Gratefulness

697. Chocolate and hazelnuts
698. Long weekend at the beach
699. The roar of the ocean
700. The feel of cold sand between my toes
701. My happy, cozy home
702. Enough money to fix a broken-down minivan
703. Soft serve ice cream
704. Used books from Paperback Palace
705. Harry Potter books
706. Pomegranates: fresh, in juice, in tea
707. Raspberry peach tea
708. A cabin in the woods
709. College football, good food, good friends
710. Annual holiday seminars at church
711. The golden leaves on a tree outside my church
712. Losing weight (the sense of accomplishment)
713. New recipes
714. Old recipes
715. Submission equals freedom
716. God is trustworthy
717. My obedience brings Him glory

Praising God for...

676. Fall festivals
677. Fall colors and decorations
678. My Blackjack
679. Snickers Pie
680. Spiritual mentors
681. Prayer partners
682. "Ring the Bells" CD by Travis Cottrell
683. Knitting
684. Ministry friends who serve alongside me, encouraging me, holding me up
685. Friends of my heart
686. Making holiday preparations
687. Pumpkin spice latte
688. "What Not to Wear"
689. WOM Meetings
690. Pumpkins
691. Scarves
692. Colorful fall leaves
693. Oswald Chambers
694. Middle of the night prayers -- and --
695. God never sleeps!
696. Cranberries

"Let Evening Come" by Jane Kenyon

Let the light of late afternoon shine through chinks in the barn,

moving up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing as a woman takes up her needles and her yarn.

Let evening come. . . .

Let the fox go back to its sandy den. Let the wind die down.

Let the shed go black inside.

Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop in the oats,

to air in the lung

let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don't be afraid.

God does not leave us comfortless . . .

so let evening come.

I love...

641. A clean house
642. My bed
643. The awesome power of hurricanes and getting to watch the wind gust and the rain blow
644. Generators
645. Running water and working toilets
646. "My Girl"
647. "Penelope"
648. "Heroes"
649. Ceiling fans
650. DVDs when there's nothing on TV
651. Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting
652. Lord, I don't need more, I only need more gratitude
653. God is faithful!
654. "The Beautiful Ache"
655. "Stone Crossings"
656. Psalm 103
657. Psalm 121
658. God is in control and He does answer prayer
659. Finding a diet that works
660. My strong, dear husband
661. An unexpected promotion and raise
662. Learning new things
663. "Every cubic inch of space is a miracle." Walt Whitman
664. Finger puppets
665. Cooler weather
666. "...thanksgiving is delighting in God!" Edmund Chan
667. Leaves and their intricate veins, bright colors
668. The tree that fell during hurr Gustav is finally gone
669. He is always good and I am always loved
670. God's grace is enough
671. Wildflowers
672. Egrets and ducks
673. "The Grapes of Wrath"
674. Psalm 145

Blessings from Above

621. Moms' night out
622. Peacocks
623. My bird-watching binoculars
624. Watching birds eat from the yard next door
625. Homemade quiche
626. Friends who help me find joy in the everyday
627. Sanctus Real
628. MercyMe
629. K-Love
630. Trusted friends who listen and pray
631. A safe place to go during hurricanes
632. Spending a week at my parents', being spoiled and watching my children being spoiled
633. My dad the electrician and his brilliant abilities
634. A home to return to
635. Red beans and rice with sausage (Mondays in NOLA)
636. Dieting accountability partner
637. Green tea with honey and lemon
638. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans
639. Evacuation adventures
640. A black widow spider we caught in a jar to look at her red hour glass - amazing!

More thanks...

601. Pink dogwoods
602. Back to school!
603. Children who love going back to school
604. Finding old friends on Facebook
605. Getting SLAH products for free
606. Strawberries
607. Nectarines
608. Cheese (any and every kind)
609. The smell of popped corn
610. My Father, the Giver of all good gifts
611. Daughters who love babies and can't wait til they can babysit
612. Journals, notebooks, calendars, diaries
613. Soft, fuzzy slipper-socks
614. The years I had with my sister
615. Timers
616. God's Word preserved
617. Holy Spirit's comfort and even conviction
618. Jesus keeping near
619. Scrapbooking with friends
620. Church bells

Some more blogs I am thankful for, plus ...

