Courthouse Blessing :)

The other day I went to the courthouse to pay my property taxes (that wasn’t fun!) I pulled one of the little tickets out of the ticket “thingy.” The number on my ticket was 345. I looked up at the number they were currently serving and it was number 330. I had a ways to go! I sat down on this bench near a man that looked like he’d been waiting for a while. Another man came up and took the ticket after me, number 346. He looked up at the number they were on and got agitated and mumbled something about being late for something important. He paced up and down the aisle for a few minutes and then sat down on the bench between me and the other man. He definitely had a stressed look on his face. After another few minutes had gone by they called number 331. We all looked at our numbers. Why is it that we do that, knowing we don’t have the number but looking at it as if maybe it had magically changed? LOL! The man that had been sitting there for a while, looking at his number, turned to the stressed out man in between us and said, “I have 331 but you take it.” The other man looked up at him somewhat shocked but hopeful, and said, “Really?” The man who had been sitting there for a while just said, “Yes, you take it.” They switched numbers and the other man thanked him and then ran to his window to take care of his business. He finished his business pretty quickly and then as he was leaving he thanked the other man once again, but now he had a smile on his face!

I was so touched by that whole scene I had just witnessed! It’s nice to know that in this fast paced world of ours, there are unselfish, kind and loving people looking out for one another, just like Jesus! We should ALL be like Jesus! He’s the ticket! I was inspired to be like Him, and that man and his act of kindness and my trip to the courthouse was my blessing!

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus! " Philippians 2:3-5

Blessings from Patrice!

Blessing at 30,000 feet!

I don't know about any of you but as for me, I hate turbulence!! Several years ago, my daughter and I were flying home from San Diego and we had the most turbulence I've ever felt in my life! I actually thought the plane was going down! I grabbed onto my daughter and started praying for God to forgive us for our sins! LOL! It was pretty bad. It was nerve-wracking! It was so bad it made me think twice about flying!

Well, this blessing has a double blessing. The first part happened last year as I was on a plane flying to San Diego. This time i was flying by myself. I had sent my daughter to San Diego ahead of me, a week before, to see her family. I put her on a plane all by herself for the first time! That was nerve-wracking in itself! So I was on the plane headed to San Diego to meet her. I had brought a book with me to read called "The Prayer of Jabez" (which is a whole other blessing that you'll hear about later!). It's a book about one little verse in the bible, 1 Chronicles 4:10, where this man prayed for God to bless him and God granted his request and how we can apply that to our lives and harness the same blessings through this prayer!

As we reached cruising altitude of 30,000 feet, I decided that I would take advantage of those blessings and pray! I prayed the prayer of Jabez and also said "God, You KNOW how much I hate turbulence! I trust You that You'll take care of me and I also know that You want to give me the desires of my heart. Well, today I desire that we have no turbulence!! Please make this a turbulence-free flight! In Your name I pray, Amen!" Well, I'll give you one guess as to what happened on that flight . . we had NO turbulence! NONE! Not even a bump! It was the smoothest flight I'd ever been on! When we landed, giddy with the fact that we have an AWESOME God, I realized that He had answered my prayer and I thanked Him!

The second part of the blessing happened as my daughter and I were flying home on the plane together. This time as we reached cruising altitude of 30,000 feet, I told my daughter the story of what had happened on the plane ride there. I told her about the awesome power of prayer and how we can always go to God for anything and how we should always trust Him to take care of us! So I said a prayer. I basically said the same one that I had said on the previous flight, that I don't like turbulence and I didn't want any on this flight! But something different happened this time. We had turbulence! And then something else different happened as the plane was rocking back and forth . . I wasn't afraid! I didn't have that sinking feeling like we were going to crash and I felt a peace come over me. I looked at my daughter and she had a scared look on her face. I took hold of her hand and with peace in my heart and a smile on my face I just said, "Trust Jesus, sweetie".

The turbulence finally stopped and we landed safely! I realized then, that Jesus had gone above and beyond answering my prayer. We had turbulence on the plane, but He took the turbulence out of my heart! He gave me the peace that only HE can give! It was amazing! In tears, I thanked Him for being more awesome than I ever could have imagined! Jesus was my blessing up there at 30,000 feet! On the ground or the air, He can be your blessing too!

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything! Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand! His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ!" Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings from Patrice!

Direct Line Blessing

This morning I was watching a video of a friend of mine witnessing about Jesus to someone. It was kind of like an interview. It was really cool. It was about 15 minutes long. As it neared the end he said something to the guy that he was interviewing and I realized that tears were streaming down my face. What he was telling the man was an answer to my prayer!! I had prayed for something yesterday and God gave me the answer in the video! It was plain as day! It was like God was speaking! It was soooo cool!

The other day someone said to me, "Hey Patrice, will you ask God something for me because He always listens to YOU!" LOL! I thought that was sooo cool too because God DOES listen to me and He always answers my prayers! It's like having a direct line to Him!

