Mourn with those who mourn...

My heart is heavy this morning as I write down the name of another family in need of prayer at the loss of their child.  I woke up this morning and looked on Facebook to see so many requesting prayers for a family in Tuscaloosa who lost their son yesterday in a tragic accident.  My heart immediately ached for them and I prayed so hard for them before leaving for church.  I began to consider all of the recent stories of tragedy and loss that I became aware of through Facebook.  Facebook and social media get a great deal of criticism, but I realized this morning what a beacon of support it has become for those in need of prayer.  I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to pray for families, that I do not even know, simply because someone cared enough about them to spread their story...and their needs.  I am grateful that my "news feed" has become more of a "needs feed" that allows us to be there for others.  Prayer is so very powerful and I am encouraged that these families have so many lifting them up in prayer.  It is in these times that we must cling to what the Lord promises us, so that we do not become discouraged or full of fear.  As a new mother, it is very easy to fall into sin by worrying and becoming anxious and playing the "what if" game...but I am reminded that the Lord commands me, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

Praying for so many this morning who have experienced the loss of their child in the last few weeks and I will continue to "mourn with those who mourn"...

New Year...New Blessings!

Happy New Year all!  I can't believe it's the 10th of January and I am just now writing a New Year's blog post...can you say slacker???
I am excited to welcome 2013...but also sad that another year is over.  2012 was a year of blessings for Cullen and me, as we welcomed our first child into the world-William Cullen Smith.

I have thought a lot about this new year and what "goals" I have for myself.  I like to call them "goals" rather than "resolutions" as I feel that's what they are.  I should probably go ahead and add-be a better blogger- to my list!  I feel it's important to consider each new year as an opportunity to learn from the prior year and to challenge ourselves to grow in the areas that we struggled in.  I am writing my goals out, so that it will help to hold me accountable to them:)
1.  To be a better blogger-ha!
2.  To make more time for friends and family-as I realize more and more how we are not promised tomorrow.
3.  To grow closer to Christ-I think this should be a goal EVERY year!  
4.  To read more.  I am going to set a realistic goal of reading a book a month.  The good thing is, I don't have to buy any books, because there's a stack in my bedroom of unread books.  (obviously this is an area of struggle for me!)
5.  To practice an attitude of gratitude daily.  

Cullen and I have started our "blessing jar" and it has already helped me to be thankful for every blessing...even the small ones.  It also helps me to consider all the ways in which I am blessed daily.  I think our culture is one that goes to God asking "why me" when things are complicated, but we don't ask "why me" when things are going wonderfully.  I want to continue to refine this part of my heart.  

Nothing fancy...easy to do!  I think I will pick a prettier color construction paper next month!:)

Okay...so I don't want to spread myself too thin with too many goals, so these are going to be my starting place!  So, if I do a good job with my goals, you will be hearing a lot more from me!:)  Happy 2013 all!