Happy Gratituesday!

I’d be foolish not to say on this Gratituesday that I will forever be grateful for Jon’s employer, SAP who gave everyone in his division 2 weeks off, paid vacation. So two of the three weeks the kids are off of school, Daddy will be home too! Isn’t that amazing! I feel like he’s a teacher all over again with this schedule.

Gratituesday- Voting!

Happy Gratituesday everyone. So much is in my mind today which get’s me to thinking what I am grateful for. For starters, I am grateful for my assurance that God is in control of our country, which includes who our new President of the United States will be. Our country, its voting process, and the fact that women can vote (just since 1920) is top on my list as well today. So I continue to walk in faith, live without fear, trust only in Him, and do my part in voting, all of which I am so grateful for!

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." Romans 13:1

Gratituesday

This Gratituesday I am thankful for the simplicity of God’s Word and its availability to me. I take it for granted often, shame on me! There isn’t a situation in my life that God doesn’t have something to say about it in the Book of Life and I am grateful that he’s opened my eyes and ears to understand and obey it. I’m not perfect at all, just a work in progress!

I’m in a learning curve of many things right now and find life to be challenging. Sometimes I am a slow learner. But when push comes to shove, these challenges show me how reliant I must be on Him, how BIG He is and how small I am, and who God is growing me to be! Some things He’s teaching me are:
- to practice forgiveness daily (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3)
- to grow in my humility (Psalm 66:18)
- to remind myself daily that He is in total control (Romans 8, Jeremiah 17:9-10)
- to grow in grace (1 Corinthians 15:10)
- to show unconditional love (“Love always believes, hopes, perseveres, never fails, etc…1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7)
- to practice patience (Ecclesiastes 7:8, Romans 2:4, Colossians 1:11)
- to trust ( Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 112:7)


Thank you Lord that you have not lost your mighty grip on me and I know you never will. Help me to stay diligently focused on you, never living in fear but in total awe of your power! Thank you for my life in You and that we live in a country that we can openly share our faith.

Gratituesday-fall break...a Great School Schedule

We have the best school schedule! I love it! This is the first week of two that my kids are home; relaxing, playing, and doing “whatever”! I love fall break! Things are hassle-free and fun around here.

I'll post what we've been up to soon.

Gratituesday-"My" Class

My time in Baylee’s classroom as her teacher is coming to an end on Friday. I have mixed emotions. I’m going to miss it (the kids) and the “task” (teaching) like crazy but I am eager to have more rest and time with my family, especially our Owen who has been a trooper!

The class of 20 precious kids is what I am grateful for this week. Each kid has brought me such joy. I’ve been honored to help them along the path of learning as well as bringing them by name to the Lord often. I love them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight they presented me with a card full of gift cards and the most fantastic scrapbook put together by a dear mom, Andrea Shaw with help from each kiddo of course. I will cherish it forever and have a tangible memory to look at often.

What are you grateful for on this day?


(My simply phenominal Baylee)

Gratituesday-Todd

His name is Todd. I heard of him often through the past four or so years but only met him a handful of times, if even that. He was my brother’s friend. They met in a men’s center, Crossroads, when both were working on their sobriety. My brother came along side Todd and befriended and mentored him. Their friendship was always beautiful.

He was my brother’s only local friend his last stent here. They went to dinner and lunch, spoke of God and understood each other. It was a special relationship to watch.

Todd was broken when we made the call to him that my brother had died. He went to the funeral but didn’t come talk to us. Weeks went by, months, and then one day I had a knock on my door. It was Todd. He asked to come in. We spent the time somber, just reflecting on my brother, telling stories. Once our conversation became silent he asked me if he could “look at my pool,” the very place my brother hung out when they spoke by phone. I agreed so we walked in the backyard. He then proceeded to ask me if he could give us a gift, in honor of my brother and keeping his memory alive. Todd wanted to be our “pool guy” (his profession) and come weekly to care for our pool.

It’s been over a year now and I see Todd weekly as he quietly comes and goes, cleaning our pool and keeping it under some great TLC. Never has there been an exchange of money, just a hug and a short “catch up” talk.

Today I was reminded of what a gift it’s been. Not only having my pool clean but being in a life of a person that has a deep heart and that is succeeding beautifully with Christ’s power, in keeping sober…drug free.

