1000 Gifts and Counting.....

1076.  gazing into Addison's eyes while feeding her a bottle - like a gift from heaven amidst all the things to do

1077.  family of bluebirds spied by Nater, kids clustering around windows to see
1078.  blood-red capped woodpeckers
1079.  cooing coming from living room
1080.  girl fingers gently coaxing a beautiful melody from an old piano

1081.  kids sprawled out in bedroom as we discover what heaven will be like for us and those we love (reading Heaven for Kids by Randy Alcorn)

1082.  Isaiah 46: 1-2....Word revealing how idols are a burden and go with me right into captivity....v 3-4  that the true God carries me and saves me....the thought coming to my mind that he carried me on the road to Calvary
1083.  BSF - reminder that God is true to His word - so I can trust Him in different situations and there can build Euchristeo to see His Hand all the time
1084.  busy friend who sacrifices more of her precious time to help me get oldest boys to art
1085.  carmel mocha coffees to waken me on car drives
1086.  heart that seeks to apply - seeks to see faults and areas to grow every time I look in the Word - tender heart - for so long I felt it was a burden to have and made me "less" than everyone else.....I appreciate it now
1087.  discipline kids have to "attack" school in order to be done earlier
1088.  baby Addison's smiles and cooing
1089.  pain in knee getting better
1090.  remembering moment we realized we'd never see our dear 7 year old friend, Jeremiah, on this side of heaven again
1091.  heavy heart for Coopers that intensifies as I read through long-awaited letter...realizing how much I miss her "voice" in my life...you cannot capture that in Facebook or emails
1092.  Isaiah 49:4  "I replied, But my work seems so useless!  I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.  Yet I leave it all in the Lord's Hand; I will trust God for my reward."....I was struck with how these could be my words all the time as a mother, or as a worship leader, or as a friend....but they are Christ's words!  All I need to do is follow His example.
1093.  children lost in a world full of history and God's faithfulness.....The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

1094.  fat, stubby 7 year old hands....worn by the sun and dirt contrasted with soft, wrinkley 6 month old feet

1095.  the passages of life....loosing one's baby teeth...won't he always be my baby?  I think that of each of them!

1096. two cutsie-patutsie girls

1097.  Dr. Hart, her gentleness and attention to Nater who has strep once again

1098.  Ben-Jammin making lunch for family and when I suggest we should assign each older boy a day they must make lunch, he responds with a quote from Nacho Libre which makes me laugh....."They make me cook the stew and stuff and they don't even give me money for fresh ingredients."

1099.  Is there a gift in how obvious it can be when one guitarist is adored and the other is ignored?  I'm looking for the gift even though it hurts.

1100.  weariness and rest

1101.  listening to worship team share God-sightings in their lives thru teachings....pennies on the ground....lottery ticket winnings enough to provide food the remainder of the week....scripture speaking truth into my life

1102.  learning experience for Jake & Dysart boys in the Dansville Talent Show....to not rush themselves, setup until comfortable

1103.  words spoken by Jake before their song, "Broken Mess" to a gym of unexpected people....sharing the story of Hosea and his prostitute wife and how it parallels God's love for us

1104.  mother's heart that just wants everyone to see/hear what her kid can do - God teaching me it's not about his talent, it's about his heart - what he's willing to say in front of a crowd - how he's willing to proclaim the Lord's name unashamed.  Forgive me Lord for my wrong focus once again

1105.  daily reminder of how imperfect I am 

1106.  struggles at church for me.....constantly questioning what God is doing with having me lead worship....questioning why after 7 years at this church I still feel like a freak and as if no one wants to connect with me, even though I try so hard to step out and show interest in others.....then how God spoke thru BSF lesson this week....God is the only TRUE source of SECURITY....What do I hold onto?  What is my "blankee?"  What would it look life if I actually trusted God for my security?  All of it reinforcing once again that I need to walk in obedience, be a light, be an example of someone sold out for the Lord, despite the returns...

