Grace Is Sufficient

This past Fall I felt led to write devotionals for our MOPS group's newsletters but is has since been discontinued. I thought, since this is my blog, I would post some of them here. This is one I wrote back in November.

Grace is Sufficient
“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, …” ~ Nehemiah 9:17
Since becoming a mother I have grown to depend on grace. From the stranger that is behind me in line at Wegman’s staring at my mountain of groceries on the belt and a fussy infant, to the woman sitting across my kitchen table trying to discuss a frustration she may be having with her own child while mine is drawing on the wall. Mothers need grace. Especially when attempting to cultivate friendships in this frenetic season of mothering.
I would like to hope that this is just a season, the distractedness, the busyness, but I am learning that this is my new normal. While we need to make time and invest energy into cultivating our friendships, we can not sustain them without grace for one another. I have to remember that schedules won’t always coincide, children will not always cooperate, budgets may not always allow, and thoughts may not flow concisely. My hope is that my friendships are strong enough to survive these things.
More important than the grace from the stranger and my friends, I rely on the grace from God. Mothering is too hard to go it alone. I am not in the Word as much as I need to be. I don’t spend the time to develop my relationship with Him nearly as much as I, or He, would like. I also make great excuses to get out of going to church. My walk is never as straight as it has been called to be. I believe the lies and forget the Truth. Yet, He is here. Always. HE remains; abounding in love. It is by His grace alone that I can be forgiven of my daily - sometimes hourly - shortcomings. His endless compassion for me reminds me that I must reflect that in my roles as loving mother and available friend.
Lord, praise you that you are forgiving of my hourly and daily short-comings. May I extend to my friends the grace and compassion you have shown toward me. Help me to abound in love and forgive. Surround me with women who extend grace towards me, that we may encourage one another.

Trip to AZ

This year we spent New Years with my parents in Phoenix. We had a lovely time but let's just say it will be long while before I travel with two little ones at the holidays making that East to West trip again. Phew!
The purpose for our visit was to celebrate my mother's 6oth birthday. And mom, if you are reading this, don't be upset that I put your age here for the world to see. You ROCKED 60 like nobody's business. You look amazing, and I am so proud of you.
Of course, what is a trip to Gramma and PopPop's at Christmas time without presents? We all got plenty spoiled. Thank you everyone!
I also got to visit with some of my dearest girlfriends from college. I didn't get to see everyone on my list but I am keeping my fingers cross for my next visit.
Enjoy the photos below!
Checking out the lights in Sedona, AZ

Jon's sister Keri and her fiance "Mr. Kenny" joined us too! So fun!

Mom with her "girls" on her birthday

Carter after he realized he at Rattlesnake. Thanks PopPop!

Helping Gramma blow out her candles.

Carter and Moira "sharing" their new microphone. Donny and Marie eat your heart out!

 Moira and Gramma

Ringing in the New Year with some of my besties!

My girls with their kiddos!

Moira's First Pedi!

I realize it is a bit fuzzy but our sweet baby girl's toes are PINK! Her Auntie Meg asked if she could have the honor and I thought it would be super sweet. She looked darling! Gramma explained to Moira, who was wriggling around in the firm embrace of Gramma's arms, that "Beauty is pain". I smiled because that was the same mantra my mom sang to me as she shoved bobby pins into my scalp before dance recitals.  We had to keep her from wriggling out of Gramma's arms afterward so she wouldn't crawl around and (gasp!) smudge her pedi.

Daddy was a little surprised and not too thrilled but I assured him the paint would come off ....someday. Carter exclaimed that her toes "look beauutiful!" And I love catching Moira peeking at her toes. They are especially distracting at diaper-changing time.

Taking a moment to remember my blessings

As the New Year dawns, we all seem challenged to think about what we want to change about ourselves. While change is good, I was recently reminded to be thankful for what I already have. I know, some of you are thinking, "Ah, Mariah, Thanksgiving was a few months ago...get with it!".
Just the other day I received a delightful email from my mother-in-law. She attached something she had found that made her think of me. In my hurried, ultra-busy, "super-important" life, I glanced at the length, sighed and decided to read it when I had "more time". Well, later today I had "more time" (a mistake I am sure but there it was so I TOOK it!). Once I read it I was immediately humbled. I have attached it below to share with you. I hope it touches your heart as it did mine.
It made me realize that we don't ALWAYS have to change - ourselves or our children. This year I am choosing to accept. I will accept my children for who they are: gifts created by God. I will accept myself for who I am: loved and forgiven but most importantly, created for His purpose. I will accept others for who they are: children of God.
Enjoy!
"What is a girl?"
"What is a boy?"

Happy New Year!

I wanted to jump on and wish everyone a very blessed new year in 2010. We have just returned from a wonderful trip celebrating my mother for her 6oth birthday. I couldn't be more honored to have her as my mother. She totally rocked 2009 out and I can't wait to see what she and the rest of us do in 2010.
One thing I have learned this year is that it is NEVER too late to make a change. It is my prayer that I search my heart for what I truly desire and I intend to go after it this year. It doesn't matter if I only take baby steps or I don't get too far. All that matters is that I am on the path. I want to keep my eyes and heart on God and that is an excellent place to be.
May you find peace and joy this coming year and know that you are dearly loved.

Pictures soon!