This is a question I find myself asking every now and then and today was one of them. I know my two older girls will probably read this…and that is alright. I always try to be very honest with my children…maybe too honest at times, so they are used to it.

Yes, today I asked myself that. I was one of those single, starry eyed people 20 plus years ago. I had my life all planned out…tried to check in with God every now and then about it…but I generally had it all mapped out. I was going to marry a terrific guy and of course he was going to be perfect and then I wanted to have two perfect children while I lived my life in perfect suburbia. Oh yes, throw in a station wagon, (because they didn’t have mini-vans then) and maybe a dog and cat.

WHAT HAPPENED??!! Of course I was exaggerating the ‘perfect’ part in the above, but not by much. What happened? I did marry a pretty wonderful guy…and I know I don’t tell him that enough. But he has been with me through thick and thin, (and I’m not just talking about my weight!) This husband of mine also had his own plans and dreams. And as I became older, as I prayed more for my spiritual life rather than just my physical needs, things started to change from my view of ‘perfect’. God showed me ‘a more excellent way’. No, it’s not always to my liking, and at times He allows me to make mistakes and get side-tracked from what His perfect plan would be for my life. But, I’m still here….and growing.

What happened? I have five wonderful children, rather than the two I always wanted. I home-school them, rather then having them in school and running from one practice to the next as I envisioned. And anyone that knew me 20 plus years ago would never believe the life I have now. And you know what? God knew this is what I needed to make me into the person He wants me to be. He knew what testing I needed in my life.

What happened? I love all my children more than I ever thought possible when I was making those plans for my life all those years ago. After the morning my second oldest and I had, she would say I am crazy. But I really wouldn’t change the past 22 years. My children are a blessing that I never would have expected. Yes, they are frustrating at times, a challenge and there are days that I could run screaming from the house, pulling my hair out. (I think I’ve always stopped at the door so far!) But they have also made me very proud…every one of them in some way. I have so many happy memories from my years with them…and I am looking forward to making many more. My whole world has changed because of them…and it has been for the better.

What happened? I really have five children! Each one different and special in his or her own way. My life is so full, each day a challenge and adventure. Thank you for the one this morning, my second oldest. I do love you!

I always start out with a comment on the day…or I should say ‘the title’.  I think I do that because I can look out on my backyard from  where my computer sits and I can see the kind of day it is…sunny, cloudy, warm, cold, etc.  I titled this post because of my daily devotion and some thoughts I’ve had over the past week.

A beautiful sunny day…but…I’ve had a very frustrating morning trying to get this computer to work!  My husband said it is more for my writing than internet, since it is older.  But after I wrote my daughter at college and couldn’t send the e-mail and I keep getting disconnected…the day is looking more cloudy to me by the minute!

Which leads me to my thoughts.  The devotion this morning was talking about our ‘air-brush’ society.  Everyone wants to look and be better than they are.  Computer enhancement can shave off inches, cover blemishes.  When you talk with someone on the internet you can be anyone you want to be…and unfortunately I think many people are taking advantage of this.  Why not just play up all the good parts about yourself…all the parts you like?  Physical and otherwise?  Most people will never actually see you or really get to know you.  You can say you’re pretty, thin, young, or the opposite if that is who you are trying to impress.  I guess what concerns me the most is the superficial way this society is becoming. 

As a christian, I want people to know me for who I really am.  My desire as a christian is to become more Christ-like as I grow in the knowledge of Him.  Christ let those around Him see Him for who He really was.  He didn’t cover up or try to look pretty.  He said it the way it really was and He died for it.  We as christians should be willing to do the same.  I think so many times we say what others want to hear, do what others want us to do so we don’t come under ridicule or judgement.  That really hurts our pride.  But what about standing for God’s absolute truths?  Letting people see us as we really are and not making everything just ‘look’ nice or ’sound’ nice?  As Believers we do have a responsibility to not be a stumbling block…but maybe we are so caught up in just doing everything ‘right’ that we become a stumbling block?  Our testimony and witness to others should be truthful, honorable and most of all REAL.  Not just air-brushed or computer enhanced.  This is something I will be working on and praying about…how about you? 