Seeing Todd outside my window was my “sign”…he’s my Gratituesday this week. I am grateful for Todd!

Gratituesday-teaching

Teaching is a passion of mine. I feel alive in the classroom. Without a doubt I love to inspire, love, and motivate children into becoming confident citizens and thinkers. I will forever be grateful to Baylee’s teacher, Kelly, for asking me to teach her wonderful group of 20 kids while she is out on maternity leave. It’s been a thrill! Only 3 more weeks to go!

Gratituesday- Live Laugh Love

I’ve blogged about them before but not on Gratituesday. Hands down I’d have to acknowledge these sweet friends I’ve met with each month in my home over the past year, my Live Laugh Love group. Some I knew deeply, others a little, and then one not at all. Yet now, I can call them each marvelous friends that have touched my life in very profound ways. We were transparent with one another, sometimes in tears and other times through laughter. We connected, healed, shared, and enriched our lives, much like the company promised. Although we came in many different forms and backgrounds, we made a beautiful puzzle scene together, intertwining perfectly. We had topics to focus our discussions on; respect, presence, flexibility, potential, commitment, tolerance, moderation, generosity, dependability, purpose, stability, and acceptance. When else would I have put thought into these issues then taught them to my children?

This week we meet for the final time. I’m saddened by it but also know that it won’t be the ‘end’ at all. April, Denise, Kristin, Lara, Laura, Shanna, Shannon, Tiffany, Tami, Yuko, and last but not least Yvette…I thank you for being my “Gratituesday”. I genuinely love each of you.
(photo taken at the final LLL meeting while we missed Shannon, Lara, and Yuko!)

Gratituesday-dinners

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I last blogged. Everything on my list “trumps” my fun outlet. Oh well.

I’m really amazed at something and wanted to put it out there as my Gratituesday! I’ve been working for 3 weeks now and can you believe that every week, I have had a student’s family make dinner for us, the Kempiak Party of Five? I’ve never announced it, never asked for it nor acted like we needed it, yet God’s brought people into my life that has wanted to bless us in this way…and what a blessing it has been! The first week Landon’s mom’s van pulled up at student pick up and said, “When you’re done, come here.” She then passed a yummy complete dinner to me telling me that she knows I’ve been working many hours and this was her “thanks”. WOW!

Week two, Maggie’s family invited the kids and me to come to dinner once I was done in the classroom. She patiently waited for me to be done at 6:30 before putting dinner on the table. Double WOW!

Then tonight, sweet Elise’s mom brought us a meal saying, “I know your husband is out of town and I know how hard that can be, especially working, so I wanted to bless you!” TRIPLE WOW!

I pray the Lord blesses each of these precious families for blessing us. I am in awe!

(If you are part of "my class"...this is not a hint. LOL)

Gratituesday-Denise, Nana & Papa, Lisa, and Laura

Heading back to work, even though it is for a short time, ten weeks, has been a very big challenge for us all. The one who’s had to adjust the most is our sweet Owen. And really, he hasn't "adjusted"! He’s being shuffled about each day and confusion has totally set in. “Why does Baylee and Nathan get Mommy and not me?” he cries.

My level of “to do’s" is even higher than it has been in a long time (which doesn’t seem possible) however this is for sure…I still need to stop and express my gratitude to God in the midst of it. He’s in control of this “chaos”.

There are four people that have really stepped up during this time, helping in huge ways. For them, I am humbled and thankful.

To Denise, I am grateful. You lovingly take care of our Owen Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays. You do it as he has a total “attitude” about being there and cries hysterically as we walk to the door and as I leave. You are an angel in clothes. Thank you for gracing my life with your gift of service. I am so glad that Owen and Little Ross and Daniel's friendships get to grow over this time! You have such sweet boys and a fun family!


To Nana and Papa, I am grateful. You drive the hour distance to allow Owen to be home for a day to play with his toys and be in his home. It brings him comfort to be here and with you. Thank you.

To Lisa, I am grateful! Fridays are your only “non homeschool day” but that doesn’t seem to matter to you. You willingly and happily take in our sweet three year old boy! Owen absolutely loves his buddy Ethan and eating blue cookies with him.

