A New Title

Something has really been eating away at me for a few months now.  But, I just didn't know what I wanted to do about it.  It's my title.

You see, I have been in a tough "season."  There have been some not so "happy" happenings in the last 4 months.  That's a whole other blog for a day to come, hopefully soon, but I digress. 

My title of my blog was just not right.  I mean, yes I am very "happy" in my life and where God has taken me--my life,  my marriage, my kids, my relationship with Him.  But, stuff happens or literally for me sh** happens.

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."  James 1:2

At Christmas, I saw on facebook a quote that really got me thinking more about it.  It was something like, "Happiness is what happens to you, joy is an attitude of the heart that is God given."   We can pursue happiness all we what, but it is how we interpret what happens to us that decides our happiness.  Joy is something that lasts; happiness is something that is temporary.  When happiness fades away, joy remains. Joy is something that is bigger than me and my current circumstances.  Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm.  Joy is something that God deposits into us through the Holy Spirit.

I guess I had been using the words happy and joy as synonyms.  I know what I meant, but I also want others to understand this isn't something superficial.  It's God-given and God-centered. 

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."  Habakkuk 3:17-19

So in keeping with the "Kid Church Song" theme, the new title is......

i've got the joy down in my heart

Well Celebrated

This weekend was all about Cavett.  His birth and years passed were celebrated to the greatest height, even if there were some camera snafoos.

We were blessed to have Nana with us the whole weekend!  That was a treat in itself.  And Stephen's mom was able to join us for the party too!  Saturday morning we had the traditional pancake breakfast on the birthday plate, but the new camera card that we had just bought wouldn't hold but one picture.  When we took it back to the store to exchange it, we realized we hadn't downloaded the one picture, so thus, no picture.

Afterwards, Nana went with Cavett and me to watch him have his Karate lesson and get his birthday spankings.

The day continued with a birthday party at ASI gymnastics with several of his school friends, a couple of church friends and a couple of family friends.

 I think he really had a blast!  The favors were many different types of gum.  It's been our standing rule that you can't have gum until you are 6 at house.  (Just because I don't want to clean it off carpets and hair, and such...)

That evening we went to dinner at Cavett's choice of restaurants which was Chuy's.  Jonny and Amber joined us to celebrate Jonny's birthday as well-Jan.26th. 

That evening all the Dents enjoyed playing Cavett's game, Bananagrams, from Nana for about 2 hours after he went to bed!  It's a kind of Scrabble played without a board making up your own crosswords, but competing against other players in speed.

Sunday was "clean up and put away day" after church and part of his present form Mom and Dad was to be able to organize his Legos.  Dad installed shelves in his room and it is actually beginning to feel like a real boys room.  I have also promised that we would paint in the next couple of weeks so that we all don't have to look at the "9" that Kendrick wrote on his wall with sharpie last year. 

So, I think he enjoyed his weekend and totally didn't want to go to school today.  Who could blame him with all the cool stuff he got? 

The Birthday Boy

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."  Psalm 127:3

Dear Cavett,

As we sat in the church choir class room tonight waiting for our first children's choir rehearsal together, I was reminded of what you are to me.  Up on the wall was the previous Bible verse--Psalm 127:3.  It couldn't have been more true.  You are my gift from the Lord.  You bless me daily and remind me of what is truly important.  You make me a better person and encourage me in ways you don't even realize. 

The time that we shared tonight playing around with each other was dear and precious to me.  It was the best part of our whole celebratory weekend.  We don't get enough time like that these days, since you are now in school.  Your giggles are contagious.  Your dimple-a kiss from God.  I get lost in your deep brown eyes.  Your desire to see a project through to completion at any cost, I can totally relate to and empathize with you when it can't happen.  And, your zeal for life and curiosity is inspiring. 

I just can't believe it's been 6 years.  They have flown by and I am afraid the next several will only get faster and faster. 

I love you, my dear son. 

Mom

P.S.- Your Dad loves you too!

A Creative Outlet

I used to quilt when I had a ton of time and sleeping babies. I have had people ask me if I would sew for other people, like drapes and such. I just don't have that kind of time. But, I enjoy a creative outlet every now and then.

So this week when I put together a banner for birthdays at our house, I thought maybe I could sell these. Doesn't take too much time and I enjoy putting the fabrics and colors together.

What do you think? How much would you spend? Per letter?



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Run Club

Cavett has been doing Run Club for 5 months now. He's increased his speed by 20%. But the best part is the cheerleader, Kendrick, giving all the "high fives" to the kids.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Morning

THIS was the morning I needed to see this and remember these words. 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him."

Lamentations 3:22-24

Snow Day #2

This morning Kendrick came running into my bathroom screaming "There's more snow outside!" Well, maybe not more snow, but it didn't melt last night and it actually only melted off the roads today by about 11. As a result, Cavett's school had a delayed starting and he went about 10 instead of 8. We enjoyed a leisurely morning and then braved the roads. Kendrick and I drove around a little bit--to Dad's office and back just to see the beauty.

After picking up Cavett from school we decided to try again at making a snowman. We had seen several others in yards, so it must be possible somehow. It still didn't roll up and pack like last year, so we ended up mounding it and made a midget snowman using a piece of celery of a nose and some toys for the eyes. He was still cute and just enough.

The kids finished it off with snow angels and making tracks all over the front yard and then we said good-bye.  For it won't be there tomorrow afternoon.