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Live deeply. Find Your Riches In The Every Day…

August 28, 2013 By momcafe 41 Comments

Every day brings new moments that are worthy of more than a glance.  Those flickering pieces of life we encounter in our day can bring such joy if we take it in, hold on tight, and embrace the light from which it came.  You have to be aware of these moments, in order to truly live deeply.  The pace with which we keep sometimes distracts our attention and changes our view.  Oh, how we miss out on the good and glorious parts of living when we don’t live deeply.  We all need to…

Grab it.  And grab it good.

Here are a few of my grabs this week:

My tummy will not stay down.

When Cade and I were doing our ‘morning snuggle’ he continued to push on my belly and claimed he was helping me push my tummy down.  Unfortunately, he finally realized that “it won’t stay down mommy!” “No son, it won’t.”

Oh, how I love my child’s sweet innocence.

My birth story never gets old.

It always amazes me that after 46 years of hearing how I came into this world, I still long to hear my mom’s words that light me within.

“Oh Chrissy, you came into this world with a BANG!!!  And you haven’t stopped since.”

Each year I am set to soar again, on that defining beginning.

My daughter is changing.

“Please don’t get goofy mommy!”

“Mama say WHAT?  Did I hear that right, Cassidy?”

“YES, mom!  Don’t embarrass me!!! He will be there!”

And so it begins…

Don’t try to prove your eating potential to strangers.

“Oh, the one serving of pancakes will be more than enough with your omelet!”  The server proclaimed.

“But you don’t know what I can put down!” I say with a hungry snare.

“Maybe start with one, and you can order another if you have room.” She appeased.

“Give me another serving.  I told you that wouldn’t be enough!” I boast with my belly.

“WOW, you can put it DOWN girl!” With surprise and disgust.

“Oh, sister… you know it!!!” Gloating with pride.

Next time, one serving will be just fine.  (Burp, gurgle, toot)

My husband still knocks my socks off.

Time alone without the kids… ah.  There is nothing sweeter than embracing each other and nourishing our love.

He is my miracle.  I will never take that for granted.

Wheelchairs don’t go over bumps well.

Spending the day pushing my dear friend around the beautiful Inniswood garden was a pleasure that dug deep down and lit up my soul.  Oh, how I cherish laughter and love in friendship!

But thank God I didn’t spill her.  Oh, did I come close.

I am afraid, but they are not.  Let it happen.

“I can do it, mommy!  PLEASE?”

“It’s just too dangerous!  NO!”

“I promise I will jump out and up!”

“Oh please be CAREFUL!!”

 She prepares herself for the dive, as I tread the water rapidly breathing in desperate prayers for protection.  Terrified of the worst.

She did it.  Over and over again.

 One breath of encouragement can lift up a soul.

Her mom came to me and told me she was going through all of last year’s things in her locker when she found her daughter’s mirror and wipe-off board. On it was written the phrase I had given her, in hopes to shine some light into her darkness.

You just never know the impact you have…

And as every day brings so many more moments like these, I reflect on them all and hold on to each with a grasp that deepens the richness of my life.

Each day, anew.  Oh, how life offers us plenty to grab.

Oh, dear friends…

Grab it.  Grab it good!

 

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Filed Under: Encouragement in Expression, Encouragement in Motherhood Tagged With: Embracing life, Encouragement, Encouragement for moms, Inspiration

Comments

  1. Considerer says

    August 28, 2013 at 10:57 am

    Gorgeous.

    I’m so glad to hear about how wonderfully things are going with you. And also very relieved you didn’t spill your friend (though I’m sure it would’ve made a hilarious anecdote)

    No line today – I don’t think you need one 😀

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:32 pm

      Oh you should have seen how badly the “almost spill” was! Terrified me- and my poor friend!! That would have made for a completely different post! lol

      Reply
      • Considerer says

        August 30, 2013 at 3:19 pm

        I would’ve given you two lines for a post like that! Still, all’s well that ends well 🙂

        Reply
  2. thedoseofreality says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:43 am

    Love this. Isn’t it amazing how much our children are growing and changing right before our eyes?! I can’t get over the difference between 3rd grade and 4th grade. Emma is like a different person.-Ashley

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:34 pm

      I know I KNOW Ashley!! Wow. Just wow. It happens RIGHT before our eyes… too fast. Way too fast. Lets take it all in before we have to let go of another stage, phase, season.

