While reading the book "One Thousand Gifts," by Ann Voskamp in June 2011, I have decided to keep a gratitude journal.
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| 1. creative play of children |
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| 2. family whom I love... even while waiting in an airport |
3.Homemade smells filling the house when I crawl out of bed on a cool morning.
4.Waking up to a quiet house.
5.The feeling and taste of that first cup of coffee in the morning.
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| 6. being a part of a family who values raising the next generation up in the Lord |
8. The click click click of me typing on our computer.
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| 10. children whom can't keep their eyes open even a moment longer |
11. The fresh, cool air of the morning.
12. Bird singing joyfully when no one else is awake to hear them.
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| 13. beautiful Hawaiian sunset |
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| 14. brothers who are best friends |
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| 15. sand play |
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| 16. cousins... may they always know and love eachother! |
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| 17. the love of my life |
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| 18. seeing humpback whales on our dinner cruise gone wrong |
20. the smell, feel and magic of holding a new baby.
21. A new day, pregnant with promise.
22. The stiff soreness of a body after a long days work reminding you of the work you did do.
23. Paper crafts strewn all over the house with the words, "I love you Mom," all over them.
24. A clean sink.
25.Road trips
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| bug covered vehicle after a trip to the city! |
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| 26. awesome garage sale finds! (the car, not the kid!) |
28. a job well done
30. Jesus rising from the grave, for me, for us, for all of you
31. the beauty that combining colors creates new colors
33. adults who give their time to mentor my children and teach them the truths about God and His word
34. a child so full of anticipation and excitment
35. the thrill of a good race
38. rain watering our crops
39. rain watering my garden, bringing new life from seeds
41. the beauty and majesty of the mountains
42. a frozen lake or pond ready for skating
43. a child dedicated to learning a new skill, no matter how long or hard it takes
44. "the most important thing is to just keep getting back up" Emmett age 5
45. the freedom of no training wheels!
47. children persevering and eventually finding friendship
48. Iphone camera apps which make photography new and fun!
49. women seeking God to help them in the difficult job of parenting, of training up the next generation of disciples
51. brilliant orange sunrise flooding the room with bright light
52. a crisp, quiet walk on the gravel road
53. deer bounding across the path in front of you
54. the smell of lilly of the valley
55. the stillness of the house before anyone else awakes
56. a the first embrace of the day
57. "good morning Mom."
58. New glasses- free new glasses
59. new kitties
60. Lego creations
61. a new reader figuring out the words and putting it all together
62. quiet time to clean in peace
63. hockey games in the basement
64. brothers playing together
65. longer days
66. friends who call to check on you
67. first days of summer
68. sand box play
69. a child realizing they CAN do it by themselves
70. the spray park
71. new recipies that work
72. picnics in the park
73. children alive with the warmth of the sun
74. ducks on the pond
75. shelves full of books
76. the grass growing greener
77. lilly of the valley
78. a child who needs a mommy to snuggle them
79. kids who smell from the long hard day of playing
80. painted toenails
81. long baths with a good book
82. stealing moments alone
83. trusting the Lord for someone else
84. friends with whom you can just pick up where you left off
85. knowing that we will meet again in Heaven
86. kittens playing with string, and wrestling with eachother
87. a child learning how to care for another
88. simplicity
89. courage to make changes
90. the will to work hard
91. using what you have to make much more
92. rhubard
93. the first taste of strawberry from our garden
94. knowing we were made BY HIM and FOR HIM, and hearing your child say that
95. "You are the one true God, there will never be another" flowing off my 4 year olds lips
96. the loving care of an older child towards the younger
97. 6 kids playing outside while 2 moms sit inside visiting!
