counting thanks 903 ~ 925

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above ~

~ hugs from nephews and their enthusiastic greetings

~ chinese food with family, many laughs and much love

 ~ spinning time and playing with fiber

~ the news that a medical condition my sister is dealing with is NOT something to worry about

~ we are finally getting the rain we need

~ the beauty of sky and clouds and tree silhouettes

~ I’m getting closer to 1000

~ for my job, I’ve been here 2 years now, time sure does fly

~ anticipation of new things to learn

~ green juice, some days it tastes “greener” than others

~ the remembrance of the Godly heritage I have, 5 generations on my father’s side of the family and 4 generations on my mother’s

~ listening to my mom tell stories of growing up and her desire to serve  God ~ and how God worked out the timing of different situations, so she could meet my father and they could move to Carmichael

~ again reminded that God knows the end of the story he is writing in our lives

~ Chevy’s flautas – Yummy

~ seeing the first couple wisteria blossoms, I didn’t see any last year

~ for new water filters, it’s amazing how much more water volume you get when the filters are changed

~ for “flushy“, it sure helps control the bathroom smell issues in a trailer

~ for spring-time flowers blooming, even if they are just weeds

~ for a silly puppy that makes me laugh

counting thanks 887 ~ 902

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above ~

~ mandarins & dark chocolate, they taste yummy together

~ little kids enjoyment of “flubber”

~ for gathering eggs and feeding dogs

~ for hugs and smiles

~ and that Jesus is all we need

~ for a new song heard – “He Already Sees” the rainbow, when we see only clouds

~ for remembering where I came from, and for my mother remembering also

~ for mizithra & clam sauce from Old Spaghetti Factory

~ Anne of Green Gables

~ a fun time with Emily

~ for a knitted gift completed, now I just need to block it

~ and it’s time to spring forward, I love daylight in the evenings

~ for God’s blessed assurance that he is with me always

my reflection

my reflection ~ on where I come from…

• I come from a family that sticks together
• from favorite Sunday lunches of chicken & rice or Grandma’s meatloaf & potatoes
• from camping with grandparents and family
• I come from weekly Bible Story Time at “Grandma Washcloths” house, Sis Cindie’s house and my own home
• from playing Swiss Family Robinson with childhood friends
• from a back-yard garden of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers
• I come from the family that always had room for others, we had 10-15 individuals or families stay with us for weeks or months, that I can remember
• from playing Uno, Skipbo, Rummy, May I and 5 Crowns for hours
• from listening to “old-fashioned” radio, and audio tapes – Bill Cosby and Louis L’Amour being favorites
• I come from Thanksgiving get-togethers that started on Wednesday evening and went through Saturday – with a lot of laughter and stories and no fights or alcohol
• from visiting Grandpa & Grandma #1 for a week in the summer, floating in the creek on an inflatable raft, reading, drinking pepsi light and eating sunflower seeds
• I come from a Mom who made many of my clothes and then taught me to sew
• from a Dad who could make anything out of metal you showed him a picture of
• from family road trips to Montana, Yellowstone, Disneyland and family get-togethers
• I come from working together in our family business until just recently when we had to close it
• from a church family that I’ve been a part of since before I was born, that rallied around and prayed for me when I was born 9 weeks early and the nurse said “I wouldn’t make it”
• from working a summer as household help for an invalid shut-in
• I come from a Mom who passed on her love of the ocean and watching the waves
• from a Dad who’s positive outlook on life, willingness to just deal with what came along without blaming others and strong faith~trust that God has everything under control
• I come from the smell of welding and of chocolate brownies still warm and gooey from the oven
• from playing clarinet in the band at school and in the band at church, wishing I’d learned sax
• from a belief in God’s amazing grace that saved a wretch like me, that taught my heart to fear and then relieved my fears, that brought me through many dangers, toils and snares, and I know it will bring me Home

taking this prompt from Ann’s post

counting thanks 846 ~ 871

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above ~

~ my roots ~ my parents, and grandparents, my church family ~ I am so blessed…

~ little kids enthusiasm

~ talks with friends

~ a big project at work is completed

~  the new shrimp dish at Panda Express, it’s yummy

~ I saw my little hummingbird friend again, flitting around the trees at work, I think there must be a nest

~ that my yarn stuff is a little more organized

~ my new little friend at work

~ the yarn I got from my Grandma #1 should be enough for the project I want to do with it (and if it is not, it is still available in stores)

