Precious in the sight of the Lord…

 

 

 

Jesus lives, and so shall I:

Death, thy sting is gone forever!

He for me hath deigned to die,

Lives the bands of death to sever.

He shall raise me from the dust:

Jesus is my hope and trust.

One Year Update on Kim!

 

Such grace we have seen in the past year as God not only preserved Kim’s life but has enabled so much more in her time of recovery!

This is Sharon’s current update on Kim – prayers for healing are still needed with eye surgeries coming up in 2015!  Thank you!

 

November 19, 2014 - 1 Year

Posted 23 hours ago

One year ago today, in a split-second, our lives changed. As we think back over this year, we would not want to re-live it, but we also have so very much for which to be thankful. Most importantly is that our precious Kim is even with us. We will hug her tightly at 3:15 pm, the time of her accident.

There are still ongoing health/recovery issues that will take years to resolve, or that Kim may not ever recover from. But her doctors and therapists continue to be amazed at her recovery considering the severity of her injuries.

The most pressing health issue now is her eyes. At yesterday's eye appointment, we learned she will probably need 2 surgeries. The first will be in January and will help both eyes track together. She has the best vision in her left eye, but the lid doesn't open all the way and she has very limited up/down movement. She strains her left eye to work better which is causing her right eye to drift up farther than it should. The surgery will be on both eyes to help them track together better. the surgery will be on 2 muscles in each eye - left to help up/down movement, and right to limit how far that eye moves. Recovery time is 2 weeks of no activity, then approximately 3 months for complete healing. Because her eyes are so far out of alignment, the doctor couldn't give a surgery success rate estimate. She usually has 85% success with this surgery, but said she expects Kim's outcome to be less. The second surgery would be to help the ptosis of her left eyelid and wouldn't be scheduled until after she heals from the first surgery.

Earlier this month, at the recommendation if her occupational therapist, I took Kim to an eye therapist. This doctor said the surgery was necessary, but also gave us some eye exercises that should help the surgery outcome be more successful. Thankfully, these we do at home so there isn't another appointment to fit into the schedule. She also thinks some of Kim's left eye issues are due to scar tissue from the orbital bone/facial reconstruction surgery she had last December. She is hopeful that the exercises will help that scar tissue heal.

Another positive note is that at Kim's last rehab doctor appointment, we were told that at the next appointment in March, Kim could start being weaned off one of the narcotic medications she is on. It will be a very slow process and could take up to a year before being completely off of it. Decreasing these medications too quickly can cause serious side effects. She will have to be monitored closely to see how she reacts. These strong medications have been a concern since she started them, so I'm thankful we can at least start thinking about decreasing them.

Kim has a very busy schedule. Monday morning she helps the children's librarian with the Pre-school Story Hour at our local library. In the afternoon, she and her Uncle Denny volunteer at the Watertown animal shelter for several hours. This shelter is extremely busy - over 100 cats! The staff there have her doing everything from laundry to giving medications. Tuesday is appointment day - speech and occupational therapy and any other appointments scheduled. Wednesday, Kim helps at a church nursery for several hours during a Bible study for moms.
Thursday, she goes back to the library and does prep work for next week's story hour craft, or does whatever the librarians ask of her such as straighten book shelves or "read" the shelves to see that books aren't out of place. Friday, is horse therapy day. Though Kim still enjoys her time with animals, the highlight of her week is now the time she spends with children.

Her love of children (and people of all ages) has been one of the outcomes of her personality change. She has decided she no longer wants to be a vet technician, though she still loves animals, but would like to give her life to working with children. Many parents have told her she has a gift of working with children and should go into that field of work.

Kim still has consequences from the traumatic brain injury that she and we deal with daily. Occasionally, I reread through the brain injury information to be reminded of the areas of Kim's brain that were injured and what those areas control. She still has some age-inappropriate mannerisms and conversations, doesn't react well to some news items and can be very opinionated about it, and doesn't always understand someones "personal space". If I didn't keep coaxing/pushing her to do her exercises, read, and work on a school course I've started her on, she wouldn't do them. She also needs reminders to take her medications and keep her planner up to date. It's hard to get much of an answer from her doctors as to how long she will deal with these issues or if they will eventually end. All brain injuries are unique and heal in different ways and to varying extents.

