Almost A New Year

3 gifts prayed for:
~Continued provision.
~God's will in our lives.
~Joy in Him no matter what.

3 gifts Praised for:
~Learning to pray together as a couple.
~A wonderful Christmas with family and friends.
~The community of church family that we have.


3 hard gifts:
~Unanswered prayer.
~No answers from doctors.
~Physical pain.

3 gifts of change:
~Change of seasons.
~Change to the heart.
~Change to perspective.

A gift small: The changes in my little lady, her world is opening up!

A gift smaller: A sweet smile from the Sweetie.

A gift smallest: New beads :).

3 gifts read:
~“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water,
    that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
    for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
    for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
^{Jeremiah 17:7,8}

 ~“I the Lord search the heart
    and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
    according to the fruit of his deeds.”
^{Jeremiah 17:10}

~ And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:31

 3 gifts said:
~Hearing my husband tell my daugher she gets more and more beautiful.
~Having my husband tell me that I have been a source of grace in his life over the past year.
~Hearing words that encourage me to believe the truth about how God views me.

3 gifts re-read:
~The heart is deceitful above all things,
    and desperately sick;
    who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9

 ^{~One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
Acts 16:14} 
 ~And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
 <sup>Acts 23:1

3 gifts burning:
~Fire in the fireplace on Christmas.
~Candles all around on Christmas.
~Warmth in our hearts, put their by the greatest Gift Giver on Christmas.</sup>

 

Such Joy

A gift unexpected: an old friend of my husbands coming to town, and getting to have a quick breakfast with him.

3 gifts shy
 The real me, that it's taken years to come out:
~My voice.
~Sharing my inner self.
~My personality.

3 gifts shelved:
~Shelves full of food.
~My tea cupboard.
~ Books.

3 gifts shining:
~The example of grace in a family that has been friend's with mine for years.
~A new uncle, so excited to meet his niece.
~A new daddy, constantly loving on and beaming over his girl.

A gift circling: onions cut and cooked in my healthy lunch.

A gift crowing: remembering The King of Kings, come as a tiny baby, just like mine, all those years ago.

A gift crafted: new booties, from a friend, which fit my girl's tiny feet.

3 gifts silver:
 ~Beads in my latest piece.
~Parts on my baby monitor.
~Ornaments on Baba's Tree.

3 gifts sweet:
~yogurt, the end of my lunch.
~cornflake peanut butter squares.
~the smell of a sweet candle.

3 gifts from your Savior:
~Grace in a husband, reminding me to see things as God sees them and not allow guilt to overcome me.
~Grace in family who love us so much.
~Grace in the opportunity to be a mother.

A gift hung: An ornament from a dear cousin.
A gift held: The hand of my Love.
A gift heard: Hearing my husband telling a friend how he knew he had to "marry that girl" and being reminded of how much he loves me.

3 gifts orange:
~My wonderful, handcrafted diaper bag.
~A cozy sweater.
~Yummy oranges, tastes like Christmas!

 3 gifts falling:
~Snow flakes.
~My weight ;).
~Tears as my heart was shared.

A gift caught: Joy caught on camera as The Uncle meets The girly.

A gift let go: Pride, by His grace.

A gift mid-way: My walk with Him.

3 gifts reaped:
~Joy in sharing hope with someone I had invested in years ago.
~Love from little ones.
~Love from my husband.

3 gifts returned:
~Peace.
~Joy.
~Rest (as I let things go, let go of bitterness and trust Him.

3 gifts redeemed:
~My past.
~My present.
~My future.

A gift baked: cookies from friends.
A gift stirred: A cup of new tea.
A gift eaten: Truffles.

His Grace Is Enough

3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
Reading
 ~"when God wants us to know answers, He wants us to know Him."
And
~"The secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is"
And
~ "When we loudly question God’s culpability, God quietly questions our humility."
From Ann today. No, I have not lost my sweet child. But life is hard in many forms. Seeing your husband deal with illnesses for a year, some of which have no answer to them, is hard too.

A gift fixed: Our windshield wipers. Yay! Thank you my dear!

