I have a friend in Houston, Beth who has a wonderful blog. I love to keep up with it regularly because her daughter Genevieve is adorable and because it really encourages me. Beth's blog is a sweet testimony of how God is actively working in her life. About 9 months ago she started a little ditty called Goodness Gracious. And it was a list of "the Lord's goodness and gracious gifts" in her life specific to that week. Some little things and some big things. Ever since then she posts weekly "Goodness Gracious" entries that keep me up to speed with her in a personal way or they've given me a little spiritual boost. I think its an awesome thing to look back on and see how God has provided or been faithful and remember the little things that bring joy. So, if she doesn't mind, I'm going to borrow the idea...at least for today, this week or even just this moment in my life.
(Thank you Beth! You're an incredible follower of the Lord and I'm blessed to have crossed paths with you and Rick almost 9 year ago. Hopefully you don't mind me snagging your idea!)
1. Mother's Day plus Brunch. Brooks on his own initiative made me a sweet card at school that his teachers helped him make. Mother's Day to Americans is on a different day than the rest of the world so his school didn't do anything special but he did! Four year old thoughtfulness doesn't come often at our house! I also got B.E.A.utiful flowers and a thoughtful card from Nick. Then to top things off we enjoyed Champagne brunch at the Ritz...watch out! I've never in my life seen food be so plentiful and taste so amazing. The boys did great and the Doha Ritz is one of the few that are so family oriented.
2. Amy. She is one of the best friends I've made in Doha and she moved moved back to the US this week. She, Jackie and I spent the morning together getting pedicures, having lunch and enjoying one last time together before she left on Wednesday to fly back to Pittsburgh. Doha won't be the same without her here. She's the type of person people just can't help but be drawn to. She loves like Jesus does. She's got a way of making people feel special and just as important as anyone else. I want to love people like that without hesitation. She also greatly ministered to our entire church by bringing a new and fresh feel to the music ministry.
3. Doha Doctor Friend...Dr. Steve. This week Georgia had a horrible case of baby acne. So bad I thought it might be something else. Thank goodness for our friend Steve. He volunteered to come right over and take a look. He's is a Family Practice doc and is currently working at a prestigious medical school here in Doha. He's a teaching doctor so instead of taking us for appointments he makes house calls. He gave us a quick and easy diagnosis and put our minds at ease.
4. Warm Food instead of cereal. Mother's day evening a sweet lady at my church brought us homemade cheese burgers for dinner. They were delish and our boys ate em up better than anything else! Then my dear friend Donna brought us some more good comfort food the next day. Quiche, homemade mac and cheese plus dessert. Then again, my neighbor and friend Biny just made a little extra chicken one night for us and some of her awesome banana bread. We have enjoyed the blessing of so many wonderful meals since Georgia's been born. Its honestly been the most helpful thing anyone could do for us. I haven't taken a single bite for granted! The goodness of these meals has reminded me to do the same for others randomly or obviously when needed.
5. Apple Tree. Apple Tree Nursery is where the boys go to school. This coming week will be our last before our summer break and heading home. I'm feeling a little sad as we wrap up. I couldn't be more thankful for our experience there. The boys have learned so much and grown in so many ways. I feel like a little chapter in Brooks' educational life is ending. He'll be moving from nursery school to primary/elementary school. Next year he'll go to ASD which feels like a huge step compared to our little sweet comfort zone of Apple Tree. His teachers have been absolutely amazing. Not only teaching him to excel in academics but also teaching him to be polite and responsible.
6. New Friendships. Within the last 6 weeks or so I've been given the the opportunity to spend more time with a few new friends. Just being pregnant blossomed some relationships that I otherwise, might not have. For that I am thankful! This week I had lunch, a few visits, and a baby shower that made me realize how God has graciously given me more and more friends since living in Doha. Unfortunately when we come back to Doha after the summer 4 of my very close friends will have moved. I'd like to throw a big ol toddler temper tantrum about it but God's always been so faithful to provide wonderful friends and those friends are still as close as always...no matter where they live.
7. Comfy. I can't believe we've already lived here 20 months! Nick and I have found ourselves very content, comfortable and thankful for our life in Doha these last few months. Didn't know we would ever feel that way. A year ago I was looking at the calendar and counting down the time til we might be home in Houston. Now...its a different story. First of all, we're thankful Nick has a job. But mostly we're thankful for our simple life here that I've come to treasure. I'm hesitant (and praying) about our time back at home this summer as we jump right back into American culture. Now that I've moved away, I can see from a distance some lifestyle changes I want to make when we're back to the US. I couldn't be more thankful for this time of peace and fulfillment that I know only God has given us. Having Georgia here was an incredible lesson of watching God's hand work in our lives the same here has He would have anywhere else.
8. Few of my favorite things. Sounds silly but its not....since having Georgia I've fallen in love with a few conveniences this time. I have a few of the latest and greatest that I didn't have when the boys were newborns. The MobyWrap, the Miracle Blanket, the :) Hooter Hider, the Snap and Go and the Soothie monkey pacifier. Love them all! Thanks goes to the gift givers and those who have gone before!
