Turn To HIM

Lord,

We turn to you Lord for the hope of tomorrow when today seems to drown us in despair.

We turn to you Lord when yesterday is gripping our hearts, hindering us from seeing your hand today.

We turn to you Lord when everything is going wrong and nothing will dry the tears.

We turn to you Lord we’ve prayed a million prayers for our child to draw near.

We turn to you Lord when we can’t even lift our head or utter a word.

We turn to you Lord to make us aware of the daily blessings you surround us with.

We turn to you Lord to thank you for the strength you give us daily

We turn to you Lord to praise you for the glorious gift of the Cross

We turn to you Lord to sing praises when the darkness ends

We turn to you Lord to thank you for the protection that just sheltered us from harm

We turn to you Lord to give thanks for the loved one that has returned to you

We turn to you Lord to show our heart of gratitude for the good that keeps us renewed, for the bad that strengthens our faith and the millions of things in between that remind us to keep praising and adoring you.

Father, may we stay so close to your side that all we have to do is turn to you and whisper a faint cry for help or whisper praises through the tears of joy you bring.  May our hearts never get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that we go a single day unaware of the gifts that you’ve poured out on us. May we praise you daily and spend time in the Word while loving and adoring you. May we always be aware of you, by our side, in Jesus precious name Amen.

What are you turning to HIM for?

The bad only?  The good only?

Faithfully turn to HIM in everything!

The Priceless Things I Love About You

I wrote this poem in October 2009, shortly before our 20th Anniversary. It started out as a list of “I miss how you DON’T” because my heart was thinking of “how we never….. anymore.” After looking deep within my own heart and realizing how I was at fault as well, I turned the list into the priceless things that I loved about him. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have, I started focusing on what was still there and remembering, with joy, what we shared.

If you are feeling a little lost because of “use to’s” – do what I did, write out why and give it to him/her over a nice dinner. I printed it on heavy card stock and laminated it. When he first started reading it, I could tell that he thought I had purchased it. What are the priceless things you love about your spouse?

The Priceless Things I Love About You

I love how when you leave first in the morning, that you wake me to give me a gentle kiss. I fall back asleep easily with such great tenderness.

I love how when you see me for the first time after a long day that you take me in your strong arms, hold me, kiss me and look me in the eyes and ask – how are you?

I love how you come up behind me – even when we are just in the store, waiting in line – or at the kitchen sink and just wrap your arms around me, showing me that you love me – still. I’m safe there, and I never want to leave from that feeling of being protected by the hero that I love.

I love how even though we don’t like to watch the same TV shows, that we can sit quietly beside each other – while you watch TV and I watch a movie and still be closely knit together.

I love how when we pray that you always hold my hand – and not just let my hand lay in yours, but you hold on to me. You have me and again, I am reminded that you are my protector, my guy – my warrior.

I love how when we pray at the alter together or on our bed at home that your arm is around me and you hold me close when we are talking to our Lord. I am reminded that you go to the Father on our behalf, on our families’ behalf.

I love how you leave things for me to find – a card on my steering wheel after you know that I’m not going back out, a full tank of gas when I have forgotten to let you know that I’m almost out of gas and the cute little poem, waiting on my pillow before I come to bed.

I love how when you get out of the shower that even though we have no plans that you apply polo – simply because you know I love sniffing you. Sniffing you reminds me that you are mine and I can have you anytime I want.

I love reading the Bible with you at home. I love listening to you read Gods word out loud to us. I love following you as you follow the Lord and I’m better for it.

I love listening to you pray for our children for I know that the prayers of their Father weigh heavily on the heart of an almighty God – who wants to give you the desires of your heart.

I love how you support Spreading Joy. You allow me to follow my dream, encourage me to keep working towards my goals and remind me that with God, all things are possible!

I love how you help around the house with the dishes that I despise so and when I don’t get to the household duties, you never complain. Never.

I love how you call me for no reason at all, just to say hello and to remind me that you love me. I also love when you call, to ask me out on a date. My giddy, sappy love song lover self floats through the remainder of the day, on cloud nine!

I love sitting in the bookstore with you. Drinking coffee, thumbing through the endless supply of books that I so love while you look through the mountain of magazines. I look over the top of my book and catch you watching me read – and smile, knowing that you are there – making sure that I’m having fun and that I’m safe.

