Always Thankful

Continuing my journey beyond one thousand gifts....

Doesn't he see everything I do and every step I take?
Job 31:4 (NLT)

This verse made me think of what Priscilla Shirer wrote in her study of Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, "Knowledge of God's nearness can be most comforting to anyone seeking an intimate relationship with Him, and yet it can be the most burdensome reminder for the one who is seeking to avoid His direction and correction." pg.41

Yes I remember years ago when it felt burdensome and now, years later it is comforting and freeing to strive for a deeper relationship!

This week I'm thankful for:

1097. the snow outlining the trees' branches

1098. a mist hovering over a snow-laden field

1099. snow looking like powdered sugar on the bushes

1100. finally, the braces coming off my teeth! Hooray!

1101. Wonderful Husband making BBQ brisket AND chili

1102. Lent and sending encouraging, thankful cards every day

This post is linked to:



Do you practice a Lenten tradition?

Trusting Him

Continuing my journey beyond one thousand gifts....

Every day is a gift,
every moment is a blessing,
every life holds a beauty of its own.

Last Monday, a co-worker's daughter tried to commit suicide.

I say "tried to" because she didn't die.

And I am thankful.

The daughter has struggled with life ever since beginning college two years ago. This was her loudest cry for help and she called her mom after swallowing a handful of pills.

I watched my co-worker shaking with fear and frustration and offered to drive her to the Philadelphia hospital while her daughter was being transported by ambulance.

Confession: I have fear while driving to places outside of my immediate area and called Wonderful Husband but had to leave a voicemail explaining what had happened and where I was traveling.

I started saying The Jesus Prayer. Have you heard of it?

Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.

I silently prayed this prayer over and over and felt the calming presence of Christ as I started driving us toward Philadelphia.

We found the hospital and she went in to assess the situation. Her daughter was conscious and my co-worker came out and said her husband was on his way. I asked if she wanted me to wait for his arrival but she told me I could leave. I asked if she had money for food and she said yes. I told her that I'd be praying for her and her daughter and their family and pulled away from the hospital.

When I left the hospital I turned on my CD and the song "Beautiful" began playing by MercyMe.

(Please click the link below to hear the song.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2o0jHNRuU

How I wish the daughter could have heard these words.

Words of love: how she is treasured, and sacred, and His.

She is more than this moment of her life.

You see, I have compassion for young women struggling through life.

A few years ago our daughter imploded while attending college and living away from home. She layered bad decision on top of bad decision and we couldn't stop her or help her.

Only God can save. And He did.

Yet in the midst of the turmoil, God prepared me because He knew what was coming.

My Word for 2010 was Hope and what it took a year for me to learn was that I couldn't place my hope in a place, different circumstances, or a new situation.

I can only place my hope in the Lord.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

I have empathy for mothers whose children struggle with life.

Because another lesson I've learned is that I don't have control over my (adult) children. I pray for them and pray that they turn toward God because they can place their hope and trust in Him.


Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:4

My Word for 2011 was Grace. God showers me with His grace, I in turn show His grace toward others and because of living the word Grace for that year, my daughter and I have a good relationship today.

Only God could have worked the mess into the goodness we live today.

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.
Romans 8:28

# 1089 - 1096 on my list beyond One Thousand Gifts. I'm thankful for:

1089. the daughter making it to the hospital and living

1090. driving my co-worker to the hospital

1091. Christ's calming presence during our drive to Philadelphia

1092. safe travel to and from the hospital

1093. Wonderful Husband's calm (Blue Tooth) conversation when I began driving home alone

1094. feeling God's comfort through music

1095. our daughter and where she is in life now

1096. God, and my hope and trust in Him

Please pray for people who struggle with living. Their lives are precious to Him.

This post is linked to the Faith Barista Jam with the writing prompt of "Trust"



and

Christmas Eve (2012)

Continuing my journey beyond one thousand gifts....

Today is Christmas Eve and I am thankful.

The pre-Christmas parties are over.

Time has been spent with co-workers, Bible Study buddies, extended family, and the sugar/caloric intake has been gi-normous!

#1081 - 1088 and I'm thankful for:

1081. reading The One Year Chronological Bible. Maybe next year will be the year of reading it every day.

1082. experiencing God's peace throughout this season

1083. gifts of fresh fruit which "partially" offset the sugar choices

1084. Wonderful Husband shopping and gift wrapping with a cheerful heart

1085. The Teacher visiting and appreciating my homecooking

1086. a decorated Christmas tree. (I'm still adjusting to "the kids" not decorating the tree. Back in the old days I handed out the ornaments for them to hang on the tree. I now refer to the kids decorating the tree as "My Spoiled Years.")