9. Sleep. If there's anything I dreaded about having a newborn again, it was loosing sleep and being completely wiped out. Thanks be to the good Lord because so far Georgia has been an amazing sleeper. Every night since she's been born we've had at a least 5 hour stretch. We've even had a few extended stretches...one with 6 hours and one night with 8 hours. I wouldn't dream of taking any credit for that since I'm not schedule oriented. I'm just so so thankful for restful nights.
10. Broken Collar Bone and Dr. Steve again! It sounds dramatic but I'm actually thankful for a broken collar bone. Just a few days ago we confirmed that Georgia has a broken clavicle or collar bone. Come to find out 2.7 out of every 1000 babies break their collar bone during delivery. Our big girl, did just that. About 10 days ago I noticed a hard bump around her neck. I put off thinking too much about it and then it got the best of my mind so I did a little research and called Steve. Turns out the only thing that helps that kind of break is time. It heals on its own. So by the time Dr. Steve actually took a look at Georgia, I was praying it was a broken collar bone and nothing worse. Looks like we have one tough little girl. Its not bothering her too badly. We're praying it heals back perfectly and we're thankful it isn't anything else.
Steve and Melissa's sweet girls with Georgia
Audrey and Ava
For some reason this week has brought on a lot of thinking which is why I wanted to do this post. I've had a lot on my mind for a variety of reasons. I've not been stressed or anxious, just thinking. I have some tough good-byes this week before leaving. And just the prep to get ready for our summer break is a lot to think about. Its very exciting because we get to introduce Georgia to our family and refuel back in the States but also overwhelming to plan for such a long trip away from Doha. Mostly these days have either reminded me of God's faithfulness or I've just been filled to the brim with joy!
(Thank you Beth! You're an incredible follower of the Lord and I'm blessed to have crossed paths with you and Rick almost 9 year ago. Hopefully you don't mind me snagging your idea!)
1. Mother's Day plus Brunch. Brooks on his own initiative made me a sweet card at school that his teachers helped him make. Mother's Day to Americans is on a different day than the rest of the world so his school didn't do anything special but he did! Four year old thoughtfulness doesn't come often at our house! I also got B.E.A.utiful flowers and a thoughtful card from Nick. Then to top things off we enjoyed Champagne brunch at the Ritz...watch out! I've never in my life seen food be so plentiful and taste so amazing. The boys did great and the Doha Ritz is one of the few that are so family oriented.
2. Amy. She is one of the best friends I've made in Doha and she moved moved back to the US this week. She, Jackie and I spent the morning together getting pedicures, having lunch and enjoying one last time together before she left on Wednesday to fly back to Pittsburgh. Doha won't be the same without her here. She's the type of person people just can't help but be drawn to. She loves like Jesus does. She's got a way of making people feel special and just as important as anyone else. I want to love people like that without hesitation. She also greatly ministered to our entire church by bringing a new and fresh feel to the music ministry.
3. Doha Doctor Friend...Dr. Steve. This week Georgia had a horrible case of baby acne. So bad I thought it might be something else. Thank goodness for our friend Steve. He volunteered to come right over and take a look. He's is a Family Practice doc and is currently working at a prestigious medical school here in Doha. He's a teaching doctor so instead of taking us for appointments he makes house calls. He gave us a quick and easy diagnosis and put our minds at ease.
4. Warm Food instead of cereal. Mother's day evening a sweet lady at my church brought us homemade cheese burgers for dinner. They were delish and our boys ate em up better than anything else! Then my dear friend Donna brought us some more good comfort food the next day. Quiche, homemade mac and cheese plus dessert. Then again, my neighbor and friend Biny just made a little extra chicken one night for us and some of her awesome banana bread. We have enjoyed the blessing of so many wonderful meals since Georgia's been born. Its honestly been the most helpful thing anyone could do for us. I haven't taken a single bite for granted! The goodness of these meals has reminded me to do the same for others randomly or obviously when needed.
5. Apple Tree. Apple Tree Nursery is where the boys go to school. This coming week will be our last before our summer break and heading home. I'm feeling a little sad as we wrap up. I couldn't be more thankful for our experience there. The boys have learned so much and grown in so many ways. I feel like a little chapter in Brooks' educational life is ending. He'll be moving from nursery school to primary/elementary school. Next year he'll go to ASD which feels like a huge step compared to our little sweet comfort zone of Apple Tree. His teachers have been absolutely amazing. Not only teaching him to excel in academics but also teaching him to be polite and responsible.
6. New Friendships. Within the last 6 weeks or so I've been given the the opportunity to spend more time with a few new friends. Just being pregnant blossomed some relationships that I otherwise, might not have. For that I am thankful! This week I had lunch, a few visits, and a baby shower that made me realize how God has graciously given me more and more friends since living in Doha. Unfortunately when we come back to Doha after the summer 4 of my very close friends will have moved. I'd like to throw a big ol toddler temper tantrum about it but God's always been so faithful to provide wonderful friends and those friends are still as close as always...no matter where they live.