There's no real secret to getting God to listen to you. All you have to do is get to know Him! Once you get to know Him you'll find out that He was listening all along and just waiting to talk to you and give you whatever it is you need! It's cool having that direct line to Him and that direct line was my blessing today!

"If you abide in Me and My Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you!" John 15:7

Blessings from Patrice!

Blessing while running :)

So yesterday I was outside running for exercise. I'm up to 3 miles! That's a blessing in itself! but not the blessing I'm here to tell you about. This blessing came while I was running. Whenever I'm out taking a walk, or running I usually talk to God! It's a great time to commune with Him . . . just me and God!

Well, this day I was talking to God as I was running and I had a request for Him. This friend of mine had been sick for awhile and ended up in the hospital with pneumonia! I know how awful the effects of that can be as my daughter's grandma just recently passed away from complications due to pneumonia. My friend had been in there for a few days and I had been praying for him. So while I was running I said to God, "My friend needs some healing. I know that in my personal trials that I've gone through, I've always ended up getting a HUGE blessing from whatever has afflicted me. So please Jesus, let my friend experience the same kind of HUGE blessing from this trial, after You have healed him, as I know You will. I'm claiming Your promise in the bible that says "The prayer offered up in faith will make the sick person well!" But also Jesus, I KNOW how much he doesn't want to be in there. Please, make him well so he can leave that place! And Jesus, send comfort to him and his family and . . . "

As I was still praying, my phone beeped and I had received a text. I decided to put God on hold for a minute (ha ha!) and see who it was from. It was from my friend in the hospital and it read "They're kickin' me outa here in a few minutes and that feels real good!" I was so excited for him! As I stopped running for a minute to revel in the fact that my friend was better and leaving the hospital, I realized that "Hey, I wasn't even done with my prayer and Jesus answered it!!" WOW! He always answers my prayers but THAT was really cool!! Tears, of course, started flowing from my eyes! Tears of praise and utter amazement at how awesome my Heavenly Father is!

I then resumed my prayer and said "Jesus, that was really cool. I was just getting ready to thank You in advance for answering my prayer but now I can thank You for already answering it!! You are an awesome God!"

God really does answer prayers. All you have to do is ask and believe! Today's blessing wasn't only that He answered my prayer but He answered before I even had a chance to finish the prayer! Once you get to know Him you find out how awesome He really is!

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up!" James 5:15

Blessings from Patrice!

Multiple Blessing!

This morning I got up early to go for a walk. The sun wasn't up yet and it was still dark out. I love the early morning dawn. It's my favorite part of the day! So I started walking. I was about half a mile from home when I turned the corner, in shock, to see the most awesome sunrise you could imagine! It was brilliant! It was like the sky was on fire! I just stood there and gazed at it for a moment in amazement! Then I made a startling discovery . . I didn't have my camera with me!! Aaaaaugh!!

If you know me, I ALWAYS have my camera with me but this morning I didn't! This was the most awesome sight and I wanted everyone else to see it too! I decided to try to go home and get my camera before the moment went away but you know how fast that moment of sunrise goes! So I ran! Now, mind you, I haven't run for awhile. I've been wanting to get back into it but haven't felt compelled to do it and haven't had enough energy to do it lately. So, I proceeded to run home. I ran the whole half mile, got my camera and ran as fast as I could back to that spot! The sunrise was still there!! Panting heavily from the run I snapped the picture! I got it! It was amazing! I couldn't believe I ran that whole way and made it back and it was still there! I took several pictures, of course, and just stood there reveling in the beauty. A few minutes later, the picture and moment was gone and the sun shone bright in the sky!

I finished my walk and thanked the Lord for that awesome moment. I realized later that I got so many blessings from that morning walk! One blessing, of course, was the magnificent sunrise that I got to witness! Another blessing was God keeping it there long enough for me to run home and get my camera and run back and get a picture of it!! Another blessing is being able to share it with you! Another blessing was, that the whole process of me having to run home and get my camera and run back got me feeling like I want to run again like I've been wanting to do! Another blessing was that it's been a long, long, time since I've been here on my blessing blog. I've been wanting to get back on it for a long time but I've had somewhat of a "writer's block"! This mornings blessings got my literary juices flowing again and got me writing, which I love to do!

This morning was a multiple blessing! There were probably countless more blessings that I don't even realize yet! If you stop for a minute you'll realize . . Life is full of God's blessings! Thank you God for my blessings today!

"From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another!" John 1:16

Blessings from Patrice!

Two Angels Blessing

Two Angels


Everyone has a guardian angel
But some people have more than one . . It's true
So I feel like I must have done something special
Or REALLY needed them
Because, YES, Jesus gave me two

One I can't see
But I feel him and know he's there
The other one I can see as clear as day
But visible or invisible
I know they both REALLY care

They are both very beautiful
On the inside and the out
They were both sent by God
I know that
Without a shadow of a doubt

One of them has two wings
And on his wings he can fly
One of them only has one wing
But I have the other
And we'll help each other fly until Jesus comes
Or until the day we die

God hand-picked both angels
And gave them gifts to help me through
The hard times in my life
To protect me and carry me when I'm weak
Or to just lift me up when I'm blue

I can't wait to meet the one I can't see
On that day that Jesus arrives
And the three of us will all be together
Praising God in heaven
And we'll look into each others eyes

And we'll laugh and talk and share stories
And reminisce about every time
They were both there when I needed them
And all the struggles
We'll finally get to leave behind

So thanks my two angels
Messengers of God
Thanks for being my blessing
And for being there for me . .

