Fall Delights
1. Mini pumpkin candle holders made by my daughters.
2. A tiny gourd family.
3. 250 volunteers for a church run Lutefisk dinner.
4. Hundreds of people, driving from miles around to eat strange fish, and raise money for charity with their ticket money.
5. Guests who beamed at their servers and said, "this it the best place to have a Lutefisk dinner."
6. Bussing tables is fun when it's only for one shift.
7. My daughters may never eat pickled herring, but they had fun selling it to other people to raise money for youth group trips.
8. Our whole family volunteered, and it is fun to do that together, even if it's not all on the same shift.
9. Knowing another gluten-free family at the dinner. Their allergies may not be as varied as ours, but they know what it's like to have to stay away from "normal" food.
10. A shared plate of hot potatoes with my daughters on a break.
11. Leaves skittering across the road, and bringing out the puppy in our Beagle. He wants to give chase, but has to wait until he gets back to our yard to do that.
12. The morning sky, blue with pink clouds.
13. Even red cedar trees lose a few of their old leaves which turn orange amongst all the green, and then drop to the ground.
14. Pine needles.
15. Pine cones.
16. Maple leaves, ripening and curling with color.
17. Helicopter seeds.
18. Geese flying south.
19. A few scattered leaves in the driveway . . . I'm looking forward to when they are deep enough to wade through. I know, I'm revealing the fact that we are "au natural" gardeners here. We leave them where they fall, until the rain hits and they become a slightly soggy mass that must be moved, or mowed into mulch.
20. As a friend of mine told me this morning, God gives us new chances each day. Let's make the best of them!
Scripture Blessings:
"The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b,c
Showing posts with label 365 Blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 365 Blessings. Show all posts
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
365 Days of Blessings, Day 139
Pumpkin Patch Friday
1. Driving to our favorite pumpkin patch, Spooner Farms, under a blue sky.
2. An Alice in Wonderland corn maze, the best Spooner Farms maze we've ever experienced. The mud factor was low, due to sunny skies. The decorations were perfect and playful.
3. Going through the rabbit hole with Alice . . . in a corn maze.
4. The Queen of Heart's Castle was great, the Jabberwocky playtoy was cool, and we enjoyed the Mad Hatter's Tea Party too.
5. Finding all the little punch stations in the maze, and finding them easily.
6. Picking out our pumpkins. Each person gets one that they can carry, especially since Daddy (my husband) threw his back out last weekend. No ginormous pumpkins this year, but we still found some very nice ones.
7. Finding a number of colorful, twisted, and decorative squash.
8. Playing Pumpkin Slingshot, and trying to win a giant pumpkin. The fun is in the launching. Somehow having won one last year satisfied our desire to win even this year.
9. Playing trough water races with plastic duckies and hand pumps . . . I wish I had taken my camera with me, because I'm not sure I can fully describe the fun.
10. The pleasant, orange cheeked pumpkins sitting on our porch, waiting to receive their faces.
11. Returning to volunteer at the Cat Rescue after four months of being away from all those wonderful kitties. Some have been adopted, and some are new. Some are like old friends who serenade us with their symphonic purrs.
12. God provides us with bountiful blessings!
Scripture Blessings:
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD— the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
1. Driving to our favorite pumpkin patch, Spooner Farms, under a blue sky.
2. An Alice in Wonderland corn maze, the best Spooner Farms maze we've ever experienced. The mud factor was low, due to sunny skies. The decorations were perfect and playful.
3. Going through the rabbit hole with Alice . . . in a corn maze.
4. The Queen of Heart's Castle was great, the Jabberwocky playtoy was cool, and we enjoyed the Mad Hatter's Tea Party too.
5. Finding all the little punch stations in the maze, and finding them easily.
6. Picking out our pumpkins. Each person gets one that they can carry, especially since Daddy (my husband) threw his back out last weekend. No ginormous pumpkins this year, but we still found some very nice ones.
7. Finding a number of colorful, twisted, and decorative squash.
8. Playing Pumpkin Slingshot, and trying to win a giant pumpkin. The fun is in the launching. Somehow having won one last year satisfied our desire to win even this year.
9. Playing trough water races with plastic duckies and hand pumps . . . I wish I had taken my camera with me, because I'm not sure I can fully describe the fun.
10. The pleasant, orange cheeked pumpkins sitting on our porch, waiting to receive their faces.
11. Returning to volunteer at the Cat Rescue after four months of being away from all those wonderful kitties. Some have been adopted, and some are new. Some are like old friends who serenade us with their symphonic purrs.
12. God provides us with bountiful blessings!
Scripture Blessings:
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD— the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more." Jeremiah 31:12
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
365 Days of Blessings, Days 135 and 136, Manic Monday and Too Busy Tuesday
Manic Monday
1. Map-building for plotting with my writers' workshop adventure class.
2. Shakespeare live, with students reading through part of Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 1 with paper swords for a sword fight.
3. Facilitating for a different writing class, and just listening in on some of the teaching there. I like hearing different methods for writing process. I find it interesting, fun, and fascinating.
4. Having an awesome conversation with another homeschool mom!
5. Having awesome conversations with dance moms.
6. Doing the dance mom walk, 2 miles.
7. Writing character sketches, and character setting sketches. So much fun!
8. Dance fun, and excitement with dance kids happily chatting, playing and dancing together.
9. Ballet class with Damaris, an excellent ballet teacher, and a wonderful friend.
10. Home to watch the last 20 minutes of a movie before bed-time.
11. The scene in The Silver Chair when Prince Rilian is freed from the silver chair.
12. Praising God in all circumstances.
Too Busy Tuesday
1. Letting the girls sleep in a little bit.
2. Seeing neighbor friends on a wonderful 2 mile walk with sunshine overhead.
3. Fruit and toast for breakfast.
4. Talking about our history lessons. We love history.
5. Harriet Tubman.
6. Hatshepsut.
7. Writing dialogue with my daughters.
8. Picking out paint for our bathroom, and countertop colors and materials.
9. Watching the girls pick out paint colors for their room, hoping to combine neon green and blue.
10. Dance, dance, dance again with the dance mom walk coming soon.
11. Prayer.
Scripture Blessings:
"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed." Matthew 14:34-36
1. Map-building for plotting with my writers' workshop adventure class.
2. Shakespeare live, with students reading through part of Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 1 with paper swords for a sword fight.
3. Facilitating for a different writing class, and just listening in on some of the teaching there. I like hearing different methods for writing process. I find it interesting, fun, and fascinating.
4. Having an awesome conversation with another homeschool mom!
5. Having awesome conversations with dance moms.
6. Doing the dance mom walk, 2 miles.
7. Writing character sketches, and character setting sketches. So much fun!
8. Dance fun, and excitement with dance kids happily chatting, playing and dancing together.
9. Ballet class with Damaris, an excellent ballet teacher, and a wonderful friend.
10. Home to watch the last 20 minutes of a movie before bed-time.
11. The scene in The Silver Chair when Prince Rilian is freed from the silver chair.
12. Praising God in all circumstances.
Too Busy Tuesday
1. Letting the girls sleep in a little bit.
2. Seeing neighbor friends on a wonderful 2 mile walk with sunshine overhead.
3. Fruit and toast for breakfast.
4. Talking about our history lessons. We love history.
5. Harriet Tubman.
6. Hatshepsut.
7. Writing dialogue with my daughters.
8. Picking out paint for our bathroom, and countertop colors and materials.
9. Watching the girls pick out paint colors for their room, hoping to combine neon green and blue.
10. Dance, dance, dance again with the dance mom walk coming soon.
11. Prayer.
Scripture Blessings:
"When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed." Matthew 14:34-36
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Days 108 and 109
365 Days of Blessings, Days 108 and 109
As days go, yesterday was an extremely tough one. I did think of some blessings throughout the day, but I never got to my computer to write them up. There has been a situation in a certain area of my life (not family) that has reached a level of ugliness that I have had to stop and pray more times than I can count throughout the last three days. Yesterday topped it all off . . . and the situation is not resolved. However, I have said what I needed to say to the individuals I needed to say it to . . . and I trust God to take care of the rest.
