Monthly Archives: February 2013

365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For Fun At The Pinewood Derby

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Today, just like this timeframe every year, is a day met with much anticipation. My boys are both in the Cub Scouts. Each year, they get the opportunity to participate in the Pinewood Derby. This is where these little pine blocks of wood have been turned into little racing machines. You get to handcraft a little car to race against your peers. You get to design it from the block of wood to the final paint finishing.

In previous years, we have approached the Pinewood Derby to just have fun. Yes, they wanted to win, but they were more interested in the car design than the fastness of said design. This year, we knew the recipe for a winning design. So, the choice became theirs – did they want a car that looked neat, or a car that went really fast. As we’ve determined for the previous several years, you can’t always have both. They both had fun, and also raced really well. One child took first place in three of four races (2nd place in the one not placing first), and my other child took first place in all four races he competed in. They both came in second place in their grouping. Out of the entire Cub Scout Pack, one child came in 5th place, and the other 10th place overall.

As you can imagine, they were both thrilled. This was my oldest child’s last year as a Cub Scout. It made his day to walk away with a trophy. No, it wasn’t first place, but he did not care. He had fun, and he won something.

I’m thankful for a day of fun and smiles shared by many.

Spotlight on Chris Habermehl: All Things New

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Chris Habermehl is a humble person with a heart of gold. He loves God, and he loves people. He is the worship pastor at Skyline Church in O’Fallon, IL. His newly released CD entitled “All Things New” has many songs that will connect you with the heart of worship. Have you picked up a copy yet? You can order through his website. It’s also available for download at iTunes or Amazon.

One song in particular, “All Things New” is beautiful, and holds great meaning to me. There is so much hope in the music and message contained in this song. This song is comprised of some beautiful instrumentals and vocals alike. God has blessed Chris with talent like no other. His heart and love for God and loving people enough to create music that connects them with God points back to his character. He is someone I am honored to call friend.

This is a song that reached out and touched me – right where I was. The lyrics are my hearts cry to our God larger than life. All of it. It’s pertinent in every way to me. “My heart is overwhelmed.” I often feel this way. I cannot imagine His amazing love. God has such crazy, unrelenting love for each of us. It can honestly feel overwhelming. Even when I don’t feel worthy, His love is redeeming. That’s the thing. I’m NOT worthy, but through Him, I’m precious. And, you are too.

As I mentioned previously, I was recently (January 6th) baptized, and this song just speaks volumes to me – especially in light of and in the timing of that. It speaks of being in despair and how God reaches deep within, lifting up my head, not letting go — and then being made whole. God takes each and every one of us from whatever place we come to Him and turns us into new creations — beautiful in His eyes. He lifts us up, and never lets us go. He makes us clean – all dirt washed away. He loves us that much.

He, and He alone can make all things new. This song so sweetly captures the heart of God and His love for us. That love is life changing. He makes all things new.

Thank you, Chris, for allowing God’s heart to flow through your music. This CD will touch the heart of many people.

365 Moments Of Gratitude: I’m Thankful For YOU!!!

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That’s right! YOU! I’m thankful for YOU! If you’re reading this post right now, then know you have my gratitude. I’m grateful for the love, support and encouragement from my readers.

If you are new to my blog, pull up a seat and stay a while. Better fasten the seat belt though, cause it might just be quite the ride!

Really though, I want you to know I sincerely am grateful you take moments of your day to share with me. As always, thank you for connecting – either via comments below, or sending a message via my “contact me” page.

It’s an honor do do life with you. If there is anything you’d like to talk about – or anything that you’d like me to stand with you in prayer on – don’t hesitate to ask!

Have a great day guys, and know – you are loved!