Folded: Laundry (one of my least favorite chores- yay, it's done!)

Freckled: The face of a little friend.

3 gifts in conversation: ~Watching my daughter's reaction to me telling her all kinds of things.
                                      ~Sharing the joy of new little things she is learning with others.
                                       ~ The comradeship of friendship.

3 gifts in salvation: ~Peace.
                                ~Joy.
                                 ~Comfort.

3 gifts in information:  Being able to share God's grace and love via:
                                      ~Facebook.
                                      ~Twitter.
                                      ~This blog.

A gift of reading: Truth in the book of Acts. Good stuff!
               receding: The end of one year. What a year!
               reclaiming: bad habits, ways of doing things admitted, repented of.

3 gifts quiet:
~The first moments of the morning.
~A quiet snuggle in the evening.
~A chance to nap as my mother in law (Baba) loves on the baby.

3 gifts funny:
~Laughing at how the girl wiggles straight out of being swaddled.
~Hearing a story of a prank pulled during my husband's college years.
~Hearing my husband sing silly songs to my daughter.


3 gifts finished:
~Delicious Italian leftovers.
~My last book.

~Old attitudes.

3 gifts flourishing:
My relationships with:
~The Lord.
~My husband.
~My daughter.
All by His abundant grace. No they are not perfect. But He brings growth.

3 gifts white:
~sparkling Christmas lights.
~A fresh bit of snow.
~White Christmas chocolate.

3 gifts bright:
~Red sparkling nail polish on my fingers and toes.
~ My in-laws beautiful Christmas tree.
~Camera flashes as we remember my girl's uncle meeting her for the first time.

3 gifts shining:
~The moon.
~ The sun, shining on this the shortest day of the year.
~Eyes that love their new little granddaughter.

A worth while tiredness

I apologize if my references to gifts in my daughter are getting repetitive. I am still constantly thankful and amazed at the gift(s) that is her.

Last night we  had an all-nighter with the youth. Always a good time :). My little bean was soooo good. She slept through some crazy levels of noise and even through being held while her holder played around the world ping-pong.


 A gift cool: home-made apple sauce, pulled up from the basement.
Warm: Sweet piggy toes, curled in her daddy's beard.
Sun-soaked: My little bean a little while after she came home, getting some sun for her skin.

3 gifts Autum (again, still catching up):
~Seeing God's Soverignty over the seasons.
~Watching the leaves quickly change color on the mountains around the city.
~A pumpkin spice latte.

3 gifts growing:
~My little girl, even though she is still a petite little thing.
~Our practice in basic parenting (i.e. changing, bathing).
~Our love for each other as we love our little girl.

3 gifts given:
~ Time to the youth at our all-nighter last night (what a joy).
~ A Christmas package sent to family.
~ Energy in washing the babies diapers on a regular basis. (what a privilege).

A gift made: Christmas cookies baked for the youth Christmas party.

A gift scrawled: notes on information to a gift sent in the mail.

A gift started: Beginning to teach our daughter the truth of the Gospel.

3 gifts drawn:
~ Names from a hat as the kids played 4 on a couch last night.
~ A Merry Christmas sign on my friend's door as we got to mom's group yesterday, drawn by her sweet girl.
~ A pattern I'm using (that I created) to make a new version of an older idea.

3 gifts paired:
~Green earrings, a fun festive detail to go with my Christmas necklace.
~Peppermint cookies with candycane coffee.
~Teams of two around the table to play some Dutch Blitz.

3 gifts shared:~ Memories.
                        ~Laughs.
                         ~Prayer.

Getting there!

Yes, I have been forever catching up on this list! But I refuse to give up!
It's a reminder that I need to keep my priorities straight, and a good practice in counting God's constant blessings in my life.

Giving thanks has become such a part of my life now. I will be forever grateful for Ann's book!

3 gifts fragile:
~ Christmas tree balls.
~ Special ornament from a cousin.
~ Friendships, may I not take them for granted again.