So here are the blessings I've found in the midst of yesterday:
Day 108
1. God gives me peace, true, honest peace that I know did not come from anyone else, and didn't even come from inside of me.
2. I have a husband who supports me, stands by me, and gives me honest, Biblically sound advice when I ask for it.
3. Friends have stated that they would stand by me.
4. I have prayed, I have read my Bible, I have spoken to my Pastor, and I know that I am standing on solid ground in this situation.
5. Jesus is my cornerstone.
6. The Lord is my rock, my salvation, my shield, and my foundation.
7. God is the best judge of this situation, and I am willing to stand before him and give an account of my actions, and words. He knows all, and he knows my heart.
8. God gave me the strength to stand my ground in a situation where I was questioned repeatedly in a bullying manner, and asked to betray the trust of other individuals.
9. I know that God, in his mercy and infinite wisdom, can use this situation to bring each person involved, and those surrounding this crisis, into relationship with him.
10. "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:6-7. I love the Lord enough, and I love the kids at my church enough to tell the truth, to protect the kids and families at my church, to trust in God's guidance, to hope for the best outcome, and to persevere in this storm.
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 13
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Chirst; after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 8-11
And here's today's blessings so far:
Day 109
1. A walk.
2. A quick trip the School District office to file my Home Education Intent form awarded me with three fair tickets.
3. My dogs barking in rythmic harmony: woo woo ruff, woo woo ruff, woo woo woo woo ruff ruff (repeat 3 times).
4. A friendly neighbor who slows his truck long enough to wave, and say hello.
5. Another friendly neighbor who petted our beagle as my mom talked to him. I have a greater trust of those who win my dogs' favor - not sure if that should be the way I am, but it is.
6. Pancakes for breakfast.
7. Bright sunlight shining through green leaves and creating a pattern of shadows on my window.
8. Ironing my husband's work shirt this morning . . . some mornings ironing is a blessed moment of reflection on an awesome marriage.
9. My daughters' readiness to do their lessons.
10. Walking with God every day, and having God's word by my side.
Scripture Blessings:
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1
and
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
As days go, yesterday was an extremely tough one. I did think of some blessings throughout the day, but I never got to my computer to write them up. There has been a situation in a certain area of my life (not family) that has reached a level of ugliness that I have had to stop and pray more times than I can count throughout the last three days. Yesterday topped it all off . . . and the situation is not resolved. However, I have said what I needed to say to the individuals I needed to say it to . . . and I trust God to take care of the rest.
So here are the blessings I've found in the midst of yesterday:
Day 108
1. God gives me peace, true, honest peace that I know did not come from anyone else, and didn't even come from inside of me.
2. I have a husband who supports me, stands by me, and gives me honest, Biblically sound advice when I ask for it.
3. Friends have stated that they would stand by me.
4. I have prayed, I have read my Bible, I have spoken to my Pastor, and I know that I am standing on solid ground in this situation.
5. Jesus is my cornerstone.
6. The Lord is my rock, my salvation, my shield, and my foundation.
7. God is the best judge of this situation, and I am willing to stand before him and give an account of my actions, and words. He knows all, and he knows my heart.
8. God gave me the strength to stand my ground in a situation where I was questioned repeatedly in a bullying manner, and asked to betray the trust of other individuals.
9. I know that God, in his mercy and infinite wisdom, can use this situation to bring each person involved, and those surrounding this crisis, into relationship with him.
10. "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:6-7. I love the Lord enough, and I love the kids at my church enough to tell the truth, to protect the kids and families at my church, to trust in God's guidance, to hope for the best outcome, and to persevere in this storm.
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 13
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Chirst; after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 8-11
And here's today's blessings so far:
Day 109
1. A walk.
2. A quick trip the School District office to file my Home Education Intent form awarded me with three fair tickets.
3. My dogs barking in rythmic harmony: woo woo ruff, woo woo ruff, woo woo woo woo ruff ruff (repeat 3 times).
4. A friendly neighbor who slows his truck long enough to wave, and say hello.
5. Another friendly neighbor who petted our beagle as my mom talked to him. I have a greater trust of those who win my dogs' favor - not sure if that should be the way I am, but it is.
6. Pancakes for breakfast.
7. Bright sunlight shining through green leaves and creating a pattern of shadows on my window.
8. Ironing my husband's work shirt this morning . . . some mornings ironing is a blessed moment of reflection on an awesome marriage.
9. My daughters' readiness to do their lessons.
10. Walking with God every day, and having God's word by my side.
Scripture Blessings:
"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1
and
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13
Monday, September 13, 2010
355 Days of Blessings - Day 107
365 Days of Blessings, Day 107
1. The Lord protects us, comforts us, and strengthens us in the midst of life's storms.
2. The awesome shoulder, advice, and thoughtfulness of my husband! In the last week, we've had lots of opportunities to talk, and I needed that!
3. Home-school cooperative!!!
4. My first day of teaching classes is done! Mistakes made, yes, but I took notes, and made plans for improvement. I really hope that my students will come away with a love of writing, and an enjoyment of Shakespeare (2 different classes).
5. Writing in a classroom with 9 kids that I just met today. Wow!
6. Writing a lazy sonnet, and looking forward to reading my Shakespeare class' lazy sonnets.
7. Hearing my kids' excitement over their classes and lessons, and being given a play-by-play account of their day in the car, and at home, and in the car again on the way to dance class.
8. My oldest daughter's confidence and persistence in making friends. Today, I watched her get ignored in a group conversation, trying to break in over an over . . . until finally, on her fourth try, the other girls turned, listened, and included her in the conversation.
9. My youngest daughter's excitement at learning. She wanted to teach me everything she learned today.
10. Back to the regular dance schedule . . .hanging out and eating dinner in the studio with al the company kids and company parents. What a fun group of people!
Scripture Blessings:
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son." Zechariah 12:10
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17
1. The Lord protects us, comforts us, and strengthens us in the midst of life's storms.
2. The awesome shoulder, advice, and thoughtfulness of my husband! In the last week, we've had lots of opportunities to talk, and I needed that!
3. Home-school cooperative!!!
4. My first day of teaching classes is done! Mistakes made, yes, but I took notes, and made plans for improvement. I really hope that my students will come away with a love of writing, and an enjoyment of Shakespeare (2 different classes).
5. Writing in a classroom with 9 kids that I just met today. Wow!
6. Writing a lazy sonnet, and looking forward to reading my Shakespeare class' lazy sonnets.
7. Hearing my kids' excitement over their classes and lessons, and being given a play-by-play account of their day in the car, and at home, and in the car again on the way to dance class.
8. My oldest daughter's confidence and persistence in making friends. Today, I watched her get ignored in a group conversation, trying to break in over an over . . . until finally, on her fourth try, the other girls turned, listened, and included her in the conversation.
9. My youngest daughter's excitement at learning. She wanted to teach me everything she learned today.
10. Back to the regular dance schedule . . .hanging out and eating dinner in the studio with al the company kids and company parents. What a fun group of people!
Scripture Blessings:
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son." Zechariah 12:10
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17
Sunday, September 12, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 106
365 Days of Blessings, Day 106
1. The Lord remembers us.
2. A wonderful song my kids sang in children's choir last year that's running through my head this morning. The chorus goes something like this: "I am not forgotten, I am not forgotten, I am not forgoteen, God knows my name."
3. Stretching and waking up some of my forgotten muscles in the morning.
4. Having a day to get things done . . . like errands, planning, and some house-cleaning. Plus, I did some book reading as well . . . and some writing, and had some fun. I like Saturdays.
