The power of touch

It is so easy to go through the days with the hugs and kisses from the little ones in the house and be so overwhelmed with kisses that I can neglect it with the older ones unless I am thinking about it. My 3 that are 10 and under come up to me every day with hugs, kisses and cuddles. Right now my 7 and 4 year olds are there a lot since they are a little insecure about Mom being sick and have been in the hospital and away from them. Serene would sit most of her time right next to me, on top of me even to be as close as possible. So I have been making a point of giving my older children extra attention too. My 2 older sons 12 and 14 next week aren't as demonstrative unless I initiate it. I pat them on the back or shoulder, give them hugs, ask for a kiss and give them one when they or I am leaving, ruffle their hair. I can see them responding even thought they were still at first. How did I get out of the habit? By not making it a priority, I was getting all the hugs from the younger group and didn't notice. I have to tell you though it isn't as easy as it sounds. I have checklists to get thought the day, right now I am very forgetful. So I have my children on a checklist for me too. Did I say something positive to encourage this child today? Did I hug him or her? Which one needs some special mom time? I have to write it down or I forget. Some would thing it is because I have 10 children but I wasn't always this forgetful. My husband thinks it's all the meds I'm on. And yes, I have him on the list too. With older daughters it is easier, they accept hugs easier although one daughter I always have to point to my cheek at night after I hug and kiss her for a kiss back. She just grins and kisses me. I know she loves me , she is my daughter who is always bringing me hot tea too. So try and make the effort if you've gotten out of the habit. Older children need this too but just don't want to show it. I have so many things pulling at my time and energy this can easily fall by the wayside if I don't plan for it.

Gratitude

20. A hot cup of tea

19. Wonderful healthy meals

18. God's written Word

17. Chocolate

18. Listening to my children read

17. 7 wonderful daughters to laugh with and talk to

16.3 wonderful sons who are so helpful and kind to their mother

15. Sunrise

14. A beautifully set table

13. Smelling the fragrant banana bread my daughter is baking

12. Naps ( for me not the children) :-)

11. My Mom's daily phone calls

Gratitude and Blessings

These are some things I am so grateful for.

10. Being able to read to my children

9. Watching my 4 year old sleep (it's the only time he's still)

8. Little arms wrapped around me in hugs to make me well, (big arms too)

7. To be able to sing even if I can not long always follow the tune, or talk afterwards

6.10 wonderful healthy children

5. The ability to take a deep breathe this morning without coughing

4. My husband who in the last year has had a wife in much more sickness than health

3.My family

2. Christ's sacrifice

1. God's Love

Counting my Blessings

I have had a lot of time of last night, this morning, to think... pray...(iv steroids are not conductive to sleep :-).) My daughter even suggested counting sheep. When I got to 1009 I finally thought I could do a lot better than that. One song I remember my Grandmother singing is Count your Blessings. I have so many even in the midst of this health crisis I can look for the blessings. My daughter has made gifts of gratitude journals so I have decided to do the same. I thought if I could count sheep there had to be at least that many things I am greatful for. Don't worry I won't list them all at once. But first,



Count Your Many Blessings

When upon life's billows you are temptest tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name then one by one.
And if will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly.
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold,
Count your many blessings- wealth can never buy.
Your reward in heaven, nor you home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and confort give you till your journey's end.

Refrain

An Attitude of Blessings

I have a choice on how I decide to view whatever happens. I can chose to look at it as a blessing or as not. This weekend I spent 2 evenings in the ER. That was not how I would have chosen to have spent them but I am choosing to be thankful that medical care is nearby and available should be needed. I am thankful at how kind the dr's and nursed were there. And that I could go home and spend tonight in my own bed. I would, should be sleeping but one of the meds causes insomnia so I guess I have time to write this blog. Our circumstances may vary but each one of us can choose how to view them. Is your glass half empty or full. I have a member of my family that this is hard for and I am accused of walking with rose colored glasses. But I like the color rose so I think I'll stick with it.

Filling My Own Tank

Because You are My Help. I Will Sing in the Shadow of Your Wings.
Psalms 63:7

I love early mornings. I am a "morning" person, I do naturally wake up early and get a lot more done then than any other part of the day. But that is not the main reason I like them. This is the time I fill my own tank.

I rise early, get dressed and a cup of hot tea and have time with the Lord. I read my Bible, prayer for my family and even sing, although quietly. Many times people have heard I have 10 children and ask "How do you do it?" This is how, I make time for me, before anyone else is up and fill up, so I have something to give to my family. Sometimes I have time for other things, exercise (although not right now), email, writing, phone calls; but I make time for me first, before any one else is awake. I have been learning if I don't take care of me I can't do a good job of taking care of anyone else. So I put this first.

My Refuge and Strength

God is my refuge and my strength;
an ever-present help in a time of trouble.
Psalm 46:1

I spent 4 days last week in the hospital. Severe asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, iv steroids. I have had enough steroids to make the Incredible Hulk seem benign. And this is the 2nd time in the hospital in just over 3 months. The hospital was a safe place to be and recuperate, a refuge. But my refuge, Who I run to over and over is not a place but a Person. My God. I have not been strong through this but He is. I struggled simply to breathe. God can do all. When I struggle to breathe the thoughts are fairly consuming with all God can do. That even though hospitals are a great help, He is my Healer. Jehovah Rophi- God Who Heals.

Ever-present- I need to make God present in every thought , not just when sick or in times of trouble, although that is an easy time to think of Him. Didn't we as children run to Mom or Dad when we had a problem? Why is it so easy to just go on with our days without a thought when things are going well? Why do I want to be so self sufficient? What about God sufficient?

I plan on using this time to be more ever present of God, His Strength; my refuge.