The joys

Today was a true example of the saying that the simplest things in life are the most fulfilling. Looking forward to the Mexico trip, finals, possible graduate school req.'s and on and on I was definitely feeling the strain of "to be" and "to do" and "to have".
So, my baby comes home from her first grade world today and announces, "Mama, you have a secret Santa!!!"
I was thoroughly confused. Then I thought maybe the class "room mothers" for her class were doing secret Santa and with a lack of my usual Christmas flair, I thought, "Ughhhhhh." Thinking about how I was going to find some small but desirable gift for a fellow mother that I barely knew, I looked down to see a "present" that consisted of two colored pencils and a note "wrapped" in handwriting paper and scotch tape. A smile, of course, ensued.
As I delicately unwrapped the special gift, I found a note that said, "I love you but I cat tal hoo"--translation: I love you but I can't tell who I am".
I told her I was so excited and she said, "Ooooh, do you want it to be a BOY?" Laughing I said no. Her face lit up and she said, "Ok..it's ME!!!!" Six year olds and secrets don't go together.
*laughs*

Again, she takes my life to a whole new level. My "Secret Santa" happens to be my biggest blessing...

Staying Focused

I consider my life worth nothing to me,

if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. ~Acts 20:24


"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." ~ 1 Cor. 9:24-27

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~2 Timothy 4:7


Ok, where does all this come from? The fact that I temporarily lost track of the race I am meant to run and the direction of the finish line. The only reason I will share this blog, IF I share it, is because I believe that when people relate to each other, it's easier to "stay the race". I crack myself up, or actually God does, because just when I reach the almost feeling quite "Godly" or "on track" I see that I also can be easily distracted.

Isn't it funny that I can tell myself what I want over and over and wait for it and be proud of the wait and then *BOOM* I lose track of my dreams or question the ability of them to prosper. I used to carry this quote in my planner that said, "The minute you settle for less than you desire, you've gotten even less than you settled for."
Settling doesn't even look like "settling" in the midst of the fun and excitement...the things that might take a little "liberation" or "turn" from the raceway can be so easily disguised as something positive and open-minded.

So, here's my commitment. To stay the course...to fight the good fight...to finish the race...to keep the faith. To stay focused and trust in all that God has for

us K-girls.

The Mommy Questions - from the prior post

Morning Questions
~How can my child and I experience our love in an extraordinary new way today?~

Teaching & Learning
What is she going to teach me today?
What am I going to teach her today?
What can I do today to help her learn and grow?
How can I be a role model for her today?

Connection & Love
In the midst of my busy day, how can I still remain grateful?
How can I be even more patient today?
Who do I love?
Who loves me?
How can I show my love even more?

Fun & Laughter
What am I most excited about today?
What am I most proud of in my life today?
What am I most grateful for in my life today?
How can I create even more special moments for us?
How can I take care of her and myself even better?
What is something special that I can do for her and myself today?
Who is my child going to become because of me today?


“Motherhood: 1. The origin of life. 2. The shepherding of hope. 3. The teaching of love. 4. An example of selflessness. 5. A chance to positively change the world.”







Evening Questions
~What did my child and I learn from each other today?~

Self-Care
Did I pause and breathe today?
How did I take care of myself physically today?
Did I balance what I needed to do with what I wanted to accomplish today?

Fun & Laughter
What did she do to make me laugh?
What did I do to make her laugh?

Connection & Love
What did her and I do together today?
How many times did she hear me say, “I love you?”

Teaching
What word did I teach her today?
How did I see things from her perspective?
Did I read to her today?

Reflection
What made me smile today?
What made me proud today?
How was I a great mom today?

Important versus Urgent
What worked today?
Did I focus on what was truly important today?
Was I happy at least 90 percent of the time today?
What can I do to be even happier tomorrow?


“Other people in my life have helped my soul to sing a song…You, my child, have caused my heart to sing a symphony.”





Problem-Solving Questions

~What would an extraordinary mom do in this situation?~

~How am I going to grow as a result of this challenge?~

~How will this moment serve me and my baby?~

~How is she going to become a better adult because of the way
I handle this experience?~

~How can I find more patience, love, strength or resourcefulness right now?~


“If a child is to keep alive her inborn sense of wonder, she needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with her the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”

The quotes at the end of each are included in the book. They really are amazing proactivity and reflection starters.