Weekly Gratitude Journal

I admit it. I've struggled with sadness and heaviness over all of the changes going on in our family. Having some of my children and grandchildren move all the way across the country has been so very hard after being spoiled by having them all live nearby. At the same time, there is a beautiful deep work God is doing within me and my husband and our church. My spirit is growing while in my emotions I've been so very sad. It's a strange dichotomy. Tuesday morning of this past week I woke up with God speaking these simple words to my heart, "You're going to be okay." The despair and sadness had lifted and I knew in my heart that someone had been praying for me. Later that day, a friend from our church called and asked me if I was ok. She said, "God has had me up since 4:00 a.m. praying for you." How thankful I am for the prayers of God's people! I still miss my far away family members. I still get sad. I still shed tears. But, now I know that I truly will be okay. For that I give Him my thanks and praise.

(If my blog is more "quiet" than usual in the coming weeks, don't be concerned. I am spending some time being quiet and listening for God to show me His next steps for me in this space.)

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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)

#14,398-#14,418

4-19-2021-

-the ornamental cherry tree covered in pink fluffy blooms that I see right outside my kitchen window

-the smell of freshly mowed grass

-a good talk and prayer time with one of our growth group leaders

4-20-2021-

-someone is praying for me and I know it has made a difference

-finally getting our taxes done

-a half moon in a clear midday sky

4-21-2021-

-such a sweet time with the Lord this morning

-lunch at the food carts with my oldest daughter and granddaughters 

-a walk to the park with my nine year old granddaughter who kept reaching out to hold my hand ❤️

4-22-2021-

-a beautiful drive to eastern Washington for our leadership retreat

-the vacation home that God provided for us to use

-this time with our leaders

4-23-2021-

-the way God shows me connections between the Old and New Testament and speaks to me through His Word (Gideon's army's earthen vessels with torches inside-we are earthen vessels with the treasure/light of Christ inside)

-a few glorious moments of laying in the warmth of the sun

-an amazing time of worship and communion together 

4-24-2021-

-getting to meet my oldest grandson's girlfriend via FaceTime

-getting a funny postcard from our grandson in the mail

-being back home

4-25-2021-

-the "denseness" of God's presence as we worship

-a clear word for our church

-a sweet time of fellowship

still following,