Reflection.

It's always the tough days that I reflect back on and wish I could do over.  So many times I realize it was "tough" because of my own doing... whether that was my lack of patience, lack of joy, lack of contentment, lack of gentleness.  You know what I mean?  It's very rare that a tough day is for any other reason, other than something inside of me.  My boys act the same day in and day out, with an occasional 'off' day... it's me that chooses my attitude, it's me that chooses my response. 

Tonight as I tucked the boys in, I let out a big sigh of relief.  Thankful this day is over, but also thankful I have another chance tomorrow.  To be better, to be more involved, to be even more loving.

Then I look at pictures like these, and videos like this, and almost wish I could go wake them up to play ...

... almost.  ;) 

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, 

remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

Awareness of His presence.

I am with you in all that you do, even in the most menial task. I am always aware of you, concerned with every detail of your life. Nothing escapes My notice—not even the number of hairs on your head. However, your awareness of My Presence falters and flickers; as a result, your life experience feels fragmented. When your focus is broad enough to include Me in your thoughts, you feel safe and complete. When your perception narrows so that problems or details fill your consciousness, you feel empty and incomplete.

Learn to look steadily at Me in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of My Presence. Fix your gaze on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes.

~ ~ ~

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
—Matthew 10:29–31

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
—Hebrews 11:27

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
—2 Corinthians 4:18

{Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, devotion for Dec 7}

First snow.

today is quite possibly one of my favorite days of the year.... the first snow of the season!

it was all fun and games at first... cohen eating snow, jaxon making snow balls and loving seeing his trail of footprints... 

however, it went sour pretty quickly.

momma was apparently the only one having fun. 

so we headed inside... unfortunately the chaos didn't end.

safe from that evil snow...

hot chocolate and snuggles make everything all better.

i mean, seriously? who doesn't like snow!? 

hopefully they'll grow into it... or else i guess i'll be outside playing by myself this winter. 

:)

Xander.

Remember, this kind of thing is totally on my heart lately.

Then I stumbled upon this little guy's picture, and a fundraising opportunity.

There's a giveaway as well, but seriously --  I just want to spread the word about the little guy.  If you feel led, even $1 would help.

And, on that note I should go to bed before I start reading too many of these kinds of stories ...the ones that make my heart feel like it could beat outside of my chest thinking about the 143 million orphans in this world.

Just FYI.

If you missed out on the Plum District voucher for an Erin Condren planner, here's another chance!

https://doodledeals.com/r/ae9ba43fb1/1408

Doodle Deals has a $50 voucher to ErinCondren.com for just $25.

If you need a reminder of my love affair with a planner, you can see it here.

have a happy weekend!