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Grateful To Shine
Lisa Ray Kappell
/ Categories: Family and Faith

Grateful To Shine

Day 88..My home has been invaded!!...by lots of little people..and I love it. I have happily moved my "office" to the back deck where I can write, enjoy the beautiful sunshine, and listen to their laughter fill my house. 

When we moved to New York, I wanted more than anything to fill this house up with loved ones we would meet along the way. Today, I am blessed.. my children and their friends fill this house and my heart. As I blog I see that I accidently grabbed my daughter's notebook to jot down notes. As I flip through, I see a beautiful page created by the one and only Ashlynn "Ray" of Sunshine..it's covered with hearts and stars and written in BIG fun bubble letters .."DREAM BIG".  "Yes, Baby girl, Fly!"

When I became a mom, I DREAMT BIG for my kids. I remember years ago someone asking me, "What do you want most for your children?" I'll be honest, my initial response was for them to be happy, but then I really starting to think about that as they grew. As I got older, my wants, my dreams for my children changed. 

Every morning, as I watch them gather at the bus stop with our wonderful neighbor kids, I pray for all of them. I pray for their safety at school, to make good choices, lead in a loving way, and to be a blessing to others. (side note: I also pray that my children meet wonderful God loving future spouses..Landon would probably make pukey faces at me, haha, but one day he may thank me!)  

Happiness is a wonderful thought, but more than anything I want them to know Jesus, and shine bright for Him. We live in a world that is defined by success, accomplishments, big houses, and shiny cars. I appreciate all those things, and hard work is something we value and teach our children, but they will not find true happiness in those things. I vividly remember as a child, anytime I was having an unhappy moment, my mom would tell me to go help someone. Take the focus off myself and go love on someone.  SHINE even when I was not feeling very shiny! Wow..Unhappiness can turn to joy in an instant. 

In a world of selfies, I want my children to take "us-ies". I want to teach them that instead of trying to make themselves happy, make someone ELSE happy.  Yesterday, Ashlynn came home with a certificate. It was an award to honor her consistently exhibiting CARE behaviors while inspiring others to do the same. I was beaming. Today as my family went to pick out plants for the vegatable garden, there was a chill in the air. My daughter noticed I was cold and took off her jacket and wrapped it around my goosebumped arms. "When you can be anything in this world, Be Kind."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love, Lisa Ray

Photo Courtesy of Danielle Snow Photography

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