Living in today is the only thing that keeps the stress of life from taking over. I must trust in the Lord today. I have what I need today. (Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need." NLT) Looking to tomorrow only makes me freeze up in fear.
Since today is Monday, I wanted to add to my 1000 Gifts list. I've been keeping it going in my journal even though I haven't posted it lately. I've also started my kids on their own journals. It is such a great way to keep my eyes on what the Lord is blessing me with every day and it's wonderful to pass that habit on to my kids.
There are so many things that God gifts me with that if I wasn't looking for them, I would miss them. It's kind of like spring here in Hawaii. We don't have the dramatic change from winter to spring that most of the world has. Here, the plants and flowers are always around. If I don't deliberately look for spring, I could miss it. Some of the subtle ways that spring arrives are the way we don't need to sleep with the extra quilt on the bed, or noticing that the wind off the ocean is warmer now. I don't want to take for granted the new life that is all around me. And I especially don't want to take God's blessings for granted. Recording my 1000 Gifts has greatly helped me stop and say thanks to the Giver of all good things.
(189-233)
waking to find Andrew reading in bed
an almost forgotten rose, blooming in the garden
a peaceful school day
a clean kitchen sink
when my husband comes to my rescue
a bush full of hibiscus
new mercy today
dreams that speak of God's input into my life
chocolate chip pancakes
using new leadership skills
friends who keep me accountable
kids learning to count the gifts
morning rain that refreshes the dry ground
beautiful bike ride with Mark
gracious worship team that rolls with my mistakes
yummy barbecue dinner
God's provision, again
special fellowship with SIL
learning to fight the fight of faith
feeling a part of a community of believers that's bigger than what I can see
alone time with Mark - to talk and be quiet together
the beauty of paradise right around us
a daughter who trusts us enough to confide
dancing for the Lord
heart to heart talks
full moon rising over Kailua
answered prayer for heart cleansing
grace that calms an anxious heart
smoothie for breakfast
time to be with the kids
morning at the Sandbar with the family
cool water dip that refreshes
awesome view of God's creation
afternoon with cool rain that's perfect for Sabbath rest
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What a beautiful list. I found myself thanking God while reading it and inspired to look for more of his gifts in the everyday! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a day late with mine because of the public holiday but your list is beautiful and long.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet someone else that loves to dance before the Lord with abandon!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to so many of your gifts...esp. the chocolate chip pancakes!
Thanks for the encouragement. I feel His Hands holding me.
Blessings from San Antonio, TX!
Thank you for visiting me. I love your list...all that incredible beauty around you. *sigh* God's creation is so full. I sit amongst ripening wheat fields on very gentle rolling hills, and you sit on a spectacular volcanic island, lush with tropical beauty, in the middle of the ocean! Such a creative God!!! 'Full moon rising over Kailua' - must be spectacular! Praising God with you today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. What a beautiful blog you have. I enjoyed your gratitude list, and your other posts I read as well. I've never been anywhere like Hawaii, but I imagine that is is incredibly beautiful. What a blessing to be surrounded green and life year round.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of having your kids do their own journals. That has inspired me. I think I will start my kids on their own soon.
ReplyDeleteI was also challenged by your mention of the season change being subtle for you. I have found, for myself, sometimes looking for blessing in the subtle things are the most beautiful and profound.
As always, thoroughly enjoyed your list!