‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’ – A Miracle Story

‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’

This was the text I received on a Friday afternoon from my sister, Krista, about her 4-year-old daughter.

After receiving that horrific text, I immediately called my sister. She did not answer. Her husband Nate did not answer. They were camping in Michigan and I didn’t know who else to call to find out what had happened and if my niece was alive.

I tried not to panic as I said a prayer for God to heal little Lily.

I asked for a miracle.

Krista finally called me back and said Lily was alive and they were in an ambulance, headed to the hospital. Lily wanted to talk to my son Luke.

I tearfully and happily handed the phone Luke.

Here is Lily’s story in Krista’s words:

It was a great day in South Haven. We had breakfast and enjoyed the morning together. Later, I had a bad headache so I laid down to try to sleep it off. While falling asleep, I dreamed of Lily being hit by a car (not normal for me to imagine anything traumatic). I prayed about it and fell asleep. I woke up and went for a run.

I came back to the kids playing and Lily chalk-coloring next to our camper.

I went inside to change clothes, leaving the door open. I looked out just in time to see a truck drive right over Lily. The front and back tires of an extended cab hauling truck drove over my daughter. The truck laid Lily flat – TWICE. It rolled over her head and back.

I screamed and was in shock. I couldn’t move. Nate (my husband, Lily’s dad) went running towards the kids. Nate did not know what happened until after he picked Lily up. She was spraying urine through her clothes.

I had to tell myself to keep it together, to think, to breathe, to be strong for Lily and my other kids. Lily asked me to sing the “Jesus” song.

I’m on the worship team at church and she attends practice with me. She has her own little microphone and hopes to play drums one day. The “Jesus” song is called Tremble, and is our favorite song. All she wanted was for me to sing that song.

Kate (Lily’s 11-year-old sister) laid hands on her and prayed. So simple, so powerful, our only hope.

It was hard keeping Lily awake through the ambulance ride to the children’s hospital (a 45-minute ride). We FaceTimed the people she wanted to see: Papa, grandma, Luke (her cousin), and eventually she asked to stop talking and just sing.

We arrived to a level 1 trauma children’s hospital. There were 20 people of all of different pediatric specialties in the room moving around quickly. A social worker was on me like honey in a hive. Once the social worker assessed Nate and I, she let the other kids in the ER room. She helped care for the kids, getting them snacks and settled. Jack (9-year-old brother) said she was the nicest lady he’d ever met. The social worker was so good with Lily, getting her excited about a blanket she would get to keep, that she would have breakfast in bed, and get special jammies.

While wheeling Lily to her room, Lily said “all the doctors are so nice.” There were lots of concerns over her, one being her bladder and bowels since she wet herself when the truck rolled over her. There was blood all over her vulva . She refused to use the bed pan or the portable potty . She was put on bed rest until morning when the pediatric orthopedic surgeon looked at her x-rays and injuries.

The next day, the pediatric orthopedic surgeon came in.

He said to Lily, “Where do you hurt?” She said so sweetly “I don’t really hurt anywhere”.

He said “Well, aren’t you super woman.” She giggled. Nate and I said,

‘She’s a miracle.”

He agreed.

They found one broken pelvic bone that would heal on its own. They gave her a walker and released us. The only medicine they gave her was a dose of Tylenol.

I had a burden to go back to camp as a family to hopefully close the door to fear and find the woman who ran over her and let her know Lily would be ok. I would never want to be in her shoes and I would personally have a hard time living with myself never knowing the end of the story.

Going back was hard, and healing. Seeing Lily’s chalk art drawings, the smashed chalk, reliving the horrible memories.

Thankfulness and gratitude gets me through. I don’t try and push them away, I let it come in waves. Knowing I get to hold her makes the healing salve of gratitude cover the horror and pain of memories and thoughts of what she endured.

That night, Lily slept great. She woke up and played monopoly with all of us (a game we started the day the truck drove over her).

She said, “I have no pain. I don’t even feel like I have a broken bone”.

I can’t tell you what a miracle this feels like when I saw the accident and see her bruises, tire marks across her shirt, road rash, and bruised swelling all through her back and spine.

When we got back to Indiana, Lily’s dance pictures were waiting for us in the mail. I reminded her she would be back dancing in no time! She fell asleep watching Dancing with the Stars with me and Kate.

Nate and I were taught in counseling to ask God where He was in traumatic times or wounding memories. Nate and I both prayed and we both had pictures and answers. I saw and heard God say:

“I was holding her head in the palm of my hands.”

Nate felt like God said:

“I was moving her out of the way.”

Lily is all smiles and says she has no pain, even though her body tells a different story.

