A State of Mind

I've written post after post, saved them into drafts to come back and post later, only to never return to them. They didn't feel right. It was a lot of moping and sadness and stress and worry.

This Sunday in Sunday School we looked at Philippians 4:4-8 where Paul shares that we are to set our minds on things that are godly. We are to cultivate a spirit of joy despite our circumstances. And it was hearing this that I realized I've let circumstances shape me instead of finding the joy and blessings in my circumstances. 

It's been a difficult few months, heck - years! - but when I took time each night to be thankful, I was much happier. I also discovered when you get out of the habit of being thankful, it's more difficult to find things to be thankful for ... Like your vision is clouded with negativity and the positive things are overshadowed. 

I'm learning, taking baby steps. Weeding out the things that don't enhance my vision and trying to bring back the peace of God - it's only found in Him. 

Are you ready for some photos? Because I haven't shared any in a while. 

I shared my chocolate and she thoroughly enjoyed it hahaha!! I have been so blessed to have a good bit of time with this sweet niece. 

One of my new favorites of my sweet nieces. This was after AH's first volleyball game of the season. The next game they won! Go girls!!! 

Here she is about to switch places with her teammate so she will be in the middle. I think they are loving her height on the team ;) 

#TargetDog !! #KidsGotStyle - she loved the Target dog - hugged it and talked to it. I'm sparing you from the half dozen photos I took. 

Tomorrow is my 40th birthday and my friend and PenPal, Raynore, understands my love of HK and celebrating alllll month long! :) 

Ready to party at our cousin's one-year get together. Love this pic, it just cracks me up! 

My parents and sweet niece this weekend. It was beautiful weather and Dad fixed the swingset and sliding board. That girl played her heart out!! 

And this photo sums up my Dad. No one makes him laugh as much as Little Miss here. 

These are such awesome blessings. And just a few I managed to snap a picture of - so many more are stored away in my heart. 

Friday's Letters

Dear weekend, I'm so looking forward to you and to my mountain day trip with Dad. It will be cold, but fun. Dear Angela, I'm so glad you and Clay made it up for your birthday! We just don't get to see you often enough.  Dear Sweet Nieces #1 & #2, you two are so very loved. You are surrounded with so many people who want to see you happy, healthy, successful, and we will move any mountain possible for you. Know how incredibly loved you are. Dear teeth, please break through and give Sweet Niece #1 some relief before she gnaws her fingers off.  Dear Hello Kitty boots, yes, I'm 38 years old. And you make me happy. And my toes toasty.  You are a good thing.  Dear Tiny Dancer, your Monster Mash dance was the best ever. I enjoyed seeing you after missing you for so long!

PS: I'm a slacker when it comes to my 31 Days... But I'll post more today, I promise. :)

Friday's Letters

Happy Friday and OH MY GOSH, thank you for a weekend. I needed one of those. Onward to the letter:

Dear Hello Kitty, you make my daily office life so much happier. Your precious bow and happy pink color just make my day a little bit better. Thank you.

  

 

Dear Mother Nature,  Not sure what PMS wave you are currently surfing, but we've seen just about every season this week.  I'm 100% done with all this rain, by the way, so some nice, peaceful, blue skies and soft breeze autumn days would be great.  Just a simple request. 

Dear Macy, you are growing and learning, just becoming such a "little girl" instead of a "baby girl."  I am amazed at your vocabulary, you learn a new word every single day.  I love how you will finish the Pete the Cat book when I read it to you.  How you say "Shew Wee" when you get your diaper changed. And you chant, "EAT EAT EAT" constantly!  You make my day. 

Dear weekend, you are bringing me a few days of friend-fun, and I just can't wait to catch up with my peeps!  At the same time, I'm concerned for a family member in the hospital with some serious injuries, and I'm praying SO HARD that he'll be ok.  Say a prayer with me?  I appreciate it.