Eucharisteo

If someone told me five years ago that I would be living in a small house, budgeting my money, staying at home with the kids, trying to eat and live healthy- I would have probably slapped you. This is not what my life was supposed to be like. Not at all. I was going to be the mom that could "do it all" and wanted people to think that (confession #1). I mean come on, really? I actually wanted people to look at me and think, "Wow, I wish I could do what she does". What in the world? Who did I think I was, Tori Spelling (maybe that's just my obsession;)? Ya know what? God had a different plan. A plan that took me in the exact opposite direction in fact. He made it so that I never really had anything together. I was grumpy. negative, Dr. Pepper running through my veins, just a butt head really. I am so grateful for unanswered prayers (ahhh Garth). The place that I am in now, is one that I have never, ever been in before. One of constant thanks giving (or at least trying). Eucharisteo. Go head, try to pronounce it. It's a tough one and every time I read it in the book I am reading, I have to slow down and sound it out again. It means giving thanks. And now just for the obvious things such as a house, your health, your kids, etc. No, for the non-obvious and in times when you feel like you are going to explode. Like when your kids are fighting non-stop, I have to keep my cool and thank God that they are well enough to do so. When, I have another load of laundry to do, I am thankful that I have clothes for my family.

 It's an amazing feeling-such a transformation. You know that it is impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time? Wow. I find myself now looking for all the little ways that God is making Himself known and I am thankful. Things such as the clouds billowing over the mountains, the sound of an airplane flying over our house, the perfect timed phone call, the $5 I found in a bag, hot water for our showers, clean water to drink, kids using their imaginations, watching the expressions on the kids faces when they watched the circus, tucking them in at night, housework- yes I said housework. So many people can't- they are either sick or taking care of someone that is sick and can't be home to do so. Even simpler things like the sound of a beer bottle opening or the smell of the barbecue heating up. Even in the midst of sadness, I try to be thankful. I am thankful for all of those houses that the firemen DID save in Colorado, so far. I am thankful for the lessons that we have been taught through the mismanaging of our money (amazing lesson). And even through enduring the loss of a family member, as we are right now, I am thankful that I knew him and I am thankful for my family who love and support each other. Miracles follow eucharisteo....that's what has been said. I believe it. In giving thanks, in little things, I have seen miracles happen here in our house and in my heart. I am such a different person now. I now have the word Eucharisteo printed out and taped to my mirror and to my cabinet in the kitchen as a constant reminder to be thankful. 

What the heck is with this post, right? Well, I am almost finished reading One Thousand Gifts and may I say, Holy Guacamole. Talk about a game changer. It's not a quick read, but it's a must read. I hope that you all will give it a chance-it's really an amazing feeling-not easy, but worth it. 

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Right now

It's funny how things change and how they stay the same. Tonight as I look around my house, I see nothing but clutter, dust, dirt and chaos. A year ago.... the same mess existed, although I think maybe it was slightly less because Brody was unable to do his famous dumping of every toy imaginable. One year ago, Brody was super sick (right now he has a sinus infection) and Delaney was fighting a nasty cold as well (ditto today). A year ago, my little man wasn't walking or talking and my little girl was certainly not the chatter box that she is today. One year ago I had no job, now I work at Canyon Fitness and I sell Premier Jewelry. One year ago I had a completely different picture in my head of what this year would look like. Needless to say, this is not what I had pictured. BUT..... this past week my stress has come to a head (I  hope) and the night I had had enough I went to bed early. Every night I read from a devotional and hope to gain some wisdom or insight. That night here was the scripture:

God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart,but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

This was reassuring to me. God is in control. He is the One who knows what lies ahead. I need to stop picturing what my life will look like and start looking at the way it is NOW.

So, my life right now is messy, chaotic, fun, loud, exhausting, hilarious and so much more. I love that Delaney sleeps in her 'dancin shoes' and that Brody looks down and watches as he pees on the floor. My life is the way it should be right now. 

My life.