Happy 3rd BMT Birthday to Me!!!

I can hardly believe it has been only 3 years since one of the worst days of my life. It seems like eons ago even though the memories are still quite vivid. It feels good to say that I have finally made it back to some semblance of normalcy besides a few bumps in the road (i.e. pulmonary embolisms and Coumadin). One of the best things this past year has brought me is some slivers of the silver linings  that I have been praying for. Through my own struggles, I was able to bring some hope, encouragement, and love to others entering the world of cancer, and some people were brought back to a place of faith in the Ultimate Healer. Though I have been thankful for each new day I have been given, I feel as though I am finally in a place of no longer surviving but actually thriving.  It is amazing to me what the difference a year can make.
    As with any new year, there are new goals to set,resolutions to keep, and mantras to add. One thing that has really been heavy on my heart is first Chronicles 4:10 " Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request"  I feel like I have so much more to give, and I desire to have God expand my boundaries. I have an amazing testimony and a coffer full of grace, hope, and love that I would love to share with those in need. One of the first steps in enlarging my territory is becoming co-coordinator of my MOPS group for the upcoming year. I pray that I will be a blessing to all of those mommas no matter what form it may be, and I pray that there will be many more boundaries to expand.
    Secondly, Luke 6:31 is being added to my list of life's mantras. It says " Do to others as you would have them do to you." I know this is so cliché and it makes you feel like we are back in Sunday school, but there is so much truth in it. We all know that life is so short, so we only have a small window in time to change the world for the people around us. I know how much I value the admiration and the affirmation of my friends and family. I want to and need to be told sometimes that I make someone's day or that I am needed. I am blown away by the little gestures of a text, email or handwritten note encouraging me or covering me in prayer. If I cherish these moments so much, how can I not go and do the same for others? I want the people in my life to know that they are loved, and appreciated, and that my life is better with them in it. So If I get the thought to reach out to someone, I'm not going to put it off. I am going to send a random note of encouragement because we all need to be told that we have value and we are beautiful people.

So here's to celebrating another year covered in grace.

This is my fruit tart treat for my little birthday celebration.

   

"I've got this"

Nevaeh recently turned the big "4", and my mind is still reeling with the thoughts of it. Ever since she turned three, she has been like a teenager, and continues to act like one more and more. This, I was not remotely prepared for. I now have to have legitimate reasons, arguments, and facts to answer ALL of the Whys?, What's?, and How comes?, not to mention trying to maintain the patience of Job. "Because I said so" is no longer an option. Nevaeh truly keeps me on my toes in every sense of the word.

 

To celebrate her big day, we went down the road of renting a bouncy house. After much praying for good weather amid the storms, the sun came out to make a beautiful day, and no child got blown away inside of the birthday cake bouncy house. It was a joyful celebration, and according to Nevaeh "This is the best birthday ever!!" Nothing makes my heart sing, than to know I have made some good memories for Nevaeh to keep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Nevaeh,

You are now four, and I feel like I have just blinked as the time flew away. This has been a fun year filled with firsts, like singing in kids choir and taking dance classes. You are an incredible little lady, and you never cease to amaze your daddy and I. Your compassionate heart runneth over if someone is hurt or in need. Your independence, fierce determination, curiosity, and logic constantly keep me on my toes and guessing. I have never met a child who was so adamant about using a fork to eat, even when its just toast. The sharpness of your memory blows me away as you remember the minutest of details for months. I am still giggling over the times that you remember the shoes people wore when they first met you, and not caring about the clothes they were wearing, their hair color, or what they said to you. I love that you still love to help wash dishes, dust, and wipe things off with the Clorox wipes, even though I sometimes lack the patience to let you help.
    However, what I love most about you is the overflow of your heart. I love the way that you love Jesus, and that you find so much joy in all forms of worship. I am humbled and blessed to witness how easy and fun tithing is and that you always give over and above the expected. The sparkle of your eyes as you repeat your monthly Bible verses all by yourself, make my heart melt. Also, my joy runneth over when you sing at the top of your lungs in public, the hymns that we learn each night before bed. Finally, I love that even in the worst of times you always remind me that you are not just my sweet pea or pumpkin pie but that you are Our Gift and Our Miracle. You have so many gifts and strengths, and we can only wait to see what amazing things that God is going to do with you. We love you so very much, Miss Nevaeh.
Love Mommy and Daddy