Don't Measure it...just Bloom

With water in hand, shaking from head to toe, I sat down exhausted to write.

I have just finished a drenching workout that required me testing my physical strength that isn't quite there yet. Thinking to myself, "I need to develop these muscles again, but how?" My upper body just isn't as strong as it once was, but I completed a one minute plank with mountain climbers to keep my mind distracted.

My kids did plenty of that too. Distracting. At times my frustration level with them caused me to break a sweat worse than the workout. Biting my tongue to avoid expanding my kids' vocabulary on words that are not pure. I sang a song. A praise song. For the love...I hate times of testing. Or tests. Or things that leave me feeling like I've somehow missed it. Or wanting. It's amazing what can happen when we lay down the tape of comparison and draw on the immeasurable goodness of Jesus.

So many times I've faced that question, "I need to...but how?" Filling in the blank with measurable things that often leave me frustrated. Doing other things to keep my mind distracted. But the result? is often the opposite of Joy. Discouraged. Regretting what I have. Looking over at greener pastures.

I was recently selected to be a part of a book launch team for author Jen Hatmaker's new book, "For the Love..." I've spoken those words thousands of times and was elated to find a sister who shared the "love" and soul-deep honesty that we long for. Her book comes out in August of this year, and her message is SO VERY timely. You're gonna love it...and no, I'm not paid to say that. Promise. They resound with what I am learning right now in the season I'm in with Littles.

Today as I was working out, I heard these words through the instructor: "Don't measure it...just be thankful for it."

Freedom. Palpable freedom.

"Don't measure it..." Sounds similar to some other simple, yet power-filled words from Scripture..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. Praise You, Lord, that You are not a God who measures, but You are One who is sufficient in every circumstance! Enough. Filling the glass to just the right level.

I'm choosing thankfulness. And Joy. And Yoga Pants. Definitely Yoga Pants. Maybe some coffee too.

If you needed these words today, here's a hug from me. I'll be your biggest cheerleader, but look to Him for your strength. He will not fail you. He is enough for You. Me. And you and me again, each and every time we need Him.

As spring is coming on full force, my Tulips are doing their 'thang breaking ground. The other flowers are doing theirs. Be like the flowers, sweet friend. Don't measure or compare fellow sojourner...just bloom right where YOU are planted. And wear your yoga pants. You have permission. (*Just make sure to cover your hinderlands. That's a must...for all of us.)

The Barn-yard is busy...

Every where I looked today, there was life. It was as if Spring had finally rolled itself out of bed, sat up and gave a good stretch. I loved it.

Cade is wrapping up his fourth grade year. He has done a remarkable job with new concepts and meeting new friends this year. We have watched him grow and move independently, which is a new season for us.

Libbi is two now. We are knee deep in potty training... forgive the faint scent of urine wafting through my house. No, the Scentsy wax hasn't turned. She is using new words and her latest and greatest is..."ummm.....NO." It came as a huge surprise to us as well. =)

Aaron is doing great. He had another mole removed two weeks ago and it was benign. I know I left a cliff hanger for some readers, but Aaron was given the ok to proceed without further surgeries or treatments. All margins came back clear for his initial Melanoma and this one was negative. We are thankful. So.VERY.Thankful.

I'm not ignoring you, I promise. I had planned to catch up over Christmas and then there was New Years. Ha! I was actually notified by Google that for some reason, I had been locked out of my account. Go figure. I had to google my way out of it (pun intended)-literally to get things back on track. Apparently things are back and running and at this point as long as it IS running--I'm not complaining.


The retreats? AMAZING!!! Those who follow me on Facebook saw the fun pictures and beautiful ladies that bless my heart.

This girl needs to hit the hay. I'm realizing that I had so much more energy when we potty trained Cade (8 years ago). I'm also in the process of writing again, this time a 6 week bible study through Habakkuk for my church. We are starting in April. Prayers are much appreciated!

Earlier today as my two friends and I were walking, this huge flock of Canadian Geese flew overhead. I love to hear the "honk, honk" as they soar. It reminds me of the strength that comes and is renewed when we wait on the Lord. I wasn't sure what sort of life lesson could come from the goose that pooped on my friend, but we kept going.

Grace and peace.

Erin