98. a solid nights sleep without interuption
99. having a home that is home
100. eating outside
101. morning baths for the kids that become playtime
102. homemade granola
103. the words of the Lord cutting deep
104. willpower
105. generosity of friends and neighbors
106. the sound of wind blowing through the trees
107. silence
108. eyes to see His beauty and creation
109. children growing up enough to play without mommy
110. clean laundry
111. freshly mowed green grass
112. ducks playing in our pond
113. water in puddles
114. first spray park visit of the year
116.robins on my lawn
117. kittens meowing
118. expectations for a new day
119. Singapore math textbooks
120.long bike rides with my beautiful kids
121. Norwex face cloths
122. taking care of our trees
123. Bear Brownie
124.Narnia audio series by Focus on the Family
125. first camp fire of the year
126. a child's excitement over roasting marshmellows
127. creating and crafting
128. coloring and drawing with the boys
129. splashing in the mud
130. rain in the puddles
131. ducks in pond
132. fingers in mud
133. emptying water from rubber boots
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134. making new from old
135. running and giggling
136. tenting indoors
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137. steam roller playtime
138. cousin fun
139. grey sky
140. baby meeting kitty for first time
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141. riding bikes in the mud
142. hosing off muddy kids
143. fresh cut flowers inside
144. fragrance of lillies
145. rain
146. jewelry
147. thoughts that challenge
148. adult brothers best of friends
149. family that is friends
150. new relationships
151. easing someone elses transition
152. discovering a new passion
153. learning a new skill
154. homemade pie
155. the church
156. our pastors
157. servants
158. saints
159. God's word ever true
160. being a mother
161. having an education
162. having choices
163. trusting God with our choices
164. knowing He hears me
165. knowing He made me
166. knowing He has a plan for me
167. caturing a moment on film
168. dad's who care
169. treasure hunts
170. anticipation
171. fishing with daddy
172. sharing your gifts
173. past memories forever saved
174. past memories forever shared
175. remembering
176. thankfulness for the dad who started my childhood
177. thankfulness for the dad who started my adulthood
178. differences
179. delight driven trips to the library180. 5 km bike rides with 3 kids
182. ice
183. water guns
184. kiddie pools
185. friendships that hit that easy stage
186. new friendships still in that discovery stage
187. awesome testimonies of those seasoned believers
188. couples who pray together
189. reminders of how powerful His word is
190. families reading the Bible together around the dinner table
191. God loves us far more than we love our own children
192. grace
193. beauty
194. lakes in the summertime
195. hot summer days
196. picnics in the park
197. extended families sharing love
198. young people on fire to serve the Lord
199. living above your circumstances
200. the faithful
201. those who fought in wars for our freedom
202. deliverance
203. generosity
204. expecation
205. fresh garden produce
206. anticipation of what may be
207. bellies swollen with babies!!!208. change
209. watermelon on a hot day
210. children laughing
211. sheer joy
212. trampolines
213. the dirty floors show me life and action in our home
214. kids who want to spend time with me
215. a home filled with so much stuff that it need constant organization
216. the priveledge of home-educating my children
217. the opportunity to plan our years learning together
218. a garden overflowing with bounty that needs tending and preserving
219. a yard that needs care - grass that keeps growing
220. mouths that need feeding because their bodies keep growing
221. a child learning something new for the first time- how to pump on the swing all by himself
222. taking the training wheels off!
223. watching him save, count, plan and learn about money. $37 so far
224. bedtime visits from grandparents
225. the smell of home made apple sauce
226. a child just learning to walk
227. a baby's giggle
228. the pink, red, and orange mix of a beautiful sunset
229. friends from long ago who feel like they've never been gone
230. a child's anticpation for their birthday
231. listening to a beginner reader sounding out their words
232. sprinkler days!
233. creating something new
234. learning how to start over again
235. a child's pride in their creations
236. soft carpet (even if its 30 years old) beneath my feet
237. the whine of the dishwasher telling me the dishes are almost done
238. hearing machinery starting at the farm telling me harvest is coming
239. the beautiful bright color of beets
240. patience from my husband
241. a child who oooozes with compassion
242. " and I'm so thankful for my mom whom I love with all my heart"
243. knowing that when I am at my whits end, He is there
244. Grace
245. extending grace to others
246. knowing His grace covers me
247. forgiveness
248. sunflowers stretching their faces towards the sun... shows me how I should be living
249. suprises
250. unity
251. knowing our God is with them too...
252. hearing people talk about prayer
253. the way tragety can bring people together
254. the way a child can be hospitable and make someone feel welcome
255. fun and games
256. waiting
257. the kittens catching mice
258. painting outside
259. knowing He has it all figured out
260. He hears my cries for forgiveness
261. His forgiveness is unending
262. the smell of coffee in the maker, ready to wake me up with its aroma
263. children ready to learn
264. creative play and laughter
265. a mom who is my friend
266. family who are our friends - forever friends
267- times with friends, slow and relaxed268- story times with the children
269- super suprise of the hot air balloon landing in front of our house and the time we got to spend with the pilot afterwards
267. hand-me down hockey equipment
268. another year to celebrate my oldest son
269. neighbors who give us apples
270. home made apple sauce
271. my kitchenaid (my 30th birthday gift) that makes applesauce so easy to make
272.meals made entirely from our own work
273. creative play of boys
274. a few more days with dad around
275. retired farmers who still love to farm
276. having the help we need
277. time to do something for myself
278. finding people who live simply
279. learning from those who have gone ahead
280. people who remain faithful
281. the way our body heals itself
282. the prayers of many for those who need it
283. massive zuccinni left for me! timely because mine didn't grow
284. the hands of the older generation hand crafting something for my children... so special
285. those gifts that take thought
286. nearly 30 years of life of the one I love
287. opportunities that keep knocking
288. seeing people bloom where planted
289. watching people come out of the woodwork when needed
290. those who go above and beyond
291. a word so fitly spoken
292. a happy mess
293. safety that we take so for granted
294. the way a child gives it all and doesn't hold back
295. suprise visitors
296. people willing to do the dirty work
297. gifts that are so perfect
298.
- times with friends, slow and relaxed
299- story times with the children
300- super suprise of the hot air balloon landing in front of our house and the time we got to spend with the pilot afterwards
300- the boys going for rides in the combine and grain truck--- a breather for mommy... especially when my 2 year old went for 2 hours!
301 - a special flight in a family friends flying machine- a parachute with a motor. My 4 year old even went up for a ride
302- getting to work in the garden and almost get all the potatos and carrots in
303- watching the kids play in the sprinkler
304- listening to music and dancing with the kids all through supper
305- God providing...
306- neighbors being wonderful and blessing us with food and gift certificates
307- people rallying together to save a ministry
308- listening to my 2 year old sing, "Thank you Lord!"
309- anticipation for my ladies night out on Monday!!! looking forward to spending time with some amazing women!
310- looking forward to the 'fall swap' and all the treasures to be found... and time to be spent with friends.
311.new starts
312.good sleeps
314.learning
315.quiet moments in God's word
316.silnce before the day begins
317.anticipation to try something new
318.warm carpet beneath my toes
319.hot drinks in cold hands
320.Mom's group, Friends
321.husband willing to serve (move photocopier just for me!)
322.quiet moments alone while daddy rough houses- much needed time to refresh
323.safe journeys
324.life giving conversations
325.deep love and acceptance of good friends
326.new tools to do my job as a homemaker better
327.crocheting by the fire in the mountains
328.absence making the heart grow fonder
329.staying up late engrossed in a novel
330.free retreats, slowing down
331.slow pace
332.nothing needing to be done
333.light spread across the room
334. mountain views
335.books strewn all around the couch, left carelessly by little hands who poured over their pages
336.new technology and the promises it brings
337.celebrating love
338.people willing to take time to improve marriage
339.our community supporting our church and giving generously
340.friends who we can work with
341.satisfaction of completing a new project, of conquering something new
342.our moms group full of chatter and valuable relationships
343.grandmas excited to give their time to the younger generation
344.simple crafts
345.coffee in the morning
346.anticipation, planning, working
347.faithfulness through the dark days
348.knowing He knows the way through the confusing mess
349.
350.
351.
352.
353.
- times with friends, slow and relaxed
299- story times with the children
300- super suprise of the hot air balloon landing in front of our house and the time we got to spend with the pilot afterwards
 |
| the balloon coming down-- the combine is just to the right of it |
300- the boys going for rides in the combine and grain truck--- a breather for mommy... especially when my 2 year old went for 2 hours!
 |
| walking across the field in front of our house to hop the fence and go with dad :) that is actually a swather and this picture was taken a couple weeks ago- but it is a cute picture so I included it |
301 - a special flight in a family friends flying machine- a parachute with a motor. My 4 year old even went up for a ride
302- getting to work in the garden and almost get all the potatos and carrots in
303- watching the kids play in the sprinkler
304- listening to music and dancing with the kids all through supper
305- God providing...
306- neighbors being wonderful and blessing us with food and gift certificates
307- people rallying together to save a ministry
308- listening to my 2 year old sing, "Thank you Lord!"
309- anticipation for my ladies night out on Monday!!! looking forward to spending time with some amazing women!
310- looking forward to the 'fall swap' and all the treasures to be found... and time to be spent with friends.
311.new starts
312.good sleeps
314.learning
315.quiet moments in God's word
316.silnce before the day begins
317.anticipation to try something new
318.warm carpet beneath my toes
319.hot drinks in cold hands
320.Mom's group, Friends
321.husband willing to serve (move photocopier just for me!)
322.quiet moments alone while daddy rough houses- much needed time to refresh
323.safe journeys
324.life giving conversations
325.deep love and acceptance of good friends
326.new tools to do my job as a homemaker better
327.crocheting by the fire in the mountains
328.absence making the heart grow fonder
329.staying up late engrossed in a novel
330.free retreats, slowing down
331.slow pace
332.nothing needing to be done
333.light spread across the room
334. mountain views
335.books strewn all around the couch, left carelessly by little hands who poured over their pages
336.new technology and the promises it brings
337.celebrating love
338.people willing to take time to improve marriage
339.our community supporting our church and giving generously
340.friends who we can work with
341.satisfaction of completing a new project, of conquering something new
342.our moms group full of chatter and valuable relationships
343.grandmas excited to give their time to the younger generation
344.simple crafts
345.coffee in the morning
346.anticipation, planning, working
347.faithfulness through the dark days
348.knowing He knows the way through the confusing mess
349.
350.
351.
352.
353.
|
| the balloon coming down-- the combine is just to the right of it |
270- the boys going for rides in the combine and grain truck--- a breather for mommy... especially when my 2 year old went for 2 hours!
|
| walking across the field in front of our house to hop the fence and go with dad :) that is actually a swather and this picture was taken a couple weeks ago- but it is a cute picture so I included it |
271- a special flight in a family friends flying machine- a parachute with a motor. My 4 year old even went up for a ride
272- getting to work in the garden and almost get all the potatos and carrots in
273- watching the kids play in the sprinkler
274- listening to music and dancing with the kids all through supper
275- God providing...
276- neighbors being wonderful and blessing us with food and gift certificates
277- people rallying together to save a ministry
278- listening to my 2 year old sing, "Thank you Lord!"
279- anticipation for my ladies night out on Monday!!! looking forward to spending time with some amazing women!
- looking forward to the 'fall swap' and all the treasures to be found... and time to be spent with friends
