My Sweet Husband

A few weeks ago, my sweet husband left to drop Madi off at school and came home with these... 

He said they were for all the work I had been doing to prepare our daughter for starting kindergarten. I found that acknowledgement so thoughtful and loving.

A few days ago, I opened my facebook page to find this message in my inbox. The subject line read, "I love you..."


Hey Sweetheart,

I Love you so much! And I am very thankful for you! You mean so much to me! I just needed to remind you!

Jimmy!

This very simple note of love and thankfulness came out of nowhere, and actually took me aback.  He sent it in the middle of a busy school week after a night at youth group and a morning of discussing a worship set.  In the middle of the ordinary, I received an extraordinary gift thanks to him stopping to take a minute once again for acknowledgement and gratitude.

I am blessed have a husband like this.

Thank you, Jimmy.  

I love and respect you more and more each day.

And I am very, very thankful for you.

Thank You, Aldi

For selling cinnamon for $.99 and vanilla extract for $1.99.  This means a lot to a girl who loves to bake for her family each week.

For stocking canned pumpkin.  I was hoping you would.  And $.89 a can is a huge blessing too.

Oh, and for having flowers for sale by the cash register the other day.  I so enjoy having fresh flowers on my kitchen table, and when I saw half a dozen roses for $3.99 I was thrilled!

They blossomed so beautifully. 

That's all for now.  I'm sure next week I'll find something else to thank you for though.  The biggest thanks of all is that I am able to stock up on staples for 1/3 to 1/2 or more of the usual cost which is an answer to prayer and such a help to our family.  See you soon.  

Your newest fan, 

Jennifer

Better Than A Hallelujah

My friend Pam sang the Amy Grant song Better Than A Hallelujah on Sunday morning at church. As I played keyboard with the band, I was contemplating the lyrics.  The very first line in the song says,

"God loves a lullabye, in a mother's tears in the dead of night, 

better than a hallelujah sometimes."

I don't know a mom out there who can't relate to that.  There is nothing like motherhood to bring out the most raw parts of your soul before God.  The chorus of this song goes on to say,

"We pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody.  Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts...

are better than a hallelujah."

I've been thinking about those words. "Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts."  You know, it really is okay to be honest with God.  Hebrews 4:16 says we can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need.  God wants us to come to Him openly when we need His help.  In Matthew 11:28-39, Jesus says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you souls."

It's okay to have questions and cry out to God.  The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with questions. Even Jesus, who knew and obediently fulfilled His purpose here on earth, asked a poignant question at the peak of His pain and suffering on the cross.  Do you remember those words He cried when the sins of the world were upon Him?  "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34).  He was actually quoting Psalm 22, a Psalm filled with prophecy about the coming Messiah's agony and the theme of which is great suffering to great joy.  David would endure great suffering and trial but ultimately have victory, just as Jesus endured the suffering of the cross for our sake but had victory over the grave.  My study Bible says of this cry, "It was not a cry of doubt, but an urgent appeal to God."  I think most of us, like David and Jesus the Messiah, have urgently appealed to God in a time of pain and suffering.

It's okay to not understand.  God and I have been spending quite a bit of extra time together the past few months.  It's been a good thing.  He has let me cry, and I've come to cherish Psalm 56:8 and Psalm 34:18.  He has let me ask my questions about things I don't understand, and has made me realize not everything is meant to be understood.  Deuteronomy 29:29 says the secret things belong to God.  Sometimes we won't understand things like self-destructive choices, betrayal, or loss. Sometimes life's circumstances will not make sense to our earthly minds.  

But it is often in these times that we learn to really trust.  And we learn to cry out honestly and authentically, depending on Someone much greater than ourselves to get us through.  Being a mess really can transform us into something more beautiful. I think God finds our brokenness very becoming. After all, His Son experienced the ultimate brokenness, and who could be more beautiful than Jesus?