Today when I asked her if she felt anything when the truck rolled over her. She looked at me and pointed to her head and said:

“I felt God here. It felt like feathers.”

I was in tears when she spoke these words. I pray Psalm 91 over my children.

Psalm 91 tells us..

“He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will take refuge.”

I’m grateful to God, the One who not only holds the world in His hands and moves mountains, but holds my daughters head and moves her little body.

Here’s our favorite song, Tremble:

Today Lily is seven years old. It’s been exactly 3 years since her accident. She dances, runs, smiles constantly, and brings joy to all who know her!

I share this story to reinforce a few things:

1. Pray scripture over your children.

Psalm 91 is a collection of verses that our family has prayed for generations. It specifically says, “He (God) will cover you with his feathers, under His wings you find protection.” God answers our prayers! It’s especially powerful to pray Scripture.

2. Sing songs of faith.

Find songs to sing with your family that will build your faith.

Below is a song called ‘Lily’s song’ – it was one of her favorites because it had her name. She would sing along to these words:

I will not die, I will live. I will tell of the works of the Lord and sing of his wonders.’

There is power in what we speak and what we sing!

Find your song. Your verse. Your declaration. (Click here for a declaration we use in our house.)

3. God still does miracles.

4. Choose faith over fear.

The Bible tells us that our days are appointed. We don’t have to live in fear of the future. God has a plan for your life and the lives of each of your children and His plan is GOOD.

“Your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You (God) planned how many days I would live.”
Psalm 139:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for the miracle you performed for Lily and for the ones you perform in my life (and the lives of my children). Help me to trust you and not fear the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Psalm 91 – Insert your name and pray this for yourself and your family members. I challenge you to memorize it.

Psalm 91

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Thank you for reading this beautiful, miraculous story! I hope it encouraged you. Please share.

October 18, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ DIY/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?

One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)

Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)

For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!

Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.

Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:

(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)

Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:

(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)

Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.

Scavenger hunt

Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.

Take a picture of two people swinging.

Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this! -or- Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:

Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:

Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.

Trade a penny for something more valuable.

What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?

Find the little library and write down the name of one book.

Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.

Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.

Take a picture of something red.

Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.

Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.

Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.

Return home

Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:

Scrambled word = teenager

The boys loved the scavenger hunts!

What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

Click here to read “How to Host an Amazing Backyard Birthday”

October 6, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Family/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

A peek into our week in Indiana

Ted drove us to indiana – he worked while we got to spend time with my relatives. Our kids favorite place to be is with their cousins. Together they fish, swim, jet ski, wake surf, tube, play ball, play games, ride bikes, laugh, sing, tell stories, eat, visit shipshewana, golf, go to dinner/lunch by boat, and spend time with grandparents. They’ve made some of their most cherished childhood memories side-by-side and I’m so grateful.

Here’s what happened:

The boys went wake surfing…

And fishing…

Tubing…

And boating…

They played lots of games…

And ate yummy food …

They went golfing…

And relaxed…

They spent time with grandparents and great grandparents…

They obliged their moms and grandma by re-creating photos …

And made the best memories together!

I’m thankful for our family who opens their homes and shares their toys and food with our large crew!

August 20, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

How to Raise a Jerk!

15 ways to raise a jerk from TheParentCue.org

Here are a few ideas to help you effectively raise a jerk:

Protect them from the consequences of their own mistakes.
Make sure you do whatever they can do for themselves.
Keep them away from anyone who thinks differently than they do.
Try to give them everything they want.
Tell them over and over you just want them to be happy.
Convince them that they are more special than other kids.
Always take their side when they get in trouble with their teacher at school.
Always take their side whenever they are in a conflict with a friend.
Don’t give them consistent opportunities to help or serve other people.
Never require them to do chores.
Reinforce their prejudices about people from different cultures or backgrounds.
Make your relationship with them more important than your relationship with your spouse.
Rarely express genuine gratitude to those who help you.
Teach them to talk more than they listen.
Never let them hear you say “I was wrong. I am sorry.”

I loved this and hope you do too! What would you add or change? Leave a comment.

I use the free Parent Cue app because it provides simple ways to connect with and influence my kids. Click here to check it out.

Thanks for reading. Please consider subscribing.

July 14, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Family/ Memories/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Experience the Garden of Eden with a visit to Fawn Doe Rosa

When my son heard there was a place near the Twin Cities where you could interact with wildlife, he nagged me until we made it happen – and I’m SO glad we made it happen.

Fawn Doe Rosa is a one-of-a-kind experience. Stepping onto the grounds feels like stepping into the Garden of Eden. There are big trees, a peaceful pond, lovely bridge, rolling hills….and beautiful animals that graze among all the guests!