In my two heavenly and earthly angels
I will always believe

"See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you." Exodus 23:20

Blessings from Patrice!

Memory Blessing

My dad passed away 11 years ago . . I miss him alot. He had alot of good wisdom to share with me when I was growing up but I didn't always listen! Alot of that good wisdom probably got blocked out by life.

My dad was a very Godly man and he raised his family with God at the center. He was very much into the health message. We were brought up vegetarian and he did everything he could to make sure we ate good healthful food.

So recently I experienced some weird stomach pains, back pains and joint pains! I couldn't figure out what was causing them or if they were all connected. I tried doing some cleansing but that didn't work. I went to my naturopathic doc and we tried to figure things out but nothing was working.

Then one day I was just sitting there when I got this strong memory of my dad. When my brother and sister and I were little and whenever we had anything wrong with us, and I mean ANYTHING, my dad would always say, "It must have been something you ate!" We would just go "Yeah, yeah, right Dad" and then laugh at it.

But when that memory came to my mind it made me think that maybe it WAS something I was eating causing my pain! So I went back to my naturopathic doctor and took a food allergy test. When I got the results I was stunned! I was allergic to dairy products, like milk, cheese, eggs and and several other foods!

When I eliminated those foods from my diet, all the pains stopped!

My dad was smart. I wish I had payed more attention to him when I was little! But just like bad memories come flooding in sometimes, so also do good memories!! And what an extra special blessing it was for me to remember some good advice from my dad! Even though he's gone he helped me! Thanks Dad!

"We have happy memories of the Godly!" Proverbs 10:7

Blessings from Patrice!

Safe Blessing

If you don't already know, I drive a school bus. Part of my route takes me up into the mountains towards Snowbowl, the ski area. It's a 2-lane, steep, windy and sometimes treacherous road. Most of the time it's okay though and it's VERY beautiful. I see wildlife every morning like deer, elk, wild turkeys and an occasional bear!

So I'm driving the bus the other morning and I stop at one of the bus stops to pick up some kids and the bus proceeded to make a LOUD noise in the engine! It was that ol' squeaky belt noise . . . . I started to break into a cold sweat! I hate breaking down in the bus! It's happened before. It's a little unsettling with a bus load of kids!

When I started driving again the noise stopped. I was relieved! I continued on my route. Then as I was listening for the squeaky belt noise the bus got eerily quiet! All of sudden I lost heat in the heaters, lost the radio and then BLAM! There was a loud noise in the engine and I lost the power steering! I happened to be only going about 10 miles per hour and was able to pull the bus over in a safe spot! I phoned for help and a bus was there in 10 minutes! I was able to transfer the kids over to the other bus and they all got to school safe and on time!

The mechanics came to check out the bus. The alternator brackets had broken off and the belt and alternator went flying off into the engine!! They called for a tow truck and got the bus to the shop to be fixed.

After I got back to the office and all the dust had settled I started thinking. I could've been in a really unsafe spot or going 45 miles an hour down that steep and windy road when the bus broke down! That wouldn't have been good!

I then realized my guardian angels must have been with me on the bus, making sure that I was in a safe spot before those brackets broke and making sure that all that precious cargo I was carrying was safe!!!

I stopped what I was doing and I said a prayer and I thanked the Lord for sending His angels to watch over me and for keeping all His children safe! God's guardian angels were my blessing today and what a blessing just to know that He is watching over us all the time!

"For He will send His angels to protect you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11

Blessings from Patrice!

Comfort Blessing

What's that old expression . . . "Running around like a chicken with your head cut off!" . . . That's how my day was today. I don't usually let myself get like that but today I did. It was a long, busy day at work and then I had this long list of things to do afterwards . . doctor appointment, pay some bills, go by the bookstore, go to the Good Food store, get gas, etc., etc.. Then I had to come home and try to get my taxes done, get some reading done, order some stuff online, download some pictures, plus try to get a workout in and make dinner! . . . I guess today I thought I was going to be super-woman or something!

Well of course I had to wait FOREVER at the doctor, which made me late to pay my bill at City Hall before it closed. Then I made it to the bookstore 5 minutes late and they were closed!! They didn't have what I needed at the Good Food store! (and I REALLY needed it) I didn't have enough money to fill the gas tank which I like to do since the gas gauge doesn't work! Then I know how many miles I have left before I'm going to run out! . . . Nothing was going my way! I think at that point I was even kind of whimpering and I said to myself, "I could use a BIG HUG about right now!!

