I was sitting here checking email and reading a few blogs when I decided to open the windows. First I hear the birds (spring is here or at least very close), then I hear wind chimes (I love them, they used to be my grandmother's) and then I hear the most cheerful and abundant laughter coming from the 4 oldest kids who are loving their time together outside on this 80 degree day. I have SO MUCH to truly be THANKFUL for...
my kids
birds
the sun
the gentle breeze
crickets
wind chimes
a big back yard
a home
food on the table every meal
running water
a husband who works hard and loves us A LOT
This is by no means a complete list. But when think of my kids and I allow myself to dwell on them I am thankful for each one, each individual personality and each quality they add to the family. When I think of birds (they are so vocal today) I think about nature and how much I LOVE to be outside and realize how many things are around me that I love! I realize that what I enjoy doing is sitting quietly, taking in the sights and sounds and realizing that God made it all! He created so much for our enjoyment and pleasure, it all has a purpose. We live such busy lives and push aside the things right before us. The Lord can be seen everywhere if we take time to notice, I need to practice this "noticing" more often.
As I think about gratitude it reminds me of Lent and I realized I haven't posted anything about Lent. The fasting part has been hard, I miss coffee the most and realize that I really checked facebook too much! I realize I am very weak and unable without the Lord. I have been reading Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray... good stuff. And also reading through different parts of scripture that our church pick out to read during Lent. I read a question on a blog a few weeks ago leading up to Lent and this was the question...
my kids
birds
the sun
the gentle breeze
crickets
wind chimes
a big back yard
a home
food on the table every meal
running water
a husband who works hard and loves us A LOT
This is by no means a complete list. But when think of my kids and I allow myself to dwell on them I am thankful for each one, each individual personality and each quality they add to the family. When I think of birds (they are so vocal today) I think about nature and how much I LOVE to be outside and realize how many things are around me that I love! I realize that what I enjoy doing is sitting quietly, taking in the sights and sounds and realizing that God made it all! He created so much for our enjoyment and pleasure, it all has a purpose. We live such busy lives and push aside the things right before us. The Lord can be seen everywhere if we take time to notice, I need to practice this "noticing" more often.
As I think about gratitude it reminds me of Lent and I realized I haven't posted anything about Lent. The fasting part has been hard, I miss coffee the most and realize that I really checked facebook too much! I realize I am very weak and unable without the Lord. I have been reading Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray... good stuff. And also reading through different parts of scripture that our church pick out to read during Lent. I read a question on a blog a few weeks ago leading up to Lent and this was the question...
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO BE DIFFERENT ON RESURRECTION SUNDAY?
It is a question that I have asked myself a lot.
Why the fasting? How will I allow it to help change me?
I am glad that God's grace abounds.
God is working in me and I hope to allow that to flow out of to others.
And just because I like to include at least one picture in every post, I pulled this out from the old files!
This was at Tim's Ford lake, a full day on the boat and then night fishing with friends!
This young lady (about to be 12) is beautiful inside and out!