5. The amazing expertise of the guitar salesman at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma. He gave my oldest daughter her first lesson in guitar basics - how to hold the guitar properly, and why.
6. Getting a nice sounding guitar at a reasonable price.
7. Writing the rough draft of a short story in thirty minutes!
8. Struggling through a writing prompt this morning, but then finding a way to make it fit my novel, The Crystal Sword.
9. Reading the Narnia series aloud in the evenings at bed-time. We just read the scene where Aslan leads Lucy and the others through the woods and across the river, with Lucy being the only one who could see him. There are so many juicy Biblical principles at work in that scene . . . like trusting and following Jesus even when no one else believes, and standing up for our faith and doing what is right even when it's uncomfortable.
10. My dogs believe that the first phone call of the morning is for them, and them alone. Monday through Saturday they walk with my mom and I, after she calls me or I call her. The sad part is that it is Sunday today. I think I'll take them out to get the paper at least.
Scripture Blessings:
"From Judah will come the
cornerstone,
from him the tent peg,
from him the battle bow,
from him every ruler."
Zechariah 10:4
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord."
Ephesians 2:19-21
1. The Lord remembers us.
2. A wonderful song my kids sang in children's choir last year that's running through my head this morning. The chorus goes something like this: "I am not forgotten, I am not forgotten, I am not forgoteen, God knows my name."
3. Stretching and waking up some of my forgotten muscles in the morning.
4. Having a day to get things done . . . like errands, planning, and some house-cleaning. Plus, I did some book reading as well . . . and some writing, and had some fun. I like Saturdays.
5. The amazing expertise of the guitar salesman at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma. He gave my oldest daughter her first lesson in guitar basics - how to hold the guitar properly, and why.
6. Getting a nice sounding guitar at a reasonable price.
7. Writing the rough draft of a short story in thirty minutes!
8. Struggling through a writing prompt this morning, but then finding a way to make it fit my novel, The Crystal Sword.
9. Reading the Narnia series aloud in the evenings at bed-time. We just read the scene where Aslan leads Lucy and the others through the woods and across the river, with Lucy being the only one who could see him. There are so many juicy Biblical principles at work in that scene . . . like trusting and following Jesus even when no one else believes, and standing up for our faith and doing what is right even when it's uncomfortable.
10. My dogs believe that the first phone call of the morning is for them, and them alone. Monday through Saturday they walk with my mom and I, after she calls me or I call her. The sad part is that it is Sunday today. I think I'll take them out to get the paper at least.
Scripture Blessings:
"From Judah will come the
cornerstone,
from him the tent peg,
from him the battle bow,
from him every ruler."
Zechariah 10:4
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord."
Ephesians 2:19-21
Saturday, September 11, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 105
365 Days of Blessings, Day 105
1. God answered my prayers yesterday, sent me encouragement, and took the burden I had right out of my hands. Wow!
2. A timely phone call from a friend yesterday, giving me encouragement, and letting me know that the confrontation I feared is not mine to deal with alone.
3. Relief.
4. Getting a few more home-school books in the mail! I think sometimes it would be more fun to get them in segments throughout the year instead of all at once.
5. Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter has some great insight and writing challenges for young writers. I'm using it as one resource for the writing class I'll start teaching this Monday at the homeschool cooperative.
6. Reading logs! My daughters didn't realize how much they were reading until we started to keep a record.
7. Writing journals where ideas, quotes, prompts, challenges, stories, poetry, fun words, and real life happenings all mix together in the pages . . . a wonderful recipe for imagination.
8. Saturday!
9. My youngest daughter's wisdom when waking up with a nightmare . . . "I just try to forget it and think of something else, so it doesn't bother me anymore. Usually it works." Of course, she comes and snuggles with us too, and we pray for her.
10. With plenty to do, and an active imagination, I have no fear of ever being bored.
11. A fun writing prompt like: Design a playground. Draw it. Describe it. Try to use all five senses. (This can start some pretty fantastical writing with kids - and young at heart people like me)
12. Today my neice Jessica's birthday. She has been a huge blessing in my life since the day that I met her, and especially since the first time she threw her arms around me in a hug. Happy Birthday Jessica!!!
13. Knowing that we have heroes in our country, heroes like the ones who sacrificed themselves for others' sake on 9/11, walking into to burning buildings, changing the direction of a plane flown by terrorists. Through their example, we know that every day people can be heroes too.
14. Biblical names like Zechariah, which means "The Lord Remembers."
Scripture Blessings:
"This is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.'
This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.'"
Zechariah 8:3-5
1. God answered my prayers yesterday, sent me encouragement, and took the burden I had right out of my hands. Wow!
2. A timely phone call from a friend yesterday, giving me encouragement, and letting me know that the confrontation I feared is not mine to deal with alone.
3. Relief.
4. Getting a few more home-school books in the mail! I think sometimes it would be more fun to get them in segments throughout the year instead of all at once.
5. Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter has some great insight and writing challenges for young writers. I'm using it as one resource for the writing class I'll start teaching this Monday at the homeschool cooperative.
6. Reading logs! My daughters didn't realize how much they were reading until we started to keep a record.
7. Writing journals where ideas, quotes, prompts, challenges, stories, poetry, fun words, and real life happenings all mix together in the pages . . . a wonderful recipe for imagination.
8. Saturday!
9. My youngest daughter's wisdom when waking up with a nightmare . . . "I just try to forget it and think of something else, so it doesn't bother me anymore. Usually it works." Of course, she comes and snuggles with us too, and we pray for her.
10. With plenty to do, and an active imagination, I have no fear of ever being bored.
11. A fun writing prompt like: Design a playground. Draw it. Describe it. Try to use all five senses. (This can start some pretty fantastical writing with kids - and young at heart people like me)
12. Today my neice Jessica's birthday. She has been a huge blessing in my life since the day that I met her, and especially since the first time she threw her arms around me in a hug. Happy Birthday Jessica!!!
13. Knowing that we have heroes in our country, heroes like the ones who sacrificed themselves for others' sake on 9/11, walking into to burning buildings, changing the direction of a plane flown by terrorists. Through their example, we know that every day people can be heroes too.
14. Biblical names like Zechariah, which means "The Lord Remembers."
Scripture Blessings:
"This is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.'
This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.'"
Zechariah 8:3-5
Friday, September 10, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Blessed Blog Award, and Day 104
The Blessed Blog Award is back!!!
I had planned to give out the Blessed Blog Award at least once a week, but I admit I have fallen behind on my commitment to giving the award. There are so many candidates with so many wonderful, blessed blogs that it becomes hard to choose. Plus, I admit, my life has been busy lately.
If you receive this award, know that you have blessed my writing and my life by inspiring me with your words, and your insights. Please feel free to pass it on.
This week, this award goes to Jill Kemerer for inspiring me three days a week with her wonderful posts. Jill's "One Goal" Friday posts have been a huge blessing for me. Thank you Jill!!!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 104
1. God works through reluctant heroines like Esther.
2. In the midst of prayer, worry, and planning, I felt God had the Sunday School meeting in His capable hands last night.
3. Knowing God is with me as a storm looms on the horizon.
4. Knowing that God can give me courage to deal with with possible confrontations.
5. God's word is true, and right, and helpful in times of trouble.
6. Trusting God's timing.
7. Having a prayer warrior mom.
8. A calm husband who supports and encourages me.
9. My dad's hugs.
10. Fresh air.
11. Finishing three days of home-schooling, keeping good notes on our efforts, and feeling successful at the end of each of those days. We have many days ahead of us, but this part of my life looks like smooth sailing right now.
12. Only 5 days until my next publication! (a poem in an online magazine)
Scripture Blessings:
"Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is
good;
his love endures forever.
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of
the Lord
or fully declare his name?
Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.