I don't know who is reading this.  I don't know if you walk closely with Jesus or have never even spoken to Him before.  I don't know if things are clipping along smoothly in your life or if you feel like a mess, perhaps a not-so-beautiful one.  Wherever you are, know that God is waiting to talk with you.  He has room for honesty, questions, tears, and authenticity.  In fact, I believe that's what He desires from us when we come to Him.  He knows us inside and out anyway.  So when we come to Him with honest cries from breaking hearts, I have to acknowledge this is "better than a hallelujah sometimes."

http://www.godtube.com/featured/video/amy-grant-better-hallelujah-official-music-video

That's What Special Girls Do

My "wittle" buddy got a fever out of the blue last night and put himself to bed.  Since it came out of nowhere and he had no other symptoms, I wasn't sure what to think.  I gave him Motrin and he slept comfortably, and when I checked on him his head and pajama shirt were wet as he had sweated off his fever.  This morning my mom came before dark to sit with the kids while my husband and I went to make our See You At The Pole rounds (an awesome way to start a morning may I add).  When we got back my "wittle" buddy was sweet and happy as he was last night, but warm...and the fever soon returned.  Again, no other symptoms.

So today was quiet around here.  I was the DVD changer and the juice giver, the comfy snuggler and the washcloth wiper.  I positioned pillows and straightened blankets and wiped away tears as his fever was trying to break once again and he sobbed for me to come "make him happy."  I kissed his hot forehead and cleansed his warm hands and tried to make him comfortable, just like my mom used to do for me.

Thanks to the magic of Motrin, his fever is down and he is actually up playing for the moment.  We'll see what happens in a few hours when it wears off.  But if it spikes I would do everything I could once more to make a sick boy happy all over again.  You see, the other night when I was tucking him in, he told me twice that I was his "special girl."  I know.  My heart melted too.  He has that way about him.

So giving him every ounce of love and tenderness possible....well, that's just what "special girls" do for their loving, tender, and very special boys.

Thank you God for the gift of motherhood.  It is a joy to serve my family.

Pumpkin Pancakes

My friend Mona in Maryland has been asking me for a pumpkin pancake recipe since last year, and I have been a total slacker in getting it up for her!  The good news is, on Saturday I tried a new recipe for pumpkin pancakes from the Gooseberry Patch Fall, Family, and Friends cookbook and I think it's the best one I've ever tried!  My mom said they were the best pumpkin pancakes she's ever eaten and my daughter gobbled them up, so I think this is the perfect one to post!  Recipe is as follows...

Combine 1 cup all purpose flour, 2 TBSP. brown sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder,  and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (I used at least 1 1/2 tsps).  Combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup pumpkin (I used a heaping cup), and 2 egg yolks - add to to dry ingredients and mix. (Note: If I remember correctly I think I added a couple TBSP oil as well.) In a separate bowl and using an electric mixer at high speed, beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form (think meringue) - gently fold into pumpkin mixture.  Using 1/3 cup of batter at a time, cook on griddle, turning when tops are bubbling and edges are done.  Serve with maple syrup.

I am a fan of all things pumpkin, and these were delicious.  I think the reason I liked them even more than other recipes I've tried is that they were extremely light and fluffy,  probably because of the beaten egg whites.  If you are also a fan of pumpkin and all things autumn, this just may be the seasonal breakfast for you!  Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

More Lessons On Encouragement

I am nearing the end of my study on encouragement.  I have heard from quite a few of you that the bits and pieces I've shared with you have encouraged you, which makes my heart very thankful!  Hopefully you can go out and share this with someone else, and help me throw that encouragement confetti around!  It has a way of sticking.  :)

I had to share a few things with you that I read the other morning.  First was this verse from Proverbs.  Listen to this...


"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."  Proverbs 12:25

Now, how many of you know someone who struggles with anxiety and depression?  My guess is that most of us could name several people.  Perhaps it is even you.  Now consider that God's Word says that a good word can make an anxious, depressed heart glad.  Consider the times you've had this happen or seen it happen in someone's life.  Simple kindness and genuine encouragement can go a long way in the heart of someone who is hurting.

I also loved this quote by Sheila Walsh.  She said, 


"As Christians one of the greatest temptations we face is to quit.  As I travel and meet people all over the country I hear more tales of discouragement than of blatant sin."

How true is that?  I know I've been there.  I've been so beaten down and discouraged by mean, bitter people, dreadful negativity, or stressful circumstances that I've considered just retreating and throwing in the towel.  Hiding in a corner. Quitting.