581. bookclubgirl.typepad.com
582. boomama.net
583. thepreachers-wife.blogspot.com
584. mochawithlinda.blogspot.com
585. Birds
586. My home
587. Peace
588. Protection
589. Health and energy
590. He is slow to anger, abounding in love
591. He does not deal with me as my sins deserve
592. Chai tea
593. "Washington's Lady" by Nancy Moser
594. "Stone Crossings" by L.L. Barkat
595. "Give up the bitterness, the anger, the sadness for what isn't, that you wish you had. And embrace the gift of what you do have. For therein is really what you want more of: Joy." Elisabeth Elliot
596. The intricacy of spider webs
597. The wonder of watermelons: grown on a vine, yet full of water; juicy and deliciously sweet
598. Tea with bread and jam
599. Psalm 3:3-5 The Lord is a shield around me!
600. Sisterhood

More Blessings

561. The sweet smell of honeysuckle
562. My slippers
563. The small of hamburgers grilling outside
564. Our new pastor and his family
565. Decisions for the Lord at camp
566. A quiet evening at home
567. Dinner and a movie: "Get Smart" with friends
568. Psalm 43:3-4
569. Choir rehearsals
570. Friends who share their books with me
571. A loyal dog
572. Protection of my Father -- He is all I need
573. Stephanie's violin ministry: healing, soothing, bringing peace and rest and praise
574."Jesus Messiah" by Chris Tomlin
575. A week at camp with my girls
576. Coming home after a week at camp :)
577. My parents' 52 years of marriage
578. Summer Olympics -- go USA!
579. The strong, unbreakable bonds of family -- the earthly kind and the heavenly kind
580. bookclubclassics.com

Giving Thanks

541. Homemade ice cream
542. Pink flamingos...how creative!
543. "Good Night Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny"
544. Driving a borrowed convertible
545. Watermelon -- grown in our garden!
546. Fresh flowers for my desk, arranged with love by Mrs. Josie
547. The crash of thunder
548. The flash of lightening
549. New wind chimes for my porch that look and sound beautiful
550. Ladybugs
551. Pain medication
552. The Psalms of Ascent
553. "Our Daily Bread" and "Journey" devotionals
554. Powder-puff clouds
555. Our music minister and his 16 years with our church
556. Volunteers in the office
557. Psalm 143
558. Mission Fuge and Centri-Kid camps
559. My parents
560. My in-laws

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 4, 2008

Outside my window...is another hot, steamy, Southern day

I am thinking...of friends who are moving away

I am thankful for...my family

From the kitchen...homemade blueberry muffins for breakfast

I am wearing...black w/polka dots skirt, yellow blouse, black cardigan

I am creating...space for all the school supplies we've been purchasing

I am going...to Best Buy and the library

I am reading...Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

I am hoping...for a fun, satisfying school year

I am hearing...office chatter

Around the house...are evidences of our last meal with dear friends before they move

One of my favorite things...sleeping in my own bed after a week away at camp

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish purchasing school supplies

A picture thought to share...husband and son at camp

Daybook for Monday, July 21

Outside my window...I can't see much for the condensation; I am thankful for air conditioning on this steamy summer morning!

I am thinking...about my dh and ds and their weeklong trip to youth camp this week -- leaving today, returning Saturday.

I am thankful for...the Lord's provision.

From the kitchen...I am looking forward to a week off from cooking! :)

I am wearing...my brown skirt from Target and my brown/white flowery top from The Gap.

I am creating...nothing at the moment.

I am going...to dinner and a movie with a girlfriend.

I am reading..."Stone Creek" by Victoria Lustbader

I am hoping...for lots of focused praise and study time this week.

I am hearing...quiet.

Around the house...are reminders of my family: a lone flip flop in the living room, a dirty cup in son's room, etc.

One of my favorite things...quiet time in the mornings.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get the pile of papers filed away and my clothes cleaned out.

And I'm thankful for...