I love going to the movies with you. I know the horror flicks are not what you prefer, but you tolerate them – because of your love for me. I know you love me deeply because we do things for those that we love before doing things for ourselves.

I love how you put up with the never ending supply of singing that seems to come out of me….as well as the not knowing what the song will be. It might be praise, it might be a sappy love song, it might be big band music – or even Heffalumps and Woozles from Winnie the Pooh – but you listen – and let me free the child that is in me if necessary.

I love how when we have game night and I’m losing and feeling whiney – that you just let me whine – and don’t get angry with me and quit because you are so aggravated by the whiney silliness that is oozing out of me.

I love the tenderness that you show me when you embrace me and hold me for as long as you do. I love the fact that you have no problem, just holding me…. stroking my cheek or hair until I peacefully fall asleep – in your arms under your watchful, protective eyes.

I love the gentleness that you show me when you come to me softly in the night. You reassure me that you love me and only me – no matter what. No matter the wrinkles, no matter the gray hair, no matter the frumpiness. I am safe there, with your strong arms wrapped completely around me, tightly, yet gently holding me as you remind me how much you truly do love me.

I love all of these things about you – my hero, my warrior. The job does not make the man – the check does not make the man. The mercy, love, guiding and tenderness make the man. The heart for the Lord makes the man. The prayers for the weak by the strong – make the man.

I love you Steve and all of these wonderful, priceless things about you.

The Light You Shine

Thank you for the light you shine
For the encouragement you give.

Thank you for being bold and confident
On this journey called life we live.

Thank you for the laughs and the smiles
And for being there through every mile.

It’s a joy and honor to be called your friend
And because of a mighty God, that friendship will never end.

I’m honored to be surrounded by some of the bestest friends ever.

In real life or online, you make my world better.

I’m looking forward to spending an eternity with you!

Not Anymore

Explore

Explore the heart
With courage and might

Knowing that there’s a love
That is just right

Look in the corners
And around the bends

Or soaring across the sky
Is the love that never ends

Don’t be afraid
Just go with the flow

Your heart will always smile
Because it will always know

Thanks Mom

A tender heart

A loving smile

Helping hands

Across every mile

Gentleness and strength

Wrapped up in one

She is always there

Like the morning sun

I love you Mom

Seems so small but true

Your unconditional love

Pours out from you

A million thank yous

Could never show

The love and gratitude

As my heart overflows

For all you do

For all you say

I adore you Mom

Today…and ALWAYS

Precious Things

Where is the peace that passes all understanding
And the joy unspeakable hiding?

Where is the hope that never ends
And the sparkling hearts residing?

Where is the security of tomorrow
Because it’s almost a brand new day?

Where is the unconditional love
That moves into my heart to stay?

Where are these precious wonderful things
That are near and dear to my heart?

Have circumstances clouded my eyes
To have it appear these things are not apart?

Push the clouds away, let the light shine
And the warm fill our soul with smiles.

There are more than enough of these great things
To carry us through every mile.

What do you think?

Do you miss precious things because circumstances cloud your view?

Tell me your thoughts below.

{{HUGS}} yall

Think AGAIN

Think you’re too small to make a difference? Think again!

Put a tiny rock in your shoe and walk a mile

Give a simple sucker to a toddler & watch their world light up

Try ignoring that fly buzzing about your meal

Leave that piece of dust under your contact

Smile widely...with a tiny piece of black pepper stuck to your tooth

Watch what ants will do with your slice of pie

Remember the grain of sand that became a gorgeous pearl

Think about the one smooth stone that took out a giant

Notice how one spark can consume and entire forest

One flicker of light pierces the darkest night

1 person "going" for it, gives courage to the fearful

A reassuring smile brings hope

Gaze at the GIANT oak that was once a tiny seed

One single tear can soften the hardest heart

The difference of one second.... that allowed you to miss that accident or plane crash

Ignore that nail in your tire

Leave that splinter in your finger

These are just a few that I quickly jotted down. I'd love to hear YOURS! If you are on twitter, please do leave your @ name as well!

http://www.spreading-joy.org

Sometimes

I share this with you today because we all feel this way…..sometimes.

The question is, do we stay “here” or do we make the choice to move on – out from under these feelings?

