Christmas Eve Eve 2018...

 I'm usually more active here on my blog during the Christmas season as there is so much to share- Christmas decor and recipes and all of the spiritual richness that the Advent season brings. We've hosted a lot of events at our home this month, and church and ministry life is busy this time of year. But, the truth is that isn't the main reason I've not posted more frequently. I've just felt a bit quiet. Quiet in a good way-in a peaceful way. It's easier to pop in to Instagram and to share a photo and a few words, so if I'm quiet here you can check in with me over there. Hopefully, I will be back to posting more consistently after the holidays!  May your Christmas be merry and filled with God's peace, love, friends, family, joy and laughter!

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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)

#11,543-#11,567

12-17-18-

-details for the next weekend's church Christmas breakfast and service coming together

-big hugs from the grandgirlies when I picked them up from school for their mama

-nine year old granddaughter practicing her speech for school to me,

(she's sharing about her family's Advent traditions)

12-18-18-

-the beautiful winter sky on my walk

-finishing our study on the book of James with our small group

-friends who hosted our group this week

12-19-18-

-Christmas cards from friends and family arriving in mail

-the neighbors' houses all lit up for Christmas

-munching popcorn and watching a Hallmark movie

12-20-18-

-our cozy home

-oldest granddaughter got a part in the school play

-the huge moon in the moody, cloudy sky

12-21-18-

-morning rituals-candlelight, coffee, quiet time with God 

-Friday date day!

-the full moon as I came out of the grocery store

-texts with oldest granddaughter

12-22-18-

-Isaiah 61

-a phone call from a dear 92 year old friend

-taking a walk with and baking with G.

-facetiming with the grands that are on vacation in South Carolina

12-23-18-

-thank you, God, for sending Jesus

-a dear friend from years gone by showing up at church

-the waitress from our Ladies' Christmas dinner and her sons coming to church

-a joy filled church Christmas breakfast and celebration today

-sweet photo of youngest grandson with Santa

still following,