I got home and tried to make dinner but didn't have everything I needed. I blew off the workout because I thought the other things were more important. I tried to sit down and get those tasks accomplished and I just couldn't focus. So I decided to lay down on the couch for a minute and rest my weary mind and body.

As I laid there feeling sorry for myself my daughter came up to me and said "Scoot over!" She laid down next to me and just cuddled. I couldn't believe it! First of all, she doesn't do that very often and secondly, she's taller than me now so there's not a whole lot of that cuddling going on like when she was little. It felt soooooo good! It was even better than that BIG HUG that I needed. Needless to say, everything else left on the list didn't get done because I didn't leave that spot for the rest of the evening!

What a comfort that was! It was exactly what I needed. I don't know how she knew that, or if God whispered in her ear that I needed her, but as I laid there I thanked Him for that time with her! It was a double dose of comfort! Getting my "BIG HUG" and getting to cuddle with my little girl who's not so little anymore! God knows what we need and He always takes care of us!

Tomorrow's another day and that little bit of comfort will give me the extra strength to finish all my tasks! It also reminded me to take time out every day to relax!

"God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in our troubles so we can comfort others." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessings from Patrice!

Cool Blessing

It has been bitterly cold lately! We've been experiencing some "arctic" weather here in Montana! It's been below zero alot of the time. In fact it's been like that over alot of the country! I've been hearing alot of people complaining lately (along with myself!!) I just spent 2 weeks in sunny, 70 degree weather in San Diego and then I came home to 10 degree weather! I found myself saying several times, "Why do I live here!"

The other day it was so cold. I went out to my truck to get it warmed up. I put the key in the door lock and it wouldn't turn. The lock was frozen! I went over to the other side and that lock was frozen also! I went to the back window and tried to open it but that was frozen shut! I went back over to the passenger door and tried the key again. I got it to wiggle a little but was trying to be careful not to break the key off in the lock!! I didn't feel like going in and getting a blow dryer so I was blowing my hot breath on it! (ha ha!!) After almost hyperventilating, I got it to loosen up! Finally the key turned and the lock opened! Ahhhh! Victory!

I then pulled the door handle to open the door and realized that the door was also frozen shut!! Aaaaaugh! I found something to try to pry the door open with. Trying really hard not to put a scratch or dent in it, I got the door open! Yay! I got inside and climbed over to the drivers side to unlock that door. The inside lock was frozen! Unable to get a good grip on the lock with my gloves on, I decided to remove them . . . bad idea. After trying to get the lock up after several minutes my fingers started to feel like they had frostbite! But it actually worked! I got the lock open. Then I went to pull the handle up to open the door and that door was frozen shut!! Is this getting comical yet?!

Instead of getting out and trying to pry that door open I just decided to kick it open from the inside with my feet! It opened!! I finally got the car started to warm it up! Being worn out from just trying to get in the car (ha ha), I decided I would let the defroster try to melt some of the ice on the windows instead of trying to scrape it off!!

Just another typical winter day in Montana! . . . How is this a blessing you ask?

Well, here is how it's a blessing . . . I've finally entered that wonderful stage of life . . . The "hot flash" stage! All I have to say about that is, "WOW!!!!!" I guess every woman is different but for me, it feels like my head is on fire!! Literally! My head and my face get so hot. It feels like I'm burning up! I'm not sure what God was thinking with this one but I'm sure there's a point to it . . . anyway it's going on my list of questions to ask Him when I see Him! (tee hee)

ANYWAY, as my head starts to heat up like a furnace all I have to do is walk outside! The bitterly cold weather cools me off and comforts me!!!!! It takes a good 5 or 10 minutes out in 10 degree weather to help the hot flash subside . . but it works!! I have my own personal hot flash helper and it's free!!

I don't think ANY time is a good time for "hot flashes" but if I'm going to have them, then "winter in Montana" is a good place to get them! (ha ha!) I'm thankful for the arctic chill and the bitterly cold weather and it's my HUGE blessing as I try to ease my way into "old age"!

You can find a blessing in ANYTHING if you look hard enough! God is good!

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you!" Isaiah 43:2 . . . (tee hee . . I couldn't resist that verse!)

" . . . For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted." Isaiah 49:13

Blessings from Patrice!

My Biggest Blessing

There's almost no words to describe the love of a mother for her child! You just do things for them without thinking and you don't know why . . It's an instinct that God gave you to love your child unconditionally! I'd like to think He gave that to us to give us a small idea of His amazing love for us that we can never really fully understand!

A mother's love gives us our first glimpse of heaven . . And my daughter is my biggest blessing and my little piece of heaven on earth . . Thank you Lord for her!

"Children are a gift from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

Blessings from Patrice!

The Blessing of an Answered Prayer

There's two things you should know about me for this story. I don't like driving long distance and I don't like being a passenger. If I'm going to have to travel a long distance by car, I'd much rather be in control of the vehicle.

Soooo anyway, I just had a lonnnng journey home from San Diego back to Montana after our Christmas vacation. We drove!! . . . 1265 miles to be exact and guess what? . . . I was the passenger!

