Life... according to Gabriel

Gabriel is such a sweet, tenderhearted boy. And such a blessing to me. :) He makes my heart smile (as do ALL of our kids) and he says the cutest and funniest things. Here are a few samples of recent conversations I have had with my Gabe.

Gabe: "Mom, who made you so beautiful?"
Me: "Well, Gabe... God did."
Gabe: "Wow, Mom. He sure did a good job."

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Gabe: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm doing my hair..."
Gabe: "Why?"
Me: "Because I want to look cute for my date with Papa."
Gabe: "Oh Mom.... I like you just like this- you're so pretty."

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Gabe: "Mama, do you think I can pray to God and tell Him to make me stop growing?"
Me: "Why would you want to do that Gabe?"
Gabe: "Well, because, Mom. I'm really liking being 4."

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Gabe: "Mama! I just realized something...."
Me: "You just realized something??"


I pray daily that God protects that sweetness and genuine heart- and that He gives me the tools to nurture that in him. What a little lover. My heart just overflows.

One month to Live...

Our church is doing a series on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook. It has been a great reminder to live intentionally... to take every moment and make it count. That doesn't necessarily mean filling every moment of our lives with more things- it means taking the time to rest and rejuvenate our souls- not every moment has to be the world's idea of "productive". We never know how long we have to live. If we did, how differently would we live? What things would we change? Would we follow our deepest dreams and love with abandonment? Of course we would! I want to encourage everyone to take an inventory of where and how you spend your time.... What would you do if you had only one month to live?

His Love NEVER fails

One of my favorite worship songs right now is "Your Love Never Fails" by Jesus Culture. The lyrics are so powerful and it is so the prayer of my heart right now. In the midst of all of life's circumstances and sadness- and all those situations we wish we could just fix... His love never fails us. What a powerful revelation. His love NEVER fails. Never is such a strong and absolute word... I am so thankful for His love and provision. Here are the lyrics.....

Your Love Never Fails

Nothing can separate-

Even if I ran away...

Your love never fails.

I know I still make mistakes-

But You have new mercy for me everyday...

Your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages.

Your love never changes-

There may be pain in the night

but joy comes in the morning

and when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me.

Your love never fails.

The wind is strong and the water's deep

But I'm not alone here in these open seas.....

'Cause Your love never fails.

The chasm is far too wide

I never thought I'd reach the other side

but Your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes.

There may be pain in the night

but joy comes in the morning.

And when the oceans rage-

I don't have to be afraid

'Cause I know that You love me.

You make all things work together for my good.

You make ALL things work together for my good.

You make all things work together for my good.

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes.

There may be pain in the night 

but joy comes in the morning.

And when the oceans rage-

I don't have to be afraid

'Cause I know that You love me.

Thank you Jesus for loving me that much.......

Precious Sweetness....

So, last night- the kids are all jammied up, sung to, prayed for, and cuddled up in their beds- and Miah and I are enjoying a little quiet time and a movie. Everyone has been out for about an hour, when we hear little feet scuffling down the stairs. And there is Elijah- dressed- eyes half open- stumbling towards us..... I say "Lijah... what are you doing?" He comes over by me and says "Mama, I want you." And there starts phase one of my heart just melting. I say "Why are you dressed? You should be in your jammies and in your bed...." He says "Mama, I want to lay by you." At this point, Miah leans in and Eli starts loving on him- kisses and hugs and shy smiles. I say "Eli, go get your jammies and we will help you put them on.... but then it is back to bed... Ok? I love you...." Elijah goes to get his jammies- brings them back- Miah helps him change (again)- and he sweetly says again, "Mama- I want you." And bats those mile long eyelashes of his... and throws me another of his super sweet "shy" smiles and says "I lay nice mama.... I go to sleep on your lap..." He climbs up on my lap- covers up under my blanket- snuggles up to me- tries really hard to hold his little eyelids shut........... and I'm pretty sure my heart has liquified within me.....

Memories in the making......

Today my lovely mom came over and we made her famous little mexican cookies Biscochos... they are sooo delicious and fun to make! :) She imparted her wisdom to the girls... giving them jobs rolling the balls (which have to be rolled "just so") and showed the boys how to roll dough. It was such fun watching them learn the things I learned as a little girl and how they were so eager to help and to do more.... I am so blessed to have such a wonderful woman as a mom- and so thankful for her and her love-- even as an adult :) Someday my kids will look back on today and remember Grandma's wisdom and instruction... and how special she is to all of us.

Giving Thanks...

Just reflecting on Thanksgiving-- and all that we are so thankful for. It is too easy to forget what great blessings we have been given and how often those things go unrecognized. I, for one, am so thankful to have 4 beautiful, healthy, loving children- who help me to appreciate all the little things in life. I am so thankful for a husband who loves the Lord and is committed to being an awesome leader, friend, lover, and father. I am thankful to be surrounded with friends and family who love and accept us as we are... and forgive all the shortcomings we have. Thankful for a warm home, laughter, and sunshine. Mostly, though, thankful for where God has brought me from... for His love for me... for forgiveness. I pray such things will never grow old to me- that every day I will be awestruck and filled with wonder for my Savior. Today I commit to be thankful every day. No matter the situation, no matter the cost- to just be thankful.

And the time just keeps flying by.....

You know, as I was observing my children today I realized there are so many moments every day that I cherish and how horrible I am at documenting these things. So, instead of feeling like I have to be all eloquent about how I present such things, I decided it is better to just record them than to miss out on sharing these special times with those who are so special to us. :) And so today, I decided to give another try to blogging... only this time, with the intent of just documenting- even if I am the only one who ever reads it or enjoys it... it is one way for me to preserve the memories of these precious times I share with my beautiful children!

That being said... there are soooo many times I wish I could have a camera running 24/7 at my house. There are so many hilarious things that are said and done around here... witty and inspiring thoughts our kids lend to us and sometimes the sweetest bits of wisdom. :) Sunday we started a Rice and Beans challenge (a challenge to eat Rice and Beans for 2 meals a day for 1-4 days) as a part of the P.O.W. (Poor, Orphans, and Widows) series our pastor is bringing us through. We met a couple who run an orphanage in Haiti on Sunday... they shared amazing testimonies of little children they have been able to rehabilitate and save. The sweetest thing about the whole experience has been our girls' commitment to the challenge. They boldly chose to do the entire 4 day challenge (that's 8 meals of rice and beans)- and even chose to take rice and beans in their lunches for school. They have faithfully prayed for an orphan each day- every time their tummies rumbled and every time they sat to eat rice and beans. My sweet Isabel- with her missionary heart- tells me every day how much she wishes we could go to Haiti and adopt some of the children..... "Mama, my heart is so sad for them.... I wish we could just love them all...." She melts me. What an awesome example of Christ's love- she wants to share all we have been given- and is so open to serve. I pray God continues to cultivate this sweet and tender heart within her... and that she will continue to stay "soft" to the plight of others.