We have many things to be thankful for at this one year mark:
* The myriads of doctors who have worked with Kim. The knowledge and expertise that God has given them has been used to bring Kim this far in her recovery.
* Kim's appetite is better! No more tears and "I'm stuffed" after 1 or 2 teaspoons of food.
* Family, friends, neighbors, and even CarePage visitors we have never met who have reached out to us this past year. Your prayers, help, and words of encouragement are priceless.
* Kim's upbeat attitude - she could be "bitter" because of her accident, but she has chosen to be "better". Early in her recovery this wasn't true, so we are thankful that she now has a positive attitude.
* And mostly to God - every day with Kim is a gift. God gave us the gift of Kim - twice. And we are so very thankful.

Psalm 145:2,3 - Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.

Giving Thanks to God

 

Thanksgiving Proclamation
President George Washington
City of New York, October 3, 1789

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

 

 

 

As a historical aside, you might like to read an article summarizing the debate that preceded this proclamation – available here.

 

 

May you have a joyful Thanksgiving holiday ~

We are truly blessed and ought to give thanks to God.

November 27, 1992–2013 = 21 years!

 

 

 

I am blessed to be loved.  <3

  

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good!

 

 

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul,
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:8-9

 

14.  N – Neighbors.  Like Mr. Jensen who recently brought us more firewood.  Cut and split.

15.  O – Opportunities.  To speak truth.  To show love.  To forgive.  To be forgiven.  To learn.  To pray.

16.  P – Patience & Promises of a good and faithful God.  Perspective.  Provision.  Peppermint tea.  Piano music!

 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 

I John 4:10-11

 

17.  Q – Quiet times.  When I remember that God has it all under control.  or just when all the kids are outside working or playing.

18.  R – the Rettigs.  And other missionaries we count as friends, who will probably spend the holiday season overseas apart from extended family.  Reunions.  Rest.  Reading.  Recipes.  Romaine lettuce.  Really.

19.  S – Snow.  But hopefully it will come after we’re home from running errands.  Smoothies.

20.  T – Tim.  <3

21.  U – U… why can I think of nothing but that?  You know, long johns.  :-)

Oh yes!  UNlimited texts via USCellular! 

 

What are YOU thankful for that begins with a U?

 

[source]

in every thing give thanks

 

 

7.  G- game night with some friends at church Saturday evening was a noisy, fun time.   {Pit, Telestrations, and Dutch Blitz}

 

8.  H- hours… Tim has been working long days most days.  We miss seeing him, but I am thankful for the provision that will come home in his next paycheck.

 

9.  I- ideas… for gifts to give to family and friends this year.  shhhhh.

 

10.  J- the book of James, which I began reading this morning. 

“count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”

 

11. K- kids.  Some of my favorites have the initials of K>A>D>E>T>M>

        

 

12. L- leaves.  I love the colors of fall.  {because it is fall, not spring or summer or winter… I do like them all really!}

 

13. M- marriage.  My parents are celebrating their 60th anniversary this week! 

thankful thoughts

 

1. apples in abundance {and good help with processing them!}

 

2. bargains on frames at Hobby Lobby and prints at shutterfly

 

3.  colorful, cheerful gerberas

 

4.  our dependable Suburban {since I sort of have an alphabet thing going here… What I want to call this is “high mileage odometers” ~ both on our Suburban and my treadmill ~ which says 672 miles today :-)}

{With gas prices so high back in December 2008, God provided a Suburban to replace the mini-van I totaled – for the price of the insurance claim.  What a way to move up in vehicles.  Not recommended, but God is good even to the ditzy drivers like me.}

And that boy is now was almost as tall as his dad! when we last saw him in August.  The girl might be taller than her mom.  ahem.

 

5.  e-e-e-e…. Evidence?  The girls’ happy goldfish in their clean tank.  Some of these fish have been living outdoors in a tub since early last spring.  They became much more red in color – why?

 

6. Finally… today’s f…phone call from Tim’s brother who is managing their mom’s move into a different house this week.  All is going well.  Thank You, dear Lord.

Lotsa memories of gatherings in this house…

crop report

 

April 27 ~ We planted our corn earlier than many in our area, but it survived the snow and floodwaters in May…

 

…and for now is thriving.

June 21 ~

 

June 24 ~ Tim took this pic with his phone a week ago with the Popper standing in the field.

Two days later it was up to Tim’s shoulder in that spot, which is about the top of the Popper’s head.  The corn grew about a foot in two days!

 

One week later - today, July 1, here’s the Popper again… holding a red dish towel above her head so that you can see where she’s at  :-)

Here she is!