It was "smooth sailing" all the way through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho. In fact it was a very beautiful and peaceful drive. Since I wasn't driving the car, I was able to look at the scenery and just bask in the beauty that is this earth that God created. It was really cool to see how the scenery changed from state to state. I was actually enjoying the ride.

Then we got near Montana. It started snowing lightly. Then the roads became very icy. As we crossed the border into Montana, the more snow there was and the more snow-packed and icy the roads became. Then we ran into fog. It was dark anyway because it was about 7:00am, but the visibility got worse and worse. We could only see a few feet in front of us. Okay, did I tell you I also hate icy roads and fog!! As we drove very slowly and were unable to see, I wondered to myself "Why do I actually live here?!?"

So being the neurotic person that I am, I started to become a little anxious . . okay, QUITE anxious! I kept saying to myself, Patrice, you don't need to be anxious because God said He would take care of you. In fact, He promised you! But that didn't seem to be helping. I decided it was time for me to pray.

I closed my eyes and I said "God . . Guess what? Here I am, anxious again, and not trusting that you will take care of me. I know that you always get me through these scary weather/driving situations but I'm still a little anxious, Lord, because I am not in control of the car. The other day a friend of mine told me this cool story about how she was driving in the fog late at night and she was afraid and she prayed for you to part the fog like you did the Red Sea and she said that you did it!! You parted the fog for her and she was able to see and drive home safely! Well, I believe that you did that for her so it's my turn today God. I'm asking you to part the fog and help us to see the road. You're an awesome God and whatever happens I will trust in you to take care of us. In your precious and Holy and wonderful name I ask, and pray, Amen.

You can't even imagine what I saw when I opened my eyes . . . There was a hole in the fog and you could see the road! A few seconds later we came out of the fog like coming out of a tunnel! The sky was blue, the sun was bright, and the roads were clear. I can't even begin to describe the feeling I felt at that moment. Tears just started flowing from my eyes as I was filled with the love of God! He parted the fog just for me, just because I asked Him. And not only did He part the fog, but He cleared the roads and made the sun shine! How awesome is that! I closed my eyes one more time and said "Thank you Lord!"

What a moment that was getting to see and feel the love of God first hand and what a blessing having a prayer answered immediately! I'll most likely become anxious again at some point in my life but I know I can come to Him with any anxieties and He will take care of them and take them away. And needless to say, we made it home safely to beautiful, breath-taking, peaceful, wonderful Montana and now I remember again why I live there!

"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:14-19

Blessings from Patrice!

Patience Blessing

Well, after transporting 70 kids to school in the morning, some days I'm a little more "frazzled" than others. Some determining factors being: icy roads, kids who have eaten alot of sugar for breakfast, bus not being mechanically sound, etc.

Today my "frazzled" level was more on the high end. After the morning run is over, I have a short period where I calm myself down and try to leave the events of the bus ride behind. This morning during this calming down time, I got a "text" from my daughter. It said, "Mom, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry a thousand times but I forgot my Social Studies project at home! Can you get it and bring it to school by 9:00am?!"

I got a little perturbed by it because the previous day she had done the same thing! And just this morning as I walked out the door I said, "Don't forget your Social Studies project" and she said, "Ok". I get even more perturbed when I say something to her and then I feel like it goes in one ear and out the other . . . Like why am I even talking?

Being in that "after the bus ride" zone still, I started to get agitated. I felt my body temperature rising and then steam start coming out of my ears! (ha ha!) I, of course, was going to grant her request. There's no disputing that, because that's just the kind of mother I am, but what frame of mind I'm in when I'm doing it is the difference!

I proceeded to drive home (a whole 2.5 miles) like I was being reeeeaaaalllly inconvenienced! The whole time I was driving home I was trying to think of the appropriate "text" to respond back to her. I was thinking of things like, "You are so in trouble!" or "Why did you forget that!!!!!!" or "I'm really busy and this is not cool!" or something to that effect.

I got home, got the Social Studies project and got back in the car. I sat there for a minute and said, "Jesus, could you give me that gift of patience that you're always telling me about . . I could use it right about now . . I ask in your Name, Amen."

A calm came over me immediately. I "texted" back, "I'll be there in 5 minutes." When I got to the school she was standing there with a scared and apologetic look on her face, probably contemplating my reaction. Just seeing her precious little face like that made me want to just hug her.

I walked up and gave her a big hug and a kiss and said, "I'm not mad at you! Did you think I was going to be mad?" and she said, "I wasn't sure." I said, "I will do anything for you anytime, you know that don't you? But maybe from now on you can start putting everything you need for school by the front door so you don't forget it, eh? And she said, "Ok!". Then as I turned to leave I said, "But don't forget . . 3 strikes and you're out!" with a chuckle and she laughed and we had a totally cool special bonding moment!

I'm not always the most patient person, but what a blessing it was today to overcome that impatience thanks to God's wonderful gift! Thanks!

"A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18

Blessings from Patrice!

