Things that make me smile : )

So, I saw "Things that make me smile" written somewhere and when I read that, I began thinking
of all the things that make ME smile. I think it is so interesting the different things that make people
smile....I decided to make my own list as to remind
myself of the things I love and never forget.
You know sometimes, we overlook the little things, the little things that warm
our hearts, so I encourage you, take time one day and write down the things that make you smile...
see what you come up with : )

Things that make Esther Vanover smile:
*Children. I love Children!
*A rainy day and a good book.
*Fluffy dogs with wild hair.
*The laughter of a small child.
*The innocence of child.
*A rainbow.
*Seeing someone I haven't seen in a long time.
*A good firm hug.
*Finding money in my pockets. Or finding something that was lost.
*Getting a random text from a friend.
*Hearing from my parents.
*Thinking of a vacation that I'll one day take.
*Helping someone in need.
*Good food. That REALLY makes me smile. And my belly smiles too haha.
*Heart felt, sincere words.
*Someone accepting Jesus as their savior.
*Learning something new.
*Seeing Addie's face after a long day at work.
*Feeling Maddox kick
*Laying in bed with my Husband on a Saturday morning.
*Feeding my family a good meal
*Winning
*Looking at my wedding ring.
*Smell good products--for my hair, house, whatever. I love smelling good
*A hot shower.
*Getting a back massage.
*When I tell a funny joke and people laugh.
*Not wearing make up and Stephen still says, "you're beautiful"
*Hearing my favorite song on the radio
*Having my house clean.
*A good testimony.
*Bouncing back from a failure.
*Knowing I'm one day going to see Jesus
*When I feel like I really understand a scripture
*Being right in an argument with Stephen lol hey it makes me smile this is MY list. haha
*Buying gifts for people.
*Being a positive influence on someone.
*Knowing good things are happening for others.
*A good  positive conversation in person or on the phone.
*Playing with Addie or seeing her learn something new.
*Watching Adalie and her daddy play, the way he looks at her makes me sigh.
*A beautiful painting.
*Seeing a new city
*The ocean, stars, & sky.
*A field full of lilies.
(And I'll leave you with one last smile, maybe even a chuckle...)
*Going to the bathroom after holding it in for a while...ahhhh : )

Laugh Often, Love Much, and Live Well
-Est

What makes you smile?

Letter to God

::My quiet time::
Recently I was inspired to write my own letter to God in a safe place I'll never lose, like my blog.
Enjoy.

Dear God,
Though you know the innermost part of my being, I can only hope that through my free writing I am able to
encourage myself when I forget the tune of this song my heart sings to You.


I love you. More than anything. Not because of what you did, or what You do for me, but simply because of who You ARE. My father.
You created me when you didn't have to. You knit me together in my mother's womb and called me
wondeful. You planned a purpose for my life and shield my way down it's path. You...are my love.

Though I've never physically seen You, I've seen your hand, your works, your signs....And every bit
of that has left me speechless, my mind can not fathom your splendor.

You touched my heart at an early age and since then you have dwelled in the core of its very beat.

At times, I get lost in my own selfishness, but I thank the Holy Spirit who is consistently drawing me near to You.  Jesus, Never leave my heart.
This world, it has nothing for me, yet I'll never be good enough to resist its sin. I can only but try my best
to be purified through you daily, die to my flesh, take up my cross and continue to follow You....
but even then I fail at that.
Jesus I want to be just like You, but just like John the baptist said, neither I would even be
worthy enough to carry your sandals.
Holy Spirit you remind me. You remind me, that though I was born into sin and should probably deserve death for all my wrong doing, I am more than qualified to be called a Child of God and
A princess to the King of Kings.

I humbly ask that you always remind me of that precious blood I have been washed in.
That precious blood that was shed on my behalf and calls me redeemed.


There are moments I cannot move, so Holy Spirit move through me. Take me in the direction that will
serve your will for me. Shut my mouth to resist ungodly talk.
If I have to speak , let it be You to speak through me. Never let the Word I share with others return void.
Shut my eyes to ungodly sights.
If I need to see anything, please show me where to look. Close my ears from empty words.
If I must hear, please whisper your message into my heart in a way that I can understand.
Direct my feet from ungodly roads.
If I must walk, let it be tracing the prints you've already marked. If I should stop in my ways, give me a
gentle push beyond fear and doubt...This is my prayer.

Lastly, perfect me in the ways You desire. My heart, it belongs to you.
I am yours.
All of me.