play dates with friends, going to the park, family meals, outings and vacations.

for the guys: camping/fishing/hunting/ hiking/playing sports or going out for a meal,

for the girls: going to the spa w/ a girlfriend (or doing some spa treatments together at one of your homes), walking together, conversations over coffee, tea, ice-cream or lunch

for couples: date night, couch time, trips

Time spent in prayer together is always quality time. 

Gal. 6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.