One Thousand Gifts

I have read Ann Voskamp's new book 1000 Gifts, it was very good, and it brought a whole new perspective on my journey to 1000 thanks (and beyond). I am behind on my thanks but hope to catch up.

31. White chubby arm of baby draped across his daddy's shoulder

32. Baby smile with few teeth that makes it all worth it

33. Disappearing cookies

34. Disappearing food

35. Baby cuddling in laundry

36. The whole family kicking their feet on the floor with the baby

37. Those arms that hold me.

38. Scent of him

39. Bed

40. Getting through the first days of post office training.

41. New reminder's that I really do like people

42. Baked goods and messy kitchen, still needing cleaned

43. Imperfection, me, husband, children, all of us.

44. Tired oldest boy.

45. The cooler in the yard puddle, out in the middle.

46. Giggling children

47. Clutter that comes again and again

48. Greater reliance on my Father

49. Life's busy-ness

50. Hope

1000 Gifts

Amid the chaos of a family of 7, chaos that really starts to wear on me after supper. Fussy baby, crying children, running, yelling laughing, talking. The sounds I have heard all day and patiently listened to. But at the end of the day, I just want quiet, I want space, I want to be alone.

In the midst of my craving my heart looks up, to Him and I can't help but remember the times He looked up. He stole away to the quiet, to His refuge, His father. If Jesus had to do this...so do I! So here I am, Lord....feeling empty, strung out and sigh.....tired. I am looking up, amidst the sounds of the family, I am turning to you, taking THIS moment to thank you once again for ALL you do for me, for ALL you have given me, for what you have not given me. For EVERYTHING. When it seems like I can do nothing else, I can thank you.

I do not thank you enough.

16. A wonderful home, that is home because of those who are in it.
17. The dishwasher running, I have the dishes done, and I do not have to wash them all by hand.
18. For a husband who is painting our living room and has been all day.
19. For our dinner of leftovers.
20. For the 5 precious children around it, even the one who was SO grouchy.
21. For all the bags of groceries the Denton church gave to our family today.
22. For being able to open our home twice yesterday and serve you through hospitality.
23. For the strength to get to the very end of Sunday with just enough energy.
24. For always being there, to listen to my whispered prayers and my pleas for wisdom.
25. For faith.
26. For being ALL I need.
27. For little ones who still need me to comfort them.
28. I am never alone...it's a good thing!
29. Those glass doors with the finger prints all over them.
30. For your Word that gives direction and guidance to me.

One Thousand Gifts

Beginning My Journey To 1000 Thanks

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 28:7

1. My husband

2. Karagen

3. Vaughn

4. Emmaus

5. Silas

6. Jachin

7. Trials that turn my heart towards the Lord

8. Forgiveness of Sins

9. A longsuffering Saviour

10. The sunshine

11. The rain (we have had both today)

12. Air conditioners

13. A nursing baby (still going strong)

14. Baby smell.

15. A messy house (thank you my little mess makers)