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.