7. Comfy. I can't believe we've already lived here 20 months! Nick and I have found ourselves very content, comfortable and thankful for our life in Doha these last few months. Didn't know we would ever feel that way. A year ago I was looking at the calendar and counting down the time til we might be home in Houston. Now...its a different story. First of all, we're thankful Nick has a job. But mostly we're thankful for our simple life here that I've come to treasure. I'm hesitant (and praying) about our time back at home this summer as we jump right back into American culture. Now that I've moved away, I can see from a distance some lifestyle changes I want to make when we're back to the US. I couldn't be more thankful for this time of peace and fulfillment that I know only God has given us. Having Georgia here was an incredible lesson of watching God's hand work in our lives the same here has He would have anywhere else.
8. Few of my favorite things. Sounds silly but its not....since having Georgia I've fallen in love with a few conveniences this time. I have a few of the latest and greatest that I didn't have when the boys were newborns. The MobyWrap, the Miracle Blanket, the :) Hooter Hider, the Snap and Go and the Soothie monkey pacifier. Love them all! Thanks goes to the gift givers and those who have gone before!
9. Sleep. If there's anything I dreaded about having a newborn again, it was loosing sleep and being completely wiped out. Thanks be to the good Lord because so far Georgia has been an amazing sleeper. Every night since she's been born we've had at a least 5 hour stretch. We've even had a few extended stretches...one with 6 hours and one night with 8 hours. I wouldn't dream of taking any credit for that since I'm not schedule oriented. I'm just so so thankful for restful nights.
10. Broken Collar Bone and Dr. Steve again! It sounds dramatic but I'm actually thankful for a broken collar bone. Just a few days ago we confirmed that Georgia has a broken clavicle or collar bone. Come to find out 2.7 out of every 1000 babies break their collar bone during delivery. Our big girl, did just that. About 10 days ago I noticed a hard bump around her neck. I put off thinking too much about it and then it got the best of my mind so I did a little research and called Steve. Turns out the only thing that helps that kind of break is time. It heals on its own. So by the time Dr. Steve actually took a look at Georgia, I was praying it was a broken collar bone and nothing worse. Looks like we have one tough little girl. Its not bothering her too badly. We're praying it heals back perfectly and we're thankful it isn't anything else.
Steve and Melissa's sweet girls with Georgia
Audrey and Ava
For some reason this week has brought on a lot of thinking which is why I wanted to do this post. I've had a lot on my mind for a variety of reasons. I've not been stressed or anxious, just thinking. I have some tough good-byes this week before leaving. And just the prep to get ready for our summer break is a lot to think about. Its very exciting because we get to introduce Georgia to our family and refuel back in the States but also overwhelming to plan for such a long trip away from Doha. Mostly these days have either reminded me of God's faithfulness or I've just been filled to the brim with joy!
8 comments:
I love this idea!! What a wonderful thing this blog is. Thank you for openly sharing your heart girl. I love ya for that and I will be praying for your trip back to Dallas. I know what you mean about simplifying. It's Hard to do but we get such rewards from a quiet, peaceful day, week, month or 20 months!
AWESOME POST! I love it! That joy that the Lord has given you has been so evident lately! I am so glad he has given you exactly what you needed there~ great friends, a simple way of life, Apple Tree, a sweet baby GIRL and so many other blessings! Those pics of G are presh! And she is just a beauty and champ sleeper!
Praise the Lord for a good sleeper! Sleep effects everything I do! And sweet collar bone - good thing that sweet baby girl doesn't even know what's going on. Poor thing. I second Ashley on seeing the joy in our life from all the blessings the Lord has given you lately. It is evident in your life! I am so glad you took a step back and had some introspect before trecking it back to your "other home" for awhile. Can't wait to meet "little Barrett with a bow" in two weeks!
I'm flattered, Wendi! I loved reading AND seeing how the Lord is consistently gracious to you and yours. That Mother's Day picture at the Ritz of all 5 of you is precious. You are blessed! We hope to see you on your visit to Houston! I'll be praying for your flight(s) and your visit. Most of all that He would be glorified in your time with family and friends and that you would be encouraged.
P.S. I ADORE my Moby Wrap too! I can't wait to use it again in September!
Aunt Biny has tears in her eyes :-(
i love you dear dear friend! i have no voice at the moment so i'll try and call you later in the week. when does your dad come???
Wendi what a sweet post and window into your precious world right now. I am so thankful for all the joy in your life and all the ways that the Lord is blessing you with contentment in Doha, what an answer to prayer. Goodness Gracious is a fantastic idea...I wouldn't be shocked to see a Smith version in the days to come! Love you
I really enjoyed your "Goodness Gracious" post. Thanks for sharing! I would love to hear more of your thoughts about changing your lifestyle when back in the states. I've been thinking a lot about that lately as well. I'm so glad that little Georgia is ok! I didn't realize that could happen during birth but I guess that makes sense!
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