Remember me, O Lord, when you
show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save
them,
that I may enjoy the prosperity of your
chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your
nation
and join your inheritance in giving
praise."
Psalm 106:1-5
"Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only ot put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:5-6
"'But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, O Josuha son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty. 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains in you. Do not fear.'" Haggai 2:4-5
Thursday, September 9, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 103
365 Days of Blessings, Day 103
1. God created laughter.
2. Big, rolling, belly laughs in the morning.
3. My husband's wonderful, ironic sense of humor.
4. The sound of my parent's laughter. When taken to a comedic movie, they are the loudest laughers in the theatre.
5. The sound of my father-in-law's laughter when he's tickled by all six of his grandchildren at the same time.
6. My mother-in-law's dainty laugh.
7. My daughters' peals of laughter. I love that sound.
8. The funny look of our Beagle when he rolls around on the rug scratching his back.
9. The smile of our Rhodesian ridgeback - all teeth and hard wagging tail.
10. Our cat at play, tearing around the house at top speed.
Scripture Blessings:
"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him." 1 John 4:16
And what do you know? Dictionary.com's word for the day is jubilee. Check it out:
Jubilee
1. God created laughter.
2. Big, rolling, belly laughs in the morning.
3. My husband's wonderful, ironic sense of humor.
4. The sound of my parent's laughter. When taken to a comedic movie, they are the loudest laughers in the theatre.
5. The sound of my father-in-law's laughter when he's tickled by all six of his grandchildren at the same time.
6. My mother-in-law's dainty laugh.
7. My daughters' peals of laughter. I love that sound.
8. The funny look of our Beagle when he rolls around on the rug scratching his back.
9. The smile of our Rhodesian ridgeback - all teeth and hard wagging tail.
10. Our cat at play, tearing around the house at top speed.
Scripture Blessings:
"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him." 1 John 4:16
And what do you know? Dictionary.com's word for the day is jubilee. Check it out:
Jubilee
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 102
365 Days of Blessings, Day 102
1. The Lord is good, truly, amazingly good.
2. Amazed by the healing ability of my own body, I walked a 1/4 mile this morning just two days after straining my knee water skiing. Ice, stretching, (self)massage and a measured amount of rest are wonderful healers.
3. My mom is going to teach art to my kids this year for homeschooling!!! We talked over our ideas this morning, and she went off with plans forming. She might not be able to teach them all year, but she is going to start tomorrow . . . with either origami or drawing. She had a drawing book in her hands, and plans to look at another one, so I think we'll be starting with that, every Friday at 11a.m.
4. A phone conversation for an hour with a friend this morning! I needed that! Plus, talking on the phone for an hour is an amazing feat for me . . . I have a phone phobia, which is like saying I live in a cave in today's phone-frenzied times.
5. The heat is on . . . I must not be the only cold one in the house . . . because my husband turned it on. The cold rain is coming down, but it's ok when we can be warm and dry.
6. Prayers for people in need of shelter. I think God answers them . . . with us, through us, and sometimes in spite of us.
7. A new homeless shelter is being built in Tacoma for families with kids. I wish we didn't have a need for homeless shelters in our country, but I am glad we take care of those in need.
8. Food banks. For a very short time in my childhood my family received food from a food bank, and I am thankful that I can give to them now.
9. Watching fun, heart-warming movies like BOLT with my family. Who doesn't love a funny hamster, a cat with attitude, and a dog with superhero issues?
10. The first day of homeschooling is done.
11. Four wonderful, encouraging women made my night last night at the homeschool co-operative teacher's meeting.
12. Reading poetry.
Scripture Blessings:
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:8
1. The Lord is good, truly, amazingly good.
2. Amazed by the healing ability of my own body, I walked a 1/4 mile this morning just two days after straining my knee water skiing. Ice, stretching, (self)massage and a measured amount of rest are wonderful healers.
3. My mom is going to teach art to my kids this year for homeschooling!!! We talked over our ideas this morning, and she went off with plans forming. She might not be able to teach them all year, but she is going to start tomorrow . . . with either origami or drawing. She had a drawing book in her hands, and plans to look at another one, so I think we'll be starting with that, every Friday at 11a.m.
4. A phone conversation for an hour with a friend this morning! I needed that! Plus, talking on the phone for an hour is an amazing feat for me . . . I have a phone phobia, which is like saying I live in a cave in today's phone-frenzied times.
5. The heat is on . . . I must not be the only cold one in the house . . . because my husband turned it on. The cold rain is coming down, but it's ok when we can be warm and dry.
6. Prayers for people in need of shelter. I think God answers them . . . with us, through us, and sometimes in spite of us.
7. A new homeless shelter is being built in Tacoma for families with kids. I wish we didn't have a need for homeless shelters in our country, but I am glad we take care of those in need.
8. Food banks. For a very short time in my childhood my family received food from a food bank, and I am thankful that I can give to them now.
9. Watching fun, heart-warming movies like BOLT with my family. Who doesn't love a funny hamster, a cat with attitude, and a dog with superhero issues?
10. The first day of homeschooling is done.
11. Four wonderful, encouraging women made my night last night at the homeschool co-operative teacher's meeting.
12. Reading poetry.
Scripture Blessings:
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:8
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 101
365 Days of Blessings, Day 101
1. The Lord provides.
2. This post marks the 101 days of counting blessings, and keeping track on-line with these posts. I am so thankful for this project, even if there have been moments that it has been a struggle for me to write them. It seemed so simple when I started it, and it is simple. I just simply need to be thankful . . . instead of grouchy, and quick to complain.
3. Every little bit of thankfulness counts.
4. I feel changed by thankfulness.
5. When I find myself complaining, I often stop and think, "whoa, do I really want to do this?"
6. When I stop complaining, and start thanking . . . other people around me do the same. We pull each other out of the mire of discontented thinking.
7. Or, on the reverse of number 6, when I start complaining, sometimes people around me say, "hey, what about that counting blessings-thankfulness thing? You know we can be thankful for . . . " - and they point me in the right direction.
8. Thankfulness changes relationships for the better.
9. Thankfulness draws me closer to God.
10. I want to live my life with a thankful heart, and I feel like I'm closer to reaching that goal now more than ever before.
Extra Blessings:
1. My mom-in-law's birthday was yesterday! She is a wonderful woman of strength, perseverence, and faithfulness. I am so thankful that she is in my life! Happy Birthday Mary!!!
2. I water-skied yesterday for the first time in 12 years!
3. Ice is a blessing on a sore knee joint.
Writing Blessings: Check out the September Table of Contents at Every Day Poets
Scripture Blessings:
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields like empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
My life is so blessed! Our country is so blessed with fruitfulness! And yet, do we rejoice in the Lord? Do I?
I am thankful, Lord, and I will rejoice! Amen!
1. The Lord provides.
2. This post marks the 101 days of counting blessings, and keeping track on-line with these posts. I am so thankful for this project, even if there have been moments that it has been a struggle for me to write them. It seemed so simple when I started it, and it is simple. I just simply need to be thankful . . . instead of grouchy, and quick to complain.
3. Every little bit of thankfulness counts.
4. I feel changed by thankfulness.
5. When I find myself complaining, I often stop and think, "whoa, do I really want to do this?"
6. When I stop complaining, and start thanking . . . other people around me do the same. We pull each other out of the mire of discontented thinking.
7. Or, on the reverse of number 6, when I start complaining, sometimes people around me say, "hey, what about that counting blessings-thankfulness thing? You know we can be thankful for . . . " - and they point me in the right direction.
8. Thankfulness changes relationships for the better.
9. Thankfulness draws me closer to God.
10. I want to live my life with a thankful heart, and I feel like I'm closer to reaching that goal now more than ever before.
Extra Blessings:
1. My mom-in-law's birthday was yesterday! She is a wonderful woman of strength, perseverence, and faithfulness. I am so thankful that she is in my life! Happy Birthday Mary!!!
