“Heart-water”

778. I am so very grateful God is writing my story!

779. Grateful for tears. – “heart-water” Ann Voskamp

780. Grateful for grief. (not always – but I’m working on appreciating this season in my life.)

Jerusalem

777. The perfect number requires a perfect prayer of gratefulness:

Thank you, God

776. Thank you, God, that you see me differently than I see myself.

I Am Thankful

773. I am thankful for four seasons! (check back with me after a weekend of snow and ice!!)

774. I am thankful that because of the last year – 2016 – which many call the worst year e.v.e.r. – with all that has happened in our government and in our world, I have had the opportunity to watch Bible Prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes. What a blessing….

775. I am thankful that I am able to drive! Just had a conversation last night and a lady I know may not be able to drive much longer – I am thankful that I am able to get around on my own.

Living in the NOW

769. I am grateful for this moment.

In the Devotional book that I started on January first, Ann Voskamp talks about living in the moment. Sometimes we are so busy trying to control the past and the future that we forget to praise God in the NOW.

 "one thousand gifts Devotional" by Ann Voskamp

770. I am grateful for my past. It is why I am who I am today. The past has given me  four wonderful children, grandchildren, a ministry and my Randy. I would not trade any of this for any other past.

771. I thank God for my future. Even if my life ends today – I have moments happening continuously and I want to savor every one of them.

772. I am thankful for those moments when I quiet myself, my mind racing to and fro calms – and I am so grateful for those moments when I listen to God.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

The Pastor’s Family

I can’t communicate to anyone my gratefulness for my Pastors without saying how grateful I am for their families.

It’s a hard job being a member of a preacher’s family. You are watched more, criticized more, expect to perform more – better and without complaining than anyone else in the church. When you pray for your Pastor, please remember to pray for their families, also.

765. I am grateful for Robyn. For her steadfastness in being the helpmate of Brad. I am thankful for her friendship. I am thankful for her parenting her daughters and her grandchildren.

766. I am grateful for Rebecca. She always makes me smile! She is always such an encouragement. I’m thankful for the children she and Bob have raised and are raising! She is a pillar in her home. And David is a joy!

767. I am grateful for Kerri. She always challenges my thinking process. I am from a completely different generation from her and I appreciate that I learn from her! And for Henry! Such a joy!

768. This one deserve her own blog!! Audra, she is an entity within herself. Even though I know I’ve put her on my list many times – I just cannot say in words or actions how thankful I am to have her in my life. God is good. And when He brought me back to Wichita He knew who I would need!!

My Pastors

I’m almost certain that I have listed my Pastors on this grateful list before! But in light of my recent blog I Challenge You This Year – I feel as if I should list them again! Because I am so very thankful for them.

761. I am grateful for Brad Cooper. He is the senior minister at my church and I am so very thankful he follows God’s leading and leads our group of Christ followers into a better understanding of what this race really is – and how to finish this race strong.

762. I am grateful for Bob Ingram. He is the man that is often in the background but helps hold it all together! I am so very thankful for him and all he does to encourage me and hold me accountable. (YUCK)  I still like him - even  when he holds me accountable!

763. Ahhhh. Matt Burr! Our fearless youth leader!! Everyone knows I have a special place in my heart for those who brave this age group!! I love teens and I love that Matt loves teens. He leads every week. And anyone who has been in youth ministry knows that his hours are long and very seldom on an 8 to 5 schedule.. I’m very thankful for Matt.

764. I am grateful for Audra Huddleston. She is a wonderful example for the children of our church.  I am so thankful that they see Jesus in her life 24/7. She is a wonderful example of a Spiritual woman. She is a wonderful gift in my life from God.

Winter Mornings

758.   For hot coffee on cold mornings.

The frozen Pond!

                                                              


759.  For a warm house.

760. For hot water, heater and electricity.

My New Season

754. I’m so very thankful that I had Randy in my life – even for such a short time.

755. The gift of marriage.

756. The gift of singleness. – I have to work hard to be thankful for this one.

757. I’m thankful for friends who reach out to me when I can’t reach out to anyone.

Thankfulness

751. Praise Music

752. My Church

753. My Sisters in Around the Kitchen Table

2017

746. New Beginnings.

747. Old Memories

748. History to learn from

749. The future to look ahead

750. The Present – God’s gift to me

Gifts of Pleasure

740. Many things bring me pleasure. But one of the things I am most thankful for is my pleasure in laughing. I love to laugh, I love being around people with a great sense of humor.

741. I enjoy puns and I am thankful for people who are clever enough to think these up!!

742. I find pleasure in reading a good book. I’m not only thankful for books, I am thankful for my ability to read and my eyes!

743. I find pleasure in quiet evenings alone.

744. I find pleasure in going out for dinner with friends.

745. I am especially thankful for the pleasure I find in my Sisters in Christ.

Study

736. My Bible Study on Daniel has been so exciting for me. I have learned so much and I am so thankful for the opportunity to study it.



737. I teach two separate small groups of women. One on Thursdays  and one on Fridays. I can’t imagine anything better than meeting with these girls! God has blessed me over and over again with these women pouring into me. I am so very thankful for all of them.

738. I love teaching Bible Studies. When Randy died I told my Pastor Bob that I wanted to be a widow who taught Bible Studies all the time. I am so grateful I have the opportunity to do this for a season.

