Giving Thanks to Change a Moment

So I was in one of those situations where i was really stressed out by what was going on. I just wanted to cry. I couldn't understand it or figure out how to make it better. I am sure this is not new to you. Actually, I am sure that many people go through much tougher times than me. I am blessed. But even so, sometimes, my mood or a situation gets the best of me. It drags me down. Well, giving thanks, numbering those blessings in the moment, that helps turn things around. It gives it a whole new perspective. I didn't really come away with answers but it sure did change the scenery in my situation.

So here I will number a few more of the Thousand Endless Gifts #493-509:
*a hard conversation, but better than before
*feeling so sick, thankful for the gift growing inside me
*hearing and knowing and admitting that i am inadequate
*feeling powerless
*praying hard, thankful for a God who listens and hears and understands
*lessons in friendship and compassion
*knowing that i will continue to learn, it wasn't one shot and its over
*being able to call on the God of the universe for wisdom
*the desire to reach out and help, to love
*my daddy, my grandfather
*an early morning walk with a baby who wouldn't sleep on my back
*writing a journal for Ezra, trying to be honest and stay as positive as possible, that i love them no matter what stage we are in
*the guys that we serve downtown, their desire to give smiles and laughter to my children
*long weekends, the strength to endure
*nights that are long and hard, sleep that isn't restful
*this homeschool journey, so many lessons
*that God is my friend and brother, that God can teach me to be a friend and brother, the deep desire

The List

#450-492 of the Thousand Endless Gifts

*grace for starting the list again
*a child's story about contentment and gratitude to remind me
*laughing together because we both had the same question--"is our anniversary really this week? and how long have we been married again?"
*a husband that leads with strong hands, I am not alone
*beautiful sublime family chaos
*sisters and brothers that i never had growing up
*sweet smiles from the babies in the family
*watching my SIL play the up/down game and the kids eating it up
*cousins playing together
*time in the bounce place
*the pool
*a life giving friendship
*a letter of love and encouragement from a friend
*the blessing of a place to meet
*The Cottage
*knowing their names, giving them respect and smiles
*nature walks
*that God never stop revealing himself, i don't need to understand it all now, just enjoy taking it in
*seeing my daughter read her bible daily, letting her pick where she reads and listening to why
*naps
*children that are flexible
*that i can name my blessing and start giving thanks when i feel bummed, it making a difference
*bouncing things off my hubby in safety
*making burritos with friends, their first time
*a gentle (or not so gentle) reminder :)
*speaking words that make souls stronger
*ice water
*reading and listening to know, not letting it pass out of my mind, God helping me fight the fog and difficulty concentrating, trying to learn right along with the kids
*the audio files on bible gateway--i just love hearing the spoken Word of God
*when i talk a lot and he talks little but gives me so much wisdom, that he willingly listens, protects me and gives me a safe outlet, a man who "quietly puts up" when I probably need to "shut up" and the one who makes me brave and his will to love me (thanks for that beautiful post Ann),
*a strong 162 beat heartbeat, so easy to find, such a wonderful God sound
*a friend who asks me how I am feeling
*the Living Water, the true Bread that satisfies, and the Words that are powerful, living, active and Wisdom--learning not to starve my family or ration this but to slowly savor and partake often--another beautiful post God uses to confirm something he is doing in my family
*my middle son's excitement for life, his sweet and growing speech
*my children's emotions and a God that gave them and equips us to deal with them
*a book full of promises. FAITH. learning simple faith.
*a bookshelf built in an afternoon
*really good photographs, catching a moment in time
*yardwork together, the kids helping
*cooking for others
*a sweet, beautiful new baby
*celebrating God's holidays, the richness in the reminder
*a shower, forgiveness

