Random Monday Thoughts

• Two days in bed will certainly make you appreciate your health, once restored. Oh my word, last time I was sick I discovered a Jon and Kate marathon, and became temporarily hooked on that show. This time, Tori and Dean was running a day long catch up on the last season... fascinating in my fever induced state. Not so much in retrospect. Oh, well, it go me through the day!
• Loving my chai latte today, soothing the last of this sore throat away.
• Crazily, at the height of feeling sorry for myself Friday, Rusty called with the news that the contract from the other people fell through on the house we wanted. (Oh yeah, we pulled our bid out Tuesday because we felt like it was too much stress to carry two mortgages, and we truly believed it shouldn't require such jumping through hoops if it was Gods plan. Still really felt it was "our" house, and trusted God to make it work.) So yesterday I frantically organized the pantry and bagged food to take to the food pantry (Who needs 3 cans of crushed pineapple or 3 bags of flour? I clearly need a better shopping system- we don't even use crushed pineapple!), while Rusty sorted and purged. I guess our house goes on the market today or tomorrow, not quite sure, I'm still in a stupor over the turn of events. As long as our house sells first we should be fine, but if the other one is sold, we are staying and not looking anymore.
• I tore apart the scarf I am knitting, for the second time. Geesh! It was turning into an afghan instead of a scarf, and since we don't live in the arctic, I don't really need that much wrapped around my neck. I'm trying it again with only 18 stitches, we'll see if it grows, too. I hope I get it completed before spring... trying to appreciate the hobby, and not necessarily just the outcome.
• My house is a mess, the shelves in my office collapsed under the excess weight I loaded on them, and missing one day of work seems to have set me back a week. It feels like I will never get caught up today, but I am trusting God to just carry me through:-) I made the time to do today's homework from Esther, and it feels so good to be back in an organized Bible study. I love my daily devotions, and my own studies, but there is something to be said for a concentrated study of one book over 10 weeks time. I love the continuity, and Beth Moore truly seems to bring to the surface things I never would have noticed on my own.
• I need to sign Cailin up for spring field hockey, and write the congratulatory ads for the girls play (due weeks ago!), and also help Cailin write a formal rsvp for her junior cotillion formal dance. Oh, that reminds me that I still haven't returned the dresses from the semi- formal in December that she opted not to wear. Have mercy, do you see how behind I am. Guess blogging isn't the best use of my time, and on that note, I'm off to work.

Fun ??? Friday

If you happen to catch your daughters cold, and feel like doing nothing other than burying your head under the covers until the 3:00 carpool, I recommend the above items. You probably will also want to put the puppy in her crate, so she won't be trying to lick your nose when you fall asleep.

I'm off to follow my own advice:-)

A Big Day

I want to remember the hype surrounding todays inaugeration, because like all major life events, soon this will be nothing more than a memory, as our country gets back to focusing on the business at hand.

The local news shows image after image of traffic snaking along, trying to find parking in the metro lots which were already 90% full at 6:00 a.m. Police predicted that we, 50 miles south of DC, could be in gridlock for 24 hours. Locals are renting rooms for $1000.00 a night, while I saw on t.v. that others opened up their home for free, hosting Germans, students, and middle Eastern guests.

It's a crazy time, as so many celebrate our new president as a savior for our country. I don't see him as such, and honestly oppose much of what he stands for. However, as the leader of our country, I choose to pray for him, and ask God to give him the wisdom he needs to protect and lead the United States.

In the midst of the hoopla for the inaugeration, Rusty and I wait to hear if our offer on a new house has been accepted, and if we are going forward with this move. It has been incredibly stressful to weigh the pros and cons in a pretty iffy real estate market, but we have sought God and feel He is guiding us. Once again I am reminded that we have to "step out of the boat" if we want to allow God to do great things in our life, and honestly, I struggle with this. I realize I am often content to keep paddling along, safe and comfortable, instead of trusting that God will carry me and allow me the blessing of walking with Him, in unknown territory, if I just step out in faith.

So today is a big day for our country, and a big day for our family. I'm so thankful that I have the assurance of God's sovereign grace for both circumstances.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Yesterday I was looking forward to a long overdue dinner with my husband and close friends. At Bonefish. One of our favorite date restaurants.

