Even when it's awful

Yesterday was awful. I spent most of the day cleaning up poop - in the bathroom (3x), off of furniture, off the floor, off clothing, etc. etc.  Plus was up at 2:30 am Saturday morning because she (my mother-in-law) had fallen (nothing hurt) and 3:30am Sunday morning because she couldn't get herself out of bed (was never able to fall back asleep either time).  But the funny moment was late afternoon Saturday.  After a hard day and having given her a second shower, I was kneeling in front of her to put her socks on when she commented: " You look tired. Did you sleep well last night?"  I took out the poopy trash and just burst into laughter! It was either that or cry - laughter was better.  Today was better.  Couldn't leave her at home alone to go to church - which I missed immensely - but no messes today. And I got a nap this afternoon. And, while staying with her today, I finished tax prep as far as I can go until I get more paperwork in.  So, ready for the week.  Thank you, God for getting me through the weekend! And if we could get a good night's sleep tonight, it would be greatly appreciated.

Highs and Lows

Was able to get with our Little Sister and Little Brother yesterday. Both have had stressful years: She's in foster care; he's been in juvy and is now living ALONE (at the age of 16!)  But, we played games, laughed and teased and for a few moments their lives were 'normal'.  My  little sister gave me the nicest note, saying how much she appreciated and loved me!  MADE MY DAY!! This was a high!

Then, the low: my mother-in-law has a cold.  Went over to check on her and she and the bathroom were such a mess!  Got everything cleaned up and FINALLY managed to get her to bed - she was so wobbly and needed great assistance.  During the night, heard her call out on the baby monitor - she'd fallen trying to get to the bathroom.  Not hurt and was actually a bit stronger (didn't need help with toileting or getting in bed this time! 

Glad our 'system' worked.  Hopefully she's getting better, will get stronger and not need us to put her some place that can provide round the clock care. 

Day Five - Change of plans, but lots of laughter!

So yesterday didn't go quite as planned. The 'to do list' for today looks mostly like yesterdays! And yet, much to be thankful for.  Didn't get as much done at home because I was called to work more than expected.  ($$!) Accepted a job out of town right BEFORE it started to snow - but thankfully the roads stayed clear and no problems.  Watched Jeannie Robertson videos while cooking dinner (with my teenage son giggling right next to me - this is one of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YFRUSTiFUs )  Watched Fawlty Towers with son and husband that evening.  Lots of laughter today!

Just a 'day'

So, I've already missed a day!  Consistency, thy name is NOT Melody!  Anyway.  Today's scripture was a lie!  Laban was telling Jacob that if he'd only known Jacob was leaving, they'd have had a party, music, laughter - NOT TRUE!  But, we fall for the same kinds of lies everyday.  Ads tell us that if we use this toothpaste, that deodorant, etc. etc., we'll laugh and have friends, and be happy.  OR, if we buy all the things we 'deserve' (in and of itself a lie) we'll have joy.  All lies.  True happiness only comes by having a relationship with the One who made us and loves us the most.

Yesterday was just 'a day' - nothing really happened.  Oh, my kids got home safely and wanted to spend some time with us - how happy should THAT make me!  I worked with people who were nice and polite and asked about my trip.  Came home to house that was warm (mostly) and a caregiver who helps out with my mother-in-law and is SO pleasant and dependable.  Spent the evening with my teenage son (who fixed dinner - pizza- and wanted to watch a movie with his parents - how many can say THAT!)  So, no, it wasn't just 'a day' now that I look back.  It was a day filled with little blessings that I'd normally overlook.  I'm glad I see that now.  Thank you, Lord, for daily blessings.  Help me to never take them for granted.

Day Two - Glad to Get Things Done

A quiet day, filled with 'cleaning up last year' and 'getting ready for this year' kinds of tasks.  As a concrete-sequential, task oriented kind of person, I feel good at the end of a productive day.Yesterday I re-watched Pollyanna - cried at the end like always! (I know, schmaltzy!) So, I'm glad to have gotten several items checked off the 'to-do' list. I'm currently enjoying watching a movie with my husband and son - a 17-year-old that still enjoys spending time with his parents occasionally! And, I have work for tomorrow, a good thing.  Not a very insightful post, but that's okay - at least I'm okay with it! :)

Day One - New Year, New Week, New Attitude

2016 was HARD! Filled with little self-pity parties and angry outbursts to God.  While I have no idea what challenges lie ahead in 2017 (although I do know many CHANGES will take place) I have decided to 'be glad' no matter what.  Now, though some may use the term 'Pollyanna' derisively, she's going to be my hero this year.  I will play the Glad Game everyday.  I've started a Joy Jar (it's actually a cookie jar!) in which I'll place a card with a happy/glad event daily. My daily Bible study will be a study of the Glad Texts (again from Pollyanna!).  

If you, too, want to change your attitude and see the world in a more positive way, join me.  I'm sure there will be critics and naysayers, especially this year.  The world seems to be spiraling downwards quickly.  However, that, too, is a matter of perspective.  There's a lot of good that's happening.  Let's focus on that - and BE GLAD!!

Later Addition:  Today's verse was about Abraham laughing when God told him he'd have a son in his old age (Gen. 17).  Now, when I realized I was having a baby at 43, laughter was not my first
response!!  However, 17 years later, I laugh a lot due to my third son.  God's plan was to bless, even though I didn't understand it at the time (and there were MANY days - without sleep - that I totally disagreed with it!) One thing that made that time easier was church.  As I spent this morning singing praises and chatting with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I thought about the blessing church is.  Not a duty or a 'must do', but a group of fellow sinners who encourage each other: helping during the hard times; celebrating during the good ones.  But, like so  many things, we take a blessing and make it into a burden.  If church is not a part of your life, please check it out.  You don't know what you're missing.