521. Olympics volleyball and swimming

522. Wimbledon tennis

523. The Italian Pie

524. Going to the next level with God in worship and service

525. Dark chocolate

526. Blue Bell's King Cake ice cream

527. A broken oven and how I've learned to cook without it

528. Doing without a favorite thing, because it makes me more thankful (our annual trip to the beach didn't happen this summer)

529. The deep questions of children and their honesty in asking them

530. Faith that can move mountains

531. My dad who can fix things, like my oven

532. Fresh blueberries hand-picked by my father-in-law on the family farm

533. A person with a sense of humor

534. Dry wit

535. Our dear friends and interim pastor

536. Ice cream fellowships at church

537. The library

538. Blueberry crunch

539. Fresh figs...why, oh why did I wait so long to try them?

540. Hand made thank you cards

I am thankful for...

501. Dragonflies

502. The end of swarming termite season

503. Friends who let us swim in their pools

504. A walk around the neighborhood after dinner

505. Newly repaired streets

506. "Stepping UP" by Beth Moore

507. "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence, c1670

508. The overflowing sufficiency of Jesus Christ

509. Going to the movies with my girls and their Grandpa to see "Kit Kittredge"

510. Another year to celebrate Independence Day

511. Grilled hot dogs, deviled eggs, homemade ice cream, swimming at Mom's

512. Freedom

513. Uncle Sam Jam at Lafreniere Park, awesome fireworks

514. A walk in the park just after they've cut the grass, the crepe myrtles blooming

515. Husband's "4/10's": every Friday off

516. A happy working environment

517. Texting

518. Sunsets

519. Holidays and long weekends together

520. Playing UNO

B is for Bookworm

Fun book meme:
1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? No, I just don't remember a time when I didn't read.
2. What are some books you read as a child? Nancy Drew; The Bobbsey Twins; Little House on the Prairie; Little Women; Are You There, God, It's Me, Margaret; A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
3. What is your favorite genre? Anything except fantasy or science fiction.
4. Do you have a favorite novel? Redeeming Love, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Secret Life of Bees are high on my list of favorites, but I don't think I have a "favorite of all time."
5. Where do you usually read? In bed at night, and wherever I find myself waiting (car pool, doctor's office, post office, etc).
6. When do you usually read? Whenever I can, but always before turning out the light at night.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Only occasionally.
8. Do you read non-fiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? Yes; more purposefully, with a highlighter and pen handy for making notes; not in bed at night, usually earlier in the day so that I can reflect/meditate on it.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? Borrow or check them out from my library; if it is a favorite author, I will buy the paperback (e.g., I own all the Big Stone Gap books and all of Francine Rivers' books).
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Yes, mostly, or I donate them to my local library.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child? Yes: Are You There, God, It's Me, Margaret; Little Women; Guess How Much I Love You; Good Night Moon.
12. What are you reading now? Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (who is becoming one of my favorite authors!).
13. Do you keep a TBR (To Be Read) list? Yes!
14. What's next? I haven't decided yet....
15. What books would you like to reread? I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn every year or two; I'd also like to reread Redeeming Love and the Big Stone Gap series.
16. Who are your favorite authors? Sue Monk Kidd, Francine Rivers, Adriana Trigiani, Beth Moore, Betty Smith, Louisa May Alcott ... too many to list.

Monday, July 7

The Simple Woman's Daybook:

Outside my window...the street still needs fixing, and the squirrels are playing tag.

I am thinking...about how surrounded I am by God's unfailing love and full redemption.

I am thankful for...my salvation and my family.

From the kitchen...I smell biscuits baking.

I am wearing...navy capris and a pink polo.

I am creating...a happy home for my family.

I am going...to work.

I am reading..."Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult.

I am hoping...for peace in my home while I am away at work.

I am hearing...birds chirping, forks scraping plates full of breakfast, Bible pages turning.

Around the house...is some clutter but mostly clean surfaces.

One of my favorite things...is seeing my children read their Bibles.

A few plans for the rest of the week...figure out more ways to cook without an oven; love more, better, actively.

A picture thought to share...God's creation is breathtaking!