      Reply
  3. AnnMarie says

    August 28, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    Aw, Chris, I have missed your words. I love this. I hope you know what an impact you have made on my life and will continue to make. Even when we are busy with everything life is throwing at us, I still feel your prayers and I hope you feel mine. 🙂

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:36 pm

      Oh how glad I am that you still feel my prayers Annmarie!!! Our friendship is one that needs no ‘feeding’… it goes deep and beyond our posts, and I am so blessed because of that!!
      Your encouragement truly fills my heart today- and always. I am SO grateful for you!!!! xoxo

      Reply
  4. another jennifer says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    I love your words, Chris. I need to make sure I grab it good more often. I try, but I tend to need a reminder. Thank you!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:38 pm

      It’s really amazing how the day goes by and all these “moments” happen… and then on to the next day full of new moments and so on and so on.

      There are too many things our lives offer us to not bask in and relish and cherish. I try to make an intentional choice to really let it all soak in.

      We have so much to grab, don’t we??!! XO

      Reply
  5. Shell says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    Such a sweet idea to take these moments and really remember them!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:40 pm

      We all have so so many moment’s within our days- our lives, that can pass us by without a thought. Living to intentionally capture them in our hearts and hold them tight is what makes life rich. True? I believe so!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Tracie says

    August 28, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    I love reading all these little moments. It is a great reminder to stop, and appreciate them in my own life.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      We have so many to embrace! I really think it’s about living intentionally- and capturing those moments that could pass us by. We all have so many to cherish…

      So glad you stopped by Tracie!!

      Reply
  7. Shelly says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    And I quote…”let’s face it, your luck hasn’t been that good lately” came to mind briefly on our walk, JK, it was so
    awesome to be outside and giggle, you’re a wonderful friend:) Let me
    know if you need to borrow two barky dogs to chase the boys away, someone has told Cass she can’t date
    until she’s 21 right?

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      HAHAHAHAHA!!! THAT moment is forever etched in my mind! SO adorable, you never really thought you had bad luck with all you have been through! I just love that perspective and your amazing light, my friend!

      You wouldn’t believe all that’s going on with Cass these days… I will fill you in next time we hang! (Or fall… 😉 )

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    August 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Sometimes I need a reminder to stop and enjoy the little things in life. Thank you!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      We all do Michelle! It hits me so often, when I reflect on the day’s events or weeks gone by and realize how much happened, and how blessed I am to be able to experience so many rich moments.

      Intentional living is what I call it! Never take these moments for granted…

      That’s my hope! And a reminder to us all. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Malissa says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    This was an awesome post. “mommy! your belly won’t stay down” is PRICELESS 🙂 Kids can say some of the funniest things.

    The idea of not knowing whose life you may touch is great inspiration to always try to think about our words and actions before we make them.

    stopping in from PYHO

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Oh how truthful kids can be!! I remember a kid I used to teach asking me why I had a mustache! They truly keep us humble, eh?!

      I love how you said to “always think about our words and actions before we make them”- so beautifully put Malissa! SO true. We can make a difference in someone’s life without even knowing it. It’s a powerful insight. And one we must carry with us always.

      I am so glad you stopped by!!! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Ilene says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    I am not surprised at all that you came into this world with a bang. Not at all surprised one bit. And yes, one word of encouragement can be life changing. It never fails to amaze me.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      I just LOVE this comment Ilene!! I have read it about ten times…

      My guess is that your birth may have been the same!! 😉

      The power of encouragement goes far and beyond- I know it has often been my breath of life at times. Oh nothing is sweeter!!

      Reply
  11. Michell says

    August 28, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    Oh Chris! I am so definitely going to grab it and grab it good girl!:-D Ha…and it looks like I got the birthday right too! Whoopwhoop to me, lol!! Too funny about your over extension of the pancakes…too funny girl! As for the “I am afraid, but they are not”…wait until your babies start driving…oh my word Chris! BUT, just like the diving, they’ll get through the driving, lol! Thanks for reminding us – as eloquently as only you can do – to ENJOY life to the fullest my friend and thanks for linking up!!xoxo

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:18 pm

      Oh Michell, I wouldn’t doubt for ONE MINUTE that you don’t grab it GOOD!!! I just love that about you- and your spirit!!

      YOU WIN!!! And your prize is…. A CYBER HUG!!!!!! Feel it? 😉

      (Would you believe that just last night, I let cass do her inward dive over and over again, but this time- she landed ON the board!!! Thank GOD for protection!!! She was going head down onto the board and impulsively put her hands up and pushed herself to fall sliding off the board and into the water. She seriously could have shattered her jaw, lost all her teeth and broken her neck.