Instead, I spent 2 hours in the pediatricians office, waiting for the results of strep and flu tests. By the time we left their office the lights were off and the parking lot was empty. Cassidy was starving, so I caved and said yes to nuggets and milkshakes from McDonalds. Bad idea for the sister who has been coughing uncontrollably for the better part of two days. Daddy will be cleaning up the floor mats tomorrow morning. 'Nuff said.

Thanks to the drive through window at CVS I was able to obtain the magical cough potion that promises sleep for us all tonight. I'm especially hoping it is effective, as the little sister started sneezing this evening, and is apparently nipping at the heels of the cold Cailin has been battling. Ugh!

Yesterday I believed this would be the view of the laundry room entry of my new home...

Today the realtor called with the heartbreaking news that another offer had been made for "our house". The "good" news is that if we are willing to sell our soul, sacrifice equity, and attempt to own two homes indefinitely in a plummeting housing market, I can still have my dream home. Hmmm tough decision.

Yesterday I was very proud of my ability to trust God in everything.

Today I realized it is easy to trust God, when things are going my way.

Father God, please keep my eyes and heart focused on you. Always and in everything.

The Little Things

Soft music playing, refrigerator humming, taco soup simmering, and warm bread rising.

Nothing special, but it fills my heart with contentment this cold January day to know that all is cozy in my home.

Helloooo....

I'm still here and all is well. Just busy with work and Christmas and work and, oh yeah, more work!

We are taking off for the mountains next Monday so I am trying to get caught up -ha- on everything before we go.

Merry Christmas!

Silence

I awakened this morning with a sense of unease, nothing "wrong", just a general sense of not feeling quite right. Usually this is an indication that I have not been spending time in God's Word and am spiritually depleted, and that is the case again today, I believe.
But it is more specific, too. As I was getting ready to wake the girls, I tiptoed down the hall and realized I was in silence and darkness. No fans blowing white noise, no Christmas cd's blaring, no puppy barking (yet!), and it felt so peaceful. All was right for a moment, and in those few seconds I felt restored.

I realized that even the noises I choose to surround myself can become distracting like noisy, clanging symbols, if I am constantly surrounding myself with those and not making time for the still, peaceful voice of the Holy Spirit.
So I am going to choose time with Him today, in silence, and seeking God and nothing else. I need to hear from Him how I need to change my daily life to allow more time for the silence, so that my heart can be filled with His peace.

Catching Up

Whew! What a fun November! Here are some pictures, in random order since Blogger pictures boggles my brain.

Tuesday we surprised the girls by taking them here as a late celebration of Cassidy's 10th birthday. They thought we were taking Daddy out for lunch, having no idea I had packed their bags and loaded the car the night before. When Rusty suggested that the food might be good at Great Wolf, the pure joy on their faces was contagious. It's a good thing, as 45 minutes into our trip we were stopped for an expired inspection sticker. Oops! We were both so surprised we could do nothing but laugh... and vow to get it taken care of as soon as we returned home. Nonetheless, we had a fabulous time and really enjoyed the time together as a family.

A late night game of checkers after playing ourselves out in the water.

The girls loved their own little cabin in our room. What fun!

As we left... loved the big wolf all ready for Christmas. We can't wait to go back!

Our favorite oompa loompa with Nana and Papa. This is one reason we were in such desperate need fo a getway... play rehearsals and 8 performances wear a girl (and her family!) out.

The best part of every November- celebrating the gift that my sweet Cassidy's birth is to us. So hard to believe that she is in the double digits now... where has my baby gone?

Intentional Days

This past week was Cailin's "tech week" for Willy Wonka, which means she had rehearsals every night from 4-9, as they worked out the lighting, sound, costumes etc... for last weeks opening weekend. She performed 4 shows, which consumed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for both her and I, as I worked backstage on my parent committe of "props". I love it, she loves it, but my house is ready to walk away in disgust if I don't tackle the dust bunnies.



This week has been all about Cassidy's Thanksgiving Day Feast Thirsday, as I am a room mom and have the task of making sure there is enough food, and that it is all peanut free for a little guy who has severe allergies. Lots of phone calls. Lots. And lots of empty words wasted on the gossip that attached itself to those conversations.



We also had the blessing of preparing Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes to go overseas, due today for Chapel, which meant a shopping trip out in the cold last night. This is truly one of my favorite traditions with the girls, and I am so thankful their school participates, so they can share in the joy of giving to others who have so little. However, I would enjoy it more if I planned our time better and I didn't wind up wandering the aisles of Target at 8:30 the night before we needed to bring our gifts to school. Oh well, nothing a diet coke on the way can't cure. What is bedtime during the holidays anyway, right?