1107.  quiet house again Sunday pm as kids all left with Ted - it always strikes me first as a sign of my unimportance, but quickly it turned to an enjoyable time that I could putter with pictures and read blogs and download Ray Vanderlaan lectures to listen to

1108.  focus this week in worship at HUB....Hosea 6:6  I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.  I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

1109.  laughing at kids' silly expressions and ramblings 

1110.  quotes that make me laugh...."they think I don't know a butt-load of crap about the gospel, but I do!"  (Nacho Libre)

1111.  battling the constant attack/whisper "What is it about you that keeps people away?"

1112.  unable to escape cloud of "God's forgotten me...I'm overlooked or un-encouraged"....walk in the doors of BSF with this struggle and leave totally different.....felt encouraged thru Gina reaching out to me with words of understanding...I'm not ODD and thru Vonnie's lecture from beginning to end

1113.  warm spots on living room floor where sun beats in and dogs rest

1114.  listening to my dad's voice over phone as he answers Nate's questions about his childhood and then getting to watch him draw Spencer Tracy for Nate's notebook

1093.  thankful that I followed Holy Spirit's leading to invite a family over for dinner after church.  After they left, we were all struck with how we take for granted God's blessings in our house (which they called a mansion),  our dinner (which young boy asked if it's like this all the time), and our peace and joy in each other

1000 Gifts and Counting.....

Isaiah 44:5

Some will proudly claim, "I belong to the Lord"

Others will say, "I am a descendant of Jacob"

Some will write the Lord's name on their hands

and will take the name of Israel as their own.

1026.  facebook....I know, I know...I've struggled to find anything good about facebook and have been a lurker just to see what friends are doing because I'm too busy to see them, but as of today that attitude has changed.....my beautiful friend, Amy Cooper, who lived next to us on Ash Street "friended" me.....it was wonderful to see what their family is up to, to see current pictures and to be able to "talk" to her
1027.  time Jake & I get to "teach" our neighbors, Steve and Jake, guitar.  It is so much fun and brings back so many memories for me.  It is so fun too to see how they've improved from week one - I wish I could video each week they play so they could see their progress!  Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to do this with Meier...
1028.  Isaiah coming down in the morning, carrying his ball glove.....Isaiah bringing his ball glove in the car to go to co-op....he's gearing up for his favorite season
1029.  Saturday cleaning (even when done on a Friday)....I just love the tradition....I have fond memories of it when I was a kid and now I'm so proud of my kids as I watch them tackle their "job" and I wonder if they get satisfaction from it besides just the reward of a movie or Wii
1030.  Valentine cupcake drop-off from the Weldons....cupcakes that looked like they came from a bakery and the blessing given to my children who were wanting something "special" to happen like it does for public school kids

1031.  red-tailed hawk on the side of the road that we spied on our way to the first soccer....being able to sit and soak in every detail despite the time crunch we were under and to enjoy His gift of nature
1032.  hand that reaches across seats to lay hold of me
1033.  excitement...fear...tangible...in early rising before the sun to prepare for a day of family skiing adventure...safety - I didn't get any broken bones, just sprained thumbs and torn ligaments in knee

1034.  those that plow roads
1035.  moment he knows he's annoyed me so he asks 1 more request of me and then laughs as I glare
1036.  safe travel on a snowing morning
1037.  heated seats
1038.  beautiful little girl in skinny jeans, face mask - throwing and catching like she's been practicing all winter

1039.  the Camera Shop and Chadd who was helpful when my new D7000 stopped focusing and who was patient as I stood in the store over 2 hours, testing one lens and then another
1040.  Johnny coming back to church....praying that he'll find his way back to the Father
1041.  Jake & Isaiah wanting to play for the worship at church
1042.  Bakers inviting us to a Spartan basketball game and the fun we had....I love watching Sparty do his thing!
1043.  visits with Charis....playing games with my kids

1044.  new camera D7000 with Sigma 18-250mm lens
1045.  January turkey day with family over to enjoy it with us
1046.  kids wrestling with Dad

1047.  bologna and Ben (don't ask!)