Merci'

481. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
482. Weddings
483. Gifts from my earthly father: a) it is better to give than to receive; b) the value in good, honest, hard work; c) every person has significance; d) God is still our Father and worthy of our praise even in our deepest sorrow and hardest losses; e) the past has value and is worth remembering
484. VBS is finally here!
485. We always seem to have enough...praise be to God
486. A story in the newspaper that blesses me...good news instead of bad
487. Air conditioning
488. Watching my son serve in VBS
489. Watching my daughters play with twin boys, giving their momma-friend some time to rest
490. A good murder mystery
491. The privilege of honoring my husband on Father's Day
492. "Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will live by Your truth." Psalm 86:11
493. Francine Rivers books
494. Fresh cherries
495. Holding a weeks-old baby and the way it smells, feels
496. The feel of the wind on my skin and the surf in my ears and at my feet
497. Honey bees
498. Crepe myrtles
499. A gecko for the summer (only!)
500. Enough home-grown tomatoes to share with others

Blessings abound

461. Church car washes
462. Bermuda shorts
463. The comfort of music
464. Love and laughter
465. Worship
466. Travel
467. Warm cup of coffee between my hands
468. Seasons
469. Solitude
470. Sleeping dogs
471. "You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11
472. Blog friends
473. Reading blogs that encourage
474. Swarming bugs -- because their going away is more appreciated!
475. A day spent with my family playing tourists
476. Streetcar rides

477. Muffalettas from Central Grocery
478. Insectarium
479. Walks on the riverfront
480. Beautiful, old oak trees

I will praise HIM

441. Water balloons
442. www.virtuealert.com
443. Fresh pineapple
444. The certainty of knowing HE knows
445. Painted toenails
446. Testimonies about the Lord
447. "I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things." Isaiah 25:1
448. Grace, mercy, unconditional love, salvation
449. HE is near
450. Waking early for devotions; HE is always there
451. Brunch with mission-minded friends, planning
452. As much as I love my children, God loves them more
453. Rocking chairs
454. Playing peek-a-boo with a child
455. Crickets chirping
456. Butterflies
457. Italian cream cake
458. Homemade cheese cake
459. Big brother including little sisters in birthday fun
460. Garage sales

For all these things...

421. Dear son who turned 14 over the weekend
422. Boiled crawfish and shrimp ... fried oysters ... a special birthday dinner with family and friends
423. Our son who is growing and maturing, becoming a man
424. The blessing of seeing our son serving others, being kind
425. Mint chocolate chip ice cream cake
426. A house full of teenage boys ... just for one night, Praise God!
427. Kenner Superstars
428. A movie night at church
429. "Sing to Jesus" by Fernando Ortega
430. Help with the dishes
431. Ginger peach tea with black currant scones
432. Watching son open his birthday presents
433. Paper plates
434. When headaches finally go away
435. Baxter
436. Digital cameras
437. God my Provider
438. Children playing on our swing out front
439. My big picture window
440. Repaired streets

Thanks for John Piper....

The IOUS of Prayer:

I: Incline toward God and His Word
O: Open the eyes of my heart to see what the Word says about God as wonderful
U: Unite -- all the parts of the heart say "Yes!" to God
S: Satisfy -- for my heart to be satisfied with God

Call on God:
to exalt His name in the world;
to extend His kingdom in the world;
for the fullness of the Holy Spirit;
to save unbelievers;
for healing;
for strategic wisdom;
for unity and harmony in the ranks;
to help know Him better;
to help comprehend the love of Christ;
for a deeper sense of assured hope;
for strength and endurance;
for faith to be preserved;
that I might not fall into temptation;
to complete my resolve and enable me to do good works;
for forgiveness for my sins;
for protection from the evil one.

From Bishop Handley Moule....

My glorious Victor, Prince Divine,
Clasp these surrender'd hands in Thine;
At length my will is all Thine own,
Glad vassal of a Savior's throne.

My Master, lead me to Thy door;
Pierce this now willing ear once more;
Thy bonds are freedom; let me stay
With Thee, to toil, endure, obey.

Yes, ear and hand, and thought and will,
Use all in Thy dear slav'ry still!
Self's weary liberties I cast
Beneath Thy feet; there keep them fast.

Tread them still down; and then, I know,
These hands shall with Thy gifts o'erflow;
And pierce ears shall hear the tone
Which tells me Thou and I are one.