Thanksgiving Blessing

Oh man, last night all of a sudden out of nowhere I started feeling REALLY achy and sick. In about 10 minutes from feeling wonderful and healthy, I felt like I got hit by a big truck! Seriously! Something just attacked me! (Swine flu came to mind!) I didn't feel like doing anything and it hurt to move, soooo, I "O.D'd" on vitamin C and went to bed. I had the chills all night. It was interesting trying to sleep all night with the chills AND hot flashes at the same time! Ha! Covers on, covers off, covers on, covers off, covers on covers off!!

The next morning when I got up I felt the same . . absolutely horrible. I didn't feel like moving a muscle still. I mustered up enough energy and went to the "healing cupboard" (is what I call it!). I inundated my body with every natural thing I could find to fight off this nasty enemy that had invaded me . . . Echinacea, vitamin C, golden seal, folic acid, elderberry, zinc, etc., everything I had in my cupboard!! I ate a banana, an orange, and drank some green tea with honey and lemon. I soaked in a warm tub with lavendar and chamomile essential oils. I went out in the sun (Yep! We actually had some sun!). And I prayed . . .

The neatest thing happened . . . after I laid down for awhile I started feeling better! It was amazing! About an hour or two later from feeling like I was on deaths doorstep (not that bad, but almost!), I was feeling almost 100% better! I was able to enjoy the rest of my Thanksgiving day feeling healthy and well and THANKFUL!

I'm not certain which thing I did made me well or a combination of all of it or what, BUT, I think God is trying to tell me something again! There is a huge message to be told and that is the "Health Message" about God's natural healing wonders! I'm a big advocate now for all that is pure and natural and organic and healthy! Thanks Jesus for all your healing benefits!

Today was a wonderful Thanksgiving day! I have so much to be thankful for and what a perfect Thanksgiving blessing it was.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." Psalms 103:1-3

Blessings from Patrice!

Children Blessing

Today was the last day of school before Thanksgiving. While I was driving the bus I got on the loud speaker and said to the kids, "Okay everyone . . . As you get off the bus, stop and tell me one thing that you're thankful for." And so they did! (These are kindergarten through 3rd grade)

Alot of them said they were thankful for their moms and dads. Some were thankful for their houses. Some were thankful for their friends. Some were thankful for turkey! tee hee. Some were actually thankful for the bus driver! (they still like me after yelling at them to sit down and be quiet all the time! ha ha!) One was thankful for her dog "Bobo". One said he didn't celebrate Thanksgiving?? Some were thankful for their brothers and sisters. Then the last girl was getting off the bus. I said "And what are YOU thankful for?" and she replied, "I'm thankful for my mom, my dad, you, and Jesus and God!"

Wow!! What a beautiful thing to hear that the little girl was thankful for Jesus! How cool is that!? It made my heart happy! It reminded me of the song:

"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world,
Red and yellow, black and white, all our precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world!"

The children can sure drive me crazy some days! but today they WERE all precious and my giant blessing! I am definitely thankful for them and for Jesus! Thanks Jesus for that blessing today!

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

Blessings from Patrice!

Pastoral Blessing

I went to church today. I love going to church! We have this really cool pastor. Today he talked about working on what's on the inside and not being so concerned with what's on the outside. He had alot of good things to say as he always does. He really knows his bible and is very passionate about it and the Message. He came up with this bible verse today that was really cool! It said:

"And we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

In other words, we won't have these old beat up bodies forever! When we get to heaven we'll be transformed into new glorious bodies! I like that!

I wasn't sure that the pastor was going to be there today. I told my daughter that he might not be there and she was really disappointed. She said she really wanted to hear him. So she was really happy when we got to church and he was there!

Everyone has their own gifts and we are fortunate to have a pastor that really has the gift of spreading the Gospel. God's message through him was a blessing to both of us today!

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."" Mark 16:15

Blessings from Patrice!

Scripture Blessing

The Bible, the Scriptures, the Word of God . . . It is a daily blessing! It has helped me so many times with problems, answers to questions, struggling with an issue, decisions or just needing to hear something beautiful and encouraging. If I'm not understanding what I'm reading then I say a prayer and I ask God to help me to understand it and He does! The really cool thing about it is that it's right there for you whenever you need it and it's FREE!

So back to my health issues and my complaining. Someone told me not to worry because no matter what physical difficulty we experience it's always temporary because we have our Healer, Jesus Christ! So today I said a prayer and asked God to just help me realize that and quit complaining and to give me courage and strength and comfort . . and then as I was reading my bible I found this verse:

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" Revelation 21:3-4

It was perfect! What a blessing to hear that! Heaven is going to be a wonderful place! I know one day soon I will feel good again because God promises to take away all my pain and I have hope and encouragement in that.

God speaks through the scriptures . . open up your heart and listen!

"You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15

Blessings from Patrice!

Snow Blessing

I got to go snowboarding today! It's one of my favorite things to do in the world! When I go snowboarding I forget about all the cares of the world for awhile, I get some really good exercise, I get to be in God's nature, I get relaxed, invigorated and refreshed all at the same time!