All this to say, the busiest time of the year has arrived with a vengeance, and I am feeling it in the chaos of our home. As I talk with other mommies, I hear the same story over and over, we are all so busy. While some of it is temporary and expected (the play), other aspects (obsessing about decorations for the party) are not important in the grand scheme of things, and actually serve as a distraction from the very things we are celebrating.



I don't like the badge of honor that our generation equates to being so busy, and pray that as these days may be full, they are not just filled with empty busy-ness, but with intention and joy.



Lord, please help me to do those things You call me to, and not be afraid to say "no" to those things which fill my time, but not my heart.

The Faithful One

Well, we survived the election and all the excitement that followed this past week. It will be interesting to see what the next four years hold... my girls will become teenagers, I will turn the big 4-0, Rusty and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

Through it all, I know God will hold us all in the palm of His hand, and it will be good. My hope is not in our president, and so I am able to look forward with confidence. Not in the new administration, but in the King of Kings.

As I raced through WalMart this weekend, a Christmas card caught my eye. I bought the box on the spot, if not to send for Christmas greetings, then as a reminder to myself:

Jesus

The Faithful One

The confidence we have

the trust we hold

the hope we carry

rest in His faithfulness.

Every promise He has made

He purposes to fulfill.

He has the authority to

accomplish all He has spoken.

His power is limitless...

His character changeless...

His love endless!

May your heart be filled with the confidence that He is on His throne, now and always. Regardless of who sits in the White House.

God Bless America

Voting always makes me emotional. I have taken the girls with me each time we have an election, and as I explain the process to them, the blessing of having this opportunity never fails to move me to tearing up. They just expect it now, and don't even notice.

The first time we voted together, 8 years ago, we were big fans of the Veggie Tale Queen Esther movie, so I correlated the presidency to being king. Well, 4 years later, they were older and somewhat wiser, as they used the terms king and president interchangeably. OK, clearly I had some explaining to do, but they now have a pretty firm grasp of living in a democracy versus a monarchy.

This year I told the girls I might vote while they were at school, to avoid the predicted long lines, but they would have none of that. They insisted I wait so they could accompany me. I'm so thrilled that at 9 and 11, they already grasp the privilege it is to have a say in who is elected to run our government.

We have had some interesting discussions about the presidential candidates, and they both seem to comprehend things that many America seems oblivious to. They see things very simply... is what the person says in line with God's Word, or not? If not, they aren't the right person to lead the greatest countryin the free world.

Oh that America would see things through the eyes of a child. A child whose eyes are fixed on God, not their bank account or personal desires.

God bless America. We will need His blessing more than ever if we elect a president who is not a friend of Israel.

Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

November 3, 2008

For today

Outside my window...Cool temperatures, drizzly rain, and the most vivid yellow leaves. What a gorgeous fall day to be inside by the warm fire.

I am thinking... of the assorted appointments I need to schedule for the puppy and my girls, of my to do list for the day which keeps growing, and of the pictures which need developing from Cassidy's party on Saturday.

From the learning room... I am working on becoming a better wife, friend, and mommy.

I am thankful for... so much! My heart is overflowing with gratitude this morning, as I sit in my comfortable and warm house, enjoying the fire, while it is chilly and rainy outside. The time this morning in wonderful study of God's Word, and the scriptures he led me to- pure blessing! The gift of my job, and the blessing of working from home. My precious family, and the joy of being a part of it. Rusty finding the hamsters this morning before the girls awakened and realized they were loose. Rusty finding the hamsters before I awakened and realized the were loose!

From the kitchen... turkey tetrazzini, homemade beef and veggie soup, grilled salmon, spaghetti, and Bunco on Friday (which means Daddy cooks for himself and the girls).

I am wearing...khaki shorts, white V-neck tee and warm socks.

I am reading...Cottage Living and Home Companion. The Christmas issues came this week and I am poring over every detail:-)

I am hoping... John McCain is elected.

I am hearing...Christmas music, and Cailin chatting with Sadie about appropriate puppy behavior.

Around the house...I'm planning our holiday schedule, gift lists, budget, and family portrait appointment. Still working on posting the girl's outgrown outfits on Craig's List. Menu planning and goal setting for our family. Planning classroom activities for Cassidy's 4th grade class as a room mom. Enjoying this wonderful season.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Help at the girl scout peanut booth sale...Our weekly typicals: Oasix (Cailin's youth group), gymnastics, and riding... play rehearsal... Friday no school... cheer leading clinic for Cassidy...bunco...VOTING.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

For more Simple Woman's Daybooks, visit The Simple Woman.