2. I water-skied yesterday for the first time in 12 years!
3. Ice is a blessing on a sore knee joint.
Writing Blessings: Check out the September Table of Contents at Every Day Poets
Scripture Blessings:
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields like empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
My life is so blessed! Our country is so blessed with fruitfulness! And yet, do we rejoice in the Lord? Do I?
I am thankful, Lord, and I will rejoice! Amen!
Monday, September 6, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 100
365 Days of Blessings, Day 100
1. The Lord gives us humor.
2. Hearing coyotes at 2a.m.
3. Waking up to a conversation next door . . . "No, you get my bag. I don't have any pants on . . ." teenage boy talking to teenage sister from a tent. Then the mom chimes in "people are sleeping." And my husband says, "No, we're awake."
4. Sun sparkling on the water.
5. A good breakfast with laughter and conversation.
6. Our nephew's messy, red-brown hair.
7. Teenage boys (nephew and friend) waking up super-slow in the morning.
8. Bowling at a re-furbished bowling alley last night with family.
9. Bowling a 106 . . . considering I don't bowl often, I felt pretty good about that.
10. Conversation at camp late at night.
Scripture Blessings:
"Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the
transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea."
Micah 7:18-19
1. The Lord gives us humor.
2. Hearing coyotes at 2a.m.
3. Waking up to a conversation next door . . . "No, you get my bag. I don't have any pants on . . ." teenage boy talking to teenage sister from a tent. Then the mom chimes in "people are sleeping." And my husband says, "No, we're awake."
4. Sun sparkling on the water.
5. A good breakfast with laughter and conversation.
6. Our nephew's messy, red-brown hair.
7. Teenage boys (nephew and friend) waking up super-slow in the morning.
8. Bowling at a re-furbished bowling alley last night with family.
9. Bowling a 106 . . . considering I don't bowl often, I felt pretty good about that.
10. Conversation at camp late at night.
Scripture Blessings:
"Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the
transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea."
Micah 7:18-19
Sunday, September 5, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 99
365 Days of Blessings, Day 99
1. The Lord gives us joy!
2. Sleeping inside an RV during a windstorm.
3. Helping our tenting neighbors anchor their tents down so they don't fly away.
4. Plumbing.
5. Toothbrushes and toothpaste . . . something to be really thankful for on camping trips.
6. A family style breakfast - fried leftover potatoes, bacon (not for me, but it smells good), pancakes, and fresh fruit.
7. Blue water and blue sky.
8. Admiring nice dogs with a friend.
9. Watching a water dog at play.
10. Dogs and cats . . . topics of many fun conversations.
11. Spook, the Cat Ninja, the legendary cat of our nephew.
Scripture Verse Blessings:
"But as for me, I watch in hope for
the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me."
Micah 7:7
1. The Lord gives us joy!
2. Sleeping inside an RV during a windstorm.
3. Helping our tenting neighbors anchor their tents down so they don't fly away.
4. Plumbing.
5. Toothbrushes and toothpaste . . . something to be really thankful for on camping trips.
6. A family style breakfast - fried leftover potatoes, bacon (not for me, but it smells good), pancakes, and fresh fruit.
7. Blue water and blue sky.
8. Admiring nice dogs with a friend.
9. Watching a water dog at play.
10. Dogs and cats . . . topics of many fun conversations.
11. Spook, the Cat Ninja, the legendary cat of our nephew.
Scripture Verse Blessings:
"But as for me, I watch in hope for
the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me."
Micah 7:7
Saturday, September 4, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 98
365 Days of Blessings, Day 98
1. The Lord gives us rest.
2. Walking into warm lakewater, with my sandals pushing up against my feet trying to float, and my daughters reaching out to save a dragonfly from drowning.
3. Riding in a boat on a warm day on Lake Wapato.
4. Lake Wapato, a small lake just four miles from Lake Chelan. My sister-in-law Katie is a genius at finding sweet camping places and nice lakes.
5. Tubing.
6. Taking our daughters tubing for the very first time . . . I wish I had my camera with me this morning.
7. Our nephew Jacob's skill and sheer sense of joy at tubing.
8. Bumping and weaving around family members in an RV - 7 family + 1 friend today, two more coming tomorrow. We share space comfortably, praise God!
9. A walk on a country road.
10. Apple orchards filled with bushels of perfect apples.
11. Sunflower's cousins growing bushy and weed-like on the edge of the road.
12. Shades of brown rising in low hills against a blue upon blue sky.
13. A slow but steady internet connection.
All these and many more, I give thanks for to you, O Lord! Amen.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say,
'Come, let us go up to the mountain
of the Lord,
to the house of the god of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.'"
Micah 4:1-2a
1. The Lord gives us rest.
2. Walking into warm lakewater, with my sandals pushing up against my feet trying to float, and my daughters reaching out to save a dragonfly from drowning.
3. Riding in a boat on a warm day on Lake Wapato.
4. Lake Wapato, a small lake just four miles from Lake Chelan. My sister-in-law Katie is a genius at finding sweet camping places and nice lakes.
5. Tubing.
6. Taking our daughters tubing for the very first time . . . I wish I had my camera with me this morning.
7. Our nephew Jacob's skill and sheer sense of joy at tubing.
8. Bumping and weaving around family members in an RV - 7 family + 1 friend today, two more coming tomorrow. We share space comfortably, praise God!
9. A walk on a country road.
10. Apple orchards filled with bushels of perfect apples.
11. Sunflower's cousins growing bushy and weed-like on the edge of the road.
12. Shades of brown rising in low hills against a blue upon blue sky.
13. A slow but steady internet connection.
All these and many more, I give thanks for to you, O Lord! Amen.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say,
'Come, let us go up to the mountain
of the Lord,
to the house of the god of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.'"
Micah 4:1-2a
Friday, September 3, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Days 96 and 97
365 Days of Blessings, Days 96 and 97
1. Psalm 121:1 "I lift my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
2. I feel like God opened my eyes today to all the beauty that he has made.
3. The blue sky with wispy white clouds softly moving to the North.
4. My cat's bright white and black fur, standing out against the dark green shade of the garden bed.
5. The many textures of leaves . . . feathery, sloping and slick, prickly and upright, large and umbrella-like, smooth, rough, soft, and furry looking.
6. Reading my description above, I'm thankful for my thesaurus, a handy tool when I can't quite capture with words the amazing awesomeness of God's creation.
7. Mossy banks, blackberries, and ferns, salal, more plants than I can name, and then the cattails growing in the ditch.
8. Feathery tops of tall brown grass swaying in the breeze of a passing car.
9. A huddle of mailboxes leaning together for support.
10. Neighbors waving as they drive their kids to school.
11. A chipmunk dashing across the road, and reaching safety just in time.
12. A bluejay defending her clump of blackberry bushes.
13. Starting to jog in the midst of walking . . . just one power pole length, then two, then three, then . . . walk.
14. The blue-grey bark of a fir tree in the early dawn.
15. The new green bark of a Madrona peeling back to show the red heart of bark underneath.
16. The light shining through the shadows, falling in patterns framed by leaf shadows on the driveway.
17. Five fresh blackberries picked from the vine, melting in sweetness in my mouth.
18. Eating a little like a hobbit - first breakfast (blackberries), followed by second breakfast (half hour from now), followed by elevensies, then lunch, then . . . well, you get the idea. If I can just keep my portions down like I have for the past four days, I will be all right.
19. My husband aka the Alternator Repair Man, has revealed his secret identity . . . and he has a few extra volunteer hours lined up for himself helping another church member fix her car. I love that about him as long as he remembers to spend some time being Super Husband, and Super Dad too.
20. Packing up for one last summer trip . . . Lake Chelan here we come! Dogs and cat getting spoiled by my Mom and Dad. Excited and Nervous about making a water-skiing attempt for the first time in nearly 12 years. Fun, sun, and rest . . . just one more time.