But...in those times I always go back to God's Word to find refreshment.  God will often do something powerful to show me He's in control and at work.  Sometimes He will simply whisper to my heart.  And often I'll receive a note in the mail, message on facebook, or email that says a few words of encouragement or thanks that inspire me to keep on keeping on.  

I know you've received those messages just when you've needed them too.


If you are feeling beaten down, or are the one with an anxious, depressed heart, please hear me today. Don't give up.  Don't retreat.  Face whatever it is with grace and dignity, and hold on.  It's going to get better.  This too shall pass.  And in good or bad, God is with you.  He is holding you.


And no matter whether you are up or down today, seek out someone who could use a good word to make their heart glad, as Proverbs says.  Be the one to share that word.  Be a giver of encouragement.  Be a lifter of heads.


Grace, peace, and encouragement to you friends.

Jennifer

I'm Not Cute

This just in, hot off the presses.

My son never fails to come up with the lines, and he did not disappoint a few minutes ago!

We went to Madi's school to pick her up earlier than usual since today was an early release day.  On the way in, a woman was walking out of a classroom, took one glance at Trev, and said, "Oh, he is SO cute."

I smiled and said thank you and we kept walking, but Trev wrinkled up his nose and in a very perplexed, determined voice made a statement that will go down in Trevor history.  He said, and I quote...

"Everybody's always tellin' me I'm cute, but I'm not cute, I'm handsome.  Madi's cute.  I'm handsome."

And, there you have it folks.

Like Jesus

My hands smell of lavender as I type this, from the soap and lotion I used on my daughter before bedtime.

A few moments ago I was praying with my son to tuck him in, and as I did so I prayed that he would grow to be "a mighty man of God like David, like Joseph, like Daniel..."

"Like Jesus," a little voice added without a second's hesitation.

Yes, son...like Jesus.

Oh, the things I learn from you and your childlike faith.

You teach me every day.

May you always be so full of sincerity and wisdom.

And above all, may you always be like Jesus.

Now That's A Good Friend Right There!

Well, my pal Nanette knew of my stuffy head.  And she also knows what this feels like. So this morning, she stopped by and dropped off something for me.  She brought me (are you ready for this?)...a neti pot.

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, don't worry, I didn't either until recently.  A neti pot is a small contraption that looks like a genie's lamp and is used to completely clear out and cleanse the sinus passages.  I won't go into details on how because it is rather gross, but I've heard people rave about them and so had my friend, so she went to CVS and bought me one, as well as a pack of saline refills.

Now that's a good friend right there!!

As soon as she left, I tried it.  And sparing you the details, let me just tell you I can see how that thing will cure what ails you! Wow.  I've used it three times today.  My husband used it once and practically blew saline solution out of his ears.  I'm pretty sure he did something wrong.

But I must say, I can tell a difference from that crazy contraption!

Whenever I have a head cold or bad sinus problems, I crave Mexican food.  Actually, I crave Mexican food almost daily...but I really crave it when my sinuses are stuffed up, so this afternoon I made a big old batch of homemade salsa and we had nachos for dinner.  It was good, though I didn't get the full effect I was hoping for from the salsa - I think I should have added a few more jalapenos!!  But it sure was tasty.

After dinner, we bathed the kids and then watched the old Disney movie "That Darn Cat" together.  I feel a need to expose my husband and kids to all the old Hayley Mills movies I grew up watching, and it was hilarious to listen to my kids belly laughing at the funny parts!!  And may I just say, the fashion in that movie was fabulous! And Dean Jones really was quite dashing in his day, wasn't he?

It was a low key, stay at home Saturday.  I am about to turn in and wind down so I will be refreshed for worship tomorrow morning.

But first, I think I may use my neti pot one more time...thanks, Nanette!    :)

Today...

So, last night I came home from a long praise band practice with that scratchy, sore throat, tired feeling.  I was hopeful it was just exhaustion from the past few weeks of running in circles, this past one being particularly busy and involved.

But I woke up with that same feeling in my throat.  And I also just couldn't get going, you know?  I'm usually a pretty high energy person once I'm up and at 'em, but after getting my daughter ready for school, getting her breakfast and packing her lunch, sending her out the door, and drinking my morning coffee I still felt totally and completely exhausted.

