Project 365, Week 6

A day of pain followed by the seven-month anniversary of my surgery followed by a less than positive visit with a new wound doctor had me feeling frustrated and discouraged this week. My expectations and my timeline were so different than the reality of where we are now and the constant, day after day suspense we've been living with, the what's-going-to-happen-next, when-is-this-going-to-be-over dailyness of it is wearing.

So when I woke up on that next morning, I did the only thing I could do. I gave it all to God. The Bible tells us that we can cast all our cares on Him because he cares for us. Its all too much for me to carry and worry about so I purposed not to.

And then I just praised Him. I thanked Him for being a big, big God and for loving me and for taking care of me. I thanked Him for the blessings in my life, an inexhaustible list, and I remembered all the reasons I have to worship. And I determined to focus on His power and not my problems. It didn't make them magically go away, I'm just not under the weight of them anymore.

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flame

This is my prayer in the battle

When triumph is still on its way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise, I will bring praise

No weapon formed against me shall remain

I will rejoice, I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

Here's some of those blessings I am thankful for. :)

February 1

Lots of basketball shooting going on this week, especially for Aiden and Amanda. Aiden was recently shown how to shoot such that the ball actually goes into the hoop, which has, understandably, made the endeavor much more enjoyable. He tries to get 50 baskets and then the next day he tries for 75 and on.

The goal Amanda is working on is to not cause fights while she's out there playing with others. :)

February 2
More of the same.

February 3
The sunrise was superb, which was such a gift because the rest of the day was gray and rainy.

When I came in the house from taking pictures and talking to God, I found the girls were up and admiring the view as well.

Train them up in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart. ;)

February 4
I made several attempts to play basketball with Aiden in various ways (guard him, feed him the ball, etc) but he really just prefers me to be out there watching him while he talks and talks. And talks.

Its something I've learned and am learning...slowing down enough to really listen. To be available for the talks of legos and battles and hoops. First, its all of high importance to him and I'm honored he wants to share it with me. But also I've found that beautiful heart-talks are hidden right in the middle of a monologue about weaponry on a lego ship or fun facts about sharks.

February 5
Our first SNOW day! It snowed until about 3 PM and then the sun came out and God showed off.

February 6
Basketball and shoveling and sledding.

My favorite part of the day was when Shaun came home before 9 PM and the kids got to stay up late because it wasn't a school night. We tucked in close together and hung out. What do they do for fun on a Saturday night? Math problems!!

February 7
BRONCOS Day, aka the Super Bowl. :)

The three brothers...the most knowledgable, die hard fans I know.

Dance party during the half time show.