Best Laid Plans

This week is scheduled tightly, packed with obligations and activities that leave little margin for error. Traveling out of town for work meant that today's agenda was the most critical of all. Papa was to pick the girls up from school, deliver Cailin to girl scouts, and get Cassidy started on homework. I had a turkey tenderloin and sweet potatoes in the crock pot, beginning to simmer, and had arranged for Rusty to take Cailin to theater after dinner.

Then I went to awaken the girls. Amidst much sniffling I heard the dreaded words, "I don't feel well. My head hurts. My tummy hurts. My throat hurts." Then they each turned to their respective walls, pulled the covers up to their ears and promptly went back to sleep. Ugh!

I have a crew of installers driving 5 hours to meet me at a job site (over 2 hours from my home) and a client, who is leaving the state Friday, waiting to meet me to close out all outstanding business. There is never a good day to have sick children, but this would be among the worst! I dread having to call clients, even those who have become friends, and ask them to reschedule appointments. I pride myself on attending all installations and being available to answer any questions the crew may have. Yet today that plan was just not working out, and honestly, I was angry. Angry at the fact that I have to work, angry that I have to rearrange my plans and the plans of others, angry that the girls don't feel well, angry that Cailin will miss two important activities, angry at my loss of control of my day.

Then my Dad called, and as always, had gentle words of wisdom for me. He reminded me that I am never in control of my day, God is. He has plans for my day, and they don't involve being angry or upset, or worrying about things going wrong with my job. He doesn't want me to worry at all, in fact, but trust that His ways are good ways, and that every day from Him is a gift. So I am choosing to trust that He will make this a great day, and I am going to appreciate the gift of time with my girls, no matter how it was given.

Simple Woman's Daybook

I often enjoy reading the daybooks at The Simple Woman, and today decided to join in.

Outside my window... cooler temperatures and overcast skies. Vivid yellow leaves . A cozy fall day.

From the learning room... teaching myself how to sew... learning about Egyptian pets, as I help Cailin prepare for Egypt Day at school.

From the kitchen this week... pumpkin bread...chicken divan for dinner tonight... menu planning for the rest of the week.

I am wearing... a Spotsy High School baseball shirt with running pants... the 3/4 length sleeves keep me toasty warm!

I am reading... "Summer" by Karen Kingsbury and "The Love Dare"

I am hoping... to accomplish lots of work today and get caught up with a big client's account before she moves this week.... for a peaceful week leading up to Cassidy's birthday party...

I am creating... order out of the chaos of our closets... a bedside organizer for the girls beds... our Thanksgiving menu... Christmas gift lists... ideas for handmade gifts.

I am hearing... Celtic flutes... the flicker of a Woodwick candle... gentle breeze rustling the leaves outside my office window.

Around the house... housebreaking the puppy... hanging pictures... purging excess stuff!

One of my favorite things... the sounds of fall.

Few plans for the rest of the week... girl scouts... last CYT class and Showcase... gymnastics... riding... Cassidy's birthday party... finding a costume for Cailin's Reformation Day celebration at school... helping out at the Fall Festival at church Friday night...traveling two days for business...Juliette Low birthday party that Cailin is chairperson of... menu planning and grocery shopping

A Picture Thought I am Sharing...

They crack me up! Posing with Peanut and Butter in their matching towels (sent as a gift from Aunt Donna).

Fall Is In The Air

When I heard that rain showers were expected today, I knew it would be just what we need to bring some of those colorful leaves fluttering through the air. Today has not disappointed! Cooler temperatures, soft rain, and a gentle breeze are making today my favorite kind of fall day.

The leaves are blowing through the air, and I love the breeze so much that I have the windows open with the fireplace burning to keep me warm! If I weren't chained to the stacks of laundry, begging to be folded, I would be snuggled up with a good book and some hot tea.

I did allow myself a lunch break, though, and finished "Village Diary" while eating the Barefoot Contessa's chicken chili- yum. It always makes me sad to finish a book I enjoy, but that is why I chose a series for fall, to prolong my "visit" to Fairacre. Next up- "Storm in the Village."

