November 30, 2005 6:09 AM
Blog of Beauty Awards
I woke up early and thought I'd tend to my blog before everyone else was up. Tripp and I decided yesterday to reinstitute a practice we used to have, but at some point slacked off about - morning devotions. Frankly, we needed a burst of second wind with these last six children, and since four of them have Down syndrome sometimes it's a little harder to do the things we did with the older ones (I don't like to hear myself say this, but it's true - and thank you God, for giving me grace and blowing the wind of the Holy Spirit through my heart to shake out the cobwebs and make a fresh start!)
Actually, there will be seven today as Josh (22) is still home. He is working on buying a fixer-upper and will move to prepare it to receive Hattie. Once they are married, it will be their first home. I am glad God has given us a chance to go back to the ways he grew up with before he leaves.
So I am on my way to make coffee for the three grownups and get everyone moving. I'm excited! We will be singing hymns and I love hymns.
And I will give thanks to God for loving me, for rude awakenings (it sometimes takes a lot to get my attention) and his tender mercies. I know that sounds vague and I will be more specific later today. Carrie mentioned in the comments that she had begun praying for me. I know God has heard your prayers, Carrie, and I thank him for your sensitivity.
Today is not a day I feel worthy of much at all, so I will give thanks that I was a finalist in the Blog of Beauty Awards, which is why I am privileged to have that beautiful symbol at the top of my column. Two Talent Living introduced this contest for women bloggers. I am one of three finalists in:
Best Motherhood
Has the best content about being a mommy. (Blog does not have to be exclusively about motherhood.)
Finalists:
ChoosingHome Blog
Holy Experience
Mommy Life
The voting process lasts only a week and we are asked not to automatically vote our favorites, but to visit and consider all the nominees. This is an opportunity for us all to make connections with other women God may be leading us to learn from.
Thank you to whoever nominated me.
And thanks be to God.
Posted in Blogging | Permalink
Comments
Barbara,
He gives us Beauty for Ashes! I am so happy for you and for the fresh wind blowing through your heart.
Posted by: floorplan | November 30, 2005 8:32 AM
Barbara, thanks for being honest about it sometimes being a little harder to do our 'regular' routine with our special little people. We have a precious little guy with Ds who is almost a year and it *is* harder and we *are* 'a little behind' and it does take a little longer to do many things! ;*)... we all (there are eight of us including our little guy) think perhaps the Lord is using him to 'slow us down' a little to take time to smell those proverbial roses, you know!
On the brief occasions I get to read a blog and read about someone with special children, I wonder how they do all they do...so it is encouraging to know that it *does* take extra effort and time. Perhaps knowing that will help us to guard those special activities more... and to walk with more grace compassion when we miss the mark!
God bless you in your fresh start.. I am looking forward to one too!
Posted by: StepahnieS | December 1, 2005 6:43 AM
Father God we just lift Barbra and her precious family to you. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. We praise you that you have used this family to reach out to many in your name. Continue to cover this family with your presence and grace. In Jesus name ~ Amen
Posted by: Angela H. | December 1, 2005 9:31 AM
I voted for you last week, Barbara!
*grins and waves*
Love in Him,
Molly
Posted by: molly (choosing home) | December 1, 2005 11:14 AM
Thanks for all the prayers!! And Molly, when I get around to voting, I guess we'll just cancel each other out - our Mutual Admiration Society!!!
Posted by: barbaracurtis | December 1, 2005 11:47 AM
Oh, but there are five of us to vote from our blog! :) Can you vote for us five times, just to make it even? :)
I think you're great, Barbara!
Posted by: Holly | December 2, 2005 1:37 PM