I have no idea what God has for my future but for now, teaching is what my heart yearns for and He has given my heart what it needs at this time.

739. Of course, the best part of teaching is the learning on my part. The bonus’ which are plentiful include the fellowship with these women, being able to share with one another God’s Word. – then applying it to my life!

Thankful for Guests

733. I am so thankful for Friends that come to visit.

734. I am also thankful for days that I have to myself!!

735. I am grateful that I have extra bedrooms with beds for people – friends and family who are able to come for a few days.

I always say – if God has given me the space to have guests – then I need to honor Him and have guests!

The Weather

I live in Kansas! What’s not to love about the weather! The same in Oklahoma. I love the seasons. When I lived in Jamaica I thought I would love having one season! A tropical season!! But I really missed having four seasons. I am always amazed at the beauty God creates in every season!

729. Spring: 

730. Summer:

731. Fall:

732. Winter:

Then it begins again and I love them all!

16 months ago

I haven’t blogged regularly for 16 months.
It was 16 months ago that my dear husband died.
But I do realize that I have much to be grateful for.

725.  I am so very thankful that when Randy died, he didn’t feel any pain. That had been his prayer for many years after watching his Father, Mother,  Brother, and wife all die from cancer.

726. I am VERY VERY thankful that I can know that Randy went to heaven! and to be honest, I’m a bit jealous he is there without me!!

727. I am very thankful for family and friends who have given me encouragement and support.

728. My church family have stepped up and been exactly what God knew I would need during this time!

More Gifts Wore

Yesterday I listed my shoes as my thankful gift.  I’m going to add to that today. I mean I am really blessed with excess in the gift department in what I have to wear.

I read a story one time. When a missionary went to another country to share about Jesus, a man asked him why he had so many shirts. The missionary had 5 shirts. He believed he was really doing without. The national said, “You only need 2 shirts. One to wear while you are washing the other one.”  I think of that story often when I go to my closet.

721. I have a small amount of jewelry. A few really nice pieces but most is costume jewelry. But it couldn’t mean more to me if it were diamonds and rubies! I’m sorry this one doesn’t show up better. It’s a turquoise cross my Mom bought me for my 40th birthday. One of my very favorites! I’m thankful that I have this now that my Mom is gone, it just means that much more to me.

722. The husband bought this for me at “Noah, Sight and Sound Theater” in Branson! We were dating and he had gone to Branson with some of his family and when he came home he gave this to me! I’m thankful that God let me meet a man who lives his life to serve Him.

723. When I first started the Joy Dare by Ann Voskamp, I saw this necklace at a craft sale and it reminded me of my commitment to write down 1000 Gift’s that I have been blessed with. It is a wonderful reminder of my many many blessings.

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724. Our world is in turmoil. I am crushed by the news I hear. My heart breaks for the sin in the world. I hold fast to the promise that God loves Israel. This is His chosen country. I pray for Jerusalem:

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

    “May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace within your walls

    and security within your citadels.”

For the sake of my family and friends,

    I will say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek your prosperity.

Psalm 122:6-9

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One day, we saw 2 trays of jewelry from Israel at an antique mall. I fell in love with this one and purchased it. It reminds me daily to pray for God’s chosen people.

4 Gifts Wore

717. I’m thankful for finding out about Go Women Skechers. They are so comfortable and I love mine. I have 2 pair! A gray pair and a black pair.
I have these for comfort.




718. I am thankful I have a pair of comfortable shoes to wear to Church and when I need to dress up a bit!

719. Sometimes I need an extra boost. I usually go for comfort but once in a while I need some pizzazz and I’m so very thankful that the husband understands that and bought me some pizzazz for my 60th! (a few years ago!!) I wear these when I need a boost!

720. Then of course, there are the times I really need to unwind!! I am so thankful for my house slippers!!

3 Gifts Green

The husband and I have combined our love of going to estate sales with selling vintage, antique and collectables at an Antique Mall. In doing this, I have also [ahem] may have added to my own collections….. Much to the dismay of my good husband – and my kids who realize that someday it will be up to them to find a home for all of my treasures!!!  - Ahhh, love those kids!!

Well, in looking for “Gifts Green” I realized I couldn’t find anything but WHITE outside! Usually, outside is where I go to look for green.  So I turned my thoughts inside and realized I have [ahem] collected a bit of green glass!! :  )

714. I found a green candy dish at a sale, we really bought it to sell at curlygirl antique booth.  But, well, I just couldn’t. I am thankful that I have this dish for our Life Group to enjoy the candy!

       

715. I love lemonade. I thought this would be a perfect way to enjoy that cool refreshing drink this summer. I am always thrilled when I am hot and thirsty and I can sip a cool tall glass of this wonderful summer drink!

716. I am thankful that we are healthy enough to go to estate sales and to enjoy a pastime while making a bit extra to supplement our retirement income! God has been so very good to us!! These dishes with molded flowers have become some of my favorites. I love them!

3 Gifts at 3PM

711. Today is a snow day! So I’m thankful for the moisture.




712. Continuing with the theme of “it’s a snow day” – I love the beauty of the white snow covering the ground! I’m thankful for God’s creation of the different seasons!

Well, at least the ground is ALMOST covered! 

These daffodils are still trying to see sunshine!

713.  I’m thankful that I get to stay inside and just enjoy being at home! I LOVE being at home!!

Staying inside where it’s warm – but enjoying the beauty of the snow!