I finally have a chance to sit down here again.  It’s been a crazy few days, but we have accomplished a lot.

My husband finished our back steps last night.  Literally last night…I was holding a flash light while he finished screwing down the boards.  But it is so wonderful to be able to use steps to get out the back door rather than the cinder blocks we’ve had there for the past year.  I’m amazed that no one injured themselves on that arrangement…other than me that is!  I’ve not been good with stairs the past few years.  The last time I fell down some I was on crutches from Dec. 18th until the following March.  Not a fun way to spend winter…but that was better than summer when I love to be out in the yard and gardening, painting, etc.

The weather here in the mid-west has been gorgeous the past few days.  Nice and warm during the days and not too cold at night.  I hope to get out today or tomorrow and finish up some painting left over from the summer.  We painted our house this past summer and still have some touch up things.

My daughter and I have been walking at the lake every morning this week…and plan to continue as long as the weather isn’t too frigid.  So far we’ve been walking 2 miles in about 35 minutes.  It feels really great so far!  I used to be so active with bike riding, swimming and I would really love to get back into that!  I’m feeling the crunch of my two-year old on my almost 42-year old body and its not pleasant!  I reminded my husband that I said I would do well with two children.  Well…those first two are pretty well raised…one at Bible college and the other will be going this summer.  My job would just about be done…except for the 13-year old, 9-year old and the toddler.

The holiday season is just about upon us and it is always so exciting this time of year.  I think of so many happy memories from past holidays.  When I was growing up my mother always made them so special.  The house decorating, baking and they always had a big open house after the decorating was all done.  Then guests could sample all our baking.  This was all before Martha Stewart!

I hope my children have good memories too.  I have never gone to the extent of baking and decorating that my mother did…but my husband and I have really tried to give our children a knowledge of the importance of Christmas and why we celebrate that day.  The presents and decorating are fun…but the most important part is knowing that God sent His son that day, so He could live His 33 years on this earth and accomplish the entire plan of God.  Its wonderful and amazing to know that Jesus died, was buried and rose again on the third day, and that He is now seated at the right hand of the Father.  All of that was possible, IS possible because God sent His son to be born.

So, as I prepare to go through the decorations…hope the mice didn’t destroy the Christmas tree…(one year mice had made nests in our very large artificial tree.  My husband wanted to throw it out, but of course I wanted to be frugal.  So, he spent the better part of a day, in New York, washing the Christmas tree in the children’s wading pool.  I was pregnant and due in a few days.  Wow! What a guy!)  So, as I was saying…as I pull out the Christmas memories and assemble them for another year of enjoyment and new memories, I will be keeping the most important one in my thoughts…How about you? Deborah

Good Morning! This is my first time blogging, (if that is the correct term for it). I’ve had some conficting feelings on having a blog. The biggest was the time factor and adding something else to my already hectic schedue. But everyone is busy, right? The other was, who cares what I have to say about anything? But, I like to try new things, usually and my older girls do it…so here I am!

I chose the title and verse for several reasons. Morning Has Broken, the song by Cat Stevens, was one of my favorites when it came out, back when I was a teenager. I loved it and I spent several hours if not days trying to figure it out on the piano. I actually did pretty well. It never entered my head to go to a music store and find the music for it! Anyway…the verse is also one of my favorites. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

For me, that verse says it all! Each new day, I have another opportunity to try again. And if I am still mired in the troubles from yesterday…I have a new day to pray about it and learn from it. Each new day I have another chance to be more patient with my children, love my husband. Each new dayI have another opportuntiy to grow…to expand my knowledge, to walk with God. He is always there for me, waiting patiently.

So, tomorrow morning when you get up, look out on the glorious new day the Lord has made. And no matter where you are…what your circumstances are… be glad in it and rejoice. You have another day to start again! Deborah