Turn of events.

It's one of those days..or should I say weeks. The computer crashed (of course, right after I booked 7 photoshoots) so I'm writing this from my iPhone. (Should be interesting). My patience is minimal and my energy low. I put Nevaeh down for a nap, she goes down easily. Then I spend the next 45 minutes getting Selah down. Finally, after getting some gas out she falls asleep. I lay my head on my pillow to try to rest for a few minutes...recharge on this day full of frustration...less than 30 seconds of my head being on the pillow...I hear Nevaeh start to cry. She has awoken! Are you kidding me??! We have family pictures at 5 and I'm not sure I have the energy to gather the flock and attempt to get a picture with us all looking the same direction. I can tell my attitude is lousy and my desire to change it is really only for selfish reasons..I don't like feeling like this.

I'm reminded that patience, love and joy are fruits of the spirit and therefore nothing I can force or fake. I simply need to be a vessel fit for the presence of God to dwell in me. Ba hum bog. I feel like Scrooge right now.

But I don't want to settle! This is no fun so here we go. I may not be able to force or fake patience, joy and love but I know what I can force: my attitude.

So this does not come naturally, but with a sincere heart let me try this again.

Today has been challenging. I welcome you challenge. My hubby has been working a ton and taking a class on the side so my time with him (and away from the girls) is small. God, I am so thankful that my husband has a job. With unemployment rates so high, I'm sorry for grumbling about my husbands busy schedule. You are the great provider and I praise you for that. I praise you that you've blessed my socks off with a husband who is so smart..what a privilege that if I have a question about really anything I could feel equally confident asking Peter as I would asking google.

The terrible twos have debuted in the Zimmer home early..but Lord I'm so thankful that I have a toddler. We have watched three sweet families lose their babies and they would do anything for one tantrum or one meltdown or one more moment with their children. Thank you for my little Nevaeh. She has her moments but more than that she has so many beautiful moments when her heart shines and her sweet personality spills on to those around her.

Thank you for Selah bug. A baby crying can be very frustrating but again I praise you that have blessed us with not just one but two precious little girls.

God I know I can't do this motherhood thing alone. I fail miserably when I try. Thank you that you give us a helper the Holy Spirit. I need you.

Thank you for perspective that comes only from time with you. Dr. Phil has nothing on you Lord! I love you, let my attitude reflect that the rest of this day. Sorry for being a bum earlier. Thank you for forgiveness and grace! Where would I be without it?!

Until we meet again!
C

We just got back from a fabulous family vacation to San Diego. It was such a sweet time with Peter and the girls and we got to see lots of family and friends while we were there. Escaping to the cooler climate, the change of scenery, and the refreshing beach air just blessed us tremendously.

I was anxious to dive into my Bible this morning, since that is one thing I didn't do on the trip. I'm doing a fabulous study and this morning I read about the Israelites wandering through the desert and the provision of the Lord. (If you are interested in this study, let me know!) One of the bullet points in my study states "God revealed Himself to His children through constant care and provision. He still does. In what ways has He recently shown you His heart by providing for your needs?" 3 things came to mind immediately.

Almost exactly a year ago we were headed to San Diego for our family vacation. We were about 100 miles from San Diego when our car totally stopped running. Peter quickly veered to the side of the road and we got out. It was still very hot where we were and Nevaeh was about 8 months old. Multiple people stopped to ask if we needed help and we finally ended up leaving the car and hitching a ride with some construction workers. We had them take us to the nearest little town and called the tow truck. Peter and I were both convinced that my little Snow White was toast. After hours or waiting for tow trucks and rides to arrive, we dropped off the car at a little hole-in-the-wall mechanic and headed into to San Diego....car less. Four days later, we picked up our car, only to find out it wasn't toast! The car had lost transmission fluid and that is why it just stopped running. We were so thankful!

Sooo this year as we headed to San Diego, we definitely had not forgotten our previous experience. We prayed leading up to the trip, right before our trip and on the road.... and gave PRAISE when we officially passed the place where we broke down with the same car, one year prior. It's the little things that I have been really loving lately. God answered our prayers that our car would successfully take our little family to and from San Diego safely and without any problems!

The second day we were in San Diego I started feeling sick. Like flu sick. I was achy, hot and feeling really icky. It was only day 2, we still had 3 full days ahead! Peter prayed as we crossed the Coronado Island bridge that God would take away this sickness so we could enjoy this time we had as a family. I text my Mom and brother and asked if they would pray too. I love having people to call on that you know will really pray. After a 2 hour nap, I woke up feeling completely better! I was just so grateful that God had heard and answered our prayers so we could continue to enjoy our time in San Diego.

Night number 3 Selah woke up at 3 in the morning with a fever. I had totally forgotten the thermometer and the infant Tylenol so we were kind of stuck. I knew that finding an open store to buy a thermometer and Tylenol would not be easy. I didn't want to overreact but I was concerned that my little 3 month old had a fever. I lay in bed and thought of what I should do...then I did what I thought would be best. Prayed. I put my hands on Selah's little head and prayed for protection and healing of her little body. And I prayed she would wake up healthy and without a fever in a few hours. I woke Peter up and he prayed as well. I fed Selah and she went right back to bed. Five hours later we woke up to a fever less, happy baby girl!

God is beyond good. He provided so much for this sweet little trip we took. Everything had his hand on it.

Bless you Lord....and thank you.

Sometimes I think that it has to be big, dramatic things in order to really give God the glory for provision. But it's so not true. God provides the big and the small. And I love that about Him. How would you answer this question? "In what ways has He recently shown you His heart by providing for your needs?" I'd love to hear!

Happy Monday friends!!
Carrie