1048.  loving Addie as part of our day

1049.  God's Word and how it changes all our lives....Isaiah 44:5 and how the Holy Spirit used it in Jake's life

1050.  having to fight over my guitar with my eldest

1051.  fun with Addison's t-shirt - modifying it to read "My Great-Auntie is #1"

1052.  big brother who plays with little brother and gives him a chance once in a while at shooting a basket

1053.  donut making....making donuts like my grandma did and enjoying them all day

1054.  pizza making as a family...sharing stories with kids about our years growing up and always making homemade pizza on Saturday nights and episodes of Hee Haw

1055.  69 years with my Mom...a beautifully strong lady who loves the Lord and has encouraged all of us children to love the Lord too!  What a legacy her life is for us!!

1056.  can I say thanks for Blue Moon icecream?  Only if it's for the fact that now we all can warn others to never buy it!  It may look fun but it is not!!

1057.  playing Wii with Grandma and Grandpa and laughing!  Watch out Nate or Grandma will hit you again with her "racket"!

1058.  snuggling together

1059.  jeans that still fit, even if they are not my ideal size, life is too short to obsess about it
1060.  10 chapters a day - Horners Bible Reading System
1061.  alarm clock going off at 6a.m. - unable to ignore it when I know it signals time with HIM
1062.  Ted committing time in morning to read 10 chapters of God's Word
1063.  kitty cats who peer into windows begging for spoiling

1064.  kids who endure "Singin' in the Rain" for mom
1065.  opportunity at Tuesdays soccer to give friendship a chance with a fellow BSFer
1066.  little girl making my little girl welcome and befriending her
1067.  sermon on generosity and tithing - thankful that my pastor is willing to say hard things once in a while
1068.  yawning distance that seems to separate me from others at church...it is so uncomfortable and the enemy would love for me to self-focus, instead Sunday I stood in the uncomfortableness of it and didn't begrudge anyone their connections
1069.  how Holy Spirit works to lead me in choosing songs and how unknowingly they tie right into pastor's message
1070.  being willing to say "I miss you"....to admit I need him and need his time and attention
1071.  stepping out of my comfort zone to get to know Mitch....young adult who attends our church sometimes
1072.  BSF...how it builds routine into our lives of being in God's Word, how the questions bless my children and grow them, how the leaders there spur my kids on to go "FURTHER UP, FURTHER IN!"
1073.  so many lessons gleaned from the Word thru study in BSF this past month....I wish I had done a better job of journaling them here....but may there never be any doubt GOD is AT WORK!
1074.  Eurcharisteo....reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann VosKamp...meditating on giving thanks in ALL circumstances
1075.  being left behind on Sunday evening as kids all chose to go with Dad to play basketball...fighting off the feeling that I'm last on everyone's chosen list....sitting in the quiet house realizing I now have time to do my Gratitude list without feeling guilty.  Thank you Lord for letting me be last.

Multitude Mondays

984. encouragement on Sunday that God is using this weak, sometimes ridiculously transparent child of God to lead others in heartfelt worship
985.  time on phone encouraging my sis and hearing her heart for the church
986.  my kids who laugh at my goofiness and even expect it, how they know when I come up to hug them I'll have to throw in a few pinches and "touky touky" phrase
987.  Wiiiiiiiiiiiii and more importantly the time spent playing it as a family - laughing
988.  another Christmas with my family - seeing how they treasure our relationships more than gifts
989.  Jake's effort in gifting Ted and I for Christmas with letters from family, friends, church members telling us how we're appreciated and loved
990.  our baby niece, Addison, and how sweet she is and watching all my children love her in caring for her - even the boys....they will make great fathers!

991.  the Grices coming to church each week with Allie now....totally makes my heart overflowing with joy and praying that God will continue to draw them to Himself and that we may be a part of it
992.  Allie's hugs and kisses every Sunday
993.  a friend who forgives me even after I neglect my duties in caring for her sweet one after school one day - sooooo thankful that God cared for her when I forgot to pick her up from the bus stop and that He didn't let my lack of brains destroy a beautiful friendship
994.  homeschooling....what can I say....it is one of the most beautiful gifts God has given me...knitting our family together through bad and good days
995.  being able to guide the Youth Worship Team at our church, loving each teenager and for God letting me challenge them to love Him with everything they have

996.  Mr. S from church...and how God has blossomed a friendship there
997.  Deezer and how she makes me laugh....time spent visiting with their family one Sunday after church....I cherish their friendship because there is no need for walls or guards
998.  another TEC opportunity for Jake....for God to grow him in his prayer life and to show him his comfort is not found behind a guitar, but in Christ alone!
999.  hanging out with Amy H. as the kids played...being able to catch up and stay connected
1000.  this gratitude list....Ann VosKamp and her challenge to all to count your blessings that God has given you....it has changed my life - my attitude - my hope.  Today marks the 1000 mark!!!

