"I only deepen the wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks for early light dappled through leaves and the heavy perfume of wild roses in early July and the song of crickets on humid nights and the rivers that run and the stars that rise and the rain that falls and all the good things that a good God gives.” Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
This world really is wounded and sin broken. Gratitude to the Creator is impossible for those who deny, reject and fight His existence. It's we who know Him and believe, who see this world as His creation, who recognize His good gifts and praise Him even when life is hard, that are speaking life into our world when we speak our thanksgiving and praise to the One Who made it all. This is one way we bring light to the darkness.
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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 journal.
(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)
#8421-#8447
5-16-16-
-healing that comes, layer upon layer
-hot chai milk with sweetener and a splash of milk
-going grocery shopping and recognizing all of the abundance we enjoy
-God's help to get things done, in spite of weariness
5-17-16-
-my granddaughter's note to me- "the rose is red, the sky is blue, oh how I love you"
-planting some herbs together
-a nice day to go to the park after "Nana school"
-praying over a friend's new home
5-18-16-
-being able to talk to Jesus about anything and everything
-a beautiful day to sit my the river for devotions
-my husband meeting me for a walk
-dinner by the river
5-19-16-
-our secondborn's birthday
-time with my youngest grandson
(Someone was not getting his way at the restaurant. I love that pouty face!)
-dinner out and spending time with the birthday girl and family
5-20-16-
-a Friday day off day of resting
-a delicious lunch together
-reading, watching movies, napping
5-21-16-
-a gray rainy day, a perfect day for baking a yummy cake for a church function
-cleaning and doing laundry while listening to worship music
-going to a fun baby gender reveal party-it's a girl!
-texting my long time friend
-ending a full day with quiet time, Bible reading, writing
5-22-16-
-waking up in peace after a restless night
-God working
-another encouraging Vision Conversation Lunch
still following,
"...being able to talk to Jesus about anything and everything."
ReplyDeleteOh yes.
Yesterday the sermon was about answered prayer. And it once again occurred to me that the Lord is never too busy to listen to me. Even when I whine, even when I protest His ways, even when I'm falling apart. What a truly blessed privilege it is to be able to "carry everything to the Lord in prayer."
GOD BLESS!
I've always talked to Jesus about the things I feel I have no one else to talk to about. Since I was a little girl, He's been my friend and confidant. I suppose He let me experience the loneliness I felt in my upbringing and the loneliness that life as a pastor's wife can bring in order to draw me even closer to Himself.
DeleteThat sentence struck me too, "being able to talk to Jesus about anything and everything" such a valuable reminder, Elizabeth! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat would we do without Him?
DeleteI'd like to sit and talk over a cup of warm chai latte.
ReplyDeleteThinking of your warm cup of chai tea with a bit of sweetness and a splash of milk reminds me of times spent in your home with a cup of that delightful drink in my hands - and a good conversation with you! Loved your thankful heart that shines through your gratitude list.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~