New plan coming soon

Several years ago, I began my own little project on social media where I posted a favorite moment of the day.  (Wow, I really like giving myself projects and challenges!)  It was a big hit and I kept every record, for an entire year, of the post I wrote and the comments I received.  I have read it many times since then and I love looking back at what was going on in our lives at the time and reliving each favorite moment.

Last year, I guess, or maybe even two years ago, as I was reliving my memories, I began to write Bible verses I was reminded of or short "lessons" I had learned from that favorite moment.  It has turned into a sort of daily devotional book for myself.  It has caused me to dive deeper into God's word to find the exact verse or story that I was thinking about.  In a nutshell, it helps me get back to what's really important - a relationship with God and being a Godly example to my children and others.

I say all that to say this:  in December, I will begin sharing those favorite moments and the daily devotionals with all of you on this blog for the entire year.  My plan is to actually publish it one day just so I will have it all together in one place when I need it.  There were days that I forgot to write a favorite moment so I may still throw in a children's story or two but I will mainly use this blog for the purpose of spreading the good news to others.  It will also allow me to focus on my children's book promotion and book signings without feeling the pressure of having to write for the blog (although the pressure is self-imposed and I will still have to write since I don't have a devotion for every favorite moment just yet).

I hope you all will share this journey with me and share it with others.  I never set out to have a record number of readers on this blog but I am very flattered that my posts average about 15 views.  That may not seem like much to the big time bloggers out there but it makes this little southern girl's heart smile!  I just wanted somewhere for all my stories, poems, thoughts, and dreams to go instead of on napkins, post-its, notebooks, and church bulletins!

If I don't post until December, I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Thankful for the rain

I was shocked at how many views I had on the blog last night!  I'm honored, actually.  Thanks for reading these little stories and pieces of me and my life.

It's raining.  It's storming.
It drives my dog crazy.
She doesn't like it but
it makes me very lazy.

I love to hear the rain on the roof.
I don't care too much for thunder.
But I do like to watch the lightning
in all its splendor and wonder.

Sometimes I think the rain comes
to make us all slow down
in our busy lives that keep us 
running all around.

I enjoy my busy life 
although, at times, it seems insane.
So tonight I'm a little thankful
for the storm and for the rain.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

My little town

This little town of mine is great.
It has mountains and a glistening lake.

You can hike, bike, or catch a fish.
You can really do whatever you wish!

It has stores downtown with all sorts of things -
shoes, or kayaks, or diamond rings.

The outdoor concerts in the park are neat.
The summer programs at the library are always a treat.

I love the parades in my small hometown.
We close off the street and shut everything down.

The river bridge is a landmark that is known far and wide.
Our museums have lots of history inside.

The sunrise and sunset are beautiful here.
There's wildlife, too, like eagles and deer.

Whether you stay in a hotel or a cabin or tent,
if you visit my town it is time well spent.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Laundry, dishes, and dirt

This is what I'm feeling today but almost every day.  Here's to you, moms.  Copyright 2014.

Laundry, laundry, everywhere.
Laundry, laundry, here and there.
Laundry on the floor and stairs.
Am I the only one who cares?

Dishes, dishes, piled up high.
So many to wash I just might cry.
Wash, dry, put away, repeat.
It's so hard to keep my kitchen neat.

Dirt, dirt, all on the floor.
I sweep it up, but then there's more.
The kids and dog just bring it in.
It's a battle I feel I cannot win.

I know one day there will not be
as much laundry, dishes, and dirt to see.
I will miss washing all the uniforms
and mending the pants that are worn.
I will miss the dirty cups and plates
that were left by friends who stayed over late.
I will miss the dirt clumps from the cleats
that scored a run in the game last week.

So I'll just savor the moment and all the work
and cherish the laundry, the dishes, and dirt.

Sick Day

This is a poem I wrote in 2006, when 2 of my 3 children where home sick.  I added more to it in 2009, and did a little editing just a few days ago when I read it again.  This one is for the moms who feel this struggle.

All stories and poems are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Sometimes you don't know what to do.
Is it strep throat or the flu?
Will they give these germs to you?
Then you'll be home aching, too.

It's so hard to do it all -
talk to the teacher when she calls,
pick up toys and trains and balls,
wash the crayon off the wall.

When's the vomiting going to end?
I have party invitations I need to send.
Random things go through my mind
while a good night's sleep I try to find.

Homework, practice, go here, go there,
the kids scream, "I need lunch money!
I have nothing to wear!"

I feel so overwhelmed sometimes.
Bills are due and money's tight.
Collectors are calling, the cable's off,
one of the young one's has a cough.

I sink within myself but I'm as far as I can go.
I'm trapped.  I'm stressed.  I'm crying, "How'd I get here?
I don't know."

Then a little one grabs me and says, "Mom, I love you."
Suddenly, all the problems seem really small.
One hug from a child really is the best medicine of all.