A gift cut: homemade reusable baby wipes.
Sewn: Quilts made for my sweet girl.
Buttoned: Little dress worn for a short time by the girl on Sunday (guess she decided it wasn't her style ;) )

3 gifts new:
~ The outpouring of love on our family in so many gifts for our daughter. What a gift of grace!
~ A new haircut!
~ Perspectives.

3 gifts long awaited:
~Snuggles.
~Smiles.
~Cries in the night.

A gift one: Wonderful friend who lets me pop in on her.
Two: Sweet girls to visit with.
three: Cups of candy cane coffee.

3 gifts very small:
~ Sweet white chocolate peppermint kisses (a particular weakness of mine!)
~ Tiny toes.
~ Wee little diapers.

3 miracles:
~ That I get to be a mommy. I don't take this for granted, God kept me alive four years ago and allowed us to become parents, though it took a while (in our opinion ;) ).
~Salvation, come as a babe.
~ That God would create for me and prepare for me a husband and a daddy for my girl and that we would all fit together so perfectly.

3 gifts summer (memories now ;) Yes, I am forever catching up):
~ Watermelon.
~ Cool swims.
~ Warm sun kissing the skin.

3 gifts cut:
~ Paper cut on my tongue as I get thank you cards ready. How wonderful that we need to send thank you cards!
~ Slices of homemade bread.
~ Cheese to go in the bread for a sandwich.

3 gifts yellow:
~ My breakfast egg.
~bits of  yellow on tiny little socks.
~ post it notes used to keep track of things during this season of not being able to remember everything!

Mid December

A gift in a ring: Realizing what a treasure it is to wear my wedding rings when I have some trouble with them.
In a curve: My nursing pillow.
In a sphere: Fun toy for my little lady.

3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
~God showing me how I need to find joy in Him even if my husband is in pain or sick in some form for the rest of our lives.
~ Learning contentment.
~ Having God show me some things that need adjusting.

3 gifts of family:
~A new member for Christmas.
~Special times of bonding with my girl.
~Watching my husband daddy our girl.

3 gifts in the morning:
~Waking up early to feed our daughter.
~Quiet time in prayer.
~ A hot cup of coffee that tastes good again :).

A gift red: Christmas decorations.
Read: ^" When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.  And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.  Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.  They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!”  But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
Written: Writing in my journal about trusting God when we ask for something in prayer." Acts 12: 12-16

 3 gifts in church:
~Christ centred worship.
~Family loving all of us, through joys and trials.
~Sharing in His Body and His blood.

3 gifts of serving:
~Joy in serving the older students as they packaged their baked goods for their fundraiser.
~Joy in serving my family in taking care of our home.
~Love in taking care of my daughter.

A gift straight: Thank you cards, for all the gifts poured on us. So much love.

Curve: Rim of my hot cup of tea on this cold snowy day.

Turn: My days changing from being about me, to about a little person.

3 gifts in light: ~Light from a sweet smelling candle.
                        ~Light in the hall as I trip to get my waking baby in the night.
                         ~ watching the light slip from sleepy eyes.
3 gifts old:
~ Scripture, and the Truth it holds.
~ A godly heritage passed on to me.
~ Christmas carols.

3 gifts moving:
 My daughters arms, feet and legs.
 

Whirlwind

The last month has been, to say the least, a little insane.
First, my husband was admitted to the hospital (he had some kind of virus behind his eyes that was affecting his site and giving him headaches). The same day I woke up with a sore neck. I thought I had just slept funny, but I'm still getting over it. That made me  feel lousy and gave me some headaches. All while 37 weeks pregnant!

So, I was wrestling with resting in God and not stressing, all the while only wanting my husband to be okay and be with me in delivery.

He was able to be there.
The day after I was to be induced, I was and after a wild ride, my little lady joined our family. I really don't prefer being induced, but that is my life as I have to be one blood thinner while pregnant and it's safer to do things this way for both of us so we can make sure the thinner is out of my system.
So, this is God's will for me.

As I waited all day in the hospital the day I was scheduled to be induced and my body was waiting for those horrible gels to work, I remembered something my husband's cousin told me about God teaching her something about surrender to Him with each of her births. This was a huge encouragement and reminder to me.