~ for changes in plans

~  for being grafted into the True Vine

~  for photos and memories

~ for family night and laughter (Jimboy Tacos & shirt sleeves)

~  for Mom’s meatloaf and strawberry shortcake

~ glad I can be an eagle (not a chicken)

~  for a borrowed pole trimmer (now if i can find someone to help haul-off a pile of limbs)

~ the little birds are really enjoying the brush pile

~  the enjoyment of having someone else wash my hair

~ for another knitting project completed, my “dreadlock scarf”

~ glad that the cough I’ve had is just about gone

~ that the little birds have found my bird feeders, it is so fun to watch them and hear them

~ for the song “Blessing”

~ for dog parks and little dogs my Buddy can play with

~ that I can by clay in the Potter’s hand, willing to be molded and remade

counting thanks 820 ~ 845

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above ~

~ 3 gifts found behind a door ~ getting to play with flowers, the warmth and coziness in my home, indoor bathroom (so thankful on these cold mornings)

~ 3 ways I feel the love of God ~ when we gather together to worship, when I read His promises, and when I talk with Him in my private prayer time

~ a gift in losing something ~ the loss of 5#, always a blessing

~ a gift in finding something ~ a neat glass container that I used for a small dish garden

~ a gift in making something ~ love working with my hands to create beautiful things

~ gifts found giving / serving ~ I love working in Bible Story Time with the 2-3 year olds, helping in the kitchen for our annual fellowship meeting and revivals

~ 3 gifts on paper ~ God’s words, any books (especially craft, cooking and fiction), the list my sister gave me of things she appreciates about me

~ a gift that was “plan b” ~ when our family business had to close, God opened up a simpler more peaceful path

~ other thanks ~ a visit with my Grandma, taking the trip with my sister, talking and singing on the way, a walk in the woods, ladybugs, birds at feeders and in the trees, a walk by the river, taking photos, being able to help my siblings with their taxes, flash drives and memory cards

5 minute friday ~ my God is real

On Fridays around these parts we stop, drop, and write. 

For fun, for love of the sound of words, for play, for delight,

For joy and celebration at the art of communication.

For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited.

We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not.

Today’s word ~ REAL

start:

i’ve been asked ~ how do you know God is REAL?

and i have to answer ~

how can you look at a new born baby, see beautiful flowers,

or witness a marvelous sunset without knowing

God is real

but the most definitive reason i have to believe God is real

~ is because he changed me

i’m not the same person that i used to be

where there was resentment & bitterness

~ now there is forgiveness

where there was discontent & greed

~ now there is contentment with “enough”

where there was lies & deceit

~ now there is truth & openness

where there was deep-down hurt & confusion

~ now there is healing & peace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i think of the song

~ My God is Real

i’m gonna shout it ’til the whole world knows

my God is real, i can feel him down in my soul

and i’m not ashamed to let this whole world know

just how i really feel, because i know

my God is real…

stop:

counting thanks 752-782

January’s Joy Dare – capturing the gifts

Jan 23 – 3 gifts found in Christ ~ redemption for my sins, grace for each day and hope for the future

Jan 24 – 3 things blue ~ the sea, the sky, bird nests

Jan 25 – 1 grace borrowed, 1 grace found, 1 grace inherited ~ help from my Dad to fix the leak under my bathroom sink, glass containers for plants, a positive attitude and crafty hands

Jan 26 – a gift before 9am, a gift before noon, a gift after dark ~ that I woke up this morning, laughing at a silly puppy, a warm and cozy home

Jan 27 – 3 gifts that might never have been ~ I might not have lived, I was born 9 months early and when the nurse saw me, she said “this one won’t make it” ~  my mom could have died when I was under a year old ~ the experience I gained working in my father’s business

Jan 28 – 3 graces found in your friends ~ the smile that lights their face, the encouraging word, knowing they are praying for me

Jan 29 – a song heard, a soft word, where you saw light ~ Through the Years, “thank you” from little toddler, through the ice crystals

Additional thanks ~ getting to play with flowers, the excitement my puppy expresses when he knows we are going to the dog park, how well he sleeps after we go to the dog park, for determination to walk the path the Lord leads, for many kind comments, for the contentment that comes as I count the joys, yummy oranges, for the challenge to go deeper with Christ, and to take up my cross

