Friday Five - Boost Edition

I am having a FANTASTIC Friday. It was a great ending to the last 3 GOOD days. I started taking care of my goddaughter E (almost 4 months old) and I can't say enough what a blessing she is to our lives. She enriches us. We've smiled and laughed more the last few days at this new soul in our house. I'm sure we'll have those days of screaming fits, or my "irish twins" (E and Valiant are 10 months apart) needing me at the same time creating some adorable chaos, but this week was such a great start. E fits right on in, no surprise there! I've always loved having my family, or my friends' kids over - so I'm so glad I can enjoy this more daily!

Lovely enjoyed her last weekday of summer before school too. We had her friends over for one last summer playdate. She had fun - I barely saw her lol. It was such a boost to be around kids and friends I haven't seen with our summer business. This summer has almost been maddening with its new events - but great! I'm ready for some routine again. Lovely has now gone for a sleepover at my parents, and Hubby and I are going gate shopping tonight - Valiant became a bottom scooter. It's hysterical! E was the perfect motivator to get her moving! all she wants is E - she calls her "Doggie" (everything smaller than her that moves is a doggie thanks to my sister's Westie dog) and will scoot anywhere to get to E, and attempt to touch her face hehe! I can't leave the two of them alone yet, Valiant does not know her strength! The rest of the weekend is family time, planning for next week's SCHOOL start (ACK!!) meal planning, and mass.

I thought I'd do my Friday Five with some favorite quotes from my daily readings. One of my favorite publications is the Daily Word - affirmations and reflections to remind us of being God's chosen child. They have an affirmation, an explanation, and a passage from scripture. It helps me during my low times, AND my good moments, to find my "rosey" outlook. I believe in the power of positive thinking, and the Trinity gracing it to me. The website gives the same readings I read in my magazine in the morning with my other devotionals.

1. "I am free in mind, body and spirit...spiritual freedom..has no limitations. I can choose how I fill my heart and mind. I can choose how I experience God, how I pray, and how I practice the presence of God in my daily life. Embracing freedom of Spirit, I break through any self imposed limitations and open myself to divine possibility...by choosing encouraging words, uplifting thoughts, and positive habits, I give full expression to my spiritual freedom." For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters - Galatians 5:13

2. "I am the one and only me...I may not think of myself as a creative person but I know that I have unique talents and gifts to share. For instance, art may appear on a canvas, or it may appear in a meal prepared with love. Some hands sculpt clay or play a musical instrument, and some gently hold the hand of a child. Wisdom can be found in books, but it can also be found in quiet conversation across the kitchen table...as I more fully express who I am, I bless others, and blessings flow back to me. I am creative, productive, and open to divine inspiration. I give my gifts to the world." Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. - 1 Corinthians 2:12

3. "I am attuned to the goodness of God...the gentle pattern of raindrops...enjoying a conversation with a friend, joining in laughter with loved ones - what blessings they are! Such simple pleasures are but a few of the abundant gifts from God that enrich my life's experience...I acknowledge my blessings one by one. As I do, I open my awareness to the goodness of God all around me. Truly I am blessed beyond measure." Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4

4. "I am grateful...even if I am going through a challenging experience, I am grateful, for I know that good will come out of it. Will I learn of inner strength that I didn't know I had? Will I gain a renewed appreciation for my life and the people in it? I am grateful for my present circumstances, for I know they offer opportunities for growth. I thank God for the life I have been given and the life I am creating by seeing all the good in all that comes before me." Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving. - Psalm 95:2

5. "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well...if at any time today the order and harmony of some aspects of my life seem uncertain, I clear my mind of all concern. There is no need to worry. Just as season follows season, wave after wave, and sunrise follows sunset, all is well. I honor myself for the perfection that I am as one of God's creations. I know that I am in the right place at the right time. All that I do today and every day is blessed with God's goodness. With gratitude, I affirm: Wherever I am, God is, and all is well." My heart is steadfast O God, my heart is steadfast! - Psalm 108:1

I pray wherever this finds you, you know grace is pouring down on you...and even if the world fails you, or you limit yourself with worries and insecurities (So ME!!!) God will not. You are never alone!

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit :)

Happy weekend! TGIF!