I hope when you are “here” in this state that we all “sometimes” are in, that you’ll choose to move beyond this….regardless of how slow it may be.

Sometimes……

http://www.spreading-joy.org

WHY

Why do we want what we cannot have

Why do we reach for what we can't possibly get

Why do our hearts take us where our head knows we shouldn't go

Why do we run towards trouble

Why do we have to be prodded to do right

Why is "IT" never enough

Why does the darkness bring pain

Why does yesterday seem to be forever ago

Why does tomorrow never come

Why does opportunity only knock once

Why does a grain of a mustard seed seem so HUGE

Why does today slip away unnoticed

Why does the sun not warm through the bitter cold

Why does "IT" matter to them

Why do we care what "they" think

Why do we feel like 100% is not as good as 120%

Why do we see the good in others before we see the great in ourselves

Why does it matter anyway

Why......

His Love

When I think of the love that flows
I know I’m truly blessed
I might not ever know the joy
Of fancy houses, cars and the rest

One thing is certain and without a doubt
One thing I’ll never wonder
Is the fact that I’m loved beyond measure
And that for me HIS mercy and grace will thunder

My heart soars with gratitude
For the gift of grace, love and peace
The unspeakable joy that lives there
Is because I know HIS love will never cease

Do you KNOW HIS love?

I Wish

I wish I knew what was going on
I wish you’d let me see
I wish I could bring you smiles
Just the way that you do me

I wish I could melt the hurt away
I wish you’d let me in
I wish for you great happiness
And that your heart will soar high again

I wish away the sorrow
I wish away the dread
I wish you a thousand blessings
Upon your life instead

I wish you every kindness
I wish you joy and peace
I wish you amazing laughter
And great love that’s within reach

I wish these great things for you
And even a million more
And for every one that’s granted you
I wish for hope restored.

What do you wish for?

Have you ever wanted to help someone and didn't know what to say or do? What did you do?

{{HUGS}} yall

A Hug Is

A HUG is……

LOVE wrapped around you so tight

WARMTH when your heart feels cold

PEACE when the ocean within you rages

A SMILE when the tears flow

COURAGE when fear abounds

FULLNESS when the soul feels empty

DELICIOUS when the world tastes bitter

HARMONIOUS when your life is out of tune

HEALING for the one that is grieving

KINDNESS in the midst of hatred

STRENGTH for those weakened by the journey

WISDOM when confusion is all around

ENCOURAGEMENT when you feel defeated

PURE JOY when happiness is hiding

A WELCOME HOME after the day has been cruel

REASSURANCE when all confidence is lost

CERTAINTY when all is unsure

PRICELESS when the heart feels worthless

EXTRAORDINARY when typical over throws the day

MYSTERIOUS as the miracle of its uniqueness takes form

A WHISPER – I love you

Regardless of Sorrow

I don't know what the day will bring
can't even face tomorrow
Right now, all I know, is that my heart will sing
regardless of the sorrow.

The trials come and go in waves
The battles seem never ending
But joy and smiles can fill the days
so much that laughter is always pending.

The little things in life are key
to what really matters the most
for when you treasure these amazing things
your heart will easily float.

So take those little things that make your heart smile
and treasure with all your might
for there you'll find the strength and love
to make it through the night.

Thank You

for delighting in my delight
for noticing when I need to be noticed
for paying attention to what makes me happy
and knowing no gesture is too small
for loving me as always
and the humor that makes me giggle - sometimes 3 days later
for the hugs everyday, so little to most but so HUGE in my eyes
for calling when you can
for helping me get through the day
for always knowing...always!
for honestly communicating with me
and allowing me to see you through
for the sparkle in my eye when I see your eyes sparkle
for the words that inspire me to give more
for listening when I need to empty my heart and soul of hurt
for the guidance when I feel lost
thank you for all the treasures that you give to my heart
for the smile that lights my face each day
for the unexpected kindness you flood me with
for accepting me just as I am
and encouraging the little girl in me to run free
for your amazing smile that chases away gloom....

Thank You!

No Tomorrow

My Last pic that I took with my Dad. I miss you Daddy!

The Father's Day cards, commercials and other various reminders have been going on for a while now. Just last night, as I walked by the cards, my heart ached as I wanted one more chance to say Happy Father's Day Daddy.