      Oh, this mama is terrified! Still in shock, and still praising God for sparing us this horrifying nightmare! Oh Lord, she is begging to dive again… Sigh.

      Reply
  12. Sarah @ LeftBrainBuddha says

    August 28, 2013 at 11:25 pm

    Lovely lovely lovely! I am dreading the days when my daughter is embarrassed by me….. but nice to see it as a celebration of change. And it is so amazing, isn’t it, all the things that terrify us that they are so brave to do?

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:21 pm

      It really struck me with my daughter, because she is always sharing with me and wanting me right in “it” with her- so much so, that her fifth grade friends are giving her grief for telling me ‘everything’ that goes on with them with their friendships and boyfriends etc.

      I am a TOTAL goofball with all her friends- and they love it! But Cass was so nervous to see her “boyfriend” that I think she just couldn’t handle me being crazy!! It is surreal to think my baby girl is now at this stage. But it’s so exciting too, and I pray she keeps me involved in every challenge and triumph along the way!

      Reply
  13. Tamara says

    August 29, 2013 at 12:17 am

    I love my birth story! I was the opposite. Not a bang, but a whimper. That’s how my son came in too! Just a little “Oh!” The bangs happened later!
    Love your words. So many gloriously grab-able moments in our days. It makes me feel like time is moving slower than we think. So much to love.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      I love your comment Tamara!! Just LOVE IT!!! Embrace your precious birth story… ah the bangs happened later! Love that!

      I love your encouragement, and the inspiration we both hold to make sure we embrace each and every moment that passes all too quickly. But when we pause to take it in, we can grab each treasure and hold on- so so much to grab. I pray I never take any blessing for granted.

      XOXO

      Reply
  14. Leah says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:53 am

    Love this! I do need to grab it and grab it good!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      We ALL do Leah!! It’s amazing how much life can truly pass us by, without capturing each precious moment we are given to live deeply! Embrace it all!! XO

      Reply
  15. Alison Hector says

    August 29, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    It’s just like you, Chris, to hone in on those precious moments that truly do make us “live deeply”. I pray you never stop having “eyes to see and ears to hear”!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:31 pm

      Oh Alison, you are such an encouragement to me!!! I am so grateful you see and feel the love and light from which I write, and inspire to live!!! You bless me. Thank you for your precious words!! XO

      Reply
  16. This Mom Said It! says

    August 30, 2013 at 3:16 am

    So nice to stop and relish in the little things. LOVE the comment about your belly. Stinking honest kids…;-)

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 30, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      I know… I KNOW! Yesterday he said this mean kid makes fun of people at recess and all the girls like him. Then he said “the bad guys always get the girls mommy, just like in the movies.”
      The things they say- oh how I cherish every word!! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Lynn says

    August 30, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    Beautiful post, Chris. Love it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 31, 2013 at 2:32 am

      Thanks SO much Lynn!! So wonderful to see you here! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Candice says

    August 31, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    You go girl! Love the pancake story! LOL! Joey crawled in my bed every night at 3 am after school this week to be held. Obviously his way of working through the big transition to all day at 1st grade…bless his soul…I grabbed every minute of that, you can bet! He claimed he had ‘bad dreams’. I said Joey did you really have a bad dream this time? He said ‘well…no… I just wanted to snuggle because we don’t have time.’…oh.my.gosh. How precious is that..lots of snuggling this weekend, that’s for sure, his cup will runneth over! 🙂

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      August 31, 2013 at 11:48 pm

      How many times have you experience my eating performance!!! Ha!

      Oh that Joey… oh how precious! I bet that little boy will be getting some CRAZY GOOD lovin’ this weekend!!! I want to snuggle with him too! Come over, please? 😉

      Reply
  19. Andrea says

    September 1, 2013 at 9:07 am

    There is no way you are 46! I love your mantra “grab it and grab it good”…it’s true that all these precious little moments are fleeting. Nice post.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      September 2, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Aw! You are TOO kind Andrea!!! I am chronologically 46 but emotionally about 16. 😉 Grab it, girl!! XO

      Reply
  20. Karmen says

    September 1, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Just beautiful and from a fellow Buckeye 😉 I found you by way of the Ladies Only Blog Share Link Party.

    Reply
    • momcafe says

      September 2, 2013 at 2:21 am

      Yay! Always fun to meet a fellow Buckeye!! Thanks so much for stopping by Karmen!! 🙂

      Reply

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