More thanks

401. The privilege of prayer
402. The gift of a new book from a friend for no reason at all
403. Watching "Little Women" with my girls
404. Sharing notes with Abby: her deepest thoughts and worries, my striving to affirm
405. "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah -- a heart-wrenching true story about child soldiers in Sierra Leone
406. Midday naps
407. The sadness of seniors' home-going, and the joy of knowing they are rejoicing in heaven (Mrs. Cleo, Mrs. Catherine, Mrs. Brenda, Mrs. Betty, etc.)
408. Cantaloupe
409. Watermelon
410. Cucumbers in my salad from our garden
411. Rain washing away the dirt and grime ... helping our veggies to grow ... giving life to flowers
412. All is green and full again
413. A husband with a strong work ethic
414. History pockets
415. My alarm clock and the snooze button
416. Sleeping children
417. Listening to senior adults talk about the way things used to be (Mrs. Bunny, Mrs. Aline, Mr. Jay)
418. Leftovers and not having to cook
419. Cheese
420. The Internet

Mother's Day Thanks

381. Linen skirts and flip flops -- summertime comfort
382. Reading an old favorite book
383. Finding out that I do enjoy history after all
384. www.aholyexperience.com
385. The love of a family is life's greatest blessing -- English proverb
386. Fresh blueberries bought by my father-in-law
387. Mother's Day blessings: sleeping in and waking to:
388. Breakfast in bed: strawberry bread, coffee, fresh strawberries and blueberries
389. A mother's day message in church: 3 John 4
390. Eating hamburgers and french fries outside in the back yard
391. Coupons from my girls
392. Erin's manicure
393. Abby's shoulder and back rub
394. Movies with my girls
395. Seeing my mom for Mother's Day
396. Gifts from husband: The Bread Bible, Mistaken Identity
397. Hearing woodpeckers above our heads as we eat outside, then finally spotting them right before they fly away
398. Playing basketball -- parents vs. kids -- and the parents winning
399. A washing and vacuumed van in honor of Mother's Day
400. Husband who is willing to spend time after work helping kids with homework (math esp.)

Blessings

361. "Little Women"
362. Decorating for fun
363. Bunko buddies
364. Polka dots
365. All the colors of the rainbow
366. Telescopes
367. The night sky
368. Books piled high waiting for me
369. My mother-in-law and her love for my children
370. Going on walks with my family
371. ...and bike rides
372. Neil's muffins on Sunday mornings
373. New sprouts in the garden ... the coming harvest
374. New life
375. Reading a classic
376. Fresh asparagus
377. A full pantry
378. Crockpot dinners
379. Watching our girls win a softball game
380. The smell of cut grass

Joy

341. Warm bath towels from the dryer
342. Another birthday with my mom

343. Old photographs

344. Wedding rings that belonged to my grandmothers

345. Whole Foods market
346. A big bowl of popcorn and a diet coke

347. A husband who works hard to provide for us

348. A Godly heritage

349. A fistful of flowers picked by my daughter

350. Broadway shows: Wicked, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins

351. Precious memories of trips to NYC with my mom and children

352. Spring breeze in my hair, warm sun on my face

353. There is no God like Jehovah

354. Gazebos

355. Natchez, MS

356. Beautiful art

357. Sweet strawberries

358. "To Kill a Mockingbird"

359. Allergy meds

360. Extra sleep

Goodness

321. Cards and books in the mail from a friend
322. The USPS
323. UPS
324. Scented candles
325. Juicy, crisp apples
326. Fuze drinks
327. Old hymns
328. Mental and physical health
329. Friends who share prayer needs and the depth of their grief over the death of a loved one; the privilege I have to pray for them
330. Our public library
331. Running water
332. A friend with plumbing knowledge and skill
333. Street signs and signals that keep order in a world of chaos
334. Fresh strawberries from our yard
335. Preparing a meal with one of my children
336. The smell of jasmine
337. Watching my girls play softball
338. Watching my husband pitch for his softball team
339. Daylight saving time
340. An interim pastor with a servant's heart

In all things give thanks...

301. Jackie Kendall
302. Calendars (keep me on track)
303. Bible study group
304. Rain, a comfy chair, and a good book
305. Friends who lend their books
306. God hears my prayers
307. Sunshine
308. Staying the same house 14+ years
309. A clean kitchen
310. Mindless fiction
311. The blue jay that keeps returning to our oak
312. Baby birds nesting in our plant
313. "After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:11-13
314. Keeping the Sabbath
315. Laughter
316. Fuzzy socks
317. Shady trees
318. A clean dog
319. My in-laws and their example, generosity, and love for me and my family
320. The gift of music

Heavenly

281. I have friends and family in heaven who I will see again!
282. A clean house for company coming.
283. A vegetable garden, tenderly cared for by husband; daily joy.
284. Christian biographies.
285. Libraries; used book stores.
286. Birds singing.
287. Friends who pray with me.
288. Office co-workers who encourage.
289. Noel Piper books.
290. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
291. Moms fellowship group.
292. Zephyrs baseball.
293. The Lord's Supper: Remembrance and future hope.
294. A trusted friend to cut my hair.
295. Planning for Vacation Bible School.
296. Maisie Dobbs books.
297. Jane Austen books.
298. Online bill paying.
299. My cell phone.
300. Homemade macaroni and cheese.