And the snow . . . . I get to see the snow! It's so beautiful! When it snows it's like God has cleaned the earth and made it white! I love the snow! I don't like driving in it!! but I like looking at it and being in it and what a blessing it was being in it today! Thanks God for letting me see the beauty in the snow.

Take a look around you and check out all the wondrous things God has created for our enjoyment!

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth" and to the rain shower, "Be a mighty downpour."" Job 37:5-6

Blessings from Patrice!

Courage Blessing

I was asked recently if I would get up in front of the church congregation and give an offering appeal and say a prayer. My first initial thought was "NO WAY! I'm not getting up there!"

But actually I think it was an answer to a prayer. I've been wanting to do something like that for awhile now to try and face my fears.

You see, it's just been recent that I've come out of my little "shell". I was an introvert for quite a few years. I've always had a hard time talking let alone talking in front of a crowd of people! So it was a really hard decision but I decided to go for it!

I did alot of preparing! I gathered together everything I was going to say. My daughter pretended to be the audience and I practiced in front of her. She even made crying baby noises just in case there was a crying baby in the audience to make it realistic! ha ha! She really helped me.

And I said prayers . . LOTS of prayers . . . I prayed for courage and strength and for my words to be God's words and to be a blessing to others and to not "choke" when I get up there!

And the day finally came . . . Today was the day!! and guess what?! I did it! I made it all the way through perfectly and I wasn't even nervous! What a cool feeling it was to overcome that fear! The next time will be easier now! Thanks Jesus for blessing me with the gift of courage today.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

Blessings from Patrice!

Healing Blessing

This blessing has two words . . . Hot tub!

I have been so discouraged lately. I don't like being that way. When you're down "physically" it can really wreak havoc on the "mentally" and "spiritually". I prayed all day for some comfort . . . and the Lord answered!

I found the healing waters of the hot tub tonight! What a comfort that was! Relaxing, massaging, comforting . . . just what I needed. A moment of bliss. It really helped me physically, mentally and spiritually and was my huge blessing today!

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Blessings from Patrice!

Friend Blessing

I was having a mini "meltdown" today! I will spare you the details but let's just say I was pretty discouraged and life was taking it's toll on me again. Since I'm the "suffer in silence" type I don't usually open up and tell people what's going on but today for some reason I did. So while I was having this meltdown I made a great discovery . . . I have some really cool friends! They were there for me in my time of need! They gave me advice, they prayed for me, they offered suggestions, they gave me a shoulder to cry on, they just listened when I needed to vent and they were ready and willing to help me out in any way! What a giant blessing they were!

I found out how important friends are today and I think you should always let them know how special they really are! I know I'm going to try to be a better friend from now on.

"Two people are better off then one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other one can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Blessings from Patrice!

Encouraging Blessing

Ok I have to confess . . I was complaining today. I'm in my "40's" now and I'm not liking it! I'm trying to embrace "middle age" but it's not coming natural and easy. It's hitting me like a ton of bricks!

You see, I "skated" through life without nearly and ache or a pain. God really blessed me for those first 40 years! So now when I do get an ache or a pain it's a new and foreign thing for me and I think I'm dying or something!

Seriously, some days I feel like I'm 87 instead of 47! My joints ache, my back aches, my stomach aches, my head aches, everything aches, aaaaaugh!

So I was complaining to my friend who is older and in her 50's. She said "Patrice, don't lose hope. It will get better! You go through changes and your body is just trying to adjust. I went through the same thing and now I'm in my 50's and I feel great!"

Just hearing those words was really encouraging and it was a blessing having a friend to talk to. I know we are all different, but I have hope now that maybe all these aches and pains too shall pass!

Remember to give someone an encouraging word. It might really make their day!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-13

Blessings from Patrice!

Sunrise Blessing

I happen to live in a beautiful place which is a blessing in itself. Where I live they call it "Big Sky Country". It really lives up to it's name.

This morning when I got to work to drive the bus, I got out of the car and turned around and this is what I saw! Beautiful pinks and blues surrounding a perfect moon. It was like somebody had painted the sky! I had to just stand there and gaze at it for awhile when I realized that I had a camera on my phone so I snapped a picture of it. The picture doesn't do it justice but you can get the idea! It was BEAUTIFUL!

I was able to enjoy the moment before starting my busy day. Thanks Jesus for painting a beautiful sky for me this morning!

"The heavens declare the glory of the Lord; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1

Blessings from Patrice!

E-mail Blessing

Single motherhood can take it's toll on me sometimes. I play the role of the mother, the father, the friend, the disciplinarian, the spiritual leader, the "bread winner", the driver, the maid, the gardener, the mechanic AND the plumber, among other things! It can be a little overwhelming at times . . .

Well, today I was feeling a little discouraged. We all have those days, don't we?! Anyway, I sat down at my computer to check my e-mail and I found an e-mail that changed my whole day! So I thought I would share it with you. Here it is:



"Relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on Christ. Allow God to be the only person on your mind while you read this prayer. Friends, who pray together, stay together.

