Thankful Thursday

The past seven days have held some highs (David coming home safely and early, our trip to Savannah) and some lows (a still-overwhelming to-do list and a few other "don't wanna blog about it" issues.  On top of that, Audrey received her first spanking.  After it was over we resumed our pre-nap routine.  As soon as I put her down and closed her door, I went to my room and bawled my eyes out.  I'm getting teary now just thinking about it!  Let's hope those are few and far between.)

In the middle of our ups and downs, though, God is still God.  He's still there, in charge, and ever-watchful over me and my family.  This week it felt good to praise Him in the blessings and to turn to Him in the struggles.  I've only just begun to realize how much I'm going to need Him and His guidance to be a good mom now that we're beyond the "keeping her alive" phase and starting to delve into discipline.  

I want to raise a young woman of integrity and character.  I want Audrey to walk with God and obey His voice.  Before she learns that, she must learn to obey the instructions of her earthly parents.  Man, what a huge responsibility.  What a scary, hard, and overwhelming task.  And yet, what an honor.  What a privilege.  What a gift.  

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing she is to us and for entrusting her to our care.  I continue to ask that You fill in the gaps of our shortcomings with Your grace.

Here is this week's list:

1.  My Mom, whose birthday is on Saturday.  Her prayers for me, worry about me, and pride in me are always felt and appreciated even if I rarely acknowledge them.  Love you, Mom! Happy Birthday!

2.  Beth Moore's Bible Study on the book of Esther.  Wow, am I loving it!

3.  Ziacam, Airborne, Vitamin C, gargling with warm salt water, and all the other homeopathic cold remedies I've tried this week.  For the most part, I'm feeling pretty good.  I think they're working! 

4.  Rich, chocolatey Riesens.  And I don't need to give you a reason why - ha!

5.  The approach of the holiday season.  It's all ahead of us right now.  The anticipation is mounting, the temperatures are dropping, an occasional Christmas carol sneaks in here and there.  In a few weeks we'll be in the throws of it and will be spending way too much time rushing around and stressing out.  (And maybe secretly tiring of the non-stop Christmas music.)  But for now, it's all high hopes and excitement of what's to come.

We have big plans this weekend that I'm really looking forward to!  Pray we stay well (and are super productive tomorrow) so we can enjoy!