1087. our granddaughter asleep in her uncle's arms....Visions of sugarplums dancing in her head I wonder?

1088. the surprise of a light snow on Christmas Eve

I wanted to continue counting although there wasn't a link for A Holy Experience this week.

Merry Christmas!

December

Continuing my journey beyond one thousand gifts....

I began reading The One Year Chronological Bible in August of this year. I wish I could tell you I started reading it in January, but I can't. I purchased it in October 2010 and have not yet read through an entire year, but I have hope. Could 2013 be the year?

On December 6th I read, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

We are God's masterpiece? I've never seen that before but let me tell you that it made my day!

I shared the scripture with my co-workers, Wonderful Husband, Diane, and my new Bible Study buddies.

1066 - 1080 beyond my list of One Thousand Gifts. I thank God for:

1066. hearing that we're His masterpiece

1067. an outing to Peddler's Village with Wonderful Husband

Celebrating 50 years with hot apple cider 

1068. hard eucharisteo: a cold, yet it made me slow down

1069. lunch out with two sisters-in-law and mother-in-law

1070. a Bread Bar at the restaurant. I called it my new love language. Ha!

1071. a bowl of hot crab soup on a brisk day, only 2 small pieces of shell included. Ack!

1072. the First Sunday of Advent at the new (to us) church

1073. communion. In remembrance of Christ.

1074. another visit to the orthodontist, my braces will definitely come off in 2013

1075. a telephone conversation with Melanie while she was Christmas decorating for an upcoming jewelry party. She's a great multi-tasker!

1076. mailing prayer and love filled cards to our niece-in-law and my sister-in-law. Praying for comfort on the third year anniversary of our nephew's death.

1077. hearing an encouraging update on Diane's healing leg

After hearing about the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy....

1078. my faith

1079. my belief that God shares our sorrow and provides comfort through His love

1080. prayer


This post is linked to A Holy Experience: Multitudes on Mondays, One Thousand Gifts.

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)

Thank-full

Continuing my journey beyond one thousand gifts....

Wonderful Husband is hanging Christmas lights outside. I've removed my Autumn/Thanksgiving orange nail polish and am painting on Christmas/Winter red. I'm strategically planning how to decorate the inside of the house since last year our newborn-sleepy granddaughter has become our active-crawling-almost-walking one year old granddaughter. Her little hands explore everything, then everything goes in her mouth for further exploration.

I don't want our house to be thought of as "No-No-Grandma's house."

This is a season of thanksgiving and next year Wonderful Husband and I plan to participate with a local church serving Thanksgiving lunch to the homeless and lonely people in our area.

1043 - 1065  beyond my list of One Thousand Gifts, I thank God for:

1043. the Holy Spirit's presence during a meeting with the pastor whose church we're leaving. Open communication, no bitterness, ending in prayer.

1044. slow days at work leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday

1045. a Happy Thanksgiving phone call with my brother

1046. a Happy Thanksgiving email from my mom

1047. The Teacher coming to visit

1048. Wonderful Husband's family feast

1049. Young Sweetie's decision to spend Thanksgiving with her in laws since Youngest Sweetie had been feverish  and there would be 8 month old twins (second cousins?) attending our family feast

I had to show you pictures of them in their turkey-leg-knit caps. Darling!

1050. Young Sweetie's tender heart for her in laws

1051. the Thanksgiving dinner encore presentation on Friday with our son, son-in-law and Youngest Sweetie

1052. sending leftovers home for Young Sweetie who had to work and missed out on the meal

1053. making turkey soup afterward

1054. not shopping on Gray Thursday or Black Friday

1055. reading The One Year Chronological Bible: "Let love be your highest goal." 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT)

1056. strengthening the whole church, 1 Corinthians 14:3-4, 12

1057. breakfast with Paula and Maria and talking about forgiveness

1058. a reminder to plant Paperwhites. "When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first." 1 Corinthians 15:36b (NLT).

1059. sending cards to Diane, Joanne and Kaye. I am blessed with friends.

1060. finding The Allume 2012 Conference Keynote Speakers presentations online for free

1061. Sally Clarkson's wisdom and her clear, concise message: "Love God, love people, seek first the kingdom, live by faith."

1062. a sister-in-law sharing her concern about her son (our nephew) "having a problem with God"

1063. knowing God is big enough to handle the issue. He is present and patient enough to wait on the solution/healing/return.