And after I starting dosing off in my green chair at 10:30 in the morning (unheard of - and that was after taking two non-drowsy cold/sinus pills) as my son was pretending to be Santa Claus delivering me gifts, I knew I was definitely not feeling well.

My plans for the day were for some major house cleaning.  Didn't get done.

I was also planning on going to a get-together at my parents' house tonight.  I am currently sitting here alone as the rest of my family gets to party.

But the good news is my husband just walked in the door to drop off some food from the party, including my mom's bruschetta and some sort of pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting (that was in a seasonal wrapper with a pumpkin pick, totally something I love); I read an entire book today, a very gripping and thought-provoking piece of fiction; the Aldi's Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer that I purchased yesterday and got to try this morning turned out to be better than the name brand version of the same flavor; and the tomato soup I made earlier hit the spot.

I am still tired and not feeling well.  I am still wearing an old sweatshirt and covered in a blanket and feel like my head is heavy.  But it's okay.  Most likely it's the start of a head cold or some very aggravated sinuses.  No big deal.

And it was  a good day nonetheless, because if I felt my usual self there is no way I would have sat still long enough to read a 324 page book that I didn't want to put down.  Sometimes being still is a good thing, most of us don't just let ourselves do it often enough. And I wouldn't have heard my sweet three year old son spontaneously pray for me to feel better, and tell me not to worry, that God is with me and would make my "froat" feel good.

So nice things do sometimes come on days when we feel under the weather!

Well, I'm about to go take the drowsy nighttime version of the cold/sinus pills which means I'll be useless for at least twelve hours.  So I'm signing off for now, and hoping to feel better tomorrow so I can tackle that housecleaning.

If not, I guess I'll read another book.  Hmm....maybe I shouldn't take that medicine.

Just kidding!  Hoping your day was a good one and that, sick or not, you'll find time for a good book and a pumpkin cupcake sometime soon!

Blessings,

Jennifer

Creme Brulee Confessions

They say confession is good for the soul.  Actually, I read online that the actual Scottish proverb states, "Open confession is good for the soul."


I have a confession.  An open one.


Last night my husband and I went on a date to Maggiano's, which is our favorite date restaurant.  We were armed with a gift card from a friend and a good 4 1/2 hours until we needed to be home to relieve my mom from watching the kids.  My husband says I am one of the only people he knows who reads the dessert menu first and then plans my meal around it.  I did just that, only actually I already knew what I wanted from the Maggiano's dessert menu.


The creme brulee.


So I ate my meal (the fried zucchini appetizer which is a taste of perfection, and a chopped salad covered in crispy prosciutto and avocados) along with a healthy dose of their freshly baked bread and their cold, hard squares of butter (that were so perfectly salty and even had the word "butter" engraved on them which I found irresistible) and ordered my creme brulee.


And then I ate every single bite of it.  Which wouldn't be such a big deal, except that if you have been to Maggiano's and seen their creme brulee, it is the size of my face.  It is at least the size of two normal creme brulees, meaning that this was the same as me going to another restaurant, ordering a creme brulee, eating every bite, ordering another one, and eating every bite of that one.


(I actually did that once with the garden salad that comes with your meal at Glory Days when I was pregnant with Madi - I explained that I was very pregnant and having an intense craving for their house salad and would they mind bringing a refill?  No, not of the drink, of the salad?  The waiter obliged, probably because he was an 18 year old kid scared of a crazy pregnant chick.)


I digress.  


So I ate the whole creme brulee.  The one that was the size of my face.  My husband didn't even take one bite.  He just marveled at my ability to singlehandedly demolish a massively huge portion of something so rich.  


There, I confessed.  Openly.


(Did I mention how delicious it was?!  Oh, it was so good.  Decadent, really.)


All right, glad that's off my chest, gotta go take some very healthy (ahem) zucchini muffins out of the oven, change the laundry, pick up my daughter from school, and teach some piano lessons.  


All while dreaming of creme brulee and date nights with my handsome husband...


:)

Speaking Of The Word Encourage...

Speaking of the word encourage, I looked up it's various definitions on Merriam-Webster's online dictionary.  They were as follows...