 

Unlike last year, it’s been a good year to live on high ground.  Lord willing, we will harvest a good crop of corn in a few months!

 

Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Psalm 147:7-8

days of thanks week 3

 

In light of the Seemingly Endless To Do List and the fact that my brain is a bit bleary {and the fact that I’ve been invited out of the house for an overnight date with my hubby tomorrow}, this will be the rapid fire {or hit & miss} bullet edition of Days of Thanks…

I thank God for…

• My grandma who I know prayed for me through my crazy high school and college years of nonsense and worse.  {She’s been in the presence of our Lord for more than 15 years now.}  Her physical birthday was last week ~ the same day as my spiritual birthday! 
• God’s faithfulness and abundance of blessings.  The truth of Scripture.  The liberty of living in the USA. 
• Two friends who have been telling me about essential oils.  I am looking forward to learning more first hand.
• Many friends who plan to join us for Thanksgiving Day.
• The prompt arrival of the Azure Standard truck tonight ~ and the other hands who unloaded it before I arrived {not so promptly}.
• Safety driving lately ~ we had a deer cross our path on Monday, and have seen others too. 
• Alicia, our flexible and sweet and hospitable piano teacher, who gave the kids their lessons on short notice yesterday.
• Brenda, a helpful friend I ran into at Staples tonight when I was shopping for paper for Kate’s project.  {24# bond is the same as 60# offset, or something like that}
• Kate, who is stripping yet another turkey tonight ~ happily.  : )  Tomorrow I will enlist the youngers to help prepare some of the Azure apples for sauce.  I think they will be happy to help make such a treat ~ and eat it too!
• My folks, who picked up the much bigger second turkey for me yesterday on their way home from the airport.
• Enough cash in my purse to get what I needed at Sam’s Club tonight, including a bag of pecans.  Which my husband will enjoy in a pie next week hopefully.  {and maybe he will even share with me!}
• My mother-in-law and family ~ I’m thankful that Tim’s brother is able to be with her tonight as we enter another time of figuring out how best to care for her as she approaches the 90 year mile marker.

 

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.  Hebrews 13:6

 

Our God is good!  Link up with Conny here!

days of thanks week 2

 

For inspiration I decided to review my Days of Thanks posts from 2010.  Possibly I should read this post on a daily basis.  Oh my.  So much to be thankful for in just one month’s thoughts.  What would a review of this year reveal?

• Babies, babies, babies.  Born, home from NICU, or home to heaven.  What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
• Fellowship ~ What a blessing to spend time with Christian friends and family.
• Life and Life Eternal.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  Psalm 139

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2

• Food for body and soul.  Such as Azure Standard organic apples and good preaching.  : )
• Missionaries of the Gospel who are also counted as friends.
• Music.  I love to hear our children at the piano or singing their hearts out!
• God’s provision.
• The privilege of prayer.
• Mayo West.  My parents’ home away from home  ;-)
• Kayleb and Jeremy’s help with house construction ~ and just the fun of having them here!
• Photo books.
• Swagbucks.  Especially the day we ‘earned’ 3600 swagbucks for signing up for a Discover Card.  {that converted to $40 in Amazon gift cards}
• Kate’s photo shoot with Sarah.
• Real stair steps!  {replacing the construction treads}
• {Those scrappy 2x4s are going into the construction of Luci’s doghouse now}
• Help from true friends.  First with butchering, then with grinding the meat.  {Thank you, Dave & Deanna!}
• Kate’s graduation party.  More help from friends ~ Jill & Theresa ran the kitchen, Aunt Karen ran the carousel ~ So nice!  {and my hubby insisted we rent the shelter house at the park!  smart.}
• Food in the freezer that left time for balloons.
• Again and again I will say how thankful I am for God’s grace in our marriage.
• K-A-D’s trip to Brazil with the youth group ~ service, safety, and overwhelming sunburns.
• Productive garden. 
• Meeting the Rettigs in person while they were here in Iowa.
• Driver’s education for K&A.  Safety with student drivers.  And an excellent {patient} instructor! 
• Berries from The Berry Patch.  Yum.
• Homemade hummus.
• Tractors to borrow.
• Air conditioning to endure this summer’s heat.
• Meeting Conny & her family in person in Missouri!  and the fast-paced family vacation that allowed that meeting.  Mini-golf, Civil War re-enactment, fresh peaches, Sonic.
• More than one crop of beautiful hay.  Help from friends to put it away and store it!
• Luci Lou ~ finally we found a dog!
• Water in the creek.
• Christ lives in me!

