Sunday, July 20, 2014

Cultivate thankfulness...


I don't think one single thing in God's Word is in there by accident.
There must be an important connection between the following things...
~living in harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ
~not going off and doing our own thing, but staying connected to Christ and His body
~cultivating thankfulness
~living in the peace of Christ.
I certainly want to live in the peace of Christ, so it seems that I better pay attention to the rest of the verse!
And this place right here is where I continue to cultivate thankfulness.

*******************

Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.
 I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my little black journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone) 

#4894-#4927

7-14-14-
-an invitation from my big sister to come to her house and enjoy her pool
-my second born and three of the grandkids getting to join me
-a safe trip
-my sister meeting our youngest grandson for the first time


-a fun swim





(at least most of us thought it was fun)

-the view of Mt. Rainier from my sister's back yard



-fresh blueberries from my sister's bushes, (and the pie she made with some of them!)


7-15-14-
-enjoying a leisurely morning at my sister's house
-morning clouds hiding a view of the mountain,  afternoon clearing and stunning views
-swimming with the kids and cuddling on the lounge chair with oldest granddaughter




-dinner with my sister at the fun little restaurant by the small airport, 
sitting outside and watching the planes taking off and landing
-fun conversation on the drive home and a safe trip

7-16-14-
-being home
-when the writing flows after a season of writer's block
-some new fitness goals
-a beautiful evening

7-17-14-
-help with work for our church's childrens' ministries
-praying together

7-18-14-
-the hub's indulging my desire to go to a lavender farm on our "date day"



-him enjoying our outing too as we explored the rest of Sauvie Island








-taking the long way home
-a great dinner together on the way home
-a perfect date day ending with a relaxing evening
-new comfy "Rocket Dogs" shoes for $12.99

7-19-14-
-the feeling when the chores I'd rather not do are all done
-getting invited to a yummy dinner of carne asada and some fun fellowship, too

7-20-14-
-water baptism
-God ministering to hearts and lives
-the powerful Word of God and amazing worship
-young men committing their lives to Christ
-prodigals coming home
-prayer
-an encouraging word
-God meeting our needs (and so many wants as well)


gratefully yours,


http://www.aholyexperience.com

14 comments:

  1. I love reading your gratitude list every week. His blessings indeed abound in your life!

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    1. Barbie, I appreciate you so much. You are such an encouragement to me!

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  2. I've only been to Suavie Island once...need to get back out there. We went to the Hood River Lavender Farms : ) I just LOVE the variety of farms we can visit in this area.

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    1. We used to live in on Hwy 35 between Hood River and Mt Hood Meadows. That was just when Hood River started to become a bit more tourist-y due to windsurfing. Now it's so trendy! I will have to visit the lavender farm there!

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  3. Absolutely beautiful Elizabeth. You are pouring over abundantly with Blessings. Thank you for capturing them in beautiful pictures & sharing with us. May God continually bless you & your family!
    I agree with this scripture Peace of Christ & living in harmony with one another.

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    1. Carol, it's been so life changing and such a blessing to keep a journal of my blessings.

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  4. Elizabeth, I've missed my visits to your blog, and now I will catch up on the blessings of your life. I love the way you bring Jesus into your everyday life. . . and your example is an inspiration for me. I love every picture and expression of gratitude you have shared. The lavender photos are gorgeous, and the pictures of your grandchildren brought a smile to my face as I see they are showered with love and care. Here's to the long way home. . . xo Donna

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    1. Thank you so much Donna. Oh, how I'd love to learn more about photography from you. I LOVE all of your photos.

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  5. I just noticed as I started to type this that the comment above mine mentioned missing visits here. I was going to say the same thing. (I wonder why it is that when "the world is too much with us", we neglect to take time for the things that really truly enjoy. Don't we always regret it?)

    I, too, have missed coming here in recent weeks. I particularly miss my Monday visits because your thanksgiving never fails to redirect my focus.

    Take the one about chores that we don't want to do being done, for example. That is so true!! I love that you pointed it out.

    At any rate, I so enjoyed this and have dubbed the unhappy baby as my favorite of the photos. (But that lavender farm is pretty cool too.)

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    1. My youngest grandson was definitely unhappy with his mama putting his feet in the cold water! I love that photo, too!

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  6. This weekly post of yours makes me smile big! <3

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    1. Beth, it's such a blessing to me to journal my thanksgiving then to share it on my blog!

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  7. We are so blessed - if we just look around! I love reading your gratitudes every week and seeing your photos. My favorite is that sweet, little face on your new grandson!
    ~Adrienne~

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