Happy Weekend, All!

What a week it has been....

For starters, our kitchen remodel began! As a friend said this week, "It is really going to 'pop,' Deborah!" And indeed, it is!

Secondly, Valentine's Day was a celebration from beginning to end. We began our day taking the children out for breakfast. What a yummy treat! Here in the south, we love our Cracker Barrel! And oh, the laughs and conversation that floated around that table...


In the afternoon, we celebrated Brian's birthday! Fun times for sure celebrating the MAN at the helm of our family's ship. As his wife, he has my love, respect, and admiration, and while the former flows easily enough to others, the latter two do not. The fact that he has all three speaks volumes!


In the evening, that man of mine took me out for a wonderful candlelit Mediterranean dinner.











The rest of the week was packed with ministry items, Andrew's (elder son) classes outside the home (the other children had the week off - fortunate for them and me!), and the kitchen remodel.

Come Friday evening, Brian took the family out, which included catching a show. It was well appreciated down time for us all!

And so, "Heeeellllllooooo, weekend!" Brian and Andrew are out cycling. The coffee has been put on for a mid-morning treat. The rest of the family has rolled out of the bed. And now, there is absolutely no limit to the trouble we can and will get into! More on that later!

As I close this entry, I want to strongly offer encouragement to all my readers. EVERY moment of life has two sides, just like a coin. It is up to US which side of that coin we CHOOSE to focus on. Choose to be thankful. Choose to the see and acknowledge the "blessing side" of your life coin. The trial side, though always there, does not need to be given place such that it steals your joy, nor plants envy into your heart for what you perceive to lack. I have found that as one CHOOSES a thankful heart, the capacity to see blessings exponentially increases. There is an old children's song I was raised with that came to my remembrance just now. I used to sing it to the children from time to time, especially through the dark days of our past.

I leave you with the lyrics.

"Count Your Blessings"

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.


Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Have a BLESSED weekend, all! And remember: choose to focus on the "blessing side" of your life coin!

Deborah