Everyday Blessings

"As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness - just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breathe it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

I read this quote many years ago and was pleasantly reminded of it this morning when I read a post from a new friend.

We are living in crazy chaotic times. Most of us are feeling a little helpless, uncertain and just want to go back to 'normal'. Here in New Zealand, we have it pretty easy compared to those living in the US and UK....they need our prayers.

Home is where we should be able to find solace and rest from the harsh realities of the outside world. A safe haven for loved ones, family and friends. No need to be flashy or perfect but of warmth, nurture and grace.

I can only pray that those that enter our home that feel seen, welcome and valued. That's the very least we can do.

The Lord Is My Strenght

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28

Today I urge you to rest in Him....all you who are tired, hurting, burdened. You do not need 12 coloured highlighters, a scented candle, a pretty journal, absolute peace and an immaculate house. Just come as you are, where you are, how you are and He will meet you there.

Today is my self-appointed day off. I'm tired, weary and burdened. So, while the kids are at school and the husband is away.... I'm taking time. I turned the tv on and let my 2-year-old watch Paw Patrol so I could come.

We all know this year has been long and crazy. And for me my life simply does not the same as it did at the beginning of the year. I'm no longer an "at home mum" but working full-time, my husband left his job as Associate Pastor to be an "at home dad" and business manager, my eldest son moved out and we've left the church we called home for over 15 years. I am still adjusting, my heart still healing.

I am deeply overwhelmed with the need I see on a daily basis, wishing I could do more to lessen the desperation in families, to provide more, provide food, to provide a safe clean home for families. I am burdened by the pain and sadness I see in family and friends.

But in all of this.... God is still on the throne, and I get to rest in Him, let Him minister to my heart, let Him replenish my joy and let Him strengthen me. What a blessing!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)

Frankie Rose Budd

This girl....as wild and free as her hair that crowns her head! Six today! Every single day she astounds us with her vocabulary and her flamboyance....and also makes us laugh. At her best wearing dresses that sparkle and twirl, her crazy hair let loose and boots. Loves to draw and create, and is extremely messy! Loves her family, loves her friends and loves school.

Frankie l simply can't wait to see l what God has in store for you!!

Happy 6th Birthday Frankie Rose

Thankful: Day Two

Day 2 of my quest to remain thankful and see out the year stronger.

Why thankfulness? Because when you are thankful it lightens our hearts, keeps our eyes off ourselves and the problems we might be facing and keeps us joyful. And wouldn't you rather be joyful?

1. Faithful Friends

I am so blessed by friends that are encouraging, supportive and are their to prop you up when its needed. Quietly going about their lives in the background, seeking only to help, lend a hand and be there when they are needed. I'm very blessed indeed.

2. Healing Sleep

Baby girl has slept most of the day away today which has been so needed after days and nights of high temps and sleeplessness. Thank you Jesus for the gift of sleep.

3. Soul Music

Music that speaks into your soul, to where you are and lifts you up and propels your forward. Music that puts your feelings to music and into songs. Music that is healing, heartfelt and holy.

What are you thankful today?

Three Things!

To be honest the mood I'm in today made it hard to be thankful. Days of being stuck to the couch or bed with a sick toddler glued to you.... makes me weary and grumpy. BUT it did give me the chance to finish a book.

So heres my 3 things I'm thankful for today.

1. Lemonade Ice Blocks.

Sweet glistening trails of stickiness the slowly make their way down her hands as she slowly slurps on the cold white ice cooling her throat and giving her energy.

2. Warm Spring Sunshine

As I sit for a breather on the deck, eyes closed I tilt my head to the sun I allowing the spring sun warm my face and smile on me.

3. Chubby Toddler Hands

The way she tightly holds me in her hands, squeezing tight as if to never let go. Her safe place. Very soon these hands will roughen, be less chubby and grasp pencils and bike handles. I want to etch the feeling of her in my heart for always.

Finish Strong

Let's be honest 2020 hasn't been the greatest the year. For just about everyone it's been filled with uncertainty and helplessness. I don't know about you but while I might want to see the end of this crazy year....I'm determined to beat this year and see it out stronger than ever! And the only way we can do that in these uncertain times...is by being thankful. Thankfulness turns our eyes off ourselves and turns them outwards. Turns them off our troubles and fears and back on to the One who deserves all the praise. No matter if you are a believer or not...we all could go out of this year stronger than we started. Let's not let 2020 beat us any longer!

So, I have decided for the remainder of the year (Nov/Dec) ...I'm going to document 3 things I'm thankful for every day. Why? When we are thankful, we can reclaim the joy that is stolen in our everyday lives by the everydayness.

Loosing Yourself

I feel my urge to write is coming back....and this makes me happy. Very happy. I haven't felt like writing much for months and months perhaps even over a year...I actually thought maybe my passion, my heart for it had disappeared.

For a time, I think I lost a piece of myself over the past year or two. I've struggled to hold my head above the water at times.... you dig way down deep when you have a husband to connect with, kids to love and parent, a job to do and a role to play.

However, over this time Loving Arms has gone to seemingly new levels this year.... we are having at least two registrations from families every day. The pressure is real knowing that families are relying on us to help them provide for their babies, but more so to see them beyond who they are in their current situation. In March this year just before Covid-19 hit and put us into lockdown, Jamie and I believed that it was time for me to commit to full-time work driving Loving Arms. So, he resigned from his position as Associate Pastor at Zion Church and came home to be a stay-at-home dad/business manager for Loving Arms.

This was a time of huge adjustment for all of us especially seeing as weren't drawing an income. But God has been ever so faithful at providing for us and allowing us to find favor in working alongside agencies that are allowing us to do what we do. I fully believe Loving Arms wouldn't have been able to have helped like we've helped and accomplished what we have if we hadn't been obedient to His voice.

If I could encourage anyone it would be to have faith, be strengthened by His Word, His love and be bold as you take that very first step into what you know God is calling you to do. It might be hard and scary at times, but you won't regret it.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. - Matthew 14:27 - 29 ESV