Password: thank you.

Psalm 100 - The Message

 On your feet now - applaud God!  

Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into His presence.

Know this - God is God and God, GOD.

He made us; we didn't make Him.

We're His people, His well-tended sheep.

Enter with the password:"Thank you!"

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank Him.  Worship Him.

For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love, loyal always and ever.

This is a Psalm that I memorized a long time ago; probably in the third grade at my Christian school.  All of Miss Wolhart's class memorized it at Thanksgiving time, reciting it at the top of our lungs in the King James version, of course.  I like that version, because it is what I readily recall, but this morning I read it in the translation, The Message.  It was good.  I needed it.  I haven't felt like applauding God this week, please forgive me.  Although, after all is said and done I don't know why.  He has been good.   I had just forgotten.  My eyes were focused on the reasons to be grumpy - and there were plenty; but this morning I turned my eyes to focus on the reasons to clap for God, and they were plenty- er. He is generous in love and He is loyal. Funny, these are three of my favorite things - generosity, love and loyalty.  I am His well-tended sheep, I just forget. I let the disappointments grow, the fear and frustration deplete, the challenging circumstances move my glance away from my Shepherd to my sheep pen.  The pen isn't clean, there's poop in it (literally) there are little lambs crying for more juice and another Lightnigh McQueen fruit snack - baa-baa. And yet... my Shepherd is there and He is all I need. He is tending me well.  I am His sheep.  You are so beautiful, GOD and I say the password - Thank you.     

Wednesday Thoughts

• I love that my painting project of my bathroom cupboards is going so well!
• I was so excited that Michael was pooping in the potty... until he didn't :(
• Why doesn't she like me?
• I miss Patrick. 
• I'm so thankful for wonderful babysitters.
• My heart hurts when my friend is hurting.
• I loved kissing my kids today.
• I hated spanking 2 of my kids today - but then loved kissing them again.
• Drinking good wine (bought with the cash in my pocket!) with my friends and having great conversation tonight was so fulfilling.  I feel blessed because of them.
• When will it get easier?
• I'm so excited to see tulip tips peaking up from the ground!
• I was very disappointed in the mail today.
• Going to Bible study today was very enjoyable - I am loving studying the book of Esther so much. 
• I wish that I could have talked to my sisters today.
• I'm afraid of what might happen if my kitchen floor gets any stickier.
• I'm happy that tomorrow is another day, with no mistakes in it yet, and mercy from my God that flows and flows.  I love you, Lord.

Hard to believe!

Well...it's official.  Michael has waved goodbye to babyhood.  He has stared the challenge of potty training in the face and has emerged triumphant!!! This weekend has produced both potty and poopy victories.   I am SO proud of my little guy.   This has been a difficult and tiring few weeks,  but we have prevailed and big-boy underwear is our reward!!!  He has mastered the potty and in his own words "diapers are for babies!".  Tomorrow I am going to take a bag with the last few diapers that reside here at our house to a friend at church. There will be NO MORE diapers here at the Henricks' house.  It is really difficult for me to believe that I am finished with diapers. ( at least until I have grandkids. ) What will I do with this skill of mine? You see,  I am an expert at this very thing, diaper changing.  Over the years, I have perfected my speed and technique to such degrees that I DARE SAY I might be able to win an award - if only there were a contest for me to enter.  I have spent so much time changing diapers, so much money buying diapers; it is a strange finish line to cross plagued with many feelings - relief and sadness, joy and disbelief.  It's all there, and because I am a mother, I know that this will not be the last time that a final step produces both sides of the emotional coin.  I just wonder when the next time will be!