Monday, November 9, 2009

1000 Gifts: In the pool


"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts..."

Psalm 105:1-2

So this morning I do just that...
with a heart full of awe and wonder, I give thanks.


0142
God-given talents, abilities, and strengths... and the opportunity to use them to the fullest


0143
an arena to compete, an opportunity to embrace victory like a champion,
and the lessons learned in the moments of disappointment, too

0144
dedicated coaches who train and encourage and instruct and support...
who challenge my boys and then equip them to excel

0145
a natatorium close to home so that travel is quick and easy

0146
designated space to set up camp... so that we can sit and rest and read and play and just enjoy together


0147
the comaraderie of teammates


0148
the friendships, both in & out of the water, and healthy competition

0149
the willingness-- the choice-- to dream big!
the willingness-- the choice-- to fear no more

0150
an outpouring of God's blessings as seen in 14 races, 14 first place wins, 14 personal bests, and one team record...
and the heart and determination of my very favorite 8-year old


0151
his gracious spirit and his humble heart


0152
and his smile... that face-filling smile we saw this past weekend when he finally met his long-awaited, much-anticipated,
fight-to-the-finish goal

0153
then a moment to give thanks to the One who made it all possible

0154
my eldest's dedication and determination... his relentless pursuit of excellence...
his humility in success... and his willingness to offer everything's he got

0155
his tender heart, his loyal heart, his courageous heart, his Christ-filled heart

0156
and his desire to glorify God with a bold proclamation of his faith


"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

Oh, the never-stopping, ever-flowing, always perfect gifts from our Abba Father...
every. single. day.

May I always remember to give thanks~


holy experience

and the list continues...

10 comments:

Catherine Finch said...

What a wonderful post this morning! Congrats to the boys on their great races this weekend!

Unknown said...

Heather what an awesome list and blessings!

I love your son's bold proclamation of his faith!

Have a blessed week :)

In His amazing grace,
Jill

Heather of Swallowing A Moose said...

Awesome! I pray the Lord sends me boys like yours!

Carrie said...

What a neat kid!!! I soooo wish you lived closer and our boys (and our girls!) could be friends!!! ;)

Tyne said...

Awesome list, and I love, love that last picture. Thanks for sharing.

Trina said...

I just love the last blessing on your list (and the picture). Congrats and many more blessings to you. Thanks for sharing

Trina

gretchen said...

Awesome! I so love your boys and am so thankful that our Abba has put joined our family the way He has...proud of your guys... give them hugs for me.

Anonymous said...

What an awesome weekend, starting with our trip to the U.S. Capitol to protest the Healthcare Bill, to 2 days of tremendous accomplishments in the pool and all the smiles to prove it! So glad we could be there to cheer the boys on. We are so proud of all of you! Love to all, Gmom

Linda said...

How wonderful Heather. Your boys are learning lessons of eternal value. I loved this post!

Anonymous said...

You have summed up this weekend perfectly. God obviously is with you as you write of His strength and determination through the boys.