I love...

261. Clothes from J. Jill.
262. Shopping 'til we drop.
263. Felix's Fish Camp.
264. Weekends with friends.
265. Bonko buddies.
266. Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8
267. Springtime: Track meets replaced with softball games.
268. Summer is coming!
269. Gift cards.
270. Gracious husband: "Go. Have fun."
271. New church friends.
272. Ice cream sandwiches.
273. Starbucks gift cards.
274. Invitation: Pour out your heart before Him." Psalm 62:8
275. Friends who challenge my thinking.
276. A full moon.
277. Modern day conveniences: dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, automobile, dry cleaners.
278. My middle-of-the-night sleeplessness is not spent alone...He is with me.
279. Discovery channel.
280. Food TV.

Blessings abound....

241. Antiques.
242. Chocolate.
243. Vintage cards.
244. Son singing along to a favorite song on the radio, pen for microphone, decidedly unreserved and animated.
245. Homemade bread.
246. Blog friends.
247. Juicy plums.
248. Springtime birds chirping.
249. First day of spring.
250. John Piper books.
251. "The End for Which God Created the World" by Jonathan Edwards.
252. Weekend getaway with Mom and daughters.
253. Easter morning.
254. Easter lunch with family.
255. Singing with my husband.
256. Seeing God move in the life of a friend.
257. Azaleas, vibrantly pink.
258. Twins: one night owl, one early to bed.
259. Our house is the "hang out" house.
260. New babies being born.

Who am I that He is mindful of me?

221. Simple silence.
222. Juicy tangerines.
223. Not-quite-ripe bananas.
224. Generous friends.
225. The smell of a newborn baby.
226. Repentance...forgiveness.
227. Questions answered.
228. Gail Pittman dishes.
229. Sunday baptisms.
230. Easter hymns.
231. Heads bowed to paper, pencils scratching, concentrated study.
232. Ham, deviled eggs, potato salad.
233. Calvary...the empty tomb!
234. Pride and Prejudice.
235. "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis
236. Karen Kingsbury books.
237. C.S. Lewis books.
238. Christian Book Distributors (cbd.com).
239. Tea cups, sugar cubes, silver servers.
240. Aprons.

Sing Joyfully

201. Singing in a choir.
202. Listening to an orchestra.
203. Watching children roll down a hill.
204. Flying kites at the park.
205. "Mentoring Moms."
206. Birthday cakes.
207. Peppermint ice cream.
208. Hair ribbons.
209. New toothbrushes.
210. Book finds at the second-hand store.
211. "The Secret Life of Bees."
212. Char-broiled oysters from Drago's.
213. Snow globes.
214. John Piper sermons online.
215. Ibuprofen.
216. Dayspring email cards.
217. All is well.
218. Roast cooking.
219. Family pictures.
220. Moviewatcher coupons.

Peace

181. Clean, mopped floors.
182. Electricity (help me be mindful).
183. Sharpened pencils.
184. My eyeglasses.
185. Mrs. Chris' scones and cheese quiche.
186. Simple living.
187. Real Simple and Southern Living magazines.
188. Email
189. Moss hanging from trees.
190. That Christ set aside His crown for my soul.
191. Taste buds.
192. Mountains.
193. Life, breath.
194. Love.
195. Senior adults having coffee and beignets at the mall.
196. Books with notes in the margin.
197. Grandpa's Bible given to eldest grandson.
198. Comfort foods.
199. "We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks incognito. The real labour is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake." C.S. Lewis
200. Daughters who help in the kitchen.