#418-449 of the Thousand Endless Gifts

*the security and assurance i feel with my man, at home
*meeting my neice and nephew in person for the first time
*working together
*being protected
*the way he is steady, calm
*the unexpected weather-sunshine; able to play outdoors; energy for long days
*easy meals
*homeschool support; those who want to teach and learn along with you
*strawberries, strawberries, and more strawberries; red juice all over, the scent, the taste
*a deep heart conversation, waiting; in time He will reveal and give wisdom
*the END (fulfillment, the climax, the full extent, the revealing, the goal, the embodiment)
*how hard he works, see it wear on him but seeing him push through
*getting a glimpse, having faith, trying to understand but waiting
*Daddy helping with math for a little while
*family in town!
*the calm after i take control, wishing it had happened sooner but learning the lesson at the moment, stopping to count, changing my thoughts
*a mother's day test
*quiet time at home
*a reminder of true fear, a call to trust the One with the plan, a message of courage
*long to do list, things always coming up, taking our Sabbath anyway--in body and heart
*my pastor's family
*cards and flowers that make me smile
*smiling big, from face to heart
*gentle breeze, patterns of light, beautiful weather
*the new morning routine
*trying to get up early to pray, catching myself falling asleep but knowing God hears me and will help train me
*when you read something, ponder it, live it, wait and find it sinking in
*looking ahead to his brokeness, he gave thanks (eucharisteo), he anticipated thanks, not fear or worry or any of those other things that we so easily get into; and if i keep giving thanks then i will become like him--i want to anticipate thanks
*being the mom
*desiring to understand true wisdom, allowing my brain to be reworked, not giving up even though its tough and i'm tired
*hugging a friend
*joyful children piling in and out of a van to visit, laugh and smile
*the hospitality of friends, excited voices eating and playing together--not being able to see what they are doing, hearing them talk comfortably, having to push to leave, planning some future fun

Giving Thanks for Failure

When we fail or others fail us in life it is hard, but it is a blessing too. We have a longing that only God can fill. He designed us with that longing. And failure has to happen. It points us to God. We can't find it in ourselves, others or circumstances. When I lament that I can't be everything someone dear to me needs or that things have really changed or my mouth gets me into trouble or I lack selfcontrol, it is easy to get bogged down with the failure. But there is a greater plan. Only ONE can not fail. I want to see that ONE and I want others to see that ONE. I can't shield my children from this. I don't want to. I want them to see Christ. I must fail for that ONE to be strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9--"And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

So in this world, there will be struggle and yet there is blessing in the struggle. Stop and begin to number them. It will lead to the ONE who does no fail.



#385-417 of the Thousand Endless Gifts
*smiling, changing my face to change my heart
*stopping to enjoy the things they discover
*her confidence building
*praying and worshipping together in the car, a turning point
*trembling
*being brought to tears with some sweet women of God as we study the Bible
*listening to the kids chatter with friends
*a friend's couch
*a coffee shop and conversation, 3 hours that seemed like 30minutes!
*knowing that i have to fail sometimes, God's plan
*demonstrating sweet love, true patience
*multiple hugs and kisses
*speaking truth when i want to build a wall
*an email from a spiritual mentor--a reminder not to give up
*excitement over learning--seeing it make sense to them
*Olivia's journal entry about God
*games of hide and seek
*Gabe trying to do right, remembering my job is to train
*holding both boys
*discussion/debate, him not backing down, looking for the truth
*stopping to see how hard they are trying
*teachers/leaders at BSF
*"Relationships cost. It’s not that you aren’t going to blow it. It is what you do with it, when you do." Ann Voskamp
*finding the positive expression and motivation
*seeing God's provision
*a mirror of truth
*thinking of what God thinks of me, knowing his assessment of me matters, not mine of him
*practicing thanks in the moments
*that God wants to comfort me, and would teach me to comfort, even when it feels so foreign
*getting up early to pray, weak prayers that God still hears
*struggling to sit quiet, He waits, a slow training
*just what he talked about being on sale at the grocery store
*Gabe wanting out of the stroller
*climbing rocks, jumping-1 2 3, sticks, leaves, small rocks

It Starts With Me

If I want my kids to use selfcontrol, I must use selfcontrol.
If I want my kids to use soft words, I must use soft words.
If I want my kids to have a happy heart, I must have a happy heart.
If I want my kids to honor their dad, I must honor their dad.
If I want my kids to perservere, I must perservere.
If I want my kids to seek time with God, I must seek time with God.
If I want my kids to use their time wisely, I must use my time wisely.
If I want my kids to think of others first, I must think of others first.
If I want my kids to be content, I must be content.
If I want my kids to be grateful, I must be grateful.
If I want my kids to think of things eternal and meaningful, I must think on these things.

There. I said it out loud. Now I am held to it. Through Christ's strength I can do it.