1 a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope 

   b : to attempt to persuade 

2: to spur on 

3: to give help or patronage to

Pretty cool.  Wouldn't you like to inspire someone with courage, spirit or hope?  Persuade them to keep going?  Spur them on to good choices that will help them have a great life?  Give help to them when times are tough?

I would.

Let's do this.

Encourage Intentionally.

I have shared with you that I am going through an awesome Bible study entitled Encouraging One Another that my friend Laurie gave to me.  I can't even tell you how much I am enjoying this study as it has taken me all over Scripture, particularly in the New Testament and its messages to the church, to passages that command us to be encouragers and people filled with love.

It is a needed message.  Over the past few years, I have seen display after display of harsh, critical behavior.  Sadly, this behavior is very intentional and is often accompanied by gossip, slander, and meanness.  I have found that it usually stems from a discontentment or dissatisfaction with one's own personal life, extreme jealousy and bitterness, and insecurity.  And it seems to be epidemic these days.

Saddest of all is that it is totally contradictory with how the Bible tells us to live.

I have always tried to be an encourager.  But this Bible study is motivating me even further live an intentionally encouraging life.  When others around me intentionally tear down, I want to intentionally build up.  Throughout this study I have read example after example of people in the Bible who lived this way.  Here's a few...


In Ephesians 6:21-22 Paul says he has sent Tychicus to bring comfort and encouragement to the Ephesians' hearts.  In Colossians 4:7-9 Paul says again that Tychicus, along with Onesimus, will comfort the Colossians.


In Romans 15:32 Paul says his visit to the people will be one with joy, and to be refreshed together.


In 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 Paul says God sent Titus to comfort them in trouble, fear, and conflicts.


In I Corinthians 16:17-18, Paul says that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshed his spirit and theirs.


I Thessalonians 3:2 says Timothy was sent to establish and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith.


Acts 4:36 says Joses was named Barnabus, which means "Son of Encouragement," by the apostles.  


I could go on, but you get the idea.  


Having read these and so many other examples from Scripture, I just have to say enough is enough;  I choose to be intentionally encouraging in a world that seems to thrive on the drama of the negative.


And I truly hope that some of you will join me in this challenge.  Maybe there are people in your life that you can intentionally try to encourage today and this week.  Seek them out; stay away from the negativity that is sure to threaten to draw you in; and seek out for yourselves what the Bible has to say about encouragement and edification.  God's Word will challenge you, grow you, and make you better if you let it work in your life.

Easiest Recipe Ever

I have been meaning to share the easiest recipe ever with you for some time now.  When I was first married, my friend Ileana shared this recipe with me and I have made it for so many people through the years because it is a crockpot recipe (my fave) that is perfect to have ready for company after a day out and about.  Everyone who has eaten it loves it, and is always pretty surprised how simple it is.  I have shared this recipe with many other wives and moms out there,  and it's always been a hit in their house too!  My family loves this meal and I though yours may also.

Here it is...

Take a pack of chicken breasts.  Stick them in the crockpot and season them with garlic salt.  Dump 1 can cream of chicken, 1 can cream of mushroom, and 1 can cream of celery on the chicken.  Let this cook all day on low or for 5-6 hours on high.  The chicken will be falling apart at this point.  Stir in 1 to 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese and let melt in for the last 20-30 minutes while you are preparing your sides.

That's it!!  The chicken is so tender and yummy and flavorful.  I always serve it with rice (now I often use steam in the bag rice so there is no pan to clean) and a green vegetable, and sometimes with other veggies and rolls.  As for the soups, I have used regular and reduced fat, Campbell's and generic, and it has always been good any way.

Pudding Pops and A Walk Down Mabank Lane

Growing up, I spent many Sunday lunches at a very special place.  My dad was the pastor of a church, and our family was very close to the founding pastor's widow.  I, along with many kids in the church, called her Mamaw Maxine and I was blessed to eat many a Sunday lunch at her house, always with a crew of people and other kids to play with.

It's funny the details you remember from your childhood.  I remember that she had the game Hungry Hungry Hippos in her upstairs closet.  I remember the burn of the green carpet on the back of my legs as we would slide down her stairs.  I remember she had a turquoise rotary phone.  I remember that there was always liquid Sweet 10 sweetener on the table.  I remember she had a back room that was an office filled with old books and papers and typewriters, and loved the moments my friends and I snuck back there playing hide and seek.  I remember people watching the Redskins play while waiting for lunch.  I remember others reading the Sunday paper, and me sometimes looking at the comics.  


