Who Am I When Life Is Good?

I can't believe we are in November! My favorite month out of the year. I talked about this a little on Instagram already. I love the season of thankfulness and hope that everyone can learn how life changing being thankful can be. Not just on Thanksgiving, but ever single day of the year. Being thankful for the little things can really change your perspective on all of the challenges that life can bring. With my party of five it seems like something is always going on with one of us. School issues, health issues, control issues, unmet expectations, stress and on and on the list can go. So I believe strongly in focusing and finding the good in the midst of it all.


I want to talk about something totally off the wall though. Yesterday I was having a good day. No major challenges. I even cooked! Then the Lord spoke to my heart. How am I responding to God and those around me when life is good?? When all is well?? It's been a tough year in our house, but it's getting better. One day at a time. I've always heard that a person's true character is revealed in tough times, so I don't want to take away from that. Yes, those tough times bring us to our knees, and we have a choice to fight, grow and learn from the difficulties. For me, I held onto scriptures and prayed like never before! I am asking myself today. What am I doing with the good? Am I keeping it all to myself and my own party of five or am I sharing it with others? Am I reverent to the hand of God in my life? Am I sharing my gratitude with Christ? Am I talking to Him? Or am I getting relaxed and going through the motions? I strongly believe that I can't just sit here blessed as can be and think it's ok.  There is a reason God rescues us and saves us and it's not so we can be selfish with all He gives us. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind and I don't ever want to be so caught up in my blessed life that I just keep on walking by.


I wrote a little list to remind myself of what I should be during the good times.

1. Humbly thank God for everything! For never leaving me! For His love that pursues me ! For His Faithfulness! For provision!

2. Share my joy with Christ with praise and adoration!

3. Reach out to those who are hurting. Offer compassion.

4. Be sensitive to those around me undergoing trials.

5. Never stop reading God's word and praying it and meditating on it because that's exactly what helps me in the difficult times that arise.

To God Be The Glory!

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭30-37‬ NIV)

A Football Night To Remember....Moments of My Son's Senior Year

Last Friday night was Senior Night for my son's football team. First of all, how did my son become a senior? He was just a freshman!! These years have seriously flown! Don't blink people! We are here though and I am trying hard just to enjoy the present and treasure every moment with him. My daughter was unable to make it to senior night due to a commitment at her school and my youngest son fell asleep for the very first time this football season. At first I was disappointed because I had envisioned a beautiful family picture celebrating our first born, but soon it dawned on me that this was the perfect way to celebrate our son. We were able to completely focus on him and take in all the joy and happiness that the night brought.

I wanted to share more than pictures of a very special night because this football season has been one that we will always look back on and I don't want to forget about everything that has taken place.  People see the victory, but they don't know the pain, disappointment, and uncertainty that we have all had to go through this year.  Many people have asked me what is next in my son's football journey.  The honest answer is I don't know and I am actually ok with that.  My son is so much more than a football player. He is an excellent football player, but there is so much more to him than just football.  God has a plan for my son's life and I am trusting in that. I pray daily over him and saying out loud "he is yours Lord" gives this momma that peace that passes all understanding. Its not up to me, its not up to my husband, its not up to my son's coaches. It is all in God's hands.  

The very first game of this football season I was both excited and nervous for my son. I knew it was time for all of the hundreds of hours of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to the sport he loved to pay off.  I knew many eyes were watching him and I also knew these football parents were never shy in giving their opinions out loud. He had a great game, but unfortunately the receivers couldn't hold onto multiple balls. Thankfully, his skills were far from criticized. He received a lot of recognition that game. One parent even referred to him as "the unsung hero" of the game. He was also the "offensive player" that night.  My son and his team had some tough opponents ahead of them and they won some games and they lost some. He would come home like he was in a battle sometimes. Extremely sore. Never quitting, always giving his very best.  Two weeks before league play my son sustained an injury. Did he blame anyone for it? No. He blamed himself. He said he held onto the ball too long. That is the type of guy he is. I can't go into detail, but news of his injury broke all of our hearts. We thought he was done. He is a fighter though. He didn't just quit when he could have easily been done. To everyone's surprise my son only missed 1 game and by the grace of God, he has been playing since. His coaches have nothing but good things to say about his character and determination. The season isn't over. I don't know what tomorrow holds. I do know this. God has always upheld my son and He always will. This next picture, blurry, but the emotions I felt walking alongside my son and my husband proudly holding high the #3 jersey is something I will never forget. I am beyond proud of who my son is on and off of the field. His example of humility and grace towards others deserves a standing ovation. You may not see me, but I am there standing tall and very very proud of my first born! 

"So do not fear, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will UPHOLD you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

My son has been so blessed to receive the best support and prayers from all of our extended family and friends. I am so very thankful for everyone! These are a few of his biggest fans! There are many more who love him and pray for his protection and I appreciate those heartfelt prayers more than anything! 

Papa and Grandma

Nana and Tata

Uncle G and Auntie Yvette

Cousins

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21

To God Be The Glory!