Thank You Notes

I have always appreciated a well-written Thank You Note. You know the ones I'm talking about. Not the "Thanks for the gift. You're great." variety, which, to me, really say "I'm only writing this because I'm supposed to, and my heart isn't really in it."

Now, I say this sincerely, however, I'm totally guilty of writing the obligatory Thank You Note from time to time. I tend to procrastinate (A LOT) when I have a bunch of Thank Yous to write (ie WEDDING! BABY!) because in my heart of hearts, I'd like each note to be personal, genuine and sincere. And then sometimes, I end up taking the short cut with a "thanks for the gift" note in an effort to just get them DONE. My apologies if you've ever received one of those. I wanted to say more, I promise.

Anyway, I've been thinking about thankfulness lately... Mulling over all the things that I have to be thankful for. I've been studying Colossians, and these verses have been on my mind:

⁶So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, ⁷rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: 6-7

Particularly, the "overflowing with thankfulness" part.
What exactly does that look like?
I wrote notes in my bible from a sermon a year ago that say "a lifestyle of thankfulness is a mark of spiritual maturity. " When you can truly be thankful in all circumstances, then you truly understand God's grace and mercy.
The way I see it, a lifestyle of thankfulness can't help but be joyful. I dare you to be thankful for something without also feeling a sense of joy. (Also reminds me of my favorite verse Philippians 4:8, which says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." You can't help but be a positive person, full of the joy of the Lord if you think on these things.)

So, yesterday while driving, I started to think about the kind of Thank You Notes I'd write to God. Would they be the "thanks for the gift" variety? Or would I MAKE time to write the personal, genuine kind that express my deep gratitude for his unbelievable blessings?

I want to believe that I'd opt for the latter.

Which led to my next thought...

Why am I NOT writing God Thank You Notes? I mean, I'm not much of a journaler, but what a great way to become one! And since the Thank You Note format is so familiar... why not start writing down my Thank Yous to Him? (And as an added bonus, what a great reminder of His FAITHFULNESS it will be to look back over them in the future!)

So that's my new plan.
Feel free to join me in my journey to a lifestyle overflowing with thankfulness.

Conversations with Lexy...

This morning, I had the pleasure of spending the morning alone at home with Lexy while Bill was out with Tori. We started off with an overdue bath (should have happened last night, oops), which was actually kind of treat for me with only ONE kid to wash. She is getting to the age where you can actually carry on a conversation with her... very fun to hear the thoughts (and IMAGINATION!) running through that cute little head of hers. Here is a sampling of our chat during bathtime:

me trying to pour a cup of water over her head to get the soap out....


Lexy: Save me! Save me!

Me: Who taught you that?

L: I did. 'Cause Jesus saved me.

M: Really. Who taught you that?

L: My husband.

M: Really. Who is your husband?

L: He's the Daddy to my babies.

M: Huh. And what's his name?

L: His name is Collin Haney. (we don't know a Collin Haney)

M: Really. And how old is Collin Haney?

L: Three and a half.

M: Oh! Just like you!

L: Uh huh.

M: Where did you meet Collin Haney?

L: Um, at my guidance school. (?????)

M: At your guidance school?

L: Yes.


And I can't remember where it went from there because we got caught up in the bath time duties. Rinse. Lather. Repeat.

Bill and I both can't wait to meet Collin Haney.

While we're on the topic of Lexy, here are some really cute things she has said recently:

"Mom, you bumped me on the nose and headfore." (forehead)

"We need some more paper toilet" (toilet paper)

"Mom, when I grow up, I'm going to be a mommy. And you're going to be a grandma."

"Okay, I'll try." (Said with a air of doubt when you ask her to do anything.)

And many more that I'll have come back and update as I remember them.
I LOVE this age.

Valentine's Day Party

Lexy's preschool is a Co-op, which means that I have the pleasure of working in her classroom 3-4 times per semester. I was thrilled to find out that I was scheduled to work during the class Valentine's Day party because I would be there to take pictures!!

That's My King.... Do you know Him?

Life: Imagine the potential

Sweeping Beauty

Lexy's new favorite movie of the moment is Sleeping Beauty, which she received as a Christmas gift from one of the girls I tutor. We hear about "Sweeping Beauty" all day long. (I have to admit that hearing her sing "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..." as she dances around the room is pretty stinkin' cute)

So today when Tori was begging to help me sweep, the first thing that popped into my head was....
SWEEPING BEAUTY. :)