1064. giving Christmas ornaments to Young Sweetie for her first family Christmas tree. Most were crafted with her own little hands, way back when. Precious.








1065. a new journal for my rambling thoughts. "Every day is a gift, every moment is a blessing, every life holds a beauty of its own."

This post is linked to A Holy Experience: Multitudes on Mondays, One Thousand Gifts.

Was your Thanksgiving full of turkey and leftovers?

Thanksgiving 2012

Continuing on my journey past one thousand gifts....

A week ago our granddaughter, Youngest Sweetie celebrated her first birthday. It was a large party with family, friends, food and presents. The weather was beautiful and the birthday girl was happy.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday. We have a family tradition of going to one of Wonderful Husband's sister's home for the meal. I will bring my cheese onions which are a tradition from my side of the family and it will be challenging for my introverted self to be surrounded by the crowd and the noise, yet I am still thankful.

1035 - 1042 on my list beyond One Thousand Gifts.

I am giving thanks for:

1035. our happy, one year old granddaughter

1036. our daughter and son-in-law. Such loving parents.

1037. family, food, and fun of a birthday celebration and Thanksgiving

1038. our son coming to visit for the holiday

1039. recognizing that every day is a gift

1040. feeling helpful while taking dinner to Diane who broke her leg

1041. my dentist who "crowned" my broken tooth in one visit. Very efficient.

1042. Christmas CDs playing in my van. Sing-along anyone?

This post is linked to A Holy Experience: Multitudes on Mondays, One Thousand Gifts.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and tell me, have you been humming Christmas songs lately?

Superstorm Sandy

Continuing on my journey past one thousand gifts....

Superstorm Sandy made her way to us last Monday. We are located inland, outside of Philadelphia and suffered less damage than shore communities. I lost power at work on Monday morning and was home on Tuesday and Wednesday.

I'm thankful for:

1001. Terri receiving her Advent-to-Lent-to-Ascension Wreath on Monday during the storm. Merry Christmas!

1002. seeing a bunny by our front porch step. Take cover!

1003. hard eucharisteo: losing power at 9:30 p.m. on Monday night at home

1004. plenty of candles and flashlights with fully charged batteries

1005. a candy corn scented candle

1006. a roof over our heads and walls surrounding us while we hear the wind roar through the neighborhood

1007. the house creaking ever so slightly

1008. the quiet of no power where we can hear everything

1009. peace in the quiet

1010. a full glass of iced tea poured before losing the electricity

1011. going to bed early and the warmth of sheets, blankets and comforter

1012. Wonderful Husband leaving for work at 5:00 a.m. His safe arrival there.

1013. phoning my mom on her birthday. The only call that went through until later that night.

1014. a day of naps, reading and occasionally opening the refrigerator

1015. The One Year Chronological Bible and reading John 14:1, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." (NLT)

1016. reading that Jesus is the true grapevine, God the gardener and we are the branches and looking outside and seeing this

The first section of our neighbors' tree on Monday afternoon.

Wonderful Husband standing in front of the second section
of the tree that broke off during Monday night.

Another neighbors' weeping willow that was uprooted.

1017. walking around our property and seeing more intact trees than not

1018. hard eucharisteo: no reliable cell phone or text messaging available

1019. the rain stopping and going to pick up my newspaper from the end of the driveway. Seeing the headline of "It's turning ugly: Sandy gains power, aims straight for Northeast," and knowing it was written the night before.

The sky on Tuesday afternoon.

1020. trimming the wicks of the candles in case they're needed for another night

1021. power restored at 2:09 p.m. on Tuesday!

1022. hearing from family and all are safe. Some using generators for power, some never losing power.

1023. a refrigerator chugging softly

1024. warm heat through the vents

1025. a bathtub filled with warm water

1026. a dry basement

1027. only 16.5 hours of no electricity

It was difficult to watch the news and see the devastation that others have suffered from this storm. I have a call in to a tree service to come and evaluate the status of one of our trees. Not an emergency so we'll be far down their list and we'll be patient.

1028. preparing for the trick-or-treaters. Thankful that I don't have to eat all the candy purchased!

1029. finding my "Boo" pin and the orange nails have been painted for quite some time

1030. electricity restored at work on Thursday

1031. all who worked to restore electricity and removed the fallen trees

1032. God who shares our sorrows and our triumphs

1033. playing with Youngest Sweetie on Saturday night and watching Sesame Street

1034. Daylight Savings Time ends. A mixed blessing in "gaining" an hour of sleep, yet the daylight ends much earlier.

This post is linked to A Holy Experience: Multitudes on Mondays, One Thousand Gifts.