We loved it. Even my TEENAGER was fascinated by this experience (and not much fascinates him right now).

Fawn Doe Rosa opened in 1963 and was originally called “Bambi-land.” The staff focuses on care, conservation and rehabilitation of the animals in the park.

We went on a Saturday, and though there were lots of other people, the grounds were spacious enough that it didn’t feel crowded.

We brought our lunch and ate at the picnic area outside, because they ask that you don’t bring any food inside. There is a playground next to the picnic area.

We enjoyed chasing chickens, adoring the baby fawns, feeding the goats and llamas, but the highlights for us were:

1 – Cuddling with the large buck:

2 – Feeding the animals:

It’s not free (in fact, it’s not cheap), but it’s a bucket-list spot. Adult admission currently costs $10.25/person and kids (ages 2-12) cost $9.25/person. Children under 2 are free. At the admission counter, you can pay for animal feed or pony rides. They offer coupons on their site for the animal feed.

Though it’s about an hour east of the Twin Cities, it’s worth the drive. They are not open all year, so check their website before you visit.

Location: 2131 US-8, St Croix Falls, WI 54024

Click here for more info.

There are 3 other note-worthy pitstops in the area:

the breath-taking Taylor Falls,
the quaint downtown – St. Croix Falls,
Franconia Scupture Park

Need additional ideas of what to do in the Twin Cities? Here’s my Bucket List.

Thanks for reading! Please consider subscribing.

May 24, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Christmas/ Family/ Food/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Winter Edition

Christmas lights, music, & cards

Thanks to every single person who took the effort to put up Christmas lights this year or send out cards. It definitely brought Christmas JOY to our family.

The new Hawkeye series on Disney Plus

When Ted asked me to come watch Hawkeye with him and the boys, I brought a book to read. I’m not really in to the “Hawkeye” character, and didn’t want to watch this new show, but I did want to hang with the boys while they watched it.

Little did I know how much we would ALL enjoy it. The storyline was so engaging and the characters were endearing. We just finished the final episode on Disney. I said to Ted. ‘Let’s watch that series again’ (I never say that. It was truly THAT GOOD)!

Good and Gather Kettle Chips and Everything Dip

If you are near a Target – get THESE CHIPS and THIS DIP. Thank me later.

The Heads Up app

In The Wild sticker book

This sticker book that makes the most beautiful creations. It’s fun for kids ages 6-10 (and their moms).

Lactaid Egg Nog

Fun fact: I never tasted Egg Nog until college. Since then, I’ve tried lots of different flavors, and this one is my favorite. Have you tried it?

The Fa La Latte from Caribou

The Fa La Latte is an egg nog latte. It’s SO good. I’m making the most of the season with all this EGG NOG, and making up for lost time I suppose?!

Luke’s drawing

I read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and asked Paul and Luke to draw what they thought the story looked like. I’m saving this one!

Wrigley in the snow

Wrigley is a kid in a candy store when there is fresh snow on the ground. I can hear him thinking: BEST DAY EVER!!!

This miraculous e-collar

Wrigley is the SWEETEST DOG. However, when he’s outside and not on his leash, he doesn’t always come back when you call him. If he’s not done playing, he will run AWAY from you when he sees you coming toward him.

This became a HUGE problem two times in December. Once when I had to go to work and couldn’t get him inside. Another time when he ran onto the pond and we weren’t sure if it was thick enough to hold him. Paul was a wreck thinking his dog might go through the ice and there was nothing we could do.

Enter the world’s best invention. A collar that beeps, vibrates or shocks. (We don’t use the shock)

The very first time I gave Wrigley a gentle vibrate and beep and said “COME,” he immediately came and sat next to me. I was shocked and overjoyed how well it worked then, and how will it continues to work. I only needed to use the vibrate twice, and now he obeys when he just hears the BEEP!

This device is usually $50, but they are currently 20% off. This was the best $40 I ever spent.

YouTube videos the whole family can enjoy

There are so many ANNOYING YouTube Channels. However, there are a handful that we can all enjoy together.

Mark Rober – a former Nasa scientist who makes entertaining videos by creating gadgets and fun experiments.
Dude Perfect – a group of guys that met at church and now make trick shot videos and a ‘game show’ called Overtime.
Fantastic 2 – I can’t NOT mention the channel my son’s created. 🙂

The Love of a Dog

Sweet Wrigs loving on Paul when he was sick

Click here to read the story of how we got our dog.

And most of all…spending time with my family!

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year to each of you.

