Fantabulous Friday #3

So far, I haven't really gotten anyone to participate in Fantabulous Friday, but that's okay. I'm having a great time! God is using it to remind me of my blessings & to give me a specific time to thank Him...and that's what it's all about. I don't praise Him nearly enough!

If you've read my blog before, you know I write about CJ...a lot. In fact, one of my friends said last night that when she reads my blog, it always seems to come back to CJ. I just can't help it. God has taught me so much through this little girl. She constantly amazes me...primarily because of the way God is obviously working in her life. I didn't grow up in a Christian home. I didn't have a thing to do with Jesus until I was in my mid 20's. CJ, on the other hand, has been at our church since she was 9 days old. It's her second home. Jesus is so real to her, and I praise Him because she'll never remember a time when she didn't know Him.

Over the past few weeks, I've watched Him do some FANTABULOUS things through her...which have touched my heart so deeply. And since this is MY blog, and MY praise...can you indulge a proud mama while she busts her buttons?

~Last month, her school had a fundraiser for a local boy who needs a bone marrow transplant. The students were "buying" 50-cent chances to hit a teacher with a pie in the face. We gave CJ $10. The next morning, she dug $10 out of her piggy bank. When I asked her if she really wanted to do that, her comment was "It's not about the pie, Mama." Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that we're supposed to give to those who are less fortunate.

~As I mentioned in this post, my sister's husband is getting ready to deploy to Kuwait. Her children are 11 and 8. When we visit, they love to play with Uncle R. CJ was jealous at first, but I explained that her cousins don't have their dad right now, and they need someone to help fill that void. The next time we went back, CJ took a back seat & hung out with me while her Daddy played with them. She watched them & remarked, "Mama, I'm glad Daddy can play with them. It's good for them." Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that we shouldn't be selfish, and to put others' needs ahead of our own.

~When we go to the grocery store, she always grabs any stray carts she finds in the parking lot & brings them in. If she's putting our cart up, she gets the loose ones & puts them up, too. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me to have a better attitude about cleaning up the messes other people sometimes leave...whether physical or emotional.

~Recently, we were leaving a store & saw a mother & young child coming toward the door. They were far enough away that I kept walking toward the car. CJ stopped & waited so she could hold the door open for them. Thank you, Lord, for showing me that I need to have a servant's heart.

~This morning, when I took her into day camp, she pointed out the memory verse for the week, and told me she'd gotten in right on the first try. Thank you, Lord, for convicting me that I need to spend more time hiding your word in my heart.

~ When we entered the camp room, all of the counselors were so excited to see her. There was a chorus of cheers & "hoorays" because she was back...from the COUNSELORS. Later, the director made a point to tell me that they love having CJ there. Thank you, Lord, for encouraging me that we're raising our daughter to honor you, and for giving her such a fun & sweet spirit.

And, Lord, when she whines, disobeys & gets sassy, remind me of these good things again! I'm sure I'll need it!