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

• No fear.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

 

 

What’s on your list?  Link up with Conny here!

days of thanks ~ week 1

 

• “But God…” are some of my favorite words in Scripture.  I am so very thankful for God’s work in my life to bring me to salvation in Christ.

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)   Ephesians 2:3-5

• My parents.  I remember a bridal shower where we were asked to say one thing about our parents that we were thankful for ~ I am still thankful for their commitment to love one another always.  I had no fears as a child that they might get a divorce.  The idea still surprises me when I think about it.  They were quick to give advice to Tim & me… “It’s not a 50-50 thing; you each have to give 100%”  That attitude helps a marriage last.  They will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this month!

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh… Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.  Ephesians 5:31, 33

• My husband.  When we were courting, Tim heard someone say that only one in ten marriages are truly good ones.  And that’s what he wanted.  Well, in spite of our sinfulness and the resulting rough moments, we are committed to love and cherish each other for the rest of our lives.  I know that he loves me even more than he did in those delightful days of courtship when I lived on Cloud Nine ~ Isn’t that just amazing?!

 

 

Head on over to The Life of an Ordinary Hausfrau to link up with Conny and read more thankful posts!

Great God of wonders!

Great God of wonders! All Thy ways
Are matchless, Godlike and divine;
But the fair glories of Thy grace
More Godlike and unrivaled shine,
More Godlike and unrivaled shine.

Crimes of such horror to forgive,
Such guilty, daring worms to spare;
This is Thy grand prerogative,
And none shall in the honor share,
And none shall in the honor share

Angels and men, resign your claim
To pity, mercy, love and grace:
These glories crown Jehovah's Name
With an incomparable glaze
With an incomparable glaze.

In wonder lost, with trembling joy,
We take the pardon of our God:
Pardon for crimes of deepest dye,
A pardon bought with Jesus' blood,
A pardon bought with Jesus' blood.

O may this strange, this matchless grace,
This Godlike miracle of love,
Fill the whole earth with grateful praise,
And all th'angelic choirs above,
And all th'angelic choirs above.

Chorus:
Who is a pardoning God like Thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?
Or who has grace so rich and free?

Lyrics: Samuel Davies
Music: John Newton

Listen to the midi here.

 

Our hymnal has only three of these verses ~ This is one of our family's favorite hymns!

Samuel Davies, 1723–1761

The author of this hymn text, Samuel Davies, was an American Presbyterian minister who was appointed president of Princeton University in 1759, succeeding the well-known evangelist, Jonathan Edwards. Dr. Davies was highly influential in the fields of religion and education. He wrote a number of hymns that had a wide acceptance in the 18^th century, especially in England.

thankfulness between the lines

I reviewed my blog posts for the month of November yesterday.

And I took notes.  I filled a half-sheet of paper front and back.


I like the daily-ness of Thirty Days of Thanks.  I also like a huge long list in one post.  So here’s mine  :-)

God is Good just because He IS Good!  But He also chooses to bless me with so many seemingly little things, and so I thank Him for…

1. Conny, my cyber-friend who I wish lived next door, who instigated this wonderful meme called Thirty Days of Thanks
   
2. The beautiful bond between my hubby and our girls.  I pray the Lord will continue to guard their hearts.
   
3. The opportunity to participate in the election process for our civil government ~ and that God is Supreme and Sovereign over all!
   
4. Sherry at Large Family Mothering ~ her meaty posts bless and challenge me.
   
5. Our warm house ~ on the chilly days of fall before we Tim fired up the woodstove as well as after.  The house was still 60F on our return from Wisconsin last week when the outside temps had ranged from 20-35F ~ and Tim left the heat OFF for those two days (so it wouldn’t be 100F when we came home)
   
6. Oh, the wood pile.  The beautiful HUGE pile of wood.  And so far, the woods are still open for Tim to find more.
   
7. Food.  Yes, I spend a lot of time cooking/baking in our nice kitchen.  Because I like to eat  :-)  And so does my family.  I’m thankful for the many recipes and good ingredients available to us.
   
8. God is G>R>E>A>T>  Yet He sees and cares for little ol’ me.
   
9. Nancy Leigh DeMoss ~ her ministry at Revive Our Hearts and especially her book, Choosing Gratitude.
   
10. Meal fellowships at church with people I love to fellowship with  ~♥~
    
11. God’s gift of faith and salvation through Jesus Christ ~ Each November I celebrate my spiritual birthday on the same day as my grandma’s physical birthday ~ I am thankful for her prayers for me many years ago!
    