#364-384 of the Thousand Endless Blessings
*spring turning to summer evenings
*windows open, breezes blowing
*a 6th birthday
*bringing smiles to those around us, saying hello to anyone
*bowling with family
*a last minute picnic and blessing, a megaphone of honor
*just the little things that make one feel special
*a sweet child of my co-worker, Jack, born a week after Ezra, and his joyful and faithful family; making sacrifices for the little ones God has entrusted; knowing God has an amazing plan for them and that God is walking beside them
*working hard
*understanding God's love for this earth and all that is in it; desiring to do my part
*a beautiful and amazing glimpse into God's design and seeing the kids excitement
*tonight I could have drank the same water that was in the Garden of Eden and that Jesus drank at some point while he was on earth--wow!
*a long productive day
*being HOME on call when I was sure I wouldn't be
*coworkers that run to my rescue
*the lesson above
*change that keeps me from having idols before God
*my crazy emotions
*returning to the Torah
*good quotes I read this week from Lysa Terkeurst: "In the moment of temptation, I realized that having a pity party was a clue that I was relying on my own strength, a strength that has failed me before and will fail me again." and "Invite God's power into the situation." and "Weakness is hard, but weakness doesn't have to mean defeat. It is my opportunity to experience God's power first hand." and "Resisting temptation allowed promise upon promise to be built up in my heart, and that creates empowerment."
*saying "this is unfair" but not leaving it there.

#334-363 of the Thousand Endless Gifts

*moments of compassion and understanding of others
*difficult relationships
*doing love
*being cherished
*making my dad proud
*a friend who is honest with me
*discovering what my words did to another and being able to apologize
*seeing my children make accomplishment
*being able to help
*a most amazing phone conversation
*time
*reflecting, celebrating Passover, Jesus-his death and resurrection, God's plan; simple focus
*God's creation, his workmanship, not an accident and far from it
*warmer Saturday morning, coversations, hugs, smiles, catching up, being a blessing
*hope exchanged for despair, light overcoming darkness
*celebrating my sweet 6 year old Hope
*standing firm and not getting rocked (as much)
* songs that make my leap with joy-- "Living, He loved me Dying, He saved me Buried, He carried my sins far away Rising, He justified freely forever One day He’s coming Oh glorious day, oh glorious day"(Casting Crowns); the music of Dennis Jernigan and Keith Green
*our pastor challenging us to do something with our Resurrection experiences, a blog with the same challenge, being living and active like the Word.
*words i want to take back but can't, hearing them just slip out of my grasp, again realizing my great need
*waiting and giving God his time
*facing fears, accomplishing, shaking but feeling strong
*dinner made
*my hubby's desire to do and be everthing our family needs
*grandparents who love, laugh, play, hold
*feeling sick and struggling in the early morning hours, stopping to rely on the ONE greater than me
*my salvation, assurance, the voice in me; God restoring our relationship; He suffered and died for me; I am for his glory, I can bring Him glory
*the ways God speaks to us, clearly
*seeing my children's excitement as they are made to feel special
*a thoughtful gift

Still Counting

I just want to say again how amazing this naming my blessings journey has been. When you look, there is always a blessing, some obvious and some in disguise! It is changing my vision and my thinking. I want to be a good example of looking at life with gratitude. I mean what a blessing to hand it down to my kids since they will do as I do far faster than they will do as I say. :)

#307-333 of the Thousand Endless Gifts
*coming home
*couch time
*working it out
*exercise
*their hands and feet, their eyes, their smiles, the shapes of their faces, their voices
*peaceful sleep in the midst of a storm
*trees grown up
*more generations
*new family additions
*Sabbath rest
*baby dedications
*God hears our prayers
*God heals sickness of heart and soul
*holding my patient's hands, whispered prayers
*my parents
*the barn roof to play on-when i was a kid and now Olivia
*riding bikes
*sweet worship music, seeing Olivia learn to worship
*hands raised, heads bowed, clasped hands
*the wind, the rain, the many different faces of the sky
*the smell of my past
*bibles on the table
*my daily bread
*singing Hosanna
*a child's demonstration of the 10 plagues and the Exodus, being greated with excitement over their bags, the red streamer (the blood) hanging from their doorways
*a wonderful meal, hospitality of new friends, and discussion about how to celebrate a messianc passover
*the kids climbing on me in bed

