Still Learning...

"The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live. He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything."      

John Piper

As I look back over this last week, I realize how important it is (at least for me) to consistently count His gifts. Mid week I became lazy with this practice and there was a huge change in my countenance. I was less patient with my kids, I let stress and worry fill my thoughts, and I was choosing my 'to-do' list over building the relationships under this roof. Ann explains in her book how this counting of gifts is a learned habit. Paul talks of this in Philippians 4:11-12,

'I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.'

Seeing His gifts in every situation, whether good or bad, stressful or care-free, painful or happy, is a learned skill. I am definitely still learning. Later on in the week as I was able to turn my eyes back towards thanksgiving, continuing to write down His gifts, there was a shift in my heart. Worry was replaced with peace, impatience replaced with kindness and I was able to stop and focus on what truly matters most.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Robert Brault

Gifts 128-143

learning to love him...quirks and all

pancakes and macaroni and cheese for lunch..a 5 year old's request

a decision made and the peace that has replaced the worry

a husband who encourages me and understands when I've had a bad day

slowing time by jumping with the girls on the trampoline regardless of what the house looks like

learning to parent with more grace

a hour to sit and read with only the sound of rain falling outside

thundersnow

the beauty of icicles

watching her enjoy a chocolate ice cream cone

the excitement in her eyes

a husband who can fix anything

a family of snowmen

hot cocoa by the fire

watching thunderstorms roll through from the front porch

a husband adding his own gifts from God on the list

"Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name."

1 Chronicles 29:13

A Reminder to Be Here...

This week I've been feeling God's gentle reminder of how precious and fragile life is. Whether it's a friend diagnosed with breast cancer, a baby back in the hospital facing yet another surgery, or this post, I am having this constant tug at my heart to be thankful for each moment and to be present in each moment. Focusing on the next 'fun' item on the calendar or even just hoping for the day to be done so I can relax, is a way of missing His gifts. Life can become so mundane when everyday is filled with the same...cleaning, laundry and cooking, but I am working on consciously being here in every moment to see all of God's gifts. Here are His gifts from this week.

Gifts 106-127

listening to birds chirp as the sun rises

sharing His gifts with others

special candlelight valentine's dinner with the whole family

reading about the flag and watching him carefully hang it up with pride

early morning fog

having to give it completely to God and follow His lead

helping teach young ones about God's Holy Word

singing praises to Him with the girls

trying to memorize her cheeks and golden waves

a super sock matcher

beautiful weather

growing friendships

windows open and the refreshing smell of spring

getting to play outside after school

no more diapers or gates and a big girl carseat...she is growing up and my heart aches

full moon through the telescope

God's reminder that life is a precious and fragile gift...every minute is to be lived fully

littlest one singing along to K-love

three sleeping bags all in a row for movie night

watching her fall asleep

am amazing father for my babies

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

Continuing to Count

This week, as I continue to count, I realize how this new habit is really changing me. There is more joy in each day. I am more aware of the blessings each moment holds, and I am constantly looking for His next gift. There is amazing fulfillment looking for the beautiful in every situation.

I am even seeing how a life of gratitude can be contagious. I can see in my husband's eyes that he is living in each moment and looking for the good. My daughter is learning to pray thanks to God, instead of just asking for more. I pray God will continue to open all of our hearts to Him and that counting His gifts will become a habit that will never leave.

Gifts 86-105

cleaning while talking about God's truth

a helpful child

oldest daughter singing 'Hosanna'

children playing nicely while I get ready for company

a stocked freezer

first sleepovers

new pictures

 husband's schedule 

her laugh

paper airplane tutorials

homemade ice cream

singing valentines

little boys talking late into the night

  a child's precious prayers

downtime

 early morning snuggles with my girls

glorious sunshine

special valentines

 trip to the zoo to marvel at our creative God

brother holding baby sister's hand

quiet time to reflect

a baby at home

special delivery!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Starting to Count His Gifts

I have been reading Ann Voskamp's Book One Thousand Gifts. The book is a dare to start looking for and recording the gifts that God daily gives, all the way to one thousand (and beyond!).  God's hand is in every moment of everyday. He loves us and cares about each moment of life we are given.

Ann talks about how Adam and Eve's inital sin in the garden was ingratitude. What God had given wasn't enough. When we spend our days wanting more, we will never be satisfied with what God has so graciously blessed us with. We miss the blessings.

It's all about our perspective. I am trying to see every moment as the gift that it is, even the hard ones. Romans 8: 28 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'  Some days might be difficult, but God's hand is always there...somewhere. You just have to look for it. And it might be a long ways down the road of life before you see God purpose, but He is always there.

So here I am recording the gifts that God has given me in the last month. I feel such joy in my heart as I look for God in all situations. He is here and He is good!

Gifts 1 - 85

overflow worship

2 hour nap!

answered prayer for renewal of energy

being content at home

snow day!

Colossians in a year

warm soup and homemade bread on a blistery night

warmth

morning laughter

cancelled activities

a garage

brokenness

asking for prayer

a child's forgiving heart

sprouts!

laundry done

antibiotics

girl time

redbox for roadtrips

hot rolls

safe travel

my own bed

grocery shopping alone

homemade bread

big brother asking littlest sister to play

fever gone

level 3

trusting in God's purpose

the stillness of falling snow

intentionally stopping to pray

health insurance

medicine

clairity

lengthy discussions

snuggles with sick babies

basketball games

family games

drinking coffee while snow gently falls

wrestling in bed

Sunday afternoon quiet times for all

menu planned

groceries bought

grace

naps for all

Famous Kansans

special lunch

well behaved 2 year old

PDO

friendship

new life

snowballs

girls night

60 degrees!

dinner out

church

successful surgeries

memorizing His Word

healthy kids

more snow

snow days for ALL!

melted snowball delivered

a husband who does it all while I'm sick

ice cream when its 12 degrees

new washer and dryer...unexpected generosity

potty training...successes and failures

a big sister with a serving heart

a husband's commitment to provide

a husband who does the nightly duties...EVERY night

HE STOLE THE BALL!

Valentine's cookies

a child's creativity

still getting to cut up bites

managers specials

'Pee Pee Mama' and actually being close to a restroom

no TV all day

early naps for all and the grace to restart the day with re-focused eyes

washing away the grime

success for a surprise

fresh baked bread

no TV. day 2, and the mess of toys as a result

little hands setting the table

being able to help a friend

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18