December 26, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Five Free Ways to Have Fun with your Family this Fall

Most of our kids are back in school, sitting 8 hours a day, often times wearing a mask. Getting out in the backyard, enjoying fresh air and family time is perfect for fall.

The temps are more mild and kids are ready to burn some energy after a long school day. Playing together not only helps you and your children ‘de-stress,’ but also strengthens the bond with your kids!

Here are FIVE free games to play with your family!

1. Dog tail:

Pull out the longest socks you own.
Everyone tucks one sock into the back of their shorts, like a dog tail.
The object is to grab everyone else’s “tail” (or sock) while keeping your own.
Say GO and the last one wearing a sock wins!

2. Mr. Fox, what time is it?

Select one person to be Mr. or Mrs. Fox. This person will stand with his or her back to the rest of the players.
All other players line up on the other side of the yard/field. The players take turns asking Mr. Fox what time it is. (“Mr. Fox, what time is it?)
The fox will then respond with a time, such as 3 o’clock. The players must then take the same number of steps forward (in this case, 3 steps). These steps may be as large or small as the players wish, no matter how close they get to the fox.
When Mr. Fox is ready, he will respond to “What time is it?” with “LUNCHTIME!”
When the kids hear ‘lunchtime,’ they will run back to the starting line and try not to get “tagged” by Mr. Fox.

3. Create an Obstacle Course

Work with your kids to design an obstacle course in the backyard and time each other to complete the course.

4. “Vote with your Feet!”

This is a take on the “Would you rather?” game, except your kids have to run to one or the other side of the yard.

If they “vote” for the first one, run to the right. If they vote for second, run to the left.

Would you rather….

Be Superman or Batman?

Eat Pizza or Hotdogs?

Ride a roller coaster or a water slide?

Go to Target or Walmart?

Laugh or cry?

Jump high or run fast?

Have summer all year or winter all year?

Be really smart or really funny?

Drive a truck or a sports car?

Go back in time or go to the future?

Be able to fly or be invisible?

Have ONE great friend or 20 pretty good friends?

Be in the Mountains or at the Beach?

Take a ride in a speed boat or helicopter?

Go Skydiving or Swim with Sharks?

Build a Sand Castle or Play in the Waves?

Go Skiing or Ride a bike?

Watch a Movie or Read a Book?

Go Rock climbing or Swimming?

Own a Cat or a Dog?

Write a Story or a Draw picture?

Clean the Bathroom or Vacuum the carpet?

Ice Skate or Roller Skate?

Drink Pop or Water?

Play Inside or Outside?

Take a Shower or Bath?

Take a trip to Australia or Italy?

Go Fishing or Make slime?

Play a Video game or Board game?

Have more time or more money?

5. Be creative with sidewalk chalk:

Lay down and trace each other – then decorate with clothes, faces, etc.
Write a word of encouragement for passers-by
Use tape and color in the spaces like stained glass

What game will YOU play outside this fall? Leave me comment!

Thanks for reading!

Love,
Kathryn Egly

September 20, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

5 Tips to Start the School Year Strong!

This post was originally written for the Help Club for Moms group, but I thought I’d share it with you as well!

Starting the new school year can be a little crazy if you are a ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants’ or overly laid back person like me. Lots of rushing, perhaps some yelling, maybe tears, and forgetting important things (like lunch) have all been a part of our mornings because we had no systems or routines.

So, here are some changes I’m making this year to start the school year strong.

1. PRACTICE your Morning Routine.

If you want to prevent a super stressful first day of school, begin your ‘back-to-school’ routine a few days beforehand. Slowly start going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. In the morning, “play” like you are going to school. Work out the kinks and see how long it takes everyone to get ready. Mom tip: Take the kids to the park when everyone gets ready on time!

2. Prep the Night Before

Have your children get in the habit of prepping for school the night before:

Clothes laid out?
Ipads charging?
Backpacks and shoes by the door?

3. Get out the calendar

Whether you use a paper calendar (like me) or a digital one, take time to add activities right away – school breaks, conferences, parent-teacher night, and even testing dates. Put important dates on the calendar NOW, so you have time to plan ahead.

4. Email the teacher

As soon as you get the teacher’s email address – send him or her a short and quick note, letting them know how thankful you are that he/she will be investing in your child this year!

The benefit of this is two-fold:

– You establish a positive relationship from the beginning.

– The teacher’s email is now in your contacts, so when you need to email the teacher during the school year, you aren’t scrambling to find the paper that contains the email address.

5. Set the Tone

You set the tone for the attitudes in your home. If you keep a positive attitude, it’s more likely that your child will as well. Focus on the positive and share what you are excited about regarding the new school year. If your child is feeling stressed or anxious, listen to them and pray with them. Remind them that you are available, and God is always with them.