Open Your Eyes

So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (2 Kings 6:14-17)

as i look around
my heart is overwhelmed
feet stuck to the ground
i am so heavy
trudging, straining
looking at my feet
wanting to be in
a different place
why, why am i here?
so i try to move again
but i feel, desperate
on my knees
they are closing in on me
i am afraid
calling out for help
i hear, "open your eyes"
no i can't see, please help
calm surrounds me
but is it real?
again i hear, "open your eyes
there on every side,
can you see them?"
God's salvation surrounds...
the angels are so much more numerous
my enemies are defeated
open your eyes,
you are free
so on my knees
my heart is given water
i drink it able to relax
for i am saved by a great hope
hope in the God of
all heaven and earth
i no longer have to worry
peace and joy help me stand
and move my feet
they are not so heavy
as i begin a dance
my heart is overwhelmed
so open your eyes, my friends
see your salvation on
every side you are safe
for our fears for today,
our worries about tomorrow,
and even the powers of hell
can't keep God's love away!

 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Cor 4:8-9)


Continuing to count... #284-306 of the Thousand Endless Gifts
*sitting around the table, eating together, good conversation, generations
*new mercies for tomorrow
*power that stayed on even with all the other mess of the storm
*a way out when i feel boxed in
*staying home
*open windows-the fresh breeze
*children who remember our intentions and not our regrets
*hearing the boy's words more clearly
*more moments that I can try again not to let slip past in waste, frustration, business, stress
*a winding circle of candles lit, family prayers, walking this journey together
*satisfied cravings-learning what real satisfaction is
*all ages in one room
*some amazing reflection back and forth, things coming into focus
* meditating on: "everlasting preoccupation with God", Ecc 2:11, true wisdom and the heart of my efforts, God's plan and gifting for my children (not mine) and what my place really is
*our family bible reading (Esther, Exodus 2-14, and now we are going to start at John 12) this lent season
*humility-humus (greek root word)-down to the earth, down on my knees--CONSTANTLY/OVER & OVER
*Robin Sampson says, "Spiritual maturity is about coming to the end of ourselves and realizing just how big God really is, and that there is no way that we could ever do it on our own! Seek God and rest assured, He will perfect that which concerns you and your children. (Psalm 138:8). Trust, have confidence in Him, wait in joyful anticipation for Him to revel His will.  “Blessed are all who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18"
*JR's amazing revelation this week: We were discussing Ex 15:22-27 in light of Jehovah Rapha (The god who heals). God led the people to the place with the bitter water (their hearts) and had Moses throw a tree into the waters. Did that tree represent the cross/Jesus? I mean read it and see how cool that is. He saw their hearts, their need for healing. And he made the bitter waters sweet with a tree. Jesus died on a cross (made from a tree) to heal us! Anyway, see what you think. :)
*a beautiful Sunday that I wasn't going through in a fog from being so tired
*hundreds of spinning pinwheels
*kids jumping from tree trunk piece to tree trunk piece
*picking up sticks together, Gabe and Olivia excited and helpful
*carrying the baby on the my back and him calm

#264-283 of the Thousand Endless Gifts

*holding back hair and comforting my little ones
*laying with my daughter on her bed watching the breeze blow through the trees and the clouds float by
*new windows that open and show clear views
*hearing the birds early in the morning
*an excellent book, can't wait to read it all and yet i don't want it to end, makes me ponder
*finding some vision for our lessons
*a sunset out front of the house
*how much greener the green looks when the clouds are heavy
*the rain stopping when it was time to head out to the van
*berry bushes to plant in the yard
*baby chicks and thinking about having our own in another year (the Lord willing)
*future plans for our yard, garden, compost. learning. getting excited. even if they don't turn out exactly like we plan, i enjoy the talking.
*a quiet car ride. times of silence. quieting my thoughts.
*Cadbury mini eggs
*see her excited and making her best score on a speed drill
*realizing what is really the important lesson
*falling asleep next to my hubby
*him pondering something i asked
*waking up to the sunshine streaming in the windows. next to my hubby.
*smiles and giggles and playing after days of sickness


Ann said today at her blog:

Give thanks anyways — do this in re-membrance of Me.
In the remembering to give thanks, our broken places are re-membered — made whole.


