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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Simple truths

Life's smallest creatures can remind us of God's truths in SUCH mighty ways!! We have been fascinated with the catapillars ("capatillars" according to you, Caroline) this spring. There have been so many in our yard, we couldn't help but play with them. Caitlyn, you have been so concerned that we put them together so they could have each other as companions!!! For me, they have been such a sweet reminder to pay attention to the details of life.......because so often it is the little things that bring purpose and create in us true beauty.
I feel like so often I am a machine that just jumps from one task to the other and oh, how I forget to stop and really SEE the two of you and TALK. I want to be better about sharing with you things on my mind and heart--things I want to pass down for you to process and hopefully, turn into your own passions. Life goes so fast and I want you to learn how to live in the moment--something I am JUST now learning to do! So......girls, you may not appreciate this now, but I wanted to make a list of things that have been rolling around in my head as of late......b/c you know I WILL FORGET!!!

1.) Forgive others when they have wronged you--whether or not they ever ask.
2.) Laugh---often!!!!!!
3.) Take time to figure out what you love and then even more time doing those things.
4.) READ!!! It teaches you so much.
5.) Tell people how you feel about them constantly.
6.) Be grateful in every situation--there is ALWAYS good to be found.
7.) Seek out the best in people and focus on those things in your relationships with them.
8.) DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9.) Wait for things you want with patient expectation---it will happen just as it should if you don't force it.
10.) Don't be afraid to allow new people to come into your life--even if you think your life is already too full. You will be blessed!
11.) Find time to sit and be still--an amazing strength can be found there.
12.) Tell God about EVERY emotion you feel--no matter how raw and ugly it is. There is healing found in doing so.
13.) DON"T judge others---you have your own weaknesses that you are blind to. We are all the same deep down and struggle in the same ways.
14.) Spend focused time with your family (I promise you will be so thankful for the memories one day!)
15.) Don't say "yes" to things too soon. Learn to really question the reason behind doing things.
16.) Fight comparing yourselves to others. You always compare your worst to their best and that only leads to discouragement. WE ALL HAVE UNIQUE things given to us by our Heavenly Father---He will show you how to use the gifts, if you seek it out.
17.) Surround yourself with people that are REAL, HONEST, POSITIVE and full of HOPE!!!
18.) Don't let fear stop you from the JOY of today. The past is gone, the future is full of growth and God is ALREADY there. He will sustain and be what you need at all times.
19.) Let days unfold occasionally without planning----WHAT purpose and unexpected blessing can come.
20.) Share your weaknesses with safe people---oh, what comfort you will find when you do.

My mind is often unsettled and my thoughts are so fleeting, but I PRAY God can sort through the mess and GUIDE me to teach you HIS truths as I learn them myself through His Spirit.
Now.......on to enjoying the little moments of today.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful mother you are! I know that your girls must be learning so many amazing things from you. I pray that I am doing the same with my girls. Children are such a blessing!

Danna Ramsey said...

This was a beautiful post, Maryann. Oh, I so want the very same things for my girls!

Christy said...

Love it, Love it, Love it!!! You are teaching your girls so many good things...I feel so blessed to be a part of it:) You are a great friend and teach me to s-l-o-w down every once in awhile

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful list...I love that you wrote these thoughts down. I could hear your voice saying each thing as I read the list. Caitlyn and Caroline are blessed beyond measure to have a Mommy who cares as you do. Love you!

jenni said...

Tears...

thank you so very much for your help today--i never once worried about my kids while they were in your care. I love you!

Kelly Litton said...

I love every one of these! It is obvious that you are such a wonderful mother...and for me, you were such a wonderful friend. I thought of you when I read about sharing things with others. We are so thankful that you were placed in our lives in Nashville at just the right time. I am going to save this list to share with Anna Lee someday. It is such a good one!

abc said...

I think I may print this list to read for myself every week or day. What great reminders of how to live for God's glory and not our own. You are obviously a great mom and a true inspiration. glad to have found your blog!

-ashley (brady) chandler

Deborah said...

I love your list, Maryann. You may feel like you've deprived your girls by not "telling" them these things aloud until now, but I guarantee that they've been witnessing these things in the way you live your life. Your display of God's grace and His perfect timing will be a huge part of your girls' testimony in their spiritual journey. Thanks for setting such a great example.

Elizabeth S said...

Hi Maryann. I don't know if you remember me from Otter Creek. You were also one of my nurses when I had my third baby! He is almost three now! Anyway, I have loved reading your blog. Your girls are beautiful! Glad you are doing well. Thank you for sharing your heart here. It has touched me.