Forever Beloved

Faith, Love & Truth

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

Soaking in These Moments

This morning I stood at my office window and watched the first glimpses of sunlight.  I watched as the sun peeked up over the trees and kissed the sky.  I can’t remember the last time I did that, yet it is a daily ritual for the sun.

As I stood there savoring the first glimmers of sunlight, I asked myself: what have I been stopping to savor in place of moments like these?

And the was clear and came quickly: the wrong things.

Like the cat vomit I stepped in before I had even wiped the sleep from my eyes or how easy it feels for people to walk out of my life.

Savoring. Soaking in. Replaying those moments. Not because they are good, but because they caused me pain and I rather enjoy feeling sorry for myself.

If there is one thing I’m good at, it’s holding a grudge. Actually, I might even be considered a professional grudge holder.  If I don’t have time to think over the bad right then, I’ll tuck it in my pocket to pull out later.  

Good things happen every day along with the bad. And with a simple refocus, it’s up to me what I choose to soak in. Enjoying the good moments make the bad a little more bearable.

These tiny treasures of moments aren’t loud. They aren’t obnoxious. Maybe that’s why it’s so easy to miss them. They speak softly and get crowded out in the mad jumble of a hurried life.

Today. Today I’m taking the time to savor and soak in these priceless moments. Holding them softly in my hands like precious gifts.

  • The sweet phone call from my 19-year-old, excited to tell me he bought me a canning pot at a great price.
  • The excitement on my 17-year-olds face, covered with special effects makeup, asking me to take a photo of it.
  • Walking out my door and being greeted by 42 happy, hoping-for-a-yummy-treat chickens.
  • My daughter throwing her hands around my waist for a Mama hug in the kitchen.
  • Holding my husbands hand as we walk down from the chicken coops after feeding.
  • The morning phone chat with my Mama. And our across-the-yard chats in the summer.
  • Cooking my husbands favorite childhood meal, and sitting around the table as a family to enjoy it.
  • The always-happy-to-see-me greeting from my two sweet dogs.
  • Tickle wars in the living room.
  • My husbands gracious spirit and always, always being willing to run to the store for me.
  • Hearing my Dads backhoe or truck running from across the yard.

I’m not naive enough to think these moments will last forever.  And today, I’m soaking every one of those moments in.

These are the things I need to fill my mind with. These moments are tiny treasures that serve as a reminder that this too shall pass and that, yes, it really is all worth it.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise… Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

The Lord’s Prayer {Book Review}

The Lord’s Prayer
Words of Hope and Happiness
By Rick Warren
About the book:

This iconic prayer is paired with flowing illustrations by award-winning artist Richard Jesse Watson and thoughtful insights by bestselling author Rick Warren, resulting in a book that rejuvenates the familiar prayer for a younger audience. Using poetic scripture from the King James Version, The Lord’s Prayer: Words of Hope and Happiness helps familiarize children with real biblical text while also presenting contemporary illustrations and insightful words that make this beautiful prayer come alive.

I’m always so, so excited to take new books into my Sunday School class.  The little ones get so excited when I pull a new book out of my bag!

I absolutely loved this book, and so did they!  On one page, there is a verse from the Lord’s Prayer featured. On the next page, a child friendly description of what that verse means.  It was a great way to break down The Lord’s Prayer and explain it to them in a way they would understand.

The illustrations are fabulous.  Richard Jesse Watson illustrated the book and let me tell you, they are beautiful. They made more relatable to kids.  The little guys loved looking at the pictures and pointing out something new they saw in each one.

This book is definitely one I would recommend.  It would be a great asset in teaching little ones to pray!  And would be a fabulous addition to any classroom.

This book was provided to me free of charge by Book Look in return for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.