She is an amazing writer, go read it! :)

#237-263 of the Thousand Endless Gifts

*Gabe's tenderness
*Olivia's desire to reach out to others, to help out, and her flexibility/understanding
*Ezra's strength and "long arms" (coined by his sister)
*a walk to the park
*exploring the backyard
*watching Ezra touch and feel everything with curiosity and joy. hanging on tight to those sticker balls/gumballs.
*birthday banners, special meals
*Olivia's creativity
*Olivia and Gabe able to take on more responsibility
*extra little voices playing in our house, good conversation with friends
*interesting people connections
*running out to browse at the used book store with company
*perservering and finishing
*learning lessons of compassion and flexibility over "book" learning
*a cow hunt
*smiling and greeting strangers
*counting flowers
*the big dogwood blooms in my backyard. the other colors and blooms. the little sprouts in our seed starters.
*friends kept safe
*a cancelled doctor's appt because of a clear eye
*three little girls hugging one another
*in the school room
*holding my daughter. looking her in the eye.
*the way the boys hate to be told no and lessons learned
*hugs after discipline
*carrying them in from the car, heads on my chest
*the clouds like a blanket of covers to keep me "warm" and secure

Last week, I read these words. Ann says, "Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satan's way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus' way? Why else get angry? Isn't it because I think complaining, exasperation, resentment will pound me up into the full life I really want? When I choose--and it is a choice--to crush joy with bitterness, am I not purposefully choosing to take the way of the Prince of Darkness? Choosing the angry way of Lucifer because I think it is more effective--more expedient--than giving thanks?"  I need to stop and thank God. Focus on God. My children and my home are gifts from God. In that moment. No matter how unlovely and messy the moment is, the surroundings are, or the individuals are. It is in giving thanks that the ugly turns beautiful. This coming week I will audibly give thanks in the moment. I will feel thanks so that it is impossible to feel angry, as she says. I will wrestle with God and beg to see the blessings. I will practice. I will see God.

#204-236 of my Thousand, Endless Gifts

*the way the sun streams through the clouds and grows. and how the sun appears brighter and more colorful with the thick white and darker clouds looming around it.
*seeing the God given gifts in each of my children. sometimes i find myself frustrated but them but i can also clearly see where God is going to use the positive side to their personalities. and once he grows them and molds them, they will do amazing things.
*my health
*grace moments in a full moon weekend
*how often God repeats himself to me and doesn't threaten to quit
*enjoying an orchestra with Olivia, seeing her excitement, and hearing her commentary (she thought the conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, looked like a strong eyed sheep dog)
*the poetry of God
*that I am equipped with the truth to overcome
*discussing a book with a friend
*the want to. understanding food and my own cravings.
*seeing my need and receiving grace when my tongue whips hard against those I love. and a perfectly timed blogpost to keep me from trying to cover it up. "letting go of sin and clinging to Christ"
*little hands and little feet. touching. holding. loving.
*stopping the cycle of my thoughts that would spiral downward. instead reaching up to the things that are pure, holy, and right.
*piles of dirt
*planting seeds
*watching Olivia draw and hearing her talk about life
*playing with my kids
*coffee with a friend. stacks of books.
*freedom
*bird songs
*shoulder to shoulder with my hubby
*seeing him work so hard for our home and our family
*stacks of wood
*patterns in nature
*3 temptations-Genesis, the gospels, 1 John.
*the Alpha and the Omega. the many ways God/Jesus has identified himself to us by his names. the richness of the relationship we can have with God.
*watching the kids run and play on the trail through the woods. finding signs of Spring.
*taking flowers and a smile to a friend
*sharing with the kids some fun excitement watching the planes land at the airport
*carrying my children
*coming home
*a pastor who is passionate about the Word and who gives so much to our family
*Olivia worshipping God in dance. leading the way.

Seeing with the right perspective brings change for the good.

I am blessed and finding great fruit coming from this slowing down, tasting of life, and giving thanks in all circumstances. I see God. He is constantly at work. All around me. I am grateful! In those moments where he gives and in those where he takes away. I have always loved declaring the truth of the song, Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman. It is healing to sing it out loud. Still I will say...My heart will choose to say...Blessed Be the Name of the Lord. My moment to moment circumstances do not change my ability to sing this and for it to be truth. God's grace is there in the plenty and in the lacking. He doesn't change. It is TRUTH. It has grown me and changed me in an amazing way. (#181-203 of my Thousand Endless Gifts)

