Radiant with Joy

Radiant with joy.
Doesn't that sound amazing? I mean to truly live that way ... to be so full of joy that others just SEE it in you, on you, and all around you ... wow. I want that kind of joy.

God gave me a verse a few weeks ago, and it has been sticking with me ... coming to mind and teaching me a little bit more about this lesson concerning dependence on God.
I have struggled with depending on God for so many years. I want to embrace the Truth that God is made perfect in my weakness, but I really hate being weak, especially, if I've been working at that weak area for a long time. But ya know? That is pride. ... Dangit. Another struggle to work through. 😉 But to embrace this Truth that depending on the Lord is ok, even good, is tough! But I'm learning that I can find JOY in my need for God because my need for Him is His purpose for me. So instead of feeling guilty and condemning myself over every little mistake, I need to dust myself off, take a deep breath, and whisper, "let's try this again, Jesus." And then remind myself that becoming more like Jesus is a process, and that's perfect!
God gave me Psalm 34:5, which says, "Those who look to the Lord for help will be radiant with joy. No shadow of shame will darken their faces." This promise is beautiful for this season of my life because joy can be so easy to find as a mama, and yet, so hard at times too. If I want to radiate joy, I need to ask God for His help instead of relying on my own strength. And my joy will grow as I remember that I don't need to feel shame when I sin because Jesus has already taken that mistake and covered it clean with His precious blood. ... Wow. Jesus, help these Truths soak in! I don't want to live in condemnation any longer. I want my joy to be full, complete, and radiant. Thank you, Jesus, for your power in my life through your word.

And thank you, Lord, for our beautiful baby number four whose middle name will always remind me of your promise of joy to me. Can't wait to add her to these beautiful babes of mine!
Miriam Joy Thompson
9/12/19

Elisha is 10 months old!

My sweet boy ❤
I can't believe he is 10 months old already! He and his sisters have been keepin' me hoppin' these past 10 months .... it's hard to believe his little sister is only 7 weeks away from being born ... give or take a few days. 😉 I am so excited and overwhelmed. It's gonna be crazy and amazing! ❤

Well, this boy has been a busy, little guy this past month. He is crawling everywhere and getting into anything he can get his hands on. He is starting to reach for things on low tables ... I'll probably be sharing that he's pulling up on those tables in next month's post! He has popped his second tooth through, and we're confident he's working on more. He's still a stubborn napper during the day, but he is starting to have some quiet time in his crib and being put to bed without being rocked to sleep. He's experimenting with more solid foods like noodles and pancakes and eggs. He really likes toys that make noise and chasing after balls. He's giving hugs and kisses. ❤ I know I always miss a few things, but those are the highlights.

Mama is getting more exhausted by the day .... but also more excited. I can't believe it, but I'm actually looking forward to Miriam's birth (usually, that's the scary part!)! The time in the hospital can be so precious ... other than sleeping on the hospital bed. 😉 I've also been making plans for homeschooling Haddie for preschool this school year and starting up a motherhood ministry at our church this fall. I'm reading parenting books, watching through the first five seasons of When Calls the Heart for the third time, and continually striving to not only keep my sanity but cherish the moments. Yep, I'm keeping busy! 😉
I truly love being a stay-at-home mom, and I wouldn't trade it for anything ... even on days like today when my children are doing everything in their power to keep any of us from having a quiet time. 🤯 I love you, my sweet children!