I remember always wanting to go there for lunch on Sundays.


And I also remember that her refrigerator's freezer was a drawer that opened on the bottom, and in it was always a special treat for the kids... JELL-0 Pudding Pops!!  I looked forward to eating one or two each time I was blessed to share in these leisurely Sunday meals.


They are harder to find these days, but I came across some at Aldi a couple of weeks ago.  My kids and enjoyed eating them and as I ate the vanilla/chocolate swirl treats, I couldn't help but reminisce about these sweet afternoons from days past.  

Our dear friend has gotten older.  The last years have not been good for the health of her mind and body.  Aging is a sad, harsh reality.  But the life she lived and the hospitality she shared impacted so many lives through the years.  Occasionally I even dream that I am back at her house, fascinated by everything and all the goings on. And every time I eat a Pudding Pop I picture a kitchen packed with people who felt at home because of one woman whom I lovingly called Mamaw Maxine.

With Mamaw Maxine and my Dad at a conference in Washington state - June, 2008. 

Blessings

After our wonderful start to the morning on the first day of September, I actually had a very busy day, one of those days where you don't stop at all.  But I also had two more blessings to start off this month.

First, I saved quite a bit of money at Target thanks to coupons (and many of the items I had coupons for were on sale, yay!!)...

And second, the Target I was at had a Starbucks in the front, and I treated myself to my first Pumpkin Spice Latte (best coffee drink ever) of the season!!

Just stopping to count my blessings and share them with you. 

 Happy September!

Welcome, Sweet September

I have a confession.  August is my least favorite month.  It has pretty much always been.  Ironically, sometimes it is in August that we may finally get away for a day or two once graduation season and VBS and camps and mission trips and all the other things that ministry wives do during the summer are over.

But it is usually a long, hot month that drags on.  And while we did get a blessed two days away this August and there were certainly great family moments,  I must say this August was no exception...it was long, hot, and dragged on.

However, last Wednesday September came and it started with a precious moment that I just have to share with you!  I found out while picking up my daughter at school the day before that on the first Wednesday of each month they have prayer at the flagpole at 7:25 before the school day starts.  This is obviously completely voluntary as it is a public school, but how cool is that?  I was thrilled to hear this news and our family got up even earlier than we have been and rushed out the door to make it for prayer.

When we got to the flagpole we joined a group of about 20 teachers, parents, and students.  We held hands and everyone had the chance to pray if they so chose.  Being that most of the students were young, none of them prayed, but the parents and teachers did.  When it got to our family my husband prayed, and then I looked down at my 3 year old son and quietly asked him if he would like to pray.  He confidently said yes, and then sort of took a step or two forward.

And then he prayed, and not just prayed, but prayed with authority!  I am not kidding, that little guy spoke clearly and loudly and boldly, thanking God for his "whole wife" (life) and his Mommy, Daddy, and Madi.  He prayed for the "bwood bwister" that he got on his foot, and prayed for everything that was on his heart until he closed with, "In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

Of course, at this point I am crying, along with several of the moms and teachers.  The lead kindergarten teacher jokingly said she was going to have to go redo her makeup as she had cried it off, and she and several others came up to Trevor and told them how proud they were of him for being so bold in praying.

I think we were all inspired by his innocent sincerity and bold confidence.  I mean, he is three.  But he was the only child who prayed, and did so without a second thought.  He had no reason in his mind not to pray in front of this school to the Jesus he loves.


I want to be like that.

So that is how I welcomed September!  I've always loved September, with it's promise of a new school year and all the excitement that brings.  I love that it means that fall is near, and Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon follow.  I love the starting of a new year of youth group, a season of football games and homecoming fun with students, and church and community fellowship and outreach.

But the sincere prayers of my young son in front of my daughter's new school gave me hope for a very sweet September.  God, I pray over this month and ask that You pour out Your blessings in our lives, and help us to live each of its days for You.

And help us all to have the bold sincerity of a three year old boy who prayed in Your name with his whole heart on the very first day of September.