*the way the grass is suddenly green
*making tough choices, my beloved to make them with
*not talking too much
*a new perspective on a messy kitchen
*hubby bringing me home several surprises this week
*free resources and books on the internet
*slicing apple rounds, the hidden flowers and stars, all the variety, uniqueness and taste
*grandparents
*a hot dinner in an inviting home
*a tree that didn't land on the house
*electiricity
*friends helping
*a sound machine and sweet sleep
*beautifully spoken word from The Word, my own spoken Word.
*"But, please take special notice of this, especially you who tend to keep God at arm's distance from your emotions. According to Hosea 2:16, God does not want you to return to him and say, "Yes, Sir" and set about your duties. He wants you to come into the wilderness, to listen to him speak tenderly and to respond to him, "My husband." God wants your heart, not just your hands, because if he has your heart he has everything." excerpt from John Piper 1982
*thinking about God's tender touch, a new way for me, not so comfortable
*getting up and trying again
*letting go, accepting the gift of a friend
*visions to change lives- one example, knowing and being challenged by these people
*reading the stories of Abraham and Issac and Esther. again. relevant for right now.
*lent. preparing myself. understanding a little more about sacrifice
*a most amazing book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
*another book (for me first, not directly for my child) that i am not necessarily proud that I had to read but one that I am so grateful to have found. the same goes for these two sermons by S.M. Davis on anger. getting to the heart of the matter, no matter how uncomfortable, and asking forgiveness and beginning to change.
*a quiet, calm word

Stop and Smell the Roses

My lesson this week has been that the gifts in life are in the small and simple. And to see those things, we must slow down and look for them. God is always giving gifts. Even in the hard moments. Even in the mundane. "Life is brief and fleeting BUT it is not an emergency" (Ann Voskamp). I will regret rushing about and always being in a hurry. Life is not a to-do list for me to check off. Ps 36:9-"We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing." What is the saying? Haste makes waste. And here is another thought: "Hurry always empties a soul" (Ann Voskamp). I want to be filled with joy and the gifts of this great creator God who loves us. He is the I AM. His very name that he identified himself to Moses and his special people, Israel, is about being in the present. Time is the essence of God. I only have so many hours in a day and it would be better to go to bed at night having not accomplished everything on my to do list and yet have a quiet, peaceful spirit and having enjoyed the day and the gifts in my life.  So here I count my Thousand, Endless Gifts (#138-180)

*communion
*a change of plans
*the truth spoken
*rows of chairs
*the rustling of papers
*pajamas
*riding the handlebars
*banana pudding milkshake
*colors
*yeast dough, kneading dough
*watching him stretch the dough
*making pizza to order, your very own pizza
*answered questions
*red, rosey cheeks
*new things
*the same things
*mixing, swirling colors
*dripping water, on me, at my feet, hiding my tears, cleansing, joy
*blazing, dancing fire
*flipping pages
*moments of light, bread, life, Word
*a shared meal
*his friends
*little voices playing
*rushing air, balloon rocket
*when it finally works, trying again and again
*Its not about me!
*soft feathers, little bills
*another lesson in slow dancing
*reading laps
*throwing himself on me
*an open mouth expectation
*another change of plans
*not being left alone
*little butts in the air
*fallen branches, water rushing over, under, around
*the way the baby flips himself over backward to look around
*a new perspective
*the still small voice in the midst of the crazyness
*being honest with myself
*walking together, holding hands, when she lays her head on me
*when i stop to listen

There Is No Question (period)

God is good. Everything about him is good. He sees the beginning from the ending. I have no need to question. I can rest. I can be content. There is no better answer than God. And I am not alone. Every moment, in everything, there is a glimpse of God. He is always at work. He never sleeps. As I watch him work and work with Him, I can know Him better. I repent of my sin of ingratitude. I am nothing but grateful to this amazing God who is nothing but good. And who shows himself to me all the time. (#91-137 of the Thousand, Endless Gifts)

*making dinner together
*"hug me again"
*"will you pray for me?"
*an afternoon with no plans
*working weekends/nights, a flexible career as a nurse, my second job
*homeschooling
*being united as a team
*smiling boys in the morning
*all the little games they play together
*God-school
*integrated learning, little connections
*bowing down
*dance as an offering
*class ending early
*wind blows, wind dies down
*brillant blue skies, heavy  clouds, rushing across the sky
*a lasting friendship
*being loved on by God
*my home
*not having to worry
*slowing down
*a mom and daughter morning
*family support
*little voices
*a million questions :)
*exercise
*my health
*time
*little laughter
*when he gets home early
*the boys in one room together and lovin' it, playing quietly/contently in the morning
*a little more room in our room
*that God is big enough to help others out when I am at a loss
*the first star
*blueberry pancakes (at home, any meal, made by loving hands)
*the shadow of the cross
*mornings
*little fists, little fingers
*gratitude
*studying Isaiah
*the names of God
*now, resting, knowing
*of Him, through Him, to Him--glory
*in Him I live, and move, and have my being
*obedience, lessons learned (and sometimes learned again)
*getting out of bed each day

Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings
 
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings,
name them one by one, Count your blessings,
see what God hath done! Count your blessings,
name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings.
Wealth can never buy your reward in heaven,
nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

I remember singing this hymn in church growing up and I still love it. So again this week I sat down to write my blessings and was just overwhelmed by all the ways that God cares about me. Me! Thank you, Lord! (#51-90 of the Thousand, Endless Gifts)

*patches of warm sunlight on the lawn
*a cool (but not cold) breeze
*putting on flip-flops
*emerging from outside basement stairs to see a brilliant pink, orange, and blue sunrise
*baby thighs
*hugs and kisses to send me off to work
*more homeschool curriculum, actually putting my hands on some of the options
*a song just for me when I get in the car
*God's provision in friends
*turning hurtful words over to God
*prayer
*finding the perfect gift, using a gift certificate
*tiptoes
*brother praying for his sister
*singing hymns, family worship
*starting a rock garden
*family walks, full moon, stars
*a new baby, joyful mom, blessing her, Olivia's card, milk for the baby, a meal for the parents
*big-boy bed
*my nieces and nephews
*early bedtimes
*having my back tickled
*praising God and not using "I" or "me" at all, keeping God in perspective
*seeing God's infinite patience with me
*playing Wii bowling with JR and the kids
*cleaning up the old, dead leaves out of the yard (left over from the fall)
*the "You are Special" plate
*sharing mocha cake
*bringing him home coffee
*chance conversation
*receiving compliments for my kids
*"cracker man"
*being comfortable with those who "aren't like us", warm breakfast at the park
*playing together quietly
*science with daddy
*underneath some trees, like a perfect little room
*my possessions in perspective
*coming home to Olivia "setting the breakfast table" by her own initiative (she was the only one awake in the house)

The Lord Has Made Me Glad!

Psalm 92:1-5

A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.
It is good to praise the LORD
and make music to your name, O Most High,
proclaiming your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.


For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD;
I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, LORD,
how profound your thoughts!

I have challenged myself to stop and look at all the little blessings that God puts in my way each day. I want to be filled with peace and joy. I want to be content. The best way to do that is to have a thankful heart. It is a discipline. My how God opened my eyes when I asked to see those blessings clearly. I just sat down to write a few from the past week and out came a whole list (#1-#50 of the Thousand, Endless Gifts)...

*my family around the table
*"love is laying down"
*reading the perfect book. for me. at this time.
*warm sheets
*his face, eyes closed, sleeping peacefully
*touching hands
*a warm soothing cup of coffee
*early morning workout
*encouraging and challenging conversation with friend
*wide-eyed awe
*browsing homeschool books and feeling peace
*reading scripture with my other half
*reading scripture with my God
*every afternoon when he walks through the door
*stacks of books
*reading aloud to my children on the couch
*being silly together
*making faces with the baby
*"love you too"
*"look mom, I see an angel in the clouds"
* a bible verse that was part of our homeschool curriculum but spoke right to my heart
*braiding hair
*big sister volunteering to entertain her brothers
*getting there on time
*a 2 year old singing Jesus Loves Me and moving my mouth to sing with him
*trains and cars driving through my hair
*watching my kids use selfcontrol, being gracious even when they don't get everything they want, good fruit produced
*kind words from a friend
*God doing a work in my heart when I wanted to be angry and hurt
*the song just for me
*slowly understanding more about God's sovereignty
*stopping to pray with my kids
*taking a walk
*not having to wear a jacket, sunshine
*creative, imaginative play
*throwing out some clutter
*finding the perfect gift, making a friend smile
*snuggling in bed with my daughter
*a night of family fun
*listening to Olivia discuss how to apply the bible to our lives
*literal interpretations, wise words
*excitement over helping with chores
*hugs and forgiveness after I mess up, confessing a loud in front of my family
*afternoon naps
*"the way I feel about you is kind of a song"