Counting Them One By One #96-110

My list of gratitude continues to grow and what I evidenced over these last couple of weeks is that even when my days are busy and tiring, His grace never stops and my heart is still open to receive...

96.) meeting with some of my closest friends every other week as we read and discuss "One Thousand Gifts".
97.) open hearts, honest words, and vulnerability.
98.) white tulips.
99.) evidence that God is working.
100.) reaching 100 gifts that I am thankful for and wanting to keep on counting.
101.) the smile on Sam's face when he tried on his new cycling uniform for the first time.
102.) having people pray for our family.
103.) doing Jessica's laundry for her so that she could spend time with her friends.
104.) receiving a long awaited gift.
105.) early morning thunderstorms.
106.) underlined passages of Scripture in my Bible.
107.) second chances.
108.) the words to the song "In Christ Alone".
109.) the kiss my husband gives me every morning as he says "good-bye".
110.) days in which the box on my calendar is empty.

Counting Them One By One #66-95

66. God's protection.
67. believing that God can fit everything into a pattern for His good.
68. gaining perspective.
69. the wisdom of a 13-year old.
70. worship songs in the morning.
71. coming home to a clean kitchen.
72. a conversation I had with someone who has watched my spiritual journey for the last 20 years.
73. helping a friend.
74. Sam wanting me to take pictures of him riding his bike.
75. surrendering to waiting knowing His timing is perfect.
76. staying in my pj's all day and not even caring.
77. clean laundry.
78. a decreasing number on the scale.
79. knowing that Sam and Ben love being at youth group on Wednesday nights.
80. laughter during hard math problems.
81. having a husband who can help with math homework because I sure can't!
82. 1 hour and 50 minutes on the phone with my sister.
83. little girls turning 2.
84. Jessica being accepted to Hillsong.
85. memories that only a mother can forever hold.
86. date nights.
87. the sound of my Dad's voice.
88. a friend celebrating with me.
89. productive days.
90. the outstretched arms of Jesus on Calvary's cross that embraced me and showed me what real love really is.
91. a love that has remained strong after 15 years of marriage.
92. a Valentine card left on the counter so that I will have it first thing in the morning.
93. heart shaped Valentine cookies.
94. showing His love in tangible ways.
95. that Jesus says, "Be Mine" and all I have to do is respond in a love that His love has kindled.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am linking to Holy Experience today counting my gifts with many others...

Counting Them One By One #42-65

I had to pay a little closer attention to the gifts around me this week. My week ended up being entirely different than what I had planned. Isn't that how it always goes though? This week brought snow and ice storms which meant school being closed, and our son, Ben, has had a time with the flu and an ear infection.

Even in the circumstances that were brought my way this week, I was still surrounded by gifts. While I had to look a little more closely or deeply, I found them. Once recognized, they were sweet, comforting, and a reminder that He is near.

And so, I continue to count...

42. We thought Ben was well, sent him to school (after missing 5 days), and then he came home sick... again. At 4:30 I called the doctor and they said to be there by 5 because the doctor would see him. Really, how often does that happen? Came home with an ear infection, but so thankful we didn't have to wait until tomorrow.
43. wrapping birthday presents and praying that the Lord blesses our daughter this year.
44. news from my sister that she is expecting another girl in late June.
45. a daughter celebrating 20 years of life.
46. being iced in for 2 days and having a full pantry and refrigerator.
47. chocolate cakes and cinnamon rolls.
48. forgiveness.
49. the way Sam keeps an eye out for things.
50. power staying on during ice storm when so many around us lost theirs.
51. the doctor calling in a second round of antibiotics for us instead of having to make another office visit.
52. 2 hours every week that Sam gets to do something he loves.
53. an email from my father-in-law.
54. quiet moments.
55. beams of sunshine coming through the window.
56. psalm 84:1-2 sitting on the windowsill.
57. looking to my left as I sit on the sofa and seeing the man I love.
58. organizing a cluttered space.
59. new projects that inspire and motivate me to see it through.
60. words that remind me of a gift I have.
61. a husband who washes the dishes every night after dinner.
62. cards that come in the mail.
63. superbowl parties and being with friends we love.
64. letting a dog out at 1 a.m., having it chase a skunk and not getting sprayed.
65. having the sparkle back in Ben's eyes that tell me he is finally feeling better.

Counting Them One By One

My counting of gifts continues and there is a change that is taking place deep within my heart.

29.) reading the last words in a book and praying that the words I've read impact me and linger for a long, long time.

30.) having the day off from work so that I could stay home and take care of my son who came down with the flu last night.

31.) a daughter's determination.

32.) a gracious and understanding boss.

33.) beautiful and holy inspired words.

34.) truth that moves my heart.

35.) overripe bananas that make the perfect banana bread for an after school snack.

36.) rest

37.) an afternoon spent with my daughter doing what girls do best - shopping, eating, talking, and laughing. 

38.) the way that my husband and I can make grocery shopping fun.

39.) a friend that made time for me.

40.) 6 days later... a son is well.

41.) a husband that prays with me for God's direction and leading in our life. 

Counting Them One By One

And my list continues from this past week...

11. a surprise lunch with my daughter.

12. time spent with friends.

13. chicken noodle soup

14. a hug from my oldest son.

15. my husband's leadership.

16. a changing perspective of what interruptions really are... an opportunity for something significant and holy. 

17. a brother singing and playing guitar for his sister.

18. my husband shoveling a way up to the house for me.

19. abandoning myself to what the Lord wants.

20. snow storms that cause school to be closed.

21. "One Thousand Gifts" finally arriving in the mail.

22. in-laws that come for a visit with homemade vegetable soup, corn muffins, and brownies.

23. a husband watching what I want to on t.v. 

24. sleepy-eyed teenage boys.

25. moonlight that brightens the room.

26. popsicles when you are sick.

27. prayers spoken in the middle of the night.

28. an encouraging email.

Counting Them One By One

My gratitude list is about the gifts God is giving just to me. They all around me and yet, I can let them slip so easily by. Do I really see Him in everything and everyone around me? Do I embrace, cherish and let them leave a mark on me?  Could my heart beat with His to see and know His handprint and activity throughout my day?

And so, I begin my list. Not just another ordinary list, but one that is going to matter. 1000 gifts I am going to begin jotting down that make an imprint upon my heart.  A list of the grace, love, and affection given to me from the One who was the greatest gift of all.  A list of finding Him in all things...



1. cold, winter breezes that take your breath away
2. a text from my youngest son saying, "I love you, Momma."
3. new opportunities
4. glimpses of the young woman my daughter is becoming
5. the gentle touch of my husband's hand upon my back as he walks by me as I sit at the computer.
6. Sunday afternoon naps
7. days off from school
8. football games, pizza, and playing cards with friends
9. beginning a new bible study (Jonah - Navigating A Life Interrupted)
10. the peace that comes in waiting

I am only one of many, many others who are counting their gifts one-by-one. 

Would you care to join me?  You will be so thankful you did.