{gratitude}

Yes, it's that time again and No, I didn't forget...almost though. It's been a rough week for me but I'm happy that I've made this commitment because it's helping me put the things in my life in perspective. So here's what I'm grateful for:

A sleeping toddler

A first experience at the Fair

Sweet faces of pure joy

Dancing daughter

Teaching about Adoption

Learning from Adoptive parents

The Trojan Marching Band

A peaceful walk with my family

Supervisors who listen and help

Tears of exhaustion

Sobbing in the car over a long drive

What are you grateful for?

LOVE with your ears

My heart is heavy right now as I think about relationships and how difficult they can be sometimes. Especially, the marriage relationship. I have been blessed with an extremely patient, caring and helpful husband. Sure, we have our issues, but in all I really shouldn't complain about things. I want to complain about things often because I am selfish and prideful, but I really don't have much to stand on. And honestly, I'm probably more of the problem than what I think my "issues" really are with him.

I'm reminded of how I should be {grateful} when I hear others share their stories and realities. It really makes my heart break because, in the end, there's nothing I can do to make the circumstances different. And while part of me wants to come in a rescue and help and save the day, often its not the right response. I mean, we are adults now. We're no longer children where we can rely on our parents do come to the rescue. Most of the time, unless someone is in physical danger, it's not appropriate for me to save the day.

Today I remembered that sometimes all I can do is listen and encourage and listen some more. Because really all people need sometimes is to be heard. I mean that's why a lot of us write, right? Well, I'll just answer yes for myself. But seriously, that is a big part. I need to feel like what I'm processing through is valid and with a schedule like mine right now, I can't seem to connect in person with people so that's why I'm here on the Internet.

Going back to my point, though... I think I need to love more with my ears. I believe that we can truly show people our most sincere love just by listening to them talk. And my heart doesn't feel as heavy once I've let them share.

Do you need someone to listen?

{gratitude}

I got this idea from Gidget. She is one of my favorite blogger moms and I love this new weekly post that she recently created. I want to join in with her in posting things that I have been grateful for throughout the week. It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to stop and be thankful. It's also very easy for me to focus on only the negative things in my life and forget about all the many blessing I really have. I'm really hoping this will help me with my perspective. It's been a bit off lately and is really starting to affect my relationships. Feel free to join in on the gratitude posts. Here are a few of the things I am grateful for this past week:

* A patient husband

* A spunky, newly walking Love Bug

* A weekend "away"

* Safe flights

* Warm sunshine

* Jumping on the bed

* Driving through neighborhoods

* Joyful songs of praise

* A kind word from a stranger

* Tears of thankfulness

What are you grateful for? Feel free to comment :)

Wheat in the Barn?

So, now that I am making a point to this whole blogging thing. I thought the most appropriate thing to do was to write a post about the title of the blog. Wheat in the Barn comes from the passage in Matthew 13 about the Parable of the Weeds. Specifically, it refers to the verse in Matthew 13:30, which says "Let both [wheat and weeds] grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvestors: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn".

I love the word picture that Jesus paints for us with this story. It is so hard for me to "get" things just by saying it or reading it. I really am a visual and hands on learner. When I first read this passage, it really resonated with me about what life here on earth is like. You know, the reality of living in a fallen world. I often loose sight about my purpose here and I get caught up in controlling things in my life. I easily fall into the ways of the world rather than the ways of the Lord. I am easily frustrated by people and their words and/or behaviors. But this passage is a reminder to me. I feel like this passage is Christ whispering to me, "Yes, Katie, I know it's frustrating but I'm not going to get rid of the weeds in your life right now. The harvest isn't ready yet. One day life will be perfect and you will be with me in heaven. But right now, continue to strive to live truth, love well and give grace. One day you will be wheat in the barn. "

Thank you Jesus...I love you

Way too long

Wow...I can't believe it's been nearly six months since I posted. It's been too long. But this whole blogging thing is weird yet intriguing to me. I want so badly to "do it", but I also want to be successful at it and I have no formula for success. Lately, I've been reading blogs like crazy...way too crazy...probably to the detriment of my marriage. I think that my compromise needs to be to write more here and read less out there. I know that writing helps me release and process and to be honest, I need me some release and process right now in life. I'm pretty much feeling like an overwhelmed worker, unloving wife, and impatient mother. And just as I've finished writing those words I can hear Love Bug in the background getting up from her nap...gotta run!

Learning to eat...

I let Mya feed herself the other day and this was the result. I laughed so much as I watched her grab the spoon from me repeatedly and get carrots all over her face.

On another note...my goal is to put pictures of Mya up every week so that friends and family can be updated.

Hurray for theHaiti 80

"The Lord is good and His love endures forever" Psalm 100:5

That verse just keeps coming to mind everyday. Today, I'm praising the Lord for reuniting 80 orphans from Haiti with their 'forever families' here in the U.S. The Lord is good, yet so often we forget that.

Praise God that these little ones are home!