Hope those tips will help you this year! Praying this year is a great one for you and your children.

Click here for a Back-to-School Gratitude practice.

August 19, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Family/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week

Peek into our Weeks: 3 years of Minnesota living

If summers are for making memories, we made a TON OF THEM in July. Here are some highlights!

July started with a vacation:

A week in Indiana is better than a trip to Disney

**My mom and all of her grandchildren!**

A letter my grandmother received from her uncle during WW2.

We had a wonderful dinner and date night at Kelly Jae’s in honor of my sister (in pink) and brother-in-law’s 21st anniversary. My sister and her husband (in white) joined us, as well as childhood friends (on left).

I got to spend a morning with childhood friends. Only one still lives in town. The rest of us happened to all be there for the 4th of July!

My dad took us for a boat ride down memory lane. These homes on Lake Tippecanoe used to belong to my grandparents. My mom and dad lived in a small cottage behind these two homes, and it’s where I was brought home from the hospital. I grew up swimming, tubing, and learning to ski on this lake.

My grandparents sold this property when I was in high school, and this was the first time I’d been back!

Wrigley’s World

While we were in Indiana, some good friends took the BEST care of Wrigley.

Though the boys had a blast in Indiana, they were SO happy to see Wrigley when we got home.

My chauffeur:

I put Wrigley in the car and ran in to grab my phone. I came back out and found Wrigley ready to drive Miss ~~Daisy~~ Egly.

Pan-o-Prag – our local fair

I’m not sure how the fair in Lakeville got the name “Pan-o-Prag,” but that’s what the locals call it and we spent a hot afternoon enjoying it all – carnival games, rides, fried food, and a parade! To keep the cost from getting out of control, I told the kids they could ride two rides, play two games, and pick one snack.

A trip back to the Biggest Candy Store

Click here to read more about this place!

Three Years in Minnesota

July 2018 – our first day in our Minnesota home

We have a tradition of eating breakfast at Jensen’s on the anniversary of our move to Minnesota. The boys are thriving and happy. They love all the lakes and fishing. They also love our neighborhood and the many friends they’ve met.

Date Night Re-make

Three years ago Ted and I went out on our first Minnesota date night. We went back on the same night to celebrate!

A night away and all alone

For the first time since being a mom, and possibly the first time ever (?), I spent the night at a hotel all alone. After a busy summer, I was craving some peace and quiet, so I booked a night at a Bed and Breakfast in Stillwater, MN and had a glorious 24 hours to myself!

I explored, did a little shopping, a lot of walking and reading. I slept 10 straight hours and was awakened by a knock on my door with a tray of breakfast and hot coffee!!!!! What an absolute delight! I could have stayed in bed all day, but I had an 11am check-out. I asked for a later check-out and was awarded an extra FIFTEEN MINUTES! Woot. woot.

Thanks so much for reading about our busy July! What have you been up to? Leave a comment by clicking that little comment box next to the title.

August 4, 2021 By Kathryn

0 In 2021/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Raising boys

Our Focus Determines Our Feelings

Do you want to have a better day? Then let me ask you a question: What do you see when you look at this image?

Did you say a black dot?

You’d be right.

HOWEVER, do you notice anything else besides the black dot?

If you thought: “white space,” then you’d be right again! There is actually more WHITE space than black.

Very few people point out the WHITE space. It takes a little more effort to even notice it.

Let’s say this dark spot represents the problems in our world. The white space is the GOOD stuff happening. There is ALWAYS good stuff, we just tend to overlook it. The black dot GRABS out attention. It’s EASIER to notice, and it’s TALKED about more!

If you watch or read the news, the focus is almost exclusively on the ‘black dot.’

We need to PAY attention to what we are PAYING Attention to!

We can’t control the negativity in the world. We can’t prevent the ‘black dot.’ We CAN control what we watch, what we listen to, what we talk about, and what we FOCUS on!

What we FOCUS ON determines how we FEEL!!!!!

Let me say that again in a different way…

Our focus determines our feelings

A couple of months ago I told my boys we were going to the arboretum. In typical kid fashion, they were like

“The arboretum…to look at trees? Mom, that’s BORING!”

So I turned it into a game. I let them bring their school iPads and I said: “Whoever takes the best picture, gets $1.”

Suddenly, their attitudes changed. It was a competition! They had a goal. They had something to focus on.

Look at these incredible pictures and the beauty they found that day:

Paul was on the hunt for flowers and found some!

We got home and my boys proudly showed their dad the pictures they captured. My husband pointed out that our boys would have missed this beauty if they weren’t on the lookout for it.