Every day at lunch Caroline and I read stories from her Children's Bible. It has been so sweet to see her come to love her Bible. Many days as I read and talk to her about God's word I am struck by how these simple stories convict my heart and challenge me to love Jesus more.
Yesterday we were reading about Palm Sunday and Caroline with excited glee starting waving her palm branch around that she had made in Sunday School. I know that she doesn't understand the things I am reading to her but it has been so amazing to see the Lord planting seeds in her heart through these times. Our prayer is that she will come to know and passionately love Jesus.
I haven't had time to blog lately because I've been obsessed with trying to make curtains with my new sewing machine. A dear friend took the time to come over and teach me how to do the basics so I could get started. I've had grand images in my head of what the curtains will add to the room with a pop of color and making the room feel more put together. But the reality has been far from it.
Pop of color.
Check.
Room feeling more put together.
Not so much.
Instead it's led to confusion about what my home decorating style is and how to make that a reality in my home. I have scoured the internet for inspiration images but somehow I keep struggling with putting it together myself. Thus leading to a very frustrated and stressed out wife last night. I was no fun to hang out with. I didn't even want to go into our kitchen/family room because I didn't want to look at the curtains I had made.
I feel terribly guilty because I spent money buying the fabric I thought I'd love. But now I'm not so sure. So now I sit with nothing on my windows and total confusion as to where to go from here. I certainly don't want any more money wasted.
Here's a pic of the kitchen window. It's the only one I really like right now. Except of course for the awful mini blinds!
I LOVE surprises so today was definitely an extraordinary day! First I woke up early and was able to have some quiet time drinking coffee and reading email. The birds were actually chirping outside and the sun was already peeking through the window as I walked into the kitchen. It was just like a Spring morning and made me long for it to be warm outside.
My first surprise of the day came from my best friend Ansley and her husband Brandon. They wrote to tell me that he is planning to fly me to NYC this summer to be with her for her birthday! He gave her the option of a new digital camera or flying her best friends up for some girl time and she chose us! I'm so incredibly honored and excited beyond belief!!! I'm ready to leave tomorrow Ans!
Later in the day, after being out and about running errands, and buying an awesome new purse with some birthday money, I returned home to find that a precious friend had left a surprise for me on our porch! Cheerful tulips, Godiva dark chocolate bar, and a card. My favorite things.....flowers, chocolate and sweet encouragement!
Both of these sweet surprises were a much needed reminder to me of how blessed I am to have some amazing friends in my life. It's been a tough week. Our house was struck with a stomach virus that started with Caroline and made its way to David and then finally me. I've also had a lot of deep things on my mind lately and its easy for me to get downcast and lost in my thoughts. These surprises and the friendships that they come from have reminded my heart today of how foolish it is to get wrapped up in ourselves that we don't see the amazing things in our lives.
I also need to give a huge shout out to my family. The moment I called and asked for help this week they were in the car headed here from out of town to take Caroline off my hands so I could rest and recuperate. I couldn't have made it through this week without them. She's had a blast playing at their house and being the center of their attention while I could get some much needed sleep. I am a blessed woman! Thank you Lord!
