Mama said there'd be days like this...

Not sure what gives this week... I think I'm nervous about my hip pinning surgery scheduled for this coming Monday (October 18th).  When I am nervous about something (and especially when I can't work off all of the nervous energy by exercising), I tend to begin this vicious cycle of poor choices.  It all starts innocently enough by me staying up too late~ 'cause that's the only time it is somewhat quiet around here, don't 'cha know?  That leads to me being tired (missing my personal time with the Lord in the morning) then sneaking carbs any chance I get  (If I sneak, I don't have to actually share that whole bag of chocolate chips with 10 children!).  Then, when I'm tired and have had too much sugar, I'm not quite as optimistic as usual, if you get my drift.  Subsequently my whole day is thrown off kilter... the challenges of homeschooling the ten children at home now seem insurmountable ("I am such a terrible teacher~ how are the children ever going to survive me" ~ type thoughts dominate my thinking).  I begin to compare myself to my very talented and admirable friends.  Instead of re-grouping and spending time in God's Word, I shop on Amazon and make an impulse purchase (Tom has been working extra lately to help pay for some repairs around here, so I feel guilty about that).  And down, down, down the spiral goes.

Then I remember:

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. 

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." 

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him. 

Lamentations 3:21-25

And I begin again to count, to give thanks....  He blesses me in so many ways.  How quickly I forget!

251. an almost-4-year-old's antics....
252. Rain~ finally!  After 14 consecutive dry and cloudless days.
253. Cooler weather with the rain.... aaaah~ relief after several 85 degree days.

254. photo "slide show" on my iPad~ I *love* seeing snippets of our life that way... love it!
255. the warm light of autumn mornings.
256. a husband who works so hard for his family.

257. little boys and rubber bands.
258. His grace which covers all, so richly given!
259. Bread baking in the oven.
260. First cup of hot chocolate this fall~ yummy!

Still up this week... the denim quilt plans and a book review too!

Actually, it might be next week before those are posted, but I do have good intentions!  You might have to be patient, ok?



linking up with Ann at Holy Experience (better late than never, huh?)