To my cousin Laura. I am grateful! You too are in the “back to work” mode, bless your heart and you do so much to help me out. Thank you for picking up Owen four days a week to bring him to me once I am done teaching. He loves being in the classroom, especially to be reunited with his brother, sister, and mommy. And it gives me a chance not to feel “guilty” being at work last to finish up loose ends if my three musketeers are by my side. Laura, I love you and am amazed by you and your relationship with Owen. He'd follow you anywhere!

I am a blessed lady. I have so many selfless friends and family. These are just icing on the cake!

Gratituesday-technology

Today I have been reminded how grateful I am for modern technology, especially computers. Emailing and blogging has really helped me stay connected to people all around the world, especially since I am not much of a phone person nor have the time to call everyone that I blog and email with. Just today I received various ones that brought this Gratituesday to mind. First I received a blog link asking for urgent prayer for a baby boy in womb whose heart is at 50% function and the prognosis is poor. Also, I got an email from a dear friend of Jon’s from high school Pete, who we haven’t spoken to for many years and another email that a missionary we love is back safely in Arizona. Not to forget that also in my inbox was a sweet note from a friend that doesn’t live too far from here but our lives just don’t cross much. It’s been over a year from our last correspondence and now we’re planning a “double date”. Then tonight, by email, I was able to send out an "all call" to see who in Baylee's class would be interested in making a meal for their teacher who is having her c-section THIS SATURDAY! Could you imagine having to call 20 homes? Ugh! With all that said, today is a fitting day to say praises about blogging and emails.

What are you grateful for this Gratituesday?

Gratituesday-Laura and something about Jon!

I am blessed with a very dear friend, Laura Marie Richardson. We talk often and can be transparent with one another with everything. We share many of the same hobbies and passions too. Laura and I co-lead our Live Laugh Love club together and now, by God’s doing, have our boys in kindergarten class together. Not only is she a wonderful friend I can count on for ANYTHING, she is my sweet cousin too! Laura, thank you for being one of my very best friends…I am so grateful for you and thought that it would be more than appropriate to put you as my entry for Gratituesday today, especially with it being your 29th birthday today. Happy birthday! I love you.


Also...I have to add one more thing. I typed "Laura" around midnight but didn't publish it because I wanted to find a photo of us together, so I saved it as a draft instead. But now I have one more thing I am super grateful for. Drum roll please...Jon accepted a job this afternoon! He'll start mid August working for a company in Scottsdale that sells software. Praise God for new possibilities and for listening to so many faithful prayer warriors!

Gratituesday-Jon's availability

“Give thanks in all circumstances”…even with Jon’s job loss and no interviews this week, God? Yes! Scripture says ALL! So, here I am, doing what I know is right until it feels right. And besides, I know I am to run on head knowledge, not heart knowledge. There’s always something to be grateful for.

I am thankful that Jon had time and was willing to endure Nathan having to have more “routine” blood work done today. I absolutely, positively, without a doubt despise taking Nathan in and watching the technician, who has a job at hand to do (with a long needle in hand too, I might slip in here) show no sign of caring how my sweet (but totally scared) five-in-a-half year old son is feeling! It’s pure torture for Nathan, I know…but it is also pure agony for me too. What do you say to your kid when they’re about to suffer through the fourth series of blood being taken in two months, knowing that there is much more to come in the weeks and months ahead? Not much. So, thank you God (and Jon)…I am so very thankful for the fact that Jon didn’t have a job to do today, this Gratituesday. I love you Jon, you’re the best!

Gratituesday-the gift of a listening heart and for a super doctor

God is always good to us, yet today it was so clear in one particular area. Nathan had a doctor's appointment with his specialist for his treatment of Colitis. Although there is little improvement in his case thus far, Dr. Janet was very hopeful. After listening to us thoroughly and finding out that again, we were about to be uninsured due to Jon's loss of job last week, she ransacked their supplies to get Nathan the medications that are vital for him to take daily. We walked out the door with two bags full, month’s supplies! She assured us that this was just the start to what she could do, telling us that Nathan and his medications were the LAST thing we needed to worry about. Even before we left, she contacted a drug rep to ask him to supply her with abundance, for Nathan's sake! Isn't that truly amazing?! So today, this Gratituesday, I thank the LORD for Dr. Janet and how she listens with her heart. I thank Him for the fact that Nathan won't have to go without these medicines and for the abundance we have in our home. We are always taken care of by Him!