1001. traditions...where would we be without them....New Year's Eve with Baker family, New Year's Day with Townsends - passing the rubber chicken along and playing games together - laughing and marking another year of memories
1002.  God, my sustainer

Multitude Mondays

Today I am determined to write down what I'm thankful for, even if that's all it is - less or no pictures, no effort in trying to make it complete since the last time I took count of my blessings.  I find lately that my life and thoughts are overwhelmed with frustrations and hurt, with small mixes of joy.  I keep praying that God would give me the eyes and ears to see Him around me, to help me to see the blessings, but there is a strengthened foundation when I journal them in written form, otherwise they disappear with my next weary sigh.  Tonight as I sat in BSF, these are the blessings I scribbled on a paper.  Our lecturer said tonight, "Praise is the proper response of those rescued by God's grace."  This is my praise to You Father!  Thank you for rescuing me.

941.  being asked to lead 40+ kids in worship at Ezone with Jake & Isaiah.  No matter how weary I am, I never am weary of singing with joy and fun to my Father in heaven
942.  being one in spirit with gangly 5th gr. boys, self-concious 4th-5th gr girls, rambuncous 2nd 3rd gr boys and sweet K-3rd grade girls.....having fun and yelling
943.  seeing Jake serve and bless these kids at Ezone....he had a group of kids flocking to his table to play and watch Jenga...hearing Jake talk to them, encourage them, build them up, love them....then hearing in the van how much fun he had doing it - enough to make my heart burst!
944.  God's Word...pure and simple...where would I be without it?
945.  BSF....no matter how dry I sometimes feel the questions are, once at class - the opportunity to rethink, to ponder, to listen, to have a quiet enough space in my head to hear the Holy Spirit whisper into my heart things I need to learn
946.  family gatherings....I so take for granted being at a family gathering and having love shared freely and the commonality that everyone loves the Lord....
947.  each teenager who came to the Youth Worship practice...that they want to do something for the Lord....I pray that I can get past some of the critical things they say of the worship I lead and just gently guide them to grow in their walks in all areas of their lives
948.  good report of my dad's health - most recent check-up - a negative PSA #!!!
949.  my dad's smile TO me.....I love my dad's smile...he has permanent creases on his face where his smile lines are....but recently I stopped by their house to pick something up and my dad greeted me and something special happened....he said hello and I back and then I just grinned at him b/c he was so cute with suspenders on and he gave a grin back that I felt like was his joy at looking at me too....hard to explain....that he finds joy in me....
950.  Allie....her kisses goodbye on Sunday as we drop her off after church....her hugs
951.  Caleb & Sam Hodgson - for being such good friends to my girl, Maddie
952.  unexpected hug from a friend
953.  time spent up at Charis'....how I cherish our relationship
954.  walks along Crocus Trail w/ Amy....catching up...trying to help one another get active...
955.  MAC computer...(sorry window lovers)
956.  unexpected phone call from niece and nephew to share with their aunt how God orchestrates events to fill his purposes...
957.  coffee dates
958.  songs we can't get out of our heads...."Grovel, grovel..." "Go go go Joseph You Know what they say"...."Joseph whatcha gonna do?".....(our nephew and niece were involved in a school play for Joseph & Amazing Dreamcoat and since then we've been waking up singing songs.... even at Thanksgiving with the extended family you'd hear a tune be sung randomly throughout the day!)
959.  a person at church who always helps us tear down and pack up all the equipment....God has given me such a thankfulness for his quietness and servant's heart....how I can't look at him now without seeing him thru God's eyes!
960.  kids playing tricks on one another....Nate came down one morning totally oblivious that his sibling had drawn a mustache on his face in the night....

961.  fellow sister in Christ teaching me how to make homemade soap
962.  being around happily married couples...