Monday, June 21, 2021

Weekly Gratitude Journal


With my whole family together for two weeks of celebrating three birthdays and one graduation, I've not been on here to post. I don't regret it when I prioritize time with the Lord or time with family and friends over time on my phone and computer. But, I am hoping to get back to some more consistent writing and posting here on my blog, Lord willing. 

While the whole family was together, we had family photos done. With part of our family now living on the east coast, who knows the next time that the whole family will get to be together.  Of course, it rained all day on the day that we had photos scheduled, but we, as well as our wonderful photographer, were undeterred! For those of you who followed my blog from the beginning, remember when two of my daughters were struggling with infertility and one was wondering if she'd be single for forever? Just look at what God has done-exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all we could have ever asked or thought! My heart overflows with thanks and gratitude!
*****************
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 journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#14,553-#14,597

6-7-2021-
-our youngest grandson-He is one year old today!
-new running shoes
-taking youngest grandson on a walk in his stroller

6-8-2021-
-laughter
-God's grace and presence in our monthly gathering with the women of our church
-God's faithful care and provision

6-9-2021-
-a sweet time with our youngest granddaughter-(with eight grandkids I think this may be the first time I have a whole afternoon with just her-such fun!)
-our kid's blessing us with groceries while they are staying with us 
(and they bought delicious Pho for tonight's dinner!)
-a late night chat with our granddaughter

6-10-2021-
-my husband feeling better after a 24 hour flu bug
-some quiet time in the Word this afternoon
-my brother coming over

6-11-2021-
-seven year old grandson enthusiastically eating two big bowls of teriyaki chicken and yakisoba noodles at one of our favorite restaurants
-two grubby grandsons in a bathtub full of bubbles
-our oldest grandson is here-now the WHOLE family is home!

6-12-2020-
-our oldest granddaughter-she's eighteen today!
-my sister-it's her birthday today as well
-a sweet afternoon at the park with three of the grands

6-13-2021-
-our 30+ secondary leaders gathering for a great meeting
-God speaking so clearly to our church today
-having lunch with our two oldest grandkids
-family photos in spite of the rain



-so many people gathering to celebrate our oldest granddaughter's graduation

6-14-2021-
-baking bread with my seven year old grandson
-rain just before the graduation ceremony that cleared up and
 gave way to a rainbow during the ceremony
-our oldest granddaughter graduated!







6-15-2021-
-secondborn daughter and her family safely arrived back home in S.C.
-God's grace - He is still working in us and changing us-He doesn't give up or quit!
-words of encouragement from my girls

6-16-2021-
-my mama-today would have been her 96th birthday
-an invitation to join a zoom meeting with our sister church
-our family photos-what a treasure!

6-17-2021-
-God's grace to do something that He's asking me to do that is hard for me in the flesh
-the Father tenderly loves me!
-the truth that I am adopted by God as His daughter 

6-18-2021-
-Friday Date Day
-the best fish tacos at Grizzly Tuna in Seaside
-beautiful weather to walk by the sea

6-19-2021-
-our ladies getting to join with the ladies from Sent Life via zoom
-blue hydrangea growing by my kitchen window
-God's loving leadership, care, provision and guidance in our lives

6-20-2021-
-being my Father when dad left us
-streams of sunlight streaming across my kitchen floor
-lunch and a good visit with friends from church
-seeing God's favor and blessing in our lives in so many ways

still following,


Monday, June 7, 2021

Weekly Gratitude Journa


We are so blessed to have all of our daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren back in town, (except our oldest grandson who will be arriving later this week), to celebrate our youngest grandson's first birthday, which was today, and our oldest granddaughter's upcoming eighteenth birthday and graduation! Our home is full, loud and busy but I am savoring all of it, chaos and all, since our middle daughter and her family now live in South Carolina and will be returning home next week.

There is nothing that makes you want to slow down and savor life and count your blessings more than a big life milestone. The little girl who came into our life when she was six weeks old and stole our hearts, and who eventually became our legally adopted granddaughter, is eighteen and graduating! Our youngest grandson turned one in the blink of an eye. Life zooms by too fast to let it slip away unnoticed and unappreciated. And so, for each new day, for every moment with those we love, for this life God has blessed us with, whether highs or lows, good times or hard times, I give You thanks, God, for all of these unearned, undeserved blessings.
*****************
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 journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#14,532-#14,552

5-31-2021-
-thank You, God for those who fought and died to protect our country
-my husband taking me to Lucia Falls
-breakthrough in my heart

6-1-2021-
-the song of a bird in our yard that I've never heard before
-listening to a powerful and convicting message on love
-dinner, prayer and a planning meeting with my VLT

6-2-2021-
-no retinal damage in my right eye after a sudden posterior vitreous detachment
-Your Word, Your love, Your faithful care
-sweet phone messages from my two oldest grands

6-3-2021-
-coffee and a visit with our middle son-in-law
-our second born and her family are here from S.C.
-such a fabulous Bible study on Romans

6-4-2021-
-this beautiful, hot, sunny day
-such a fun pool party at our daughter's house with all three of our girls and 7 out of 8 
grandkids






-six grandkids all under our roof for a sleepover

6-5-2021-
-homemade waffles topped with sweet strawberries and mountains of whipped cream
-a fun afternoon cooking and baking with my youngest daughter in preparation for tomorrow's birthday party for our grandson who just turned four and our youngest grandson who's turning one





-my husband and oldest granddaughter harmonizing together to Jehovah-Jireh

6-6-2021-
-the power of God's Word
-a fun family birthday party!




-good conversation with our kids

still following,


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