Life is now completely changed, and completely amazing. My little girl is such a treasure to me.

She is my little petite princess.
I get less sleep. I laugh at ridiculous things from being over-tired. I need naps. I forget what day it is. And it's all amazing.
The funny moments when newborn poo comes sailing out onto my couch. The amazing moments of awe as I feed my girl and she grabs my hand and I look at her toes. The sweet moments when she just wants me and needs to snuggle on my shoulder.
I'm learning more about God as our Father and trusting Him to be just that at the same time, as I need so much wisdom to be her Mom.
Her Dad is completely smitten with his peanut and I love seeing this. This also is a huge treasure to me.
On the phone earlier this week he told someone it was all very natural. This is true. It was the same when we got married. Life together was all very natural.
This is God's plan for us, and it's an amazing treasure.

 3 Gifts difficult:
~Being induced.
~Pre-labor
~Labor.

3 gifts white:
~Tiny little newborn diapers.
~Wipes to clean her tiny little bum.
~ Alcohol wipes for keeping her cord/belly button clean.

3 gifts sitting:
~My little honey, sitting in her chair, happily awake, at my feet.
~Getting to relax and heal.
~My new glider rocking chair, a gift from friends.

A gift outside: The first snow of the season.

A gift inside: A cozy day indoors.

A gift upside down: Our whole lives! What a sweet blessing having a baby is.

3 gifts in water:
~My constant glass of water, used to stay hydrated as I start to feed my baby.
~Hot, healing epsom salt baths.
~Water used to make coffee, that I can now enjoy.

A gift at 10 am: Getting ready to bring our girly to church for the first time.
A gift at 1 pm: Lunch for mommy and then little girl.
A gift at 10 pm: Fellowship with friends.


3 gifts in His Word:
 Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows... Isaiah 53:4

 For the mountains may depart
    and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
    and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

A gift hole: A new wee little belly button in our house.
A gift whole: God's grace in labour, teaching me the beauty in pain.
A gift half: Pain decreased as I saw her sweet little face.

3 hard gifts: 
~Learning how to have different sleep patterns in order to properly feed my daughter.
~Learning to be patient with her as I teach her to stay awake and eat.
~Learning to trust the Lord as my husband was in the hospital the days leading up to the day of my induction, knowing God would take care of me in the way that He saw best, whether that meant he would be with me or not.

3 gits of metal:
~My watch, now with a new battery so I can keep track of feeding my girl (among other things ;) )
~My engagement and 
~My wedding rings, which mean so much more now with a new little one around.

3 gifts half-hidden:
~ Life under the freezing ground. 
~piggy toes peaking out from under her nursing cover.
~Sweetness bundled up in blanket, hands freeing themselves every time.

3 gifts in green:
~ My girl's bouncy seat, she has been using it so much!
~Mom's team as we watch Sunday afternoon football.
~Healthy salads brought to me with meal ministry.

Sun Shining Through

A gift high: Sun shining through after a rainy day.

A gift low: My feet-they are not so swollen and feel a lot better!

A gift far away: My mother working out details to come and visit after our little lady arrives.

3 gifts of endings:
~Ending of our season of our family being made of two.
~End of the summer, start of autumn.
~End of one book (start of a new one).

3 gifts fresh:
~The cleaness that follows rain.
~Refreshment of tea with a friend, leading to a fresh prespective.
~Also fresh perspective from time alone with Him (of far greater importance than the first).

A gift on vacation: The treat of a Jimmy Johns sub ;).

A gift home: A good sleep in my own bed (there is just nothing like your own bed).

A gift in relaxation: Refreshment in reading.

3 gifts of beginings:
~Finishing getting little girl's room ready.
~Reading to learn how to care for baby girl.
~Learning to more fully embrace the gift of contentment.

3 gifts together:
~Bright beads;
~New pattern;
~New addiction to a new beadwork stitch.

3 gifts heard:
~God's faithfulness spoken through His Word to my heart.
~Words of love and care from my husband.
~Words from a friend that lift up.

And it's October

Wow, it's already October!
That is crazy! I have less than six weeks left until my due date. That is hard to believe.
It's both exciting and scary!

