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.