Beautiful Creation

161. Praising God for His creation.
162. Precious notes from my daughters.
163. "No blend of zeal, passion, self-denial, discipline, orthodoxy, and effort adds up to holiness where praise is lacking." J.I. Packer
164. Cars that carry us where we need to go.
165. Pretty hankies.
166. Hot chocolate with marshmallows.
167. Hot tea with honey.
168. Renewed desire for food after illness.
169. The hope of a camping trip in the near future.
170. New haircut, light and easy.
171. Glistening sinks.
172. Beth Moore Bible studies.
173. Pretty paper, pretty pens.
174. The crackle of a fire in a fireplace.
175. Fuzzy sock slippers.
176. My Bible.
177. Emmanuel...God with us!
178. Making to-do lists.
179. Checking off to-d0 lists.
180. Freshly vacuumed carpets.

Mercy

141. His mercies are new every morning.
142. Scrambled egg and cheese sandwiches.
143. Sweet iced tea.
144. Blueberry pancakes.
145. His love endures forever.
146. Old men laughing at cards in the stationery aisle.
147. Who am I that you are mindful of me, that you hear me when I call? Is it true that you are thinking of me, how you love me? It's amazing! I am a friend of God; He calls me friend.
148. Brooke Fraser music.
149. I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today!
150. Looking up at the night sky and seeing the stars He hung.
151. Scrapbooking with Lisa Whelchel.
152. I'm a woman.
153. Lit candles.
154. A time of purposing to surrender, purposing to praise.
155. Spiritual weapons: God's Word; prayer.
156. Grace that pardons and cleanses ... God's grace.
157. Track meets on chilly Saturday mornings.
158. Another day.
159. Grandma stories and talks.
160. The chance to be creative, to make something beautiful.

Happiness

121. The fragrance of garlic bread cooking.
122. My heart pounding after a good walk.
123. Wearing my favorite blue jeans.
124. Strangers who smile at babies.
125. Puzzles.
126. Tea parties.
127. The joy of giving, doing what He wants me to do.
128. That I am someone's mom, someone's wife.
129. Handel's Messiah.
130. New journals to fill up.
131. Library cards.
132. Another birthday to celebrate with the man I love.
133. Chocolate doberge cake.
134. Homemade vegetable soup and Mary's cornbread recipe.
135. Serving others, especially when they are sick and in need.
136. Thankfulness is a choice, not a feeling; give thanks in all things.
137. Music of Casting Crowns, Fernando Ortega, Toby Mac, Sara Groves, Jake Smith, and many others.
138. Freedom to worship, read my Bible, to openly proclaim the love of Christ.
139. Centri-Kid camp every summer.
140. Sudoku puzzles.

Joy

101.Daughters who 'get' modesty and why it is important.
102. Windshield wipers on a rainy day.
103. The pop of corn kernels on the stove.
104. Cream cheese banana nut muffins.
105. We shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
106. Looking at old family photos, remembering and smiling.
107. Crisp, cool sheets caressing achy bones.
108. Crockpot dinners that await us after long, busy days.
109. Children frollicking with the ducks by the pond at a favorite park.
110. "I'm proud of you" from my Mom.
111. Pain-free days, sleep-filled nights.
112. Freedom.
113. Choice.
114. Enough quiet to hear a ticking clock.
115. Newness every day.
116. Orchids.
117. Dictionaries and thesauruses.
118. The privilege of prayer.
119. Hearing, "Is this tooth ready?" every day for weeks, tooth after tooth.
120. Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread.

Simple Pleasures

81. Freshly mowed grass.
82. Craft and antique fairs.
83. Thrift-store shopping.
84. Warm, laundered towels that smell and feel fresh.
85. Tomatoes and cucumbers from our very own garden!
86. Exhortations: Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thess. 5:11
87. Purpose: Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
88. Our bright pink Hibiscus.
89. Our Japanese magnolia.
90. The color of daffodils. And tulips.
91. A family to love and serve.
92. Sunday lunch with friends.
93. Breezes blowing hair.
94. Lengthening days, more time to be outside, throwing the softball or football.
95. Kids playing horse in the back yard.
96. Heart-shaped cake for Valentine's Day.
97. Praying with sisters in Christ through email, around dinner tables, over the phone, in Sunday school.
98. Gerbera daisies make me happy.
99. Each sock having a match.
100. Son growing, maturing, holding doors for me, "You go ahead, Mom."