For those who may not realize why I am listing gifts:
I read "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp  earlier this year and I'm following her Joy dare to find one thousand gifts throughout my year. Gifts are all around, and not just during the Thanksgiving season (as it is for us in Canada right now). Having a heart of thanksgiving puts our hearts in the right place of worshiping Him for all things.

Some gifts:

3 gifts curled:
~Falling leaves.
~ Curly pasta that filled my empty stomach at lunch.
~The bracelet I am  currently making that curls and bends as it goes.

 3 gifts yellow:
~Bright yellow beads made into a new necklace.
~My little beading scissors (couldn't do a thing without them).
~Yellow highlighter used as I read God's Word.

3 gifts learned:
~It's ok to not be strong enough to do everything all the time.
~I don't always have to defend myself, humbleness and trust in the Lord is of far more importance.
~Sanctification is a combination of my obedience and His power.

3 gifts musical:
~Andrew Peterson concert this past weekend.

~Worship at the desiring God conference.
~Peaceful music in the car on our trip.

3 gifts baked:
~Chocolate chip cookies to take to the family who put us up this past weekend.
~Banana bread frozen for after baby girl is born.
~Cookies made for the youth for our first event.

A gift in light: bright sunny days on our trip.
A gift in dark: Seeing His truth in what appears to be darkness.
A gift in shadow: Finding Him as our refuge.

3 gifts of story:
~Hearing Andrew Peterson share how God has given him lyrics for many of his songs.
~Listening to  Sally Lloyd-Jones share God's grace in her life and how she followed His will for her in writing children's books.
~Enjoying reading fiction in the back seat this weekend while driving.

3 gifts understated.
~My husband's faithfulness to work through pain each and every day in order to take care of us. His faithfulness to take care of us as he desires to be doing full-time ministry is no small thing.
~ My husband's taking care of us by helping to find baby furniture on our busy trip this past weekend.
~My husband thinking of me and buying little things he knows I will enjoy.

 

Crisp Fall Air

Many more gifts.

3 gifts you gave today:
~Frugality.
~Thankfulness.
~Friendliness.

3 gifts loved:
~Time spend (by my mother-in-law) teaching me how to make beet borscht.
~My husband working so hard though this busy season to provide for us.
~The youth that God has given me to work with and serve.

3 gifts read:
~"Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'” Luke 10:20
~ "I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs." Luke 11:8

~“Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 

3 gifts of persistence:
~God's unending grace.
~God's mercies, new every morning.
~God's love for me, always pursuing. 

3 gift's of enthusiam:
~Excitement as we look forward to attending the national Desiring God conference along with seeing Andrew Peterson in concert.
~Anticipation of my baby shower and getting to celebrate our little miracle with so many.
~Looking forward to actually meeting this little one and learning what she will be like.

A gift of challenge: 
God challenging me to change and to move out of my comfort zone.

A gift of conflict: 
God using one to show ME MY flaws and teaching me I don't have to give in to my feelings regardless of pregnancy hormones.

A gift of change:
Trusting Him and His Sanctifying work to make me more like Him.

3 gifts water:
~Watching fall rain drops gently land on the lake.
~Hot water for the many cups of tea I've had this week.
~Having plenty of water to wash laundry and bedding with.

A gift of Rhythm:
New Andrew Peterson Album.

A gift of Rhyme:
The new LeCrae album (just a little different from each other ;) )

A gift of Reason:
Such a rest and trust in the Lord when we cannot see our future because He is our loving Father who does all things for His glory and our good.

3 gifts in weakness:
 ~Truth from the Gospel to lead.
~Friends who lift up tired arms.
~Family who wrap around us.

3 gifts in jars:
~New fall candles.
~Cold medicine to help us both heal.
~Honey from a friend's wedding for my tea.

A gift of life:
The changing of the seasons.

A gift of growth:
God's growing my husband and I in trust of Him.

A gift of decline:
Nights of less sleep, getting me ready for our new wee one.


 

Welcome Fall

It seems like someone flipped a button on us here, but I for one sure am not complaining! The cool weather feels wonderful to this warm, pregnant lady.