Extras: Plans are all made for the school year, including some for my writing time!
Prayer, and lots of it, fills my heart with praise, thanks, and joy. Thank you, God!
Scripture Blessings:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
1. Psalm 121:1 "I lift my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
2. I feel like God opened my eyes today to all the beauty that he has made.
3. The blue sky with wispy white clouds softly moving to the North.
4. My cat's bright white and black fur, standing out against the dark green shade of the garden bed.
5. The many textures of leaves . . . feathery, sloping and slick, prickly and upright, large and umbrella-like, smooth, rough, soft, and furry looking.
6. Reading my description above, I'm thankful for my thesaurus, a handy tool when I can't quite capture with words the amazing awesomeness of God's creation.
7. Mossy banks, blackberries, and ferns, salal, more plants than I can name, and then the cattails growing in the ditch.
8. Feathery tops of tall brown grass swaying in the breeze of a passing car.
9. A huddle of mailboxes leaning together for support.
10. Neighbors waving as they drive their kids to school.
11. A chipmunk dashing across the road, and reaching safety just in time.
12. A bluejay defending her clump of blackberry bushes.
13. Starting to jog in the midst of walking . . . just one power pole length, then two, then three, then . . . walk.
14. The blue-grey bark of a fir tree in the early dawn.
15. The new green bark of a Madrona peeling back to show the red heart of bark underneath.
16. The light shining through the shadows, falling in patterns framed by leaf shadows on the driveway.
17. Five fresh blackberries picked from the vine, melting in sweetness in my mouth.
18. Eating a little like a hobbit - first breakfast (blackberries), followed by second breakfast (half hour from now), followed by elevensies, then lunch, then . . . well, you get the idea. If I can just keep my portions down like I have for the past four days, I will be all right.
19. My husband aka the Alternator Repair Man, has revealed his secret identity . . . and he has a few extra volunteer hours lined up for himself helping another church member fix her car. I love that about him as long as he remembers to spend some time being Super Husband, and Super Dad too.
20. Packing up for one last summer trip . . . Lake Chelan here we come! Dogs and cat getting spoiled by my Mom and Dad. Excited and Nervous about making a water-skiing attempt for the first time in nearly 12 years. Fun, sun, and rest . . . just one more time.
Extras: Plans are all made for the school year, including some for my writing time!
Prayer, and lots of it, fills my heart with praise, thanks, and joy. Thank you, God!
Scripture Blessings:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
365 Days of Blessings Days 94 and 95
365 Days of Blessings, Days 94 and 95
You may be asking, where have all the blessings been the last few days? Or maybe not.
I came home from chaperoning a MS youth road trip, and yesterday I never wrote down my blessings . . . and today, I'm late. Guess what?
Without counting my blessings in the morning I became . . . grumpy, quick to find fault with myself, and saw only the bad stuff in the newspaper.
So, I had the negative example to remind me that I need to get back to the positive.
Here are some of my many blessings from the last two days, and you might notice, I've gone back to the basics:
1. God is awesome!
2. "There is no charge for awesomeness!" Po in Kung Fu Panda.
3. John 3:16
4. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift . . . that's why they call it the present." Uguay the turtle in Kung Fu Panda
5. Psalm 118:24
6. Blackberries ripe on the vine, fresh for eating in the moment or maybe later. Who knows, maybe a few will make blackberry jam?
7. Our apples from our golden delicious tree are on the ground, and no longer edible . . .the deer have moved on to one of our neighbor's orchards . . . but they know us like old friends when we walk by them.
8. Three mile walks, three days in a row.
9. Sunshine that dries out the rain.
10. A new Red Wolf Exhibit at Pt. Defiance Zoo in Tacoma - a signature exhibit since the zoo has been in a partnership program that has brought the red wolves back from near extinction. Something good in the newspaper.
11. Comics like Garfield, Peanuts, Pickles, and Zits. A few other good things in the newspaper
12. Seeing the new line-up for Free Family Movie Nights that will be taking place at our church from October through March. Free movies, free popcorn, free candy. Good stuff.
13. Having a wonderful friend who looked after our escape artist cat who somehow knew in advance that we were taking her and her furry doggy brothers to a kennel last Thursday.
14. Having all the pets home safe.
15. My husband washed the dishes yesterday . . . cheerfully.
16. I've finished a Shakespeare class syllabus, a Writer's Workshop for 9-11 year olds class syllabus, a homeschool poetry syllabus, and a combined homeschool history and literature syllabus in the last two days. Some of the syllabi just needed tweaking or polishing, but I'm glad I got that work done.
17. Dinner is ready, and I had help making it.
18. Good family movies like UP, and Kung Fu Panda.
19. School is around the corner for us, and I'm almost ready for it.
20. Scripture Verses taped to my kitchen cupboards - a needed reminder.
Thank the Lord for these blessings, and all the ones I forgot to name!
"May the words of my mouth, and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
You may be asking, where have all the blessings been the last few days? Or maybe not.
I came home from chaperoning a MS youth road trip, and yesterday I never wrote down my blessings . . . and today, I'm late. Guess what?
Without counting my blessings in the morning I became . . . grumpy, quick to find fault with myself, and saw only the bad stuff in the newspaper.
So, I had the negative example to remind me that I need to get back to the positive.
Here are some of my many blessings from the last two days, and you might notice, I've gone back to the basics:
1. God is awesome!
2. "There is no charge for awesomeness!" Po in Kung Fu Panda.
3. John 3:16
4. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift . . . that's why they call it the present." Uguay the turtle in Kung Fu Panda
5. Psalm 118:24
6. Blackberries ripe on the vine, fresh for eating in the moment or maybe later. Who knows, maybe a few will make blackberry jam?
7. Our apples from our golden delicious tree are on the ground, and no longer edible . . .the deer have moved on to one of our neighbor's orchards . . . but they know us like old friends when we walk by them.
8. Three mile walks, three days in a row.
9. Sunshine that dries out the rain.
10. A new Red Wolf Exhibit at Pt. Defiance Zoo in Tacoma - a signature exhibit since the zoo has been in a partnership program that has brought the red wolves back from near extinction. Something good in the newspaper.
11. Comics like Garfield, Peanuts, Pickles, and Zits. A few other good things in the newspaper
12. Seeing the new line-up for Free Family Movie Nights that will be taking place at our church from October through March. Free movies, free popcorn, free candy. Good stuff.
13. Having a wonderful friend who looked after our escape artist cat who somehow knew in advance that we were taking her and her furry doggy brothers to a kennel last Thursday.
14. Having all the pets home safe.
15. My husband washed the dishes yesterday . . . cheerfully.
16. I've finished a Shakespeare class syllabus, a Writer's Workshop for 9-11 year olds class syllabus, a homeschool poetry syllabus, and a combined homeschool history and literature syllabus in the last two days. Some of the syllabi just needed tweaking or polishing, but I'm glad I got that work done.
17. Dinner is ready, and I had help making it.
18. Good family movies like UP, and Kung Fu Panda.
19. School is around the corner for us, and I'm almost ready for it.
20. Scripture Verses taped to my kitchen cupboards - a needed reminder.
Thank the Lord for these blessings, and all the ones I forgot to name!
