Why? Oh, it's about:

•    Having a to-do list for today that has approx. 22 items on it.
•    Feeling dog-tired so I lay down for a morning nap when Joce does, sleep til about noon, and so half-way through the day how many items do I have crossed off the list? A big FAT ZERO.  Too bad drag-self-out-of-bed and drink a cup of tea weren't on the list.
• Throat is scratching with that tell-tale, "I'm about one day away from making you feel really awful" sign.
• Struggling with Jocelyn over every meal.  Is it o.k. for kids to just not eat?  Cuz that's pretty much what she wants to do.  Mmmm-K.
• Hiring an awesome photographer through Groupon, only to have to call/email/text her about 263, 168, 973 times to try and set up a session, and when we FINALLY do, she flakes.  O.k. so she might have been sick, but I'm looking forward to these family pics/Christmas cards a little too much and impatiently, ok?!
• And realizing my awesome idea for our pictures was gotten to first by someone else.  Hmmm, maybe I could still do it.  Care for a little "I think I've seen that before" feeling in your Christmas cards this year? Eh?

   Anyway, all ranting/mumbling aside...I am blessed.  And the greatest blessing of all is that I have a Father Who is there to help me.  I am clinging to these words lately. 
  
    "I raise my eyes toward the mountains.  Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.  Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.  The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side.  The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night.  The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life.  The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever."  -Psalm 121

   Really, what do I ever have to fear?  The One who made the heavens and the earth is the One losing sleep over me.  He's the One gently guiding every step so my dirty, smelly human foot doesn't miss one step.  He's the one protecting me from all harm.  And sometimes that means protecting me from my own thoughts.  Yes, there are mountains in front of me.  But yes, I have a Helper.  And I'm so thankful to Jesus that it's not just for today, or even for "one day at a time".  Sometimes that trite little phrase just feels like it won't cut it!  No.  His help is both now and FOREVER. 

Thank-you Jesus.