My favorite birthday greeting =)

"If you believe that each of us was designed by God for a specific reason, then you know there's no such thing as an ordinary person. So happy birthday, extraordinary person.

Don't ever forget how truly unique, how essential, how important you are. I know I won't."

I am learning that it is ok to be me, that it is good to be me... with all my passion (thanks RF) and craziness and drama and failings (thanks JT).

I want to live with this view of others as well. This is how I want to live my life, by considering others as truly unique, essential, important... extraordinary. And the really challenging part?? Intentionally remembering that this is true of my children and husband as well.

God, please help me to intentionally love my children, especially when they are struggling to make good choices, and especially I am weary with parenting. And thank you for making me... me.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9

My secret New Year's Resolutions

I just read a suggestion to not share your resolutions... because sometimes people only share them to feel like they are doing something.... but then never do them. So, most of mine will remain a secret this year... maybe I will reveal them to you at the end of the year??? Who knows!!!

I have been reading some fantastic books, and i wanted to share a few quotes to inspire you today!!

From Nehemiah: a great way to start each morning!!

"...stand up and bless the Lord your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you."

From my new favorite book: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

"If you don't love somebody, it gets annoying when they tell you what to do or what to feel. When you love them you get pleasure from their pleasure, and it makes it easy to serve. I didn't love God because I didn't know God."

Also... he tells a beautiful story on p. 33-34... maybe i will post it tomorrow.

And finally... from Harry Potter Book 2 (I know this is an unusual combination... =) )

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

oh... one more... along the theme of choices, from Blue Like Jazz

"I believe the greatest trick of the devil is not to get us into some sort of evil but rather have us wasting time."

A challenge for us all: How are you using your time... how are you choosing to use your time?

Happy New Year!!!!