"May the words of my mouth, and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Monday, August 30, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 90, 91, 92, and 93
365 Days of Blessings, Days 90, 91, 92, and 93
4 Days of Bountiful Blessings!
1. Homecoming always helps me look forward to my future eternal homecoming with God . . . sweet.
2. The taste of tea made in Kenya, given to me by my niece Amanda.
3. Black Lake Bible Camp.
4. Youth group road trips.
5. Awesome youth leaders.
6. Capture the flag, played it for the first time, and then again, and again!
7. Blobbing.
8. Lake swimming.
9. Putt-Putt golf.
10. Alpha worship.
11. Omega worship.
12. Singing around a campfire.
13. Roasting s'mores with homemade ingredients . . . extra yummy.
14. Having a cabin full of really organized, mature girls . . . they made my life easy as a chaperone.
15. Archery.
16. Carpetball.
17. Ultimate Frisbee.
18. The bouncy platform . . . the flat teeter-totter toy.
19. Watching others play on the teeter totter log.
20. The view of the lake from the camp cafeteria.
21. Meal-time prayers.
22. The "alert, awake, alive" song in the mornings.
23. Canoeing.
24. Paddle splash-fights.
25. Watching lake baptisms.
26. Minute to Win It Games with the youth and adults all participating.
27. Learning about The Game of L.I.F.E. with the MS youth.
28. Love - Agape, Philos, and Eros.
29. Integrity.
30. Faith.
31. Encouragement.
32. Seeing L.I.F.E. in action all weekend.
33. Being a small part of a MS skit for Sunday morning.
34. Directing/coaching a whirlwind group of MS kids for the skit . . . we had enough ideas for a two hour movie, and everyone had ideas!
35. My husband's talent for fixing cars saved the Pastor's car this weekend.
36. Riding the Jesus Bus with the MS kids, and singing part of the way home.
37. My youngest daughter's skill at making a chandelier out of paper plates and plastic cups during the minute to win it games, in front of a whole room full of chanting teenagers and adults.
38. My oldest daughter's love of making friends.
39. Human ipods on a bus ride . . . and lots of laughter.
40. This writing prompt: He called you by your real name . . .
For all these blessings and more, I give thanks and praise to God!
Scripture Blessings:
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
4 Days of Bountiful Blessings!
1. Homecoming always helps me look forward to my future eternal homecoming with God . . . sweet.
2. The taste of tea made in Kenya, given to me by my niece Amanda.
3. Black Lake Bible Camp.
4. Youth group road trips.
5. Awesome youth leaders.
6. Capture the flag, played it for the first time, and then again, and again!
7. Blobbing.
8. Lake swimming.
9. Putt-Putt golf.
10. Alpha worship.
11. Omega worship.
12. Singing around a campfire.
13. Roasting s'mores with homemade ingredients . . . extra yummy.
14. Having a cabin full of really organized, mature girls . . . they made my life easy as a chaperone.
15. Archery.
16. Carpetball.
17. Ultimate Frisbee.
18. The bouncy platform . . . the flat teeter-totter toy.
19. Watching others play on the teeter totter log.
20. The view of the lake from the camp cafeteria.
21. Meal-time prayers.
22. The "alert, awake, alive" song in the mornings.
23. Canoeing.
24. Paddle splash-fights.
25. Watching lake baptisms.
26. Minute to Win It Games with the youth and adults all participating.
27. Learning about The Game of L.I.F.E. with the MS youth.
28. Love - Agape, Philos, and Eros.
29. Integrity.
30. Faith.
31. Encouragement.
32. Seeing L.I.F.E. in action all weekend.
33. Being a small part of a MS skit for Sunday morning.
34. Directing/coaching a whirlwind group of MS kids for the skit . . . we had enough ideas for a two hour movie, and everyone had ideas!
35. My husband's talent for fixing cars saved the Pastor's car this weekend.
36. Riding the Jesus Bus with the MS kids, and singing part of the way home.
37. My youngest daughter's skill at making a chandelier out of paper plates and plastic cups during the minute to win it games, in front of a whole room full of chanting teenagers and adults.
38. My oldest daughter's love of making friends.
39. Human ipods on a bus ride . . . and lots of laughter.
40. This writing prompt: He called you by your real name . . .
For all these blessings and more, I give thanks and praise to God!
Scripture Blessings:
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Thursday, August 26, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 89
365 Days of Blessings, Day 89
1. Our Lord is unchanging. We may have moody moments, but God does not.
2. Moving from Jonah to Micah in my Bible Study. I have found a new liking for the prophets this last year.
3. On a totally different note, we made marshmallows last night!!! Very fun, sticky and sweet. They take 24 hours to "set up" kind of like how jello takes a few hours to set up, but the warm gooey sweetness of the marshmallow "dough" is really good too. And they don't have any corn syrup in them!
4. My house smells like baking this morning. I've made bread, cocoa muffins, and the first batch of graham crackers is sitting on the cooling rack. It's all gluten free, corn free, egg free, rice free, and . . . well, the graham crackers have butter in them, otherwise all that food would be dairy free too. (oh, and it's all yeast free too)
5. Three more recipes to cook, some grocery shopping, and some packing . . . and then we'll be ready for the MS Road Trip!
6. The plumber came to our house yesterday . . . we may be replacing all of our pipes. I am so glad we've saved up some money for house repairs.
7. Swimming in wonderful soothing cool water on a hot day. (yesterday)
8. The Everyday Veggie soup at Marlene's Market and Deli in Tacoma. Someday I'll have to get that recipe.
9. The cinnamony sweet taste of homemade graham cracker crumbs melting on my tongue. A cook should always try a sample and make sure it tastes right, right?
10. Really fun writing prompts from A WRITER'S BOOK OF DAYS by Judy Reeves.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hils,
and people will stream to it."
Micah 4:1
1. Our Lord is unchanging. We may have moody moments, but God does not.
2. Moving from Jonah to Micah in my Bible Study. I have found a new liking for the prophets this last year.
3. On a totally different note, we made marshmallows last night!!! Very fun, sticky and sweet. They take 24 hours to "set up" kind of like how jello takes a few hours to set up, but the warm gooey sweetness of the marshmallow "dough" is really good too. And they don't have any corn syrup in them!
4. My house smells like baking this morning. I've made bread, cocoa muffins, and the first batch of graham crackers is sitting on the cooling rack. It's all gluten free, corn free, egg free, rice free, and . . . well, the graham crackers have butter in them, otherwise all that food would be dairy free too. (oh, and it's all yeast free too)
5. Three more recipes to cook, some grocery shopping, and some packing . . . and then we'll be ready for the MS Road Trip!
6. The plumber came to our house yesterday . . . we may be replacing all of our pipes. I am so glad we've saved up some money for house repairs.
7. Swimming in wonderful soothing cool water on a hot day. (yesterday)
8. The Everyday Veggie soup at Marlene's Market and Deli in Tacoma. Someday I'll have to get that recipe.
9. The cinnamony sweet taste of homemade graham cracker crumbs melting on my tongue. A cook should always try a sample and make sure it tastes right, right?
10. Really fun writing prompts from A WRITER'S BOOK OF DAYS by Judy Reeves.
Scripture Blessings:
"In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple
will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hils,
and people will stream to it."
Micah 4:1
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 88
Shared Blessings
Karen Lange of Write Now says, "Here in north central KY, we've been blessed with weather that's a little cooler. It is so refreshing after a long summer mostly in the 90's. I am looking forward to and thankful for fall!" - Thanks for sharing Karen!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 88
1. God is always present in our lives, even when we try to ignore him.
2. The book of Jonah, one of my favorite books of the Bible. I've always understood Jonah's crankiness . . . perhaps, because I'm a little cranky myself sometimes. Faith includes those moments, and works through them.
3. God directs my paths, even if it takes a rockslide barring one direction at a crossroads to get my attention.
4. My husband's willingness to drive to Eugene, OR and back home in two days, and do most of the driving touches my heart. He took pictures of my family, drove when I intended to drive, giving me the gift of time to work on my writing, and my class syllabi for the fall. He is an amazing husband - Praise God!
5. Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my Uncle Lloyd at a memorial service in Eugene, OR. I cried, and that was good. I cried more on the way home, and I know I'll cry more at each moment that I miss him, but the tears are good tears . . . not overwhelming, but a release.
6. We laughed at the Celebration of Life service too. Uncle Lloyd liked to tell stories that would make others laugh, and inspired us to do the same.
