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!