There are so many things
welling up in my heart and mind and not nearly enough space to pour it
out. God is so very good, so very
faithful. In His sovereignty, He gives and takes away. His name alone is worthy of praise! My darkest
place of questioning is the backdrop for His quiet Voice to remind me He is
enough.
“As long as
thanks is possible, then joy is always
possible.” Ann Voskamp
I have learned much this year
from the dear author above. Her book, One Thousand Gifts, has been ever
challenging. It is the one book, aside from His Book, that I refer to again and
again for a bit of perspective. She
challenges her reader to see even the hard things of life as gifts – gracious
gifts from a gracious God.
52 Gifts since last November
1.
My little blue-eyed boy turns four! 2. Holding a gator in Florida with cousins 3. The pouring out of ministry 4.
Trusting God to open blind eyes to see their need 5. My beautiful blue-eyed girl
turns six! 6.
The heartache of knowing my ministry is for Him alone not the praise of man 7. My little brown-eyed boy turns two! 8.
The beauty of giant snowflakes at night 9.
Laughing hysterically with Jr.High girls 10. The softening of the ground and promise of
life 11.
Learning again the joys of the Dangerous Journey – Pilgrims Progress 12.
My father survives a massive heart attack and a quadruple bypass 13.
An amazing week with my siblings amidst the uncertainty of dad’s health 14.
The beauty of a husband who loves and protects his wife 15. The adventure of Garage-Sale
Season! 16.
Hearing God remind me of His love in the dark places 17. Mike driving a float in the
Foolip Time Parade!! Our Neighborhood Spoof of Tulip Time 18. Chloe and Michael’s excitement for swim lessons
19.
Rejoicing as Chloe begins her journey of knowing God! 20. Mike and Michael go see CARS
2 opening night! 21. Chloe and I enjoy a Girls Night – haircuts and Wendy’s!
22.
Following Mike as he follows God to a different church 23. Celebrating 8 years of
friendship and marriage! 24. Trusting God as our family transitions to
the new church 25.
Driving lessons for each of the kids out on Lake Michigan!
26.
Campfires and sweet conversations alone 27. Marveling at God’s creativity and sense of
humor at Binder Park Zoo! 28. Opportunities to listen and quietly share
eternal Truth 29.
Chloe’s first day of 1st Grade! 30. Michael’s first day of Preschool! 31.
Alone time with my dimpled little 2 year old 32. The gift of learning God has given to each
of them 33.
The love of reading God has given to Chloe! 34. The gift of time to be home
with them each day 35. Watching my scattered thoughts become
words that fill white space
36.
Discovering the fact that I’m a writer who was once a teacher 37.
God’s gracious provision of a dynamic small group 38. The time to volunteer in our
children’s schools and connect with their teachers 39. The challenge of Wednesday
evening Men’s Group for Mike 40. Listening to Michael’s sweet understanding
of God’s amazing sacrifice on his behalf 41. God busting my box wide open as I went on
a Women’s Retreat where I knew not one person 42. Watching my little Michael
“stunt-man” fly and be a superhero for his sister! 43. Jonny’s squishy little hands
on my face each night as he says “Fanks (thanks) Mommy!” 44. Knowing with certainty that
Chloe will be cuddled up on the couch with a book 45. Storing away all her little
post-it notes that say “You’re the bast (best) Mommy ever!” 46.
Picking Apples at our favorite orchard! 47. Making Sauce, Pies and Crisps 48.
The rough hand of my best friend as we walk in the neighborhood on his birthday
49.
Remembering the good as well as the hard times 50. The children’s uncontained
joy when their daddy comes home each evening! 51. Choosing joy on a cloudy
gray Michigan
fall day 52.
Seeing God’s amazing grace through it all!
As you go into this amazing time of remembering, make
your own 52 List.
Happy Remembering & Happy Thanksgiving!
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