Simplicity

61. Living a life of simplicity.
62. Knowing I will see Becky in heaven one day.
63. Boiled crawfish and king cakes.
64. Bike rides with my family.
65. Sand between my toes, sun high in the sky, the roar of the surf in my ears and chest.
66. Daily grace.
67. Sunday naps after church.
68. Fire-roasted marshmallows.
69. Early morning devotions while children sleep soundly.
70. The silky feel of conditioner through my hair.
71. My favorite apples: Pink Lady, Gala.
72. Vegetable stands on the side of the road with tomatoes, corn, greens, etc.
73. Visiting the Audubon Zoo on a gorgeous spring day.
74. Everything I ever dreamed here in my every day.
75. Learning new vocabulary words and watching my children learn to love words.
76. Sunshine after rain.
77. The songs in my heart.
78. Young fingers learning to crochet.
79. Butterflies flitting from plant to plant.
80. Hummingbirds.

Giving Thanks....

41. My church family.
42. Glory to God in highest heaven, who unto man His Son hath given; while angels sing with tender mirth, A glad new year to all the earth.
43. Going to the movies with my family and actually seeing a clean movie.
44. LSU Tiger football!
45. Red beans and rice with sausage.
46. Bright moonlight shining even through city lights.
47. Warm oatmeal early in the morning.
48. Children who laugh together, getting along, playing games.
49. My daily hug from hubby at 5:30 a.m.: me, warm under bed covers, him, leaving for work.
50. The smell of fresh coffee.
51. Having prayer with my children on school mornings; their faith is inspirational.
52. Life, love, and laughter in my home.
53. Being a member of the same church for 17+ years.
54. Being a mom.
55. Family gatherings with lots of food, kids running around being loud, enjoying each other's company.
56. A good, hard rain during my nap on Sunday afternoon.
57. Starbucks Grande Dolce Latte, extra foam.
58. Diet Coke and Diet Dr. Pepper.
59. Shopping when I'm able to buy.
60. People-watching and analyzing why they do things.

December 2007

21. Our interim pastor.
22. Life-giving sunshine, bright and warm.
23. The Advent season.
24. My son Grant, tall, dark and handsome.
25. Cranberry bars from Starbucks and coffee with pumpkin spice creamer.
26. My feather bed...plush and comfy.
27. Dinner with friends: good food, good conversation.
28. Christmas cards from friends arriving daily in the mail.
29. Warm, gooey, chocolaty cookies just out of the oven.
30. Daughters to help me bake the cookies :)
31. Favorite Christmas carols: O Holy Night; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Silent Night; Jesus Came to Dwell Among Us; How Great Our Joy.
32. Beth Moore, a favorite Bible teacher.
33. Playing Guitar Hero with my family.
34. Watching fireworks at midnight on December 31st -- from inside the house!
35. New Year's Day food: pork roast, cabbage, black-eyed peas, cornbread.
36. Playing "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" board game with the kids, and seeing how proud they are to be able to answer the million dollar question.
37. Dinner and a movie with hubby.
38. Whole Foods Market.
39. Debbie Macomber books.
40. My parents and their Christ-like example.

1000 Gifts List

"Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King; His love endures forever!"
From November 2007:
1. Cool, crisp mornings and a cozy sweater to wear.
2. The rolling hills of Alabama covered in spectacular, autumn colors.
3. Sweet, beautiful daughters turning 11 years old!
4. Warm brownies out of the oven, with vanilla ice cream.
5. Knowing Neil for 16+ years.
6. A good book to read at bedtime.
7. Winning first place at bonko!
8. The opportunity and ability to minister to women who are survivors of abuse.
9. Autumn leaves skittering across a parking lot in the wind.
10. "Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You." Ps. 73:25
11. A beautiful day at the park taking pictures for Christmas cards.
12. Central a/c when it is hot, and central heat when it is cold.... December in the south can go either way!
13. Friends who encourage and build up, not discourage.
14. Wise counsel.
15. The mercy and forgiveness of God.
16. "Our God is in heaven, he does whatever pleases him." Ps. 115:3
17. God is faithful! His plan and purpose will be accomplished.
18. Turkey sausage gumbo made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey, esp. on a cold night.
19. A lit Christmas tree, white lights, on a dark morning...precious, bright light.
20. Jesus, the light of the world.