12. My husband’s love for me ~ especially when he intervenes in something like our internet use (and declaring when a fast is needed)
    
13. The continued good reports from the Rettigs in Prague as they follow up after the CFC campaign…. the blessings multiply!
    
14. The opportunity for Tim and Kate to GO to Prague and be involved in the campaign ~ what a blessing for all of us!
    
15. God’s creation which gives us just a glimpse of how GLORIOUS He is!
    
16. My nephew Max and other veterans ~ and those many soldiers still serving in harm’s way.
    
17. The provision of this new house ~ along with it’s many not-so-pleasant lessons.  Such a learning curve adventure.
    
18. Sunshine, time, and the Genie lift for Tim to use while siding the house.
    
19. Rainy days at home for Tim to install closet shelves, doors, etc.  :-)
    
20. Smoothies in our VitaMix.
    
21. Deer hunting in our very own hayfield.  Even though he got away.
    
22. John & Tara ~ what a blessing to be able to visit with them again and hear about their ministry in Sioux City ~ Love you two (three)!
    
23. Help from the Cattleman with mopping our floors ~ the subfloor looks SO good when it’s clean!
    
24. Mrs. Munsen, who is working with Miss MusicBox (and Miss Artist a bit) in such an encouraging way ~ Looking forward to tonight’s violin recital!
    
25. Selling bread and other goodies at my SIL’s antique mall
    
26. Shutterfly’s free photo cards for bloggers ~ Thanks for posting, Amber!
    
27. Jodi (Granola Mom 4 God), giveaway queen in my world at least  :-)  and fun blogger friend who also introduced me to Live Writer.
    
28. (which is great until you don’t hit “save draft” and the surge protector shuts the computer down spontaneously… so I have to retype the other half of this list.  However, getting the computer shut off for me at 10:30 pm was a real blessing in sending me to bed ~ what some might call a mixed blessing?… But God is all good.)
    
29. My mom & dad’s 57th wedding anniversary ~ What a blessing to grow up with their example of faithful love  ♥
    
30. Our chiropractor ~ Thanks for referring us, Dee!
    
31. Our chiropractor’s wonderful receptionist Vickie who treats us like family at every visit  =)
    
32. A haircut at a local salon ~ with reserved birthday cash from my kiddos
    
33. Help from my girls with peeling apples (especially!) as we work together in the kitchen
    
34. Post-harvest field work = better paycheck
    
35. The abundant harvest of squash from the Cattleman’s garden
    
36. Sylvia at CHK Network ~ Her “G” List challenge was a recent blessing
    
37. God’s watch care and provision through the August 2010 floods
    
38. Psalm 30 as Pastor Hartog preached on 11/21 ~ I should be thankful for suffering!  Count it all joy.
    
39. Good news about Amber’s little Matthew
    
40. God’s abundant Goodness, Grace, and Mercy
    
41. Big kids finished their assignments in time to enjoy our Thanksgiving holiday together
    
42. Safety as we attempted to travel on Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  And the wonderful time we had at home instead.
    
43. Clear roads on Thursday when we were able to travel to Wisconsin in time for dinner and good times with family at Mom F’s
    
44. Shopping bargains at Kohl’s on Black Friday with Tim ~ at the reasonable hour of 10am  ;-)
    
45. Wow.  18 years of married life for Tim and me  ♥  And he still loves me!
    
46. God knows.  And He has always loved me!
    
47. Going out to dinner with Tim ~ without cooking supper for the kids first

…and the list can and should go on and on!

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalm 30:12

choosing gratitude #13

 

 

 

 Gratitude is the unending anthem of heaven.  Every time we express our thankfulness here on earth,

we join our voices with the grand chorus of gratitude that wells up before the throne of God,

and we prepare ourselves for what we’ll be doing for all eternity.

