238:: opening my eyes this morning. Somewhere, someone didn't wake up to see the new day.
239:: pouring a glass of beautifully clear, cold water. Somewhere, someone knows only mucky river water.
240:: Flipping on the light switches in evening:: I didn't have to butcher the cow, render the tallow, melt, mold and make the candles.
241:: beds with mattresses, more comfortable than hay.
242:: food abundant while others, walking skeletons, yearn.
242:: apple gnawing
243:: Family, close by, while soldiers pine for home
244:: a home to come into, while others seek cardboard shelters or even stables.
245:: knowledge and the desire to seek it
246:: HOPE, when so many have lost it
247:: the grace to get through another day
248:: the mercy to start anew, even when you fail
249:: visits with elderly and seeing the joy pour forth from within at the sight of you
250:: a Sunday dinner with parents...with wine and fancy dishes
251:: children who play together for hours, best friends
252:: a library, right down the road
253:: a librarian who knows I love to sew from all the books I request...who brought me four garbage bags of fabric since she no longer wanted it.
254:: old memories, rekindled, that make you laugh until tears squeeze out
255:: winks from across the table, from the one you love
256:: children mimmicking your ways, and realizing they DO notice
257:: gigglefests and funny faces
258:: little bodies leaning into you during church service
259:: loving so deeply that it hurts
260:: a young one who has entered into the joy of the written word
261:: a quiet tongue when all you want to do is shout.
262:: eye twinkles
263:: baby teeth
264:: The TRUTH and people who profess it
265:: A girl who is about to lose months and gain a year instead
266:: happy thoughts that make your soul take flight
267:: sister snuggles until baby falls asleep
268:: rest-time ART created by a talented six-year-old artist. Most recently: a nativity
269:: determination and the challenges that drive it
270:: the whole world in His hands
271:: happiness with what is REAL, realizing what really MATTERS. And finding PEACE and contentment with it all.
So many things to be thankful for, I am at 270 and have barely scratched the surface.
A life overflowing with gifts and gratitude:: There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing God's work in your life.
I teared up, just so you know....
ReplyDeleteJust an absolutely beautiful, gorgeous, lovely, and heart-wrenching post! ((((HUGS))))
ReplyDeleteThe family picture and the one with your dd face in the bulb...so AWESOME! :)
Don't feel obligated to send ME ONE but I would love to mail you our photo & letter!? Would you mind emailing me you address? amyvandehei@yahoo.com
MANY MONDAY BLESSINGS!
Amy
P.S.- I love your frost/snow(?) shot, and is that your family Christmas photo? Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh wow ~ all the praises and photos so lovely!!! Love love love.
ReplyDeletewow. just . wow.
ReplyDeletethank you posting such joy.
and your family- beautiful
Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Jen in OK
Beautiful post . . . and beautiful family! Isn't God amazingly gracious?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I've finally joined the Gratitude Community. ;)
Blessings,
-Breezy
Those top two pictures...
ReplyDeletemmmm.
These gratitude posts are wonderful, every last one.