I'm enjoying the solitude of an empty house today, as the girls are at play rehearsal and a friends, and Rusty and my Dad are at the Outdoor Superstore in Richmond. I'm not sure the boys will be back today; when I spoke to Rusty he said this place has a restaurant (where they just finished buffalo burgers), a trout pond, an indoor waterfall, a homemade fudge factory, and more. Sounds like Disney for Daddy's! I'm glad they're enjoying the day together, and thankful for the peace and quiet of a completely calm house for a few hours.

I better go enjoy it while it lasts!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Around our house, football is king. As a former player and coach, my husband is crazy for college ball, particularly the WV Mountaineers. (WV is our home state). Anytime they're playing, he's watching, and his favorite games are the ones played against friend's teams, so they can heckle each other the entire game.

Such will be the case tonight as WV takes on Auburn, and our friends the Cruz's' are joining us for some football fun. While the boys are inside shouting at the t.v., I'm looking forward to sitting outside by the fire! Ruth and I can enjoy our chili while the kids roast hot dogs, and the boys can have "man land" to themselves.

On the menu...
Nachos with melted cheddar and jalapenos
2 bean chili
Jalapeno cheddar cornbread (crisped up in my Mama's cast iron skillet- yum!)
Hot dogs
s'mores
sweet tea
diet coke

Food like this is what makes me a fan of football:-)

Weekend Happenings

Oh, I love the weekend, especially in the fall. The change in schedule from the weekday busy-ness to the weekend busy-ness somehow rejuvenates me. Even though our weekends tend to still be full, I'm not a fan of routine, so any change in our schedule restores me. Especially if my husband is home and can help out in the chauffeuring -of- children duties.

This weekend was filled with perfect fall weather, as the temps dropped, and we had a fire burning and frost on the grass in the morning. Love it. Silly me, opted to deep clean the girls play room, however, and enjoyed the weather through the open windows only.

Since I went on laundry folding strike for a few days, I now have 4 baskets of unfolded laundry awaiting my attention, as well as a stack of work that must be done today, since I'm out of my office on appointments tomorrow. In the interest of time, I am re-capping the weekend in bullet points, which is pretty much the way I talk anyway.

• Friday night dinner with Rusty and the girls at Vinnie's, the local Italian restaurant that makes smiley face pizzas for the kids, and is always filled with locals on the way to high school football games. Eating there guarantees seeing a few familiar faces, and yummy leftovers for lunch the next day. Daddy then headed out to his school's game in an adjoining county, which they won, their 6th victory in 5 years. A tough record for this former football coach turned principal husband of mine. The team they beat is tied with the same 5 year track record. Oh, well, a win is a win, and he came home happy.
• Cassidy and I dropped Cailin off at Christian Youth Theater for her Willie Wonka rehearsal, and headed to the fabric store to select fabric. We are making bedside organizers to hold their magazines, journals, and flashlights beside their bed. Cassidy made her own selection, but I got to choose for Cailin (yay!) and opted for a brown zebra print. Love it! Thankfully she does, too.
• Saturday morning Rusty took care of getting Cassidy to riding and Cailin to rehearsal, woohoo! I love my life, and actually enjoy shuttling the girls to their various activities, but it was so nice to have a Saturday morning to myself. I enjoyed a leisurely Bible study, shower, and some chai tea. I then filled two crock pots with the ingredients for fat free veggie soup, for me, and beef stew for everyone else. By the time Rusty returned home with the girls (and a new 50's costume for Cassidy) the soup was simmering, a fire was going in the fireplace, and I was ready to welcome my family home. After lunch, Nana showed up to take the girls on their annual "Nana and Girls Only" trek to the pumpkin patch. Taking advantage of the evening home alone, Rusty and I went on a date to see Fireproof. The message of the movie was great, the popcorn and drinks at $17.50 were not so great!! Am I the only one who thinks that is insane?
• Sunday was filled with church, lunch with friends afterward, a quick nap, and off to deliver Cailin to Junior Cotillion. What a sight to behold... a ballroom filled with nervous 6th, 7th and 8th graders, whispering about who their dance partner might be. So precious, all dressed up and looking suddenly older. Several of the children have known one another since kindergarten, and it struck us mommy's how far we have come. I wish I could have taken pictures, but the mortification would have been her undoing! They started with the foxtrot and introductions, new found dance knowledge she will need to share with her Daddy, since he will be her date for the Holly ball. Fun times, watching my little princess blossom.
• The rest of the weekend was spent wrangling this...

