Blizzard of 2011

We were under a blizzard warning yesterday.

Needless to say, we were all home for the day, and Scott was determined to keep the ice from accumulating on the driveway.

Andrew LOVES (and always has loved) shoveling the driveway.

He spent a large amount of time working incredibly hard on the driveway.

As I was poking my head out asking him to come in, I observed our neighbor walking in Andrew's direction. He proceeded to speak words of affirmation into our hard-working boy and handed him a $5.00 bill for shoveling OUR driveway.

I was so moved and am so thankful for the love of this neighbor.

"God, thank you for all of the kind, loving, thoughtful people who are pouring into my children. They are such a blessing!"

I am certain that this experience will be filed away in Andrew's mind.

(This creature was going crazy with his boy outside and him stuck inside.)

We are so very proud of you Andrew!

I found this note on my pillow one day last week.

Thanks for the words of encouragement sweet boy!

Word Of Encouragement

Andrew and Olivia,

I think that it is okay to experience brief moments of questioning your faith.

Questioning leads to certainty and ultimately increased faith.

Two weeks ago, I had a questioning moment.

It was a dreary Wednesday, and I was Grumpy (with an uppercase G). I couldn't pinpoint my unusual feeling of dread and unhappiness, but I started to acknowledge Satan's deceptive, life-stealing lies. In fact, at one point in the morning, I prayed,

"God if you really care for me, send a word of encouragement my way."

Full of self-pity, I casually traipsed to the mailbox where I quickly discovered this note which was written on Monday.

The author will remain anonymous because it was truly inspired by God.

God knew exactly how I would be feeling on Wednesday and loved me even on Monday.

Maybe one day you will read this post and be reminded of God's amazing love for you.

I pray that you will always take the time to encourage ordinary people who are trying to participate in extraordinary things.

YOUR WORDS MATTER! USE THEM FOR GOOD! Mom