Moments Out Of Memories

[vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”p” nd_options_text_weight=”normal” nd_options_text=”by Danielle Schmidt”][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In a thankful heart, even the mundane becomes beautiful and the every day blessings are fulfilling. As I begin to thank God, I am becoming more and more aware, of not just the good in my life but the good I can produce in others’ lives. In embracing moments and connecting to that deep emotion with them, I making moments into memories with my loved ones we will forever cherish.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In taking a deep breath of gratitude, life cannot pass me by- rather, I hit pause and savor each moment, each smile, laugh, loving or learning time and “screenshot” them into my memory bank.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My life is fuller and more purposeful when I see the value in each minute. As we all have stated on artwork in our homes, it is not the destinations we head to that are our life. Rather, life is found in the getting ready moments of patiently brushing my sweet daughter’s long beautiful hair, gently reminding her with my actions that I love and cherish her. Life is patiently waiting in the car when my son heads back into the house to get a toy or special “treasure” for each of my children to bring with them. It is the giggles stolen from a belly raspberry as I change a last minute diaper. It is taking time to look my husband in the eye and reassure him he looks good and his choice of clothing makes him look fit and handsome. The extra kiss that there is “no time” for. Forgiving forgotten shoes. Forgoing frustration and choosing happiness and gratitude. The extra smile into the rear view mirror. These moments are life.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in these daily moments that we shape our children’s personalities, how we encourage their natural joy and love of life. By savoring the in-between moments and making them the best as possible, we show forth the example of a life worth living.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in the reaction to a broken glass that they will learn to react in anger or respond in grace.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in the 10 minutes late that they will learn to rush in frustration or calmly let small things go.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in our conversations with our spouse that they will learn loving conflict resolution or how to spout spiteful words.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in the moment me of getting ready to go that they will learn self confidence or questioning their looks or body.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The foods I eat will shape their future health. The exercise I perform will determine their level of future activity. Road rage teaches them to lash out or blame others. Impatience in the grocery line teaches them life needs to perform on our terms or we become angered. Each moment is teaching them something.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]That said, there are countless moments I have missed, reactions I have not controlled, lessons I have taught that I did not intend to.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]However, the grace of God turns even my mistakes into beauty.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]For it is in my humbly asking their forgiveness for overreacting that they will learn humility.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in seeing me slip but stand back up again that they learn the rhythms of grace.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It is in watching my walk with God that they will learn to follow His leading.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]And as the day comes to a close, in the few extra minutes of face-time before bed they learn they are precious to me.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the prayers we speak over them they learn they are precious to God.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Oh God, may my every moment teach them You.[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][/vc_column][vc_column][nd_options_team nd_options_layout=”layout-4″ nd_options_title=”Danielle Schmidt” nd_options_description=”She is Mama to three perfectly imperfect kiddos who are a cute package of her greatest joys and greatest challenges. She is Wife to the best God-given gift – her man who lovingly brings out the best of her yet still loves the worst of her. Usually overwhelmed and occasionally stressed, she is homeschool Teacher, Office Manager for their business, and occasionally Housekeeper or Cook. And in the spare moments when she can dig deeper than the surface expectations, she is Writer. Called to share her struggles, triumphs, imagination and dreams on paper in hopes that someone can be encouraged.

Ocala native, Florida-loving, yet called frequently by the Carolina mountains to come enjoy the views above their sunshine land for fresh air and fresh perspective. Often found running because it is a release of pent-up stress and emotion, because of the challenge of the next big run, and possibly because she is always unofficially competing with her little sister. Family connections are the ties that bind her life together and the blessing she treasures like gold. Coffee is her worldly passion; you’ll rarely see her without a cup. Her deepest dream is to raise Godly children, create an environment of peace in her home, love her husband unconditionally and so propel him to be all he can be, and by the life she leads somehow make a positive difference in others’ lives. (“Think big” is their motto!) Graced by God daily to live amidst distractions, love amidst challenge, and somehow find balance in it all, she is Danielle C. Schmidt.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.”
PROVERBS 16:24 AMP”][/vc_column][/vc_row]