3 gifts in someone older than you:
~Wisdom
~Joy
~and Love that a certain woman of God (Mrs T) brings into my life.

3 gifts in fabric:
~The many blankets in our living room that bring a cozy atmosphere, comfort and warmth.
~Sweater brought out to keep off the new chill in the air.
~My handmade, reliable wallet.

3 gifts framed by a frame:
~A wedding picture.
~Pictures of our dear friends.
~Pictures of the youth.

3 gifts eaten:
~My breakfast of egg in the eye.
~Crab apple jelly that I got to help make.
~Candy corn (how I always celebrate the fall).

A gift small: Little bag of new pumpkin chai tea.

A gift big: God's provision in our lives.

A gift just right: New pumpkin lotion.

Broken Open

3 gifts that are difficult:
My heart, God showing me how
~Selfish and me focused in tired pregnancy and hard times;
~Ignoring others and their needs;
And yet
~How justified I felt in feeling hurt and defensive in how others responded.

His grace is so huge.

I am so grateful that God has the grace and mercy to reveal this to me, to break me open and heal me again.

It's been coming together how I've been living in this way, and God just finished opening my eyes as I read Ann's blog today, with tears.

It's funny how God uses things in multiples in our lives sometimes. The song Ann talks about in her blog "Oh how He loves" has been brought up a couple of times over the last few days in various ways.

It has such truth from the Gospel in it. And it's something that I need to be reminded of often, especially when I feel as if I've failed others.

Please forgive me friends.

A few more gifts:
3 gifts from your dad:
~A belief that the right thing is always the right thing.
~My belief in the value of modesty.
~The importance of doing things well.

3 gifts from your Heavenly Father:
~His Soverignty over every detail of my life.
~His enabling strength over every detail of my life.
~His enabling me through past pain to better love.

3 gifts you became today in serving:
~Support.
~A prayer covering.
~Love (as I make baby girl's quilt).

3 gifts growing:
~My belly.
~Sections of the baby quilt.
~Food items in the freezer for after the baby is born.

A gift bent:
Finding out a friend has a serious illness and being able to have great compassion and love.

A gift beautiful:
Ultrasound of our beauty.

A gift loved: beign able to help a friend raise money to attend YWAM.

3 gifts found in light:
~Light shed on my beading board so I can bead.
~Light reflecting the beginning of the change of season off the lake.
~Light of the Gospel shared in the service yesterday.

3 gifts around a table:
~Tea to sooth my cold.
~Water to keep me hydrated and hopefully kill this cold.
~My little calandar to help me keep track of my abundant life.

A gift in water:
Fall rain, providing water for plants and for us.

A gift in words: Ann's blog today, sharing God's grace.

A gift in white:
My sturdy mug.

Happy Labour Day

3 gifts summer:
~Soft Serve Ice cream cone from local shop.
~Fresh cucumber from a friend's garden.
~Cool breeze on a hot day.

A gift in faith: Being reminded by my husband's preaching that I am safely under His mighty Hand.

A gift in family: My husband finally feeling the baby kick! (little stinker, I feel her LOTS, she always stops when he tries to feel).

A gift in freedom:
Freedom to worship God publicly.

A gift in red: Tomato sauce on my gnocchi.

A gift in white: Comfortable tank top-my non-maternity ones were starting to cut off my circulation ;).

A gift in blue:
Bottle of tums. I don't know how I would survive without my tums right now!

3 gifts of sand:
Memories of growing up near the ocean
~Building castles.
~Laying on the warm sand.
~So many walks on the board walk.

3 (more) gifts in summer:
~Iced tea.
~Refreshing dips in the pool.
~Time spent soaking up sunshine.

September Begins

I cannot believe it is September already!
And I am still catching up on Ann's listed daily dares. Here are a few more:

3 gifts in what you are reading:
~Joy in reading a beloved childhood book (little women).
~Rest as I read.
~Knowledge about pregnancy and birth.

3 gifts empty:
~Bowl that had my cream of wheat in it.
~Diaper covers washed and ready for use.
~Muffin tins with the muffins popped out of them.

