This week started out cool and rainy. That's not unusual for northwest Oregon. This weekend though, has been sunny and hot, with weather in the nineties. Life is a lot like our weather. At times it can seem like the gray skies and rain will never end, and then, suddenly, unexpectedly, there's a shift and you've got hot weather more typical for July or August. Without the rain, northwest Oregon wouldn't be the lovely, lush, green place that it is. Without the sun, well, we'd all have to build an ark! My point being, there's something to be thankful for in all kinds of weather, and there's something to be thankful for in all kinds of circumstances. Sometimes it's hard to see the blessing when you're in the middle of the storm, but it's in the looking back on the darkest times in my life, that I see that God was still in control, God was at work, when at the time I couldn't feel it or see it. So, now I'm trying, now I'm learning, to look for His handiwork, His blessings, in all kinds of weather.
************
Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.
I continue to count my thanks
piling up gratitude day by day
in my little green journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)
#5188-#5215
6-1-15-
-starting spring cleaning, even though it's almost summer
-going to my two oldest grandkid's school to hear them play the bells
-my granddaughter's big hug, even in front of her friends
-getting to see our youngest grandson when I brought his brother and sister home from school
6-2-15-
-going on a field trip to the rhododendron garden with my granddaughter's kindergarten class
-getting the kitchen cupboards and pantry spring cleaned
-the little things, like a new can opener that works great
-seeing my youngest daughter at her job
-my grandson facetiming me to tell me that the frog we caught at the river as a tadpole two years ago, and that he's kept in an aquarium ever since, he decided to set free
6-3-15-
-good health
-my oldest granddaughter winning her class history fact contest
-healthy taco salad for dinner
6-4-15-
-a spell of hot summer weather in the forecast
-Papa having a "date" with our three year old granddaughter
-even though it's a church night,
my husband telling me I should go to our granddaughter's kindergarten concert
-a "divine appointment" on my walk, having an opportunity to pray with one of our neighbors
-having a good laugh trying to help my youngest daughter get a dead mouse in a trap out of her house,
when we are both equally terrified of rodents
6-5-14-
-my handyman son-in-law finding and installing a new to us dishwasher for us
-Friday date day lunch with my hubs outside by the river
-clearance sale swimming suits
-time to get out the air conditioner!
-watching When Calls the Heart on Netflix with my hubs
6-6-15-
-our youngest grandson is spending the night with us for the first time
-praying the scriptures
-our handyman son-in-law lending us his truck to pick up the armoire that my oldest daughter gave me
6-7-15-
-God working in us
-lunch with church family
-my grandson's happy face when his family got back from being out of town,
and their happy faces to be back with him
gratefully yours,
Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth. Some friends from my church are going through a storm right now, and I shared this with them. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteIt's a blessing for you to let me know that!
DeleteWhat a beautiful testimony of God's incredible faithfulness--always love seeing what all God has done in your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend!
DeleteLoved your list. Have a blessed week ahead.
ReplyDeleteDebbi
Hey, friend, we need to get together again so I can return your vases!
DeleteWhat fun to watch grandchildren perform! Or just keep them. Great list as usual, Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteYes! Grandkids make life so much fun!
DeleteI am glad your husband had you go to your granddaughter's concert instead of church. Some things are more important than being at church every time the doors open :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad your husband had you go to your granddaughter's concert instead of church. Some things are more important than being at church every time the doors open :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad your husband had you go to your granddaughter's concert instead of church. Some things are more important than being at church every time the doors open :)
ReplyDeleteLove your grateful posts, and your new bathing suits are sooo cute!
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to give thanks for - in the storm and in the sun. Our family has been through the storm lately and we are seeing some 'sun' in our daughter. It's a good thing to see when we often wonder what havoc the storms will bring. Spring cleaning - I'm trying to start. Maybe I'll get a bit done. I'm finding there is so much more than a day's worth in each room. Time to clear out and simplify and rethink some things while I clean. Thanks for sharing your dear family with us. Love seeing your home, dear friend.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~