It’s no secret I’ve been struggling to write for a while. So many times I’ve wanted to have the words to say, or the time to say it, but would fall short.
Back in October my sister and I went on a trip to Hawaii, which was an incredible time away. A much needed mental break. I came home to sick kids, and my reality hit me hard. I’ve needed to step back these past few months – to retreat.
It’s not always a bad thing to distance yourself from people, situations, social media, whatever in order to refocus.

I still lack the words, but the following is something I’ve been mulling over.

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As I was walking the other day I passed a woman who remarked, “That’s the perfect way to keep your hands warm!” I was holding Taylor’s hand with one, and had a hot cup of coffee in the other. And I’m not sure why exactly, but it had an effect on me.
In that moment, and many moments since, I’ve become more aware with just how blessed I am – the simple comment of a passerby was enough to open by eyes.

How blessed am I to have a warm little hand to hold. Three little people’s hands to hold.
How blessed am I to have a hot cup of coffee. To afford a hot cup of coffee.
How blessed am I to have two strong, working hands.
How blessed am I that with my hands I am able to prepare meals for a friend in need.
How blessed am I that I have a home to tend to, meals to make, laundry to fold.
How blessed am I.

Through the most challenging, dark, and terrible season of my life, by the grace of God, I am able to call myself blessed.

I can proclaim that He is good. He is faithful. He is in control.

Living with Open Hands

I’ve been given so much in the last 15 months – both physically and emotionally, and I believe Spiritually.

And it’s out of the abundance that I’ve been given that I am able to live with open hands.

This isn’t a new concept – Chase lived this way – so generously. But it’s something I’ve now tried to incorporate into my life. If a need comes up, and I am able, I follow the “call”. Whether it be monetary, physically helping, praying… And my, how the Lord blesses a cheerful giver.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!