 

 

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying,

Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 7:11-12

 

 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss ~ Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy

These quotes are from the corresponding calendar ~  December 2010.

days of thanks ~ 11/30/2010

My sweet cyber-friend Conny has faithfully hosted 30 Days of Thanks again this year.  And I thought I would be able to participate whole-heartedly with her.  However, it seems life (and surely some Self) has gotten in the way of this good thing.  Somewhat like Michelle, several of my reasons have arms and legs which need clean clothes and stomachs which need filling.  And for a week my hubby lovingly declared an internet fast.  And so it goes.  Life is busy and distracting.  And stressful even.
I am thankful my God knows.  He knows my few strengths and my abundant weaknesses.  He knows my heart’s desires ~ He longs to have them match up with His.  He knows how best to mold me into who He wants me to be.  If I will but let Him.  And so I want to be thankful for difficult days as well as the beautiful.  And I know (if I stop to consider) that others have a greater cross to bear ~ and that each of those trials is designed to draw me closer to the One Who gives me Life.
Lest you think I am in dire straits, let me say that I am just tired and prone to whine when I ought to worship.  My “gratitude quotient” isn’t what it ought to be.  Reading Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy has been good ~ Now to pursue the 30-day devotional that should prompt more fruit from this new awareness of my need to give thanks to God in all things.  (And would have combined nicely with November’s 30 Days of Thanks, but I wasn’t through the book yet…)

Count it all joy!

My Days of Thanks just aren’t finished yet.  Feel free to poke me if you don’t see me blogging about God-directed gratitude in the weeks to come.  =)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Hebrews 13:15

daybook November 29, 2010

 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:2-3

 

FOR TODAY  

Monday, November 29, 2010

Outside my window...

it looks like it might snow or rain… overcast with the wind blowing, showers in the forecast

 

I am thinking...

about the errands I need to run today, the final weeks of schoolwork before Christmas, and all the extra activity that comes with the season  :o

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:12-13

 

I am thankful …

… that that we were able to have a safe, quick trip to Wisconsin to spend Thanksgiving with Tim’s mom and family

… that we were kept safe in our attempt to travel on Wednesday AND for the delightful holiday we had at home Wednesday afternoon and evening instead

… for yet another day of Thanksgiving feasting and festing with my extended family yesterday 

… for 18 years with my very own Mr. Right ~ Oh, happy day!

 

 

I am praying for...

... the Rettigs and the church in Prague 

… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home

… my mom who is recovering from finger surgery (joint replacement)  and a related infection

…  Amber’s dad

… Diane and family

… Chloe’s  family ~ that God will comfort them and draw them nearer to Himself (that they will avail themselves of His gracious love)

… Grant S., who is doing well on his meds now ~ praying for stability

… my niece Marissa, her dad and his sister as they mourn the death of Marissa’s grandpa

… Missionary Tim B., recently diagnosed with early Parkinson’s

… our oldest girls ~ violin recital this week!

 

From the learning rooms...

3+ weeks until Christmas break!  It must be time for me to grade those compositions?  I’m thankful the big kids were able to get caught up and enjoy a Thanksgiving holiday… Now, if they want to open more presents at Christmas…

 

From the kitchen...

lottsa leftovers!  and several in the dessert category  :o

Pepper steak is cooking in the crockpot for tonight’s supper.

Turkey enchiladas (or Julie’s taquitos) tomorrow?

 

I am creating...

memories  =) 

Just check out this impromptu photo shoot from yesterday…

            

    

                      

                         

 

I am going...

to get pictures for a photo Christmas card.  I am.  Just wish we’d gotten something useable yesterday!

 

I am reading...

Ezekiel  ~ I decided I needed a break, and since “count it all joy” was on my mind, I’m reading James

Choosing Gratitude ~ wowsa, I need to blog about this AND start the 30-day devo section in the appendix.  And you all need to put this on your essential reading list!

The Stockman Grass Farmer  :-)   I love being married to a grazier!

 

I am hoping...

Kohl’s will accept the items I need to return  :-\  And hoping we find a better option to purchase elsewhere.  (Secrets, ya know, and my kids like to read here.  Not that we would buy anything for any of them there…)

 

I am hearing...

Dvorak’s piano quintets via Rhapsody

 

Around the house...

hmm, laundry room is too quiet ~ need to keep that moving!

 

One of my favorite things...

enjoying games and movies with my kiddos (when their schoolwork and my housework is all done!  Yeah, the joy starts there.) 

 

 

Pondering these words...

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

  No dull boys or girls here now!

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

local errands today; Tim’s niece & family will hopefully stop for a visit on their way home today; Wednesday is a church night; buying club delivery and violin recital on Thursday; Friday’s list includes piano lessons, groceries, and an overnight bday party for the Cowgirl; Saturday we’ll need to get her home again, and I have Kohl’s Cash to spend with my older girls before Dec 6… maybe?  And looking forward to our “field trip” on December 8!  more about that next week  ;-)

 

Here is a picture for thought...

 

   

  Tim is working on the last side!

 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:12

 

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