I need to write more about him, as he was the original Joy Spreader. Always giving to others, $20, here - candy for bank tellers there, helping out the guy that had a truck load of watermelons by purchasing them all and GIVING them away. Doing all the things I dream of doing. Making a difference the way I dream of making.

Until last year with Megan, I can not remember writing any poetry of any kind. But these words flooded my heart this past week and it's with tears of joy and sorrow, I'm sharing them with you here.

No Tomorrow


The times of love, smiles and hugs
The times of grief and sorrow
All have a special place deep within my heart
For with him, there is no tomorrow


I sit and think and smile inside
I wonder what you would say and do
My heart longs to see, to touch and hear you,
To tell you, once more….I love you


Father’s Day is bitter sweet
As you are finally free of pain
My heart and soul realize the miles
As my loss is heavens gain


I love you Dad, I miss you deeply
Your laughter, your love, your smile
This time of separation, free from your hugs
Will make the wait…. all worth the while.





Me and My Daddy

Always a Mom

When I was growing up and dreamed of getting married, having children and being a Mommie, I never really knew what all that entailed. I knew that Mom's did so much for so many and always loved and respected my Mom for all that she has done for me over the years.

Even though I am a wife - I may not always be one. I will, however, always and forever be a Mom!

Moms wear so many hats and I'm often amazed at what all we can accomplish when we set our minds to it!

We are wife, mom, gourmet chef, short order cook, doctor, referee, entertainer, taxi driver, organizer, event coordinator, slayer of horrible monsters that lurk in closets. We provide miracle kisses that heal all scrapes, scratches and other injuries that do not require stitches or casts. We are alarm clocks to get the day started and the light switch when it's "lights out" for the day. We are the believer of dreams, encouragers to the end and the gentle shove out of the nest when fear arises. We are a constant reminder that can't never could and that won't never will but if you think you can, then you probably will. We are a light in the dark and the sunshine on a rainy day. We sacrifice great things of the present for even greater things in the future. We cry tears of joy as well as endure the tears of sorrow. We handle untimely disasters single handedly while always knowing where the other shoe is. We know that the book you need is on the 2^nd shelf to the left – if you’d just look there, you’d see. We multitask better than the most powerful CEO can whip up a school project hours before it is due. We will believe when no one else around will and keep pressing towards the prize when everyone else is at a complete halt.

Even though we hate it sometimes, we are also the bad guy in this story of life. Hindering our children from doing what they "want" to do when they think it is ok. We are the policeman that strives to keep order and peace as well as the Security guard that keeps watch in the night for dangers that are lurking. We are the backbone when they are weak, yet softly praying that when the kids are older they will have the courage to do what is right on their own. We are determined to preserve and protect and will face the greatest danger for our children - all because we are always a Mom. Even though the kids may think of us as strict, mean, aggravating, ridiculous, uncooperative, hateful and just plain behind in the times - we will always be MOM.

I used to tell my Mom that "I'll never say that to MY kids!” When ever she said "Because I said so.” Did that hold true? NO, absolutely not. In all honesty I probably said everything she said and then some.

That is why I LOVE this video. It reminds me that I am not alone. Other Moms say the same things to THEIR children. We are always a Mom and these things that Moms say will continue to be said by Moms all over the world!

Thanks Mom for always believing, loving and for giving me something good to grow up to be…just like you!

For Megan

The pain in her stomach
Is reflected on her face
Lord, What she needs now more than ever
Is a double portion of your grace

Her laughter and her smile
Have faded away
Now that her blue skies
Are an awful dark grey

Her future is bright
There’s so much love that she gives
But the pain over throws her
Making it hard to fully live

The search continues
For answers each day
Hopefully relief
Will soon be on the way

Then the love will shine
So strong and so bright
I know she’ll be glad
That she fought a good fight

The difference she’ll make
Because she has been there
Will be told for eternity
With luster and flair

A Princess in my eyes
My pride and my joy
Will help those who are hurting
With diseases that destroy

Keep fighting my Princess
Stay strong and devoted
You’ll do great works
You’ll often be quoted!

You’ll make a huge difference
Just you wait – you’ll see
I know this for a fact,

Because you’ve made a difference in me!



I love you Princess. I'm fighting for you!



Photo: by Megan of Megan & Marie