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above.

take up your cross ~ sunday singing

This morning, our pastor brought a lesson on “Taking up our Cross”. He used the text, Mark 10:17-22

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

He emphasized that this man did many things right, but he lacked one thing. Is there one thing holding you back from really following Christ. Taking up our cross isn’t an easy thing, the actual crosses that men were crucified on weighed upwards of 300#. It wasn’t easy to carry one of them. And so spiritually for us, it will not be easy – there will be conflict and persecution, we will have to deny ourselves. Don’t go away grieved because you aren’t willing to give up the “one thing”; which will keep you from serving Jesus and making heaven your eternal home.

While the lesson was going forth, this song kept going through my mind.

Take Up Your Cross

Words by Steve Millikan, Jane Johanson and Ray Boltz
Music by Steve Millikan

CHORUS:
Take up your cross
And follow Jesus
Take up your cross
Every day
Don’t be ashamed
To say that you know Him
Count the cost
Then take up your cross
And follow Him

What are you doing for the King?
Have you given everything
For the one
Who gave His all for you?
Don’t be satisfied just to know
That the Lord has saved your soul
Have you forgotten
What you need to do?

Take up your cross
And follow Jesus
Take up your cross
Every day
Don’t be ashamed
To say that you know Him
Count the cost
Then take up your cross
And follow Him

I said I know sometimes
That the road is long
And I know sometimes
You feel like you can’t go on
But you just…

Take up your cross
And follow Jesus
Take up your cross
Every day
Don’t be ashamed
To say that you know Him
Count the cost
Then take up your cross
And follow Him

biblical hope is bold, strong, and true

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

Thinking of the word hope I remember the song which we often sing:

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

This song reminds us that our hope is built upon Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.

Hope is one of those words which means one thing biblically and another in a worldly context. In the world ~ the word hope is often described with the terms “wish” or “desire.” But, when the word hope is used in the Bible it has a stronger meaning. Biblical hope is not flimsy or fragile like a wish; it is much deeper than a simple desire. Biblical hope is bold, strong, and true.

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Hebrews 6:18-19

In the Bible the word hope indicates a confidence that Christians have in the Lord. Our hope is that we will be in heaven with the Lord if we remain faithful until death or the Lord comes again. Our hope in the Lord is built on the faith we have in Him.

We also need to realize that hope is not something which we can see with our own eyes, because if we could see it, it is no longer hope.

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 6:24-25

Our hope in the Lord is a precious promise of a life in heaven with the Lord. Our hope in the Lord is a gift, a gift so wonderful we cannot even imagine it.

counting thanks 692~721

January’s Joy Dare – capturing the gifts

Jan 9 – a gift in my hand, a gift I walked by, a gift I sat on ~ soft squishy yarn, friends and family at church, my over-stuffed rocker

Jan 10 – a gift that’s sour, a gift that’s sweet, a gift that’s Just. Right. ~ I love lemon bars, lemonade, lemon in water, anything lemon ~ chocolate cake with vanilla frosting ~ In-N-Out cheese burger-animal style-extra toasted

Jan 11 – 3 yellow things that strike me as fresh mercy ~ sunrise (new beginnings), yellow tulips (spring is here), and again lemons (fresh tasting)

Jan 12 – something above me, something below me, something beside me ~ clear blue sky, the path that God is leading me down, a silly little boy that sat next to me in church – learning to sing songs of praise

Jan 13 – 3 sounds I hear ~ little birds twittering in the treetops, my puppy barking at the neighbor walking by, Catching Fire (2nd book in Hunger Games trilogy) on Audible

Jan 14 – 3 ways I glimpsed the startling grace of God ~ the thousands of geese we saw flying in formation with the sun shining of their wings, God’s grace on my grandmother who turns 99 tomorrow, and then seeing the geese bedded down on the rice paddies at the end of the day

Jan 15 – 1 thing I wore, 1 thing I gave away, 1 thing I shared ~ Summerflies shawl, a couple servings of homemade chili to my boss, tic tac mints

Other thanks ~ homemade chili, crock-pots, wind chimes singing in the breeze, a few small yellow daisies, seeing cousins I haven’t seen in years, new growth on my jade plant

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A list of thankfuls – one by one, my goal is to list 1000, being open to seeing the many blessings and gifts from my Father above.