Tag: gratitude

Dear Mom

I am blessed to have many supportive people in my life. From my husband to my family to my friends, God has surrounded me with loved ones who are there for me when I need them. One of those supportive people is my Mom, and today I’d like to write her a letter as a tribute to all that she’s done.

Dear Mom,

Where do I begin? You’ve been there from my birth almost thirty-five years ago until now. I know that there is never a day that goes by that you don’t think about me, pray for me, and love me. God has truly blessed me with a Mom who supports and encourages me no matter what!

You put my needs before your own. You are always ready to help in any way that you can. You don’t mind when I call you – and then call you again – for help with cooking a new recipe. When I was undergoing ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), you drove me to and from my treatments, which started at 5 o’clock in the morning! You give of yourself…and then you give and give again.

You send me cards with sweet messages (and coupons!) in the mail to brighten my day. 🙂 You send me Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards so that I can get out of the house and grab a little treat when I’m feeling low. When I have something that needs to be sewn, you graciously sew it for me. And you and Dad help us update our home! I know that there are many more things that you do for us, but I wanted to list a few that stand out to me.

I’ve been especially blessed that our relationship has been so close. Whether it’s calling or texting each other at the same exact moment, or sharing our prayer requests so we can lift each other up, I’ve always felt that I can talk to you about anything and know that you will listen and provide Biblical advice. I know that I can trust you, and that means a lot.

So for all of these things that I’ve mentioned, and the many more things that I didn’t mention, I’d like to say: Thank you. Thank you for all that you’ve done. And I love you very much.

Your Daughter,

Crystal ❤

 

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Thankful Thursday (episode 9)

It’s been quite some time since I’ve shared a “Thankful Thursday.” Good things have been happening, and I’ve kept track of a number of them…but for a while I wasn’t putting as much importance on being grateful as I should.

But I’ve been reminded of its importance, and now I’d like to share my gratitude list. The list spans May, June, July, and some of August. These are things for which I give thanks to God:

  • We made some progress cleaning up our backyard
  • Even though I was feeling low and slept much of the day, we ended the day well by going to Barnes and Noble and then having a steak dinner
  • We are blessed to live in a rather small neighborhood
  • I made it through to the end of the SMARTER project as a Scorer at Measurement Inc.
  • God’s forgiveness
  • I saw a beautiful cardinal at our bird feeder
  • I didn’t have to cook or clean up!
  • We were able to get my car’s oil changed for a decent price
  • I didn’t go back to bed after getting up in the morning
  • Who God is – His kindness, protection, wisdom, grace…
  • Free coffee from the Wawa that opened near us
  • God kept us safe in a bad thunderstorm
  • I was notified that I was approved to have some of my student loans forgiven
  • Mom’s knee surgery went well
  • I had just enough money to pay for the groceries we needed
  • How my cat Misty reaches out for my hand with her paw when I pet her
  • We were able to help good friends move into their new apartment
  • God kept me safe while traveling to doctors’ appointments
  • My Dad had his workers put hardwood floor in our house!
  • My first TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment went well
  • I was able to take care of our friends’ baby and I enjoyed it 😀
  • I’ve made it to my twentieth TMS treatment and I’m feeling somewhat better!

Thanks so much for reading, and feel free to share something that you’re grateful for in the comments! ❤

 

Photo by Wendy Rueter on Unsplash

Hills and Valleys

In this thing called life, there will be hills.

Times when things are going well –

Times when you feel like you’re on top of the world.

In this thing called life, there will also be valleys.

Times when you just can’t handle any more bad news.

Times when you feel like you’re digging your way

Out of a deep, dark, and muddy pit.

The introduction of these hills and valleys

Into our lives cannot be altered –

But what can be changed is our perspective.

How will we respond to the hills and valleys of life?

I pray that we will respond with grace…

Both the giving of grace and the receiving of it.

I pray that we will respond with gratitude,

Focusing on the many blessings in our lives.

I pray that we will respond with peace…

A peace that can only be found in the Prince of Peace.

So as we continue on our journeys,

Let us respond with grace, gratitude, and peace

To the hills and the valleys of life.

*Note: I got the idea for this poem from the song “Hills and Valleys,” by Tauren Wells. You can listen to the song here. 🙂

Photo Credit: Shontz Photography