My Very Own Fashion Consultant

Lately, I have found myself frequenting the clothing stores.  I have never been a big clothes shopper, but recently that has changed.  I've tried to go by myself, but it really is no fun!  I'm all about fun!  So I started asking my 8 year old daughter, Kate, to come and help me.  She takes this very seriously.  We have a hook for the "yes" clothes, one for the "no's", and one for the "maybe's".

This last time we went, she said, "Mommy, you can't get that one.  It isn't good."  Well, the color was purple, so I thought it was great!  When I asked her to explain, she informed me that the color was fine, but the shirt was not a "good" one to wear.  I totally agreed with her, but wanted to hear all the specific reasons she thought it was not so good. :) It made me smile.

I realized that she has been listening to me, but mostly, she's been watching me.  She's not just paying attention to clothes, but how I speak, how I love her dad, and how he loves me.  She's been watching when I pray, when I serve others, where my time is spent, and how I respond.  Wow!  No pressure, right?  The thing that really got me was when I realized all the others that she is watching!  The TV, friends, and even total strangers have an influence on my little fashion consultant!

My mission with this sweet girl God has placed under my care...Love her, teach her, pray for her, give her fashion advice :), talk to her, spend time with her, and model godly living.   What does that mean for me?  I better stay close to God in prayer and reading of His Word! 

What a responsibility we have as parents!  What a gift we have as parents!

Blow out the candles and say a prayer

I'll not talk about the number of candles that will stand tall on my birthday cake this year, but I will say they are enough for an 18-20 year old man to call me ma'am.  Yes, it hit me hard when this young man approached me at a concert last night and respectfully said, "Ma'am, are you saving these seats?"  My husband was amazed at how well-mannered and respectful he was.  I, on the other hand, was more concerned at the title he gave me!

None the less, my birthday is quickly approaching, and I've been thinking alot about the past year.  There have been great accomplishments, hard work, amazing love, great sorrow, many things learned, many "blonde" moments, some disappointments, much stubborness, lots of hugs and kisses, forgiveness, some moments taken for granted, and many blessings received.  My year might sound some like yours- alot of ups and downs.

Well, as I blow out my increasing number of birthday candles this year, no wish will be repeating in my mind.  This year I will close my eyes and say a prayer.  Hopefully you won't mind this brief conversation between God and me.  This prayer will be on my lips often.
     
     Dear God,
Thank you for breathing life into me.  I stand amazed by your unfailing love that has been shown to me. Please know I'm sorry for the times I have chosen not to follow you over the past year.  I see now those roads have lead to disaster. 
Thank you for my family.  Please help me to show them your love daily.
Thank you for providing.  May I use those provisions to touch the lives of those around me.
Thank you for my health.  May I use my energy to love and serve those that come across my path.
Every moment, every day is yours.  Please help me to live bold, strong, following your Spirit, totally for you this year.  
     Amen

Yes, I know by the time I'm done with this prayer my cake may be all wax, but I'm totally ok with that. :)