Our newest addition, Sweet Tea Sadie, named in honor of my undying affection for sweet tea, but blessedly only called "Sadie", or more accurately, "NO, Sadie"...
She is a 2 pound, 8 week old shih tzu puppy, chosen to try to fill the gaping hole left in our hearts by the loss of my 14 year old shih tzu Gizmo. I need to write a post dedicated entirely to my precious Gizzy, but it is still too painful, so it will wait.

This little thing is sure to be mentioned many, many times as we navigate the puppy waters I had blissfully forgotten, though, so I thought it was time to introduce her. We have had her for one week, and are falling in love with her spunky little personality.

So the weekend was wonderful, but now I must face reality and tackle that pile of laundry!

Happy Monday!

Thrifting Treasures

What began as a way to get out of the house alone when I was the mommy to two babies, grew into an addicition that has helped me decorate most rooms in my house. I love estate sales and thrift stores for the treasure I find, and I keep a running tab of how much everything would cost if I were paying retail.

Girl math - it's not how much I spend, it's how much I save!

A recent Saturday found me at my parent's annual neighborhood community sale, with my Mom and my 9 year old, who is now my best shopping companion.

Here is a small sampling of what thrilled me to bring home.. pardon the photography, I don't ever to justice to my subjects!

White iron stone platter, with a basketweave edge.


Cute planter which I use to hold utensils in my kitchen
Ironstone dishes, service for 8 including soup tureen, creamer, and gravy boat... $4.00 woohoo!

One of two Johnson Bros. pheasant dishes I found to hang in the dining room. 50 cents each!

Fashion Diva or CEO?

Cailin went upstairs to her room, too tired to go to youth group, and came downstairs dressed in "the perfect outfit" to wear. After describing the process of selecting the top, leggings, and accessories, she explained to her sister and I that she felt better now that her outfit was "corporated".

My Baby Goes to Youth Group?

11 years ago, holding my sweet baby girl, I vowed to treasure each moment of mothering her, and to never wish a day away, no matter how exhausted I was. I knew, even then, that the time with my child would be fleeting, and I wanted to remember every second.

Occasionally I have broken that vow, as I prayed for bedtime's speedy arrival, or whisked them off to Nana and Papa's before collapsing in solitude, but overall I have honored that desire to relish these days. The dilemma, I've discovered, is that cherishing them doesn't make the time pass by any slower.

So this fall, I am faced with a "baby" who is in middle school, and a part of our church's youth group. Wow! How did that happen?My own memories of slumber parties, Bible study, and camp are still so vivid in my mind, it can't be possible that my own child is now creating her own history of youth group fun times. Yet, it is a fact. Cailin has a full schedule, now, of cookouts and mission trips, sleepovers and fund raisers.

We are on the verge of independence, and although I still have several years with her at home, I recognize that my days of guiding her are inevitably waning. So I examine and question my parenting, hoping that I am still training her up in the way she should go. Praying that she will retain her teachable spirit through adolescence, and learn well the lessons we impress upon her. As I watch her navigate these new waters, I am so proud of who she is becoming. So proud of what matters to her.

This weekend Cailin attended a youth group bonfire and outdoor movie with lots of girl friends, and after she was home, we held a debriefing. (This is my official name for questioning her endlessly about everything that happens to her without me. She adores this, you can imagine!)

Anyway, she told me she had received the greatest compliment ever, and I want to remember it, because it is one of those reminders that (1) she is "getting it", and (2) that God loves to delight our hearts and build us up when He knows we most need it.

The best compliment she could ever receive, her words, was given by the mother of a friend from theater. This Mom told another girl, new to Cailin's school, that she should meet Cailin because she is super nice and a friend to everyone. Wow! When she shared this with me she was literally beaming, and went on and on about how much it meant to her.

I love that an adult said this about Cailin, because my desire is that my girls be known for their character above all else. But even more, I am thrilled that Cailin esteems this as the highest compliment she could receive. Better than accolades for her beauty, athletic ability, popularity or grades, she sees making others feel good as the greatest thing to be.

It is also a gift straight from God, given to encourage Cailin after a summer of unkind things said by a neighbor, that even though untrue, hurt nonetheless. In the face of those trials, many days I was bitter and wanted to insist on apologies and making things fair. But instead I trusted in God's goodness and promise to make all things right, knowing His way would be so much better anyway. So I praise God that He orchestrated this opportunity to encourage Cailin, and reward her loving heart, and I thank Him for every chance to show her His faithfulness. God is so good!