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Friday, September 16, 2011

Here Is What I Have Decided ...

I am almost 41 - I will never be a size 0 again (don't think I ever was, but you get the point) ... Things have shifted that won't ever return to their original and UPRIGHT position ... I have a face that is looking WISER (that is a sweet way to say wrinkly) and the weight thing - WELL it is what it is ... I am going to do my best to take care of myself, because I do LOVE to exercise and I desperately want more ENERGY, but there are days when doctors appointments, sick babies, chauffeur commitments, helping kids w/ homework, meal time, bath time, and all those other TIMES just don't quite let there be time for anything else ... AND I HAVE DECIDED what a joyful way to grow older - My body has given birth to two amazing boys and my heart has birthed 3 amazing daughters and 1 adorable son ... My arms have been wrapped around happy kids, sad kids, scared kids, and giggling kids ... My legs have played chase, hide-n-go seek, basketball, and jumped on the trampoline ... My eyes have watched them play ball or play at the park ... My able body has driven them to birthday parties, camp, practices, to get school supplies and their other million NEEDED places ... My hands have baked 1000s of chocolate cookies (and then my mouth has eaten them also - that is where the waistline gets a hit) ... Because you know it is sitting on the couch late at night w/ Jeremiah or Elijah (and lots of times w/ an extra friend or two) that I get to impart my wisdom on them ... Sitting eating chocolate cookies is where they ask me questions that they wouldn't dare ask at the dinner table ... And spending hours doing homework is a time to keep my brain tested and see how my child clicks w/ learning ... They all learn so differently, but need that reassurance that they are prized in their learning (no matter how hard or easy it comes) ...

It is being available for them ... Taking care of my health is a good thing, but not worrying about how the world sees me or the expectations put on by our communities ... I GET IT - I LOOK TIRED (believe me when I tell you that I know and you don't have to tell me) ... hee hee ... Why anyone would think that telling someone they LOOK TIRED is a good thing I will never know ... BUT I just laugh - perhaps I should start telling people it is NOT TIREDNESS you see, but JOY ... SO SAD FOR YOU THAT YOU DON'T LOOK AS JOYFUL AS I DO ...

I am feeling giddy this morning and just had to laugh a little w/ you ... Always do your best to be a DAUGHTER / SON of the King and don't sweat the small stuff ...

Sweet Katy Southern took this picture the day of our portraits and it makes me smile ... These 6 amazing people that God has given to Scott and I to parent and love is an HONOR ... Being a mommy may take its toll on my body w/ all the ups and downs, but it has FOREVER CHANGE MY HEART !!! 









19 kind words.:

redmaryjanes said...

Beautiful inside and out my friend.

Intentional Living Homestead said...

I second this post...Amen sista!!!

Kim said...

You are BEAUTIFUL!!!

shelley said...

Amen....you amaze me.

Susie said...

I LOVE the response! I have very JOYFUL eyes as I work closely with three 7th grade boys. One of my friends said her son calls the smile crinkles because they show up when you smile. I told her that he could come to my house anytime!

That picture is adorable!

thanks for sharing

Susie Sanders
zoosanders@yahoo.com

the Stork Nest said...

Amen. Amen. Amen.

Gratitude defies gravity :)

Diane and family said...

Ahh, another blog post I get!! This morning I noticed SO MANY WOMEN out for the morning run or walk...me, I was off to the grocery store to feed the family:) BUT, I DID WALK up and down the grocery store aisles!!

My Mom once told me that whenever people would tell her she looked tired or sick....she would feel that way the rest of the day, prior to people saying she looked tired or sick, well, she felt terrific. There is a lesson to be learned for all of us when it comes to judging peoples outward appearance!!

Another thought provoking blog post, Gwen!! You are giving so many of our minds, hearts and Souls a refreshing, and much needed workout:-) Thank you, again!!

Alisha Darsey said...

I think you are beautiful and what you do to bring glory to God is even more beautiful. I hear you on the "you look tired" statement. I have never understood why some people feel the need to share that one either! Ha! Oh well, keep up the great work. PS - I love the picture. You are blessed and a blessing!!!

Unknown said...

Oh Gwen...beautiful post...actually has me in tears! I get 'it' on so many levels! This tired 'lookin' mama may have days of being tired physically but I wouldn't trade ANY OF IT!! You have blessed me MUCH by this post...thank you!!!

amanda said...

this. is. beauty. thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

You are full of JOY, BEAUTY, and WISDOM and I am grateful that you share ALL of it with so many! xoxox

tracy hanson said...

Your Beautiful Picture is worth a
Million words.

Kim said...

Beautiful truth from a beautiful friend!

Connie J said...

You are so stinkin' cute!

lori said...

Gwen, So well put! We all need to give ourselves a little grace just as the FAther does. He blessed us with chocolate chips; so it would almost be sinful if we didn't enjoy them! hee! hee! Life is hard enough and then when we put on body perfection it just makes it darn impossible.

Nikki said...

Good for you!

Nikki
www.madebynikki.blogspot.com - blog design to change the world

Amy said...

LOVE how you put it! You are absolutely adorable by the way!!

emily said...

LOVE you!

Laurel said...

Great post!

My body is almost 50, and I've been pregnant 11 times. Nope. Only in my dreams will it ever look like it did at 21 (when I got pregnant with #1).

I am THANKFUL for the health that the Lord has given me, in order to take care of a dozen children.


Laurel

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