Gratituesday-the Gift of Prayer and Changed Lives

Although today is a hard day, I have much to be grateful for- even under the same circumstances I am saddened about!

"Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give Thanks in All circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

At the tail end of our drive home last night from our vacation in Greer, we decided to stop at a local supermarket to grab a few essentials to get us by for the next day or so. As I closed the door to the van, a homeless man approached me asking for any spare change I might have so he could eat. I declined passing money over to him but quickly offered to buy him dinner if he’d like. He was overjoyed and thankful. When I asked what he wanted, he told me, “Water and a sandwich would do.” Needless to say, just those two simple things wouldn’t “do” for me. I went around the store grabbing some other things I thought he’d like and need (Chapstick, Vitamin water, fruit, veggies, etc.), being sensitive to the fact that he didn’t have a place to store it all. I was so honored to serve this stranger his new belongings. Tearfully he thanked me and said, “God bless you!”

I was too choked up to tell him my whole heart, although I did tell him he was loved by God and that it was God that blessed him that night. Then I went to the van, closed the door, and wept. Let me explain. My brother too was a homeless man for over 6 years of his life. Although he was deeply loved by his family, this was the lifestyle he chose for a time being, due to drug addiction and shame. All those years while Johnny was “out there” I would pray continually that someone would “be a Jesus” to him (a blessing). I prayed that the people he asked to feed him, knew Christ and showed that to him.

Skip forward to the present time, the anniversary of Johnny’s death. Coming down from the mountain, I was silently praying, pleading with God to help me with my emotions and showing me what I can do this week to honor my brother and keep his memory alive. Then wham! Out of nowhere, this beautiful homeless man walks up to me!

So today, I have much to be grateful for, don’t you think? Just in this example, I am thankful:
-for the power of prayer
-that God hears and answers our prayers
-for the fact that I have a sensitive heart towards homeless people due to my brother’s past circumstances and that I didn’t judge or look down on this stranger
-that I had the means to buy him food and remind/tell him of God’s love
-that God can use ME!
-that God is in control of all things and has the power to change lives (like my brothers…from being addicted and homeless to coming to know Christ in a personal way and turning his life over to him)

Please pray with me for this man too. Pray he can learn and love God and lean on Him to have a changed life. Pray for his protection in the meantime and that others will be used by God to show this man love in practical ways with no strings attached.

So what are you grateful for today…this Gratituesday?

Welcome to Gratituesday!

One of my very favorite bible verses is First Thessalonians 5:16-18 and it’s one I have to ‘preach’ to myself often, especially when my day is less than ‘perfect’ or at least my thinking/attitude is “less than perfect”. What a blessing it was to me when I came across this Tuesday challenge, late last week from another gal’s blog, “Gratituesday” and I’d love for my Believing blogging friends to join me in this new writing and thinking adventure. You can even get your family involved (like I will with our Monday Family Meetings and Fun Nights). This is it, each Tuesday blog something that you are grateful for, big or small. God deserves the glory and what a wonderful way to encourage others as well. He’s always at work in our lives, right (amen)! So here’s my first entry…

This week I leave for a time away with our Party of Five. I am grateful that both of Jon’s jobs have given him the time off (a miracle in itself) and that we have a family cabin to “retreat” to that really isn’t that far away, especially with the price of vacations nowadays. Greer is beautiful definitely God’s country (but hey, what isn’t)and a lot cooler than "home"! All five of us will really slow down and enjoy each other, I know!

I am also grateful for my relationship with my dad and Pat and that they’ll be up there at the cabin as well. My relationship with them hasn’t always been picture perfect. But instead, it’s a testament to God’s power of forgiveness, grace, and love. Praise God he mended us together. Both of them are a fantastic duo and make me feel so loved. And I’d be insane not to mention that they are phenomenal with all three kids, very hands on!

Please share what YOU’RE thankful for this Gratituesday!!

This is our family cabin...Mountain Spirit!
This is a photo taken in 2007 on the Polar Express