A Million Tiny Barbie Dolls

"This is my favorite verse in the whole bible", she reads aloud, "'The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory.'"

I say, "Wow, that's one of my favorites too!"

"It just runs in my head all the time, but I had to look it up because all I could remember was Romans 8:16." And she keeps going. "We read that in Sunday School Church one day. She read the story and that was the verse at the end."

"Oh really? Why do you like it so much?"

"I just like it. I mean, I like to talk about it."

Then I hear her reciting to herself..."The spirit himself..." and her soft voice drones on and I assume she is reading.

"Oh man, I got it without looking!" And she laughs giddy. I am happy and proud to hear this.

She continues..."Romans 14:8...'Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.' That's funny--Whether we live or die, we belong to God--like He has us in His hands like a million barbie dolls!"

And they are some very big hands, and they do hold everything. All of us, and our sin, our relationship problems, our anxiety, fears, desires and needs.

There is nothing He doesn't hold--out of the mouth of babes.

#133 a day at the lake with family and friends

#134 Ivy's big proud grin--and her catch

#135 that He is holding me and everything that I worry about

#136 that He uses my children to speak to me--the assurance that in the midst of mistakes and struggles, I must be doing something of worth as a parent

#137 the grace to realize that though there are so many moments full of regret, there are double the moments of blessings if i only really see

#138 Bella sitting on her little bench, pigtails and dimples, "Nope...don't got him yet"...and how she waits until the fish bites really hard and then pulls him up!

#139 a moment for me and Husband to laugh about--our little Bella--oh how they bond us.

#140 Husband being attacked by Lilly's baby hands and the way he plays with her--it's these moments I love him most it seems

#141 a friend that invited us to the lakehouse--such a cheerful lady to be around, and laughter doeth good like a medicine

#142 able arms and legs to work in the yard and hold my baby with

#143 small baby with t-shirt too big for her and huge wet smile

#144 my health--though i have some issues yet to be healed of, i haven't had one infection or virus the last year

#145 a strong body to run the trails with

#146 a curious baby that keeps sneaking off toward the lake, helping mama learn the meaning of diligence.

#147 these moments of mistakes that allow opportunity for repentance and for me to model that for my children

#148 how that when i feel i fail my children and husband terribly and i loathe myself--there it is--the reason Christ died...and He gives silver linings in every cloud

#149 reasons to talk to my children about the gospel

#150 hearing my daughter recite scripture and the growing love of God's word

#151 eldest daughter cooking breakfast for everyone and lifting my spirit

#152 four-wheeler rides in the pouring rain and four little children soaking wet and grinning

#153 Husband's voicemail encouraging me

#154 a Sunday afternoon date with Husband, swinging together, head on shoulder, looking at the water

#155 a fall on the trail and a bruised and bloody knee while trying to encourage my father to keep up--a little humility

#156 the best part of it all--when i say "girls, you see how Mommy messes up?...do you know this is why..." and one or both interrupts me and says "why Jesus died on the cross for our sins, Mama?" and something inside me smiles and is satisfied.