7. Two of my second cousins stood up and spoke about their loving Grandpa, and they showed their love of him with every word.
8. Family stood up and spoke. Neighbors stood up and spoke. We all had stories to tell of his love, his humor, and his sweet soul and heart that lit up our lives brighter even than the Christmas light displays he was featured in the local newspapers for putting on each year.
9. I had a chance to get to know some of my cousins and their kids all over again, and met some second cousins for the first time.
10. One comment by one of my Uncle Lloyd's neighbors just keeps reverberating in my head and it went something like this, "he didn't like seeing other people's leavings on the ground, because he loved beauty, and tried to make beauty wherever he went." and then this other comment, "he had an opinion, and I appreciated that. He was well-informed about his neighborhood, his city, his community, his state, and his nation. He didn't let anything pass by him."
There's much more I could say about yesterday, and one thing I regret . . . I didn't go to my Aunt's house yesterday afternoon, because of our long drive home. We hope to drive that way again in September, and I hope we can stop and see her again then.
Extra Blessings: A wonderful walk on the riverfront yesterday morning before the Celebration of Life service. A old willow tree overhanging the water. A path of wide stones from river's edge to a little island. Hugs from family. Conversation at the reception. Pictures. A new writing book put into use on the car drive. A fun writing prompt. A finished writing class syllabus in the rough. A finished Shakespeare class syllabus nearly polished enough to call complete. Homecoming. Dogs. Cat. My own bed. Waking with a hug from my husband. Bible Study. Prayer. Writing. Blogging. and much more I won't name in this moment.
Scripture Blessings: (continued from yesterday)
Jonah 1:4 "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up."
Jonah 1:15 "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm."
Jonah 1:17 "But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Jonah 2:1-2 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said, 'In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.'"
Jonah 3:1-3a "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Ninevah and proclaim to it the message I give you.'
Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Ninevah."
Karen Lange of Write Now says, "Here in north central KY, we've been blessed with weather that's a little cooler. It is so refreshing after a long summer mostly in the 90's. I am looking forward to and thankful for fall!" - Thanks for sharing Karen!
365 Days of Blessings, Day 88
1. God is always present in our lives, even when we try to ignore him.
2. The book of Jonah, one of my favorite books of the Bible. I've always understood Jonah's crankiness . . . perhaps, because I'm a little cranky myself sometimes. Faith includes those moments, and works through them.
3. God directs my paths, even if it takes a rockslide barring one direction at a crossroads to get my attention.
4. My husband's willingness to drive to Eugene, OR and back home in two days, and do most of the driving touches my heart. He took pictures of my family, drove when I intended to drive, giving me the gift of time to work on my writing, and my class syllabi for the fall. He is an amazing husband - Praise God!
5. Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my Uncle Lloyd at a memorial service in Eugene, OR. I cried, and that was good. I cried more on the way home, and I know I'll cry more at each moment that I miss him, but the tears are good tears . . . not overwhelming, but a release.
6. We laughed at the Celebration of Life service too. Uncle Lloyd liked to tell stories that would make others laugh, and inspired us to do the same.
7. Two of my second cousins stood up and spoke about their loving Grandpa, and they showed their love of him with every word.
8. Family stood up and spoke. Neighbors stood up and spoke. We all had stories to tell of his love, his humor, and his sweet soul and heart that lit up our lives brighter even than the Christmas light displays he was featured in the local newspapers for putting on each year.
9. I had a chance to get to know some of my cousins and their kids all over again, and met some second cousins for the first time.
10. One comment by one of my Uncle Lloyd's neighbors just keeps reverberating in my head and it went something like this, "he didn't like seeing other people's leavings on the ground, because he loved beauty, and tried to make beauty wherever he went." and then this other comment, "he had an opinion, and I appreciated that. He was well-informed about his neighborhood, his city, his community, his state, and his nation. He didn't let anything pass by him."
There's much more I could say about yesterday, and one thing I regret . . . I didn't go to my Aunt's house yesterday afternoon, because of our long drive home. We hope to drive that way again in September, and I hope we can stop and see her again then.
Extra Blessings: A wonderful walk on the riverfront yesterday morning before the Celebration of Life service. A old willow tree overhanging the water. A path of wide stones from river's edge to a little island. Hugs from family. Conversation at the reception. Pictures. A new writing book put into use on the car drive. A fun writing prompt. A finished writing class syllabus in the rough. A finished Shakespeare class syllabus nearly polished enough to call complete. Homecoming. Dogs. Cat. My own bed. Waking with a hug from my husband. Bible Study. Prayer. Writing. Blogging. and much more I won't name in this moment.
Scripture Blessings: (continued from yesterday)
Jonah 1:4 "Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up."
Jonah 1:15 "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm."
Jonah 1:17 "But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights."
Jonah 2:1-2 "From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said, 'In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.'"
Jonah 3:1-3a "Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Ninevah and proclaim to it the message I give you.'
Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Ninevah."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
365 Days of Blessings - Day 87
365 Days of Blessings, Day 87
1. God is with us wherever we go.
2. Singing the "I just wanna be a sheep, baa, baa, baa, baa" song on a road trip.
3. Singing "Fried Ham" on a road trip, even with limited enthusiasm from the back seat.
4. Spending 3 of the 5 hours on the road trip working on the rough draft of my writing class syllabus. I meant to have it finished already, but now . . . I know I have a big chunk done.
5. Car conversations.
6. Hearing my kids list off their reading accomplishments for the summer. They hadn't realized that they've read at least a dozen books in the last 8 weeks, and I think they've read a few more than that . . . we just can't remember them all.
7. Reading in the car without getting car sick.
8. My oldest daughter is backing up her desire to own a parakeet with knowledge gained from a library book, and by taking more responsible care of our dogs and cat.
9. Eating fresh blackberries right off the thorny vines in our yard.
10. A tiny frog jumped on my yougest daughter's big toe yesterday, then led us on a merry chase through the grass.
Extra Blessing: Taking a day to remember a wonderful Uncle.
What have you been blessed by lately? Back to school shopping? Fresh pencils? A camping trip? A hug from a friend?
Please share with me, and I'll post those blessings at the top of my blog.
Scripture Blessings:
"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying for the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." Jonah 1:3
Is it possible to flee from the Lord? Jonah found out that a boat ride really couldn't take him far enough. We are all blessed by God's presence in our lives. Running away just doesn't work beause God is with us wherever we go.
1. God is with us wherever we go.
2. Singing the "I just wanna be a sheep, baa, baa, baa, baa" song on a road trip.
3. Singing "Fried Ham" on a road trip, even with limited enthusiasm from the back seat.
4. Spending 3 of the 5 hours on the road trip working on the rough draft of my writing class syllabus. I meant to have it finished already, but now . . . I know I have a big chunk done.
5. Car conversations.
6. Hearing my kids list off their reading accomplishments for the summer. They hadn't realized that they've read at least a dozen books in the last 8 weeks, and I think they've read a few more than that . . . we just can't remember them all.
7. Reading in the car without getting car sick.
8. My oldest daughter is backing up her desire to own a parakeet with knowledge gained from a library book, and by taking more responsible care of our dogs and cat.
9. Eating fresh blackberries right off the thorny vines in our yard.
10. A tiny frog jumped on my yougest daughter's big toe yesterday, then led us on a merry chase through the grass.
Extra Blessing: Taking a day to remember a wonderful Uncle.
What have you been blessed by lately? Back to school shopping? Fresh pencils? A camping trip? A hug from a friend?
Please share with me, and I'll post those blessings at the top of my blog.
Scripture Blessings:
"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying for the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord." Jonah 1:3
Is it possible to flee from the Lord? Jonah found out that a boat ride really couldn't take him far enough. We are all blessed by God's presence in our lives. Running away just doesn't work beause God is with us wherever we go.
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