Monday, August 10, 2009

1000 gifts


So very often, in the hustle and bustle of everyday live, I lose sight of what really matters. I focus on the frustrations, the stresses, and the never-ending to-do list instead of the multitude of blessings from my Father above. His Word reminds me,

"Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again,
rejoice!"

(Philippians 4:4)

and in all things,

"Give thanks..."

(1 Chronicles 16:34)

Because He knows that when I do so, my eyes and my heart are not cast downward... towards a sinful, dying world, but upward... to the One who made me... to the One who saved me... to the One who loves me more than I can ever comprehend. And that makes all the difference.

So as an act of obedience, as an act of worship, and in an effort to glorify Him more, I'm going to start counting my blessings every. single. day. I'm also joining the Gratitude Community... a community dedicated to seeing His gifts-- both large and small-- in the everyday... a community committed to rejoicing in the blessings that abound, even when times are tough.


"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Today I'm giving thanks for:

0001
quiet time each morning (while my little ones still sleep!) to spend time with my Lord


0002
angel wing begonias, blooming right outside my window... oh, the beauty of creation!


0003
wonderful books... and these 2 precious boys who shared them


0004
a suitcase in the living room, evidence that daddy's finally home from his business trip


0005
the last pile of laundry, folded... thanks to the help of little hands


0006
freshly sliced strawberries-- an afternoon's perfect snack


0007
this tired-- yet joy-filled-- face at the end of a wonderful afternoon


0008
back-to-school shopping... DONE! And on a tax-free weekend, too~


0009
curly blond locks, bright blue eyes, a precious button nose... and the sweet little pea to whom they belong


0010
an outpouring of the Lord's favor and the accomplishment of a lifetime


and the list goes on...


holy experience

Thank you, Ann, for sharing your gifts with us, and thank for the blessing of your ministry, as well~

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your photos are beautiful. When we stop to look at the beauty around us, then we see God in His glory and are thankful.
Cherry Blossom

Unknown said...

welcome ,
the thanking and the sharing gift
May I return and look around more, this space seems inspired and inspiring.
Blessings

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!!I've been blessed in so many ways. His grace is new each day--The mountains in the morning and at sunset, the woods and all the creatures that call them home, the freshly picked peaches I had for breakfast, and on and on. But way up at the top is my family and all the blessings that come from the times we spend together. God is good, all the time.

Trina said...

Thanks so much for sharing your gracious heart and for visiting. Your photography is beautiful. Many Blessings

Trina