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness..

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example --to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..

This is my prayer. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

I just needed to talk to God to perk me up! Sometimes I forget that in my busy day so thanks e-mail buddy for reminding me and sending me a cool blessing today!

"If you believe . . you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22

Blessings from Patrice!

Sunday's Blessing

It's Monday morning and guess what?! Last night I got 7 hours of sleep straight!!! I didn't wake up once! That doesn't happen very often anymore! What a perfect way to start a Monday . . . refreshed and happy! I hope all your Monday's are good ones too!

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet!" Proverbs 3:24

Blessings from Patrice!

Saturday's Blessing

What can I say . . . It's Saturday, the Sabbath! I can't wait all week long for this day to get here! God had a great idea when He created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th! I love seeing my church family, singing beautiful songs, hearing about God, learning more about Him, spending time in His nature, spending time with my family, taking time to do things for others, and just being able to REST from my long week of work! What an enormous blessing! Today was a glorious day!

Someone told me one time what their idea of the Sabbath was and I think it says it all. They said the Sabbath is about "Having fun with Jesus!"

Thanks Jesus for giving us this day!

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God." Exodus 20:8-10

Blessings from Patrice!

Friday's Blessing

I also work in an office. One of the best things about my workday is that I get to listen to the Christian radio station. Awesome Christian music all day long! It's so cool! I get to hear people rejoicing and praising the Lord with beautiful and uplifting songs. It puts me in a good mood. First thing this morning I found myself in a stressful situation. What a way to start my day! I felt myself not being able to let go of the stress and then all of a sudden I realized I was singing along to "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin . . . and voila! All the stress was gone! How cool is that?! Today could've been a bad day but the music was a blessing!

We need to fill our five senses with good stuff! What goes in will eventually come out!

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!" Psalms 100:1-2

Blessings from Patrice!

Thursday's Blessing

I never thought about being a mother . . . and then it just hit me like a ton of bricks . . . those motherly instincts . . . I wanted to be a mother so bad!

And God gave me a beautiful daughter . . .

The 9 months with her inside me was the most wonderful time of my life! No morning sickness, no backaches, no swollen ankles . . . just pure happiness. She took 3 hour naps like clockwork. She slept through the night from almost day one. She never complained. She was so easy to take care of. One of her first words was "occupation!" She is so cool. It's been such a joy watching her grow up. She makes me laugh . . . sooo hard sometimes! She's my best friend. Tonight after we said our prayers she looked at me and in her precious little voice said "Good night mom . . . I love you."

I am blessed more than I could have ever imagined and I thank God for her every day. I know we'll always be okay as we grow together in the Lord . . .

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6

Blessings from Patrice!

Wednesday's Blessing

My car started this morning! That's my blessing! Seriously. Some might take it for granted but I sure don't. My car is 19 years old. It has a loud lifter noise going on for about 3 years. The 4 wheel drive doesn't work anymore. It needs a couple of u-joints. It needs a new power steering pump. It burns and leaks oil. Some of the windows don't work. It gets about 12 miles to the gallon now and the heater only works in the summer! (ha ha!)

But every morning when we say our prayers we thank the Lord for the rest we got, for the new day and ask for the car to start! And guess what? The car starts every morning! It's a huge blessing and one less thing for me to think about! And if the car DOESN'T start one morning, then that will be a blessing too because I won't have to go to work!! (ha ha!)


I could really use a new car. I haven't prayed for that yet . . . but I think I will! I'll keep you posted on that one!


"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4



Blessings from Patrice!

Tuesday's Blessing

I drive a school bus. At one point during the day I pick up little special needs preschool children from school and take them home. I also pick up their "aid" which is the person who rides along with them.

There is a boy that rides who is quite a handful. He needs to be watched carefully every minute on the walk to the bus as he will veer off in some other direction perplexed by something he sees on the ground or on the bus. He doesn't like to sit still. He used to unbuckle his seat belt frequently and try to get up. He got up one day and was halfway out the window as we were unloading other children! We had to get a seatbelt lock for him so he would stay put! Most days he is very vocal!

Today was like most days. He was quite vocal. But something different happened as he got off of the bus. Normally he tries to run off to look at something as the aid exits the bus to walk him to his house. But today as he walked down the steps of the bus he stopped at the bottom. He patiently waited for the aid to get off the bus. When she got to the bottom of the steps he looked up at her with his precious little innocent eyes and held out his hand. The aid gently took his hand and they walked quietly and peacefully to his door. An overwhelming feeling of comfort came over me as I felt the comfort and safety that the little boy must have felt for that whole minute as he held the hand of the aid up to his door.

It was a beautiful picture and made today's routine bus ride a HUGE blessing! It reminded me that if WE hold out OUR hands, God will take them and walk with us and comfort us any time we need Him! And what a beautiful picture that will be when we get to heaven and we can walk hand in hand with God.

"The Lord tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11


Blessings from Patrice!