This has been my little "perch" as of late. 

I have been enjoying the natural light that is streaming in the windows on every side and I love the idea of having room to spread out. Plus, when I sit here, I stay away from the TV and tend to focus on other things...a logical bonus.

I have been working on treasurer stuff for church (oh the end of the year wrap up), reorganizing our file system a bit, and trying to catch up on all the magazines that have been piling up. The last one being trivial, but it's something that I have to do--no sense in letting all those free magazines go to waste!

But today, as I sit at the table, my mind has been wandering. I have been watching the snow as it falls and just thinking of the beauty that God has enveloped our bleak world in. Snow can be such a cheerful and beautiful thing. If we allow ourselves to look at it that way. Sure it is also frustrating at times, but I'm sure we can all say we have experienced one of those gorgeous snow falls where the flakes are huge and fluffy and seem to instantly blanket the world in comfort and warmth. Do you know what I mean? I love snuggling up on those days. They are perfect tea and a book opportunities.

Another thing that I can't help but focus on is the lesson that God has been working on within my soul. I am learning what it is like to do everything with a cheerful heart. This is so important. God has been showing me the side of myself that isn't so pretty. It is the side that is riddled with negative thoughts, discouraging words, and a stubborn attitude. It's the side of me that I really don't want my child to ever experience. It's not something I'm very proud of.

Lately, every time I have a negative thought or go to lash out, I am reminded that the little one inside of me is experiencing every emotion right along with me. I don't want my child to grow these first 9 months (or after for that matter) knowing a negative, stubborn, and discouraging mama. Rather, I want her/him to know the light and optimism that I can bring to a situation. I want to be a good example, not a  questionable one.

Mercifully, God has been working on my heart before this little one comes along. He has shown me some areas that I need to work on (this not being the only one). I definitely have room for improvement and I'm glad He has guided me so gently. Today, as I logged on to read one of my favorite blogs, God spoke to my heart and opened it for the lesson He had in store. I began to read the words on my screen when I stumbled upon this:

{from here, or purchase a print here}

"A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine." SO true. I looked up the verse, just because I love to see what the context is, and I found that there is more to it. The whole verse reads, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Man. Ok God. I get it-- every. day. every. situation.. I have the opportunity to be the healing salve. I can either choose to help the situation/someone or I can just add fuel to the negative fire.. I felt like He was telling me that it is my turn to really work on my heart and be the encouragement that He has called me to be. 

Some areas that I can improve upon:

-When Jonathan comes home and I have had a stressful day, I can put on a smile, welcome him, and be excited for his return. Those hard moments I want to talk about, need to wait. 

-When I'm yelling at the dogs who never seem to stop barking, I can remember that they are just excited and adjust my volume level. Instead of getting unnecessarily frustrated, maybe I can settle them with a soft voice and encouraging words. 

-When I'm in the supermarket checkout line and the cashier starts talking about the hard day he/she has had, I can be a listening and encouraging ear instead of being rude and uncaring. Who knows what their situation is. Everyone can use a listening ear. 

-When put in a position that makes me uncomfortable or leaves my nerves fried, I can try to see the positive side and look for a way to shed some of God's light on the situation. 

-When outright discouraged by events of the day or by someone's rude comment, I can instead know that God's hand is in everything (which He shows me over and over). And instead, smile, knowing that He will take care of it. I have the choice to either let it get to me, or move on and focus on the other positive things surrounding me. 

It is my turn to fix my heart and focus on our Heavenly Father. Like I said, I don't want our child born into a world surrounded by negativity and discouragement. I want to lead by example. I want my child to know what it is to give, serve, live, with a cheerful heart. I want them to always know the choice they have to be God's light or Satan's darkness. I definitely won't be perfect at it, but I'm already starting to see little (and big) ways that I can change.