3 gifts that made you really smile:
~Silly little girl.
~Very distinct belly kick when I lay down to give myself my shot.
~Husband being silly late at night.

A gift at 8: awakening from a good night's rest (after a not so great sleep the night before).
A gift at 12: lunch with my girlfriend and her little ones.
A gift at 2: baby clothes lent to me. Oh the cuteness! Those tiny tights kill me!

3 gifts painted:
~Unique artwork on my walls.
~Art for baby girl's room (prints of a friend's paintings).
~ painted finger and toe nails (yes, I can still do it! :) )

3 gifts full:
~Cup full of a fruit smoothie: healthy and delicious!
~Heart full of joy and anticipation for our little girl.
~Mug full of coffee as I had a mommy chat with a friend.

3 gifts smelled:
~Left over frangrance of the rice cooked the night before.
~The comforting smell of a cup of tea.
~Clothes fresh off the line.

A gift unexpected: to be totally sucked in to making a baby quilt.

A gift unwanted: a deeper look at my heart.

A gift unlikely: To enjoy a day at home without the internet and my computer.

3 gifts from His Word:
 ^~ "'And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.'" ~Mark 11:25

  ^~"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." ~Mark 13:31

^~ "...Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiates 12:13

I will get there

3 gifts found in church:
~ Love of our family.
~ Corporate worship.
~ Growth of the church.

A gift white: The pages of my journal.

3 gifts in today's work:
~Toddler chatter.
~Joy in serving (both the families at church and my husband).
~ Love given back as it was given.

3 gifts blue:
~Fresh blueberries.
~Fun blue nail polish.
~Clear blue sky.

A gift whispered:
My mother in law whispering she loved me in my ear.

A gift at 8 am:
Sleeping in snuggled next to my husband on a holiday-I know it's one of the last times!

A gift at 12 pm: A reminder that God is a faithful Father.

A gift at 8 pm: Time to snuggle up with a book.

3 gifts blue:
~ Fresh blueberries.
~Fun blue nail polish.
~Clear blue skies.

3 gifts you gave today:
~Tidying our house (serving our family).
~Forgiveness.
~Priority to time with God. It is such a gift to not have to rush off!

3 gifts orange:
~Comfortable pajama pants.
~A lost earring found.
~Cheese in my scrambled eggs.

3 gifts funny:
~Inside joke with my husband that kept me in stitches all day.
~Listening to my husband and friends play a game where they had to answer a question with a question in the car.
~Seeing my friend's little girl as the only one making a silly face in a family photo (what a goof!).

3 gifts from today's conversations:
~Love from my husband.
~Joy in silliness.
~Encouragement in seeing God at work all over.

3 gifts found in Christ:
~ Encouragement that He is changing me over time.
~Grace
~Truth that never changes.

A gift of peace:
Peace knowing God has our whole lives planned out and we can rest in Him.

A gift of hope:
Knowing God will lead us (our church family) to the right man to lead our youth and young adults.

A gift of love:
Reading in Matthew and realizing how much God loves children and then realizing how much He already loves my little girl.

3 gifts ugly-beautiful:
~A hard situation properly dealt with and God's abounding grace.
~Eight months of my husbands illnesses. It feels never ending.  But, we know God has a purpose and a plan in it. Learning to trust Him more and more.
~An unworkable piece of jewelry. My idea didn't work, but I started something new instead that is great!

And we are caught up!

A gift in a box: Organized files out of a box and into their proper place.

A gift in a bag: Bananas from a friend for freezing for smoothies and banana bread.

A gift in a book: The gift of imagination and adventure! (Two Towers :) )

3 gifts unexpected:
~ Things found while organizing! The only physical letter my husband wrote me when we were dating and a part to my sewing machine that means I can use it again!
~ Such complete trust in God's Sovereignty that He has grown in me.
~ My Ipod dying, realizing what is important.

3 gifts from your childhood:
~Summers spend with my nose in books.
~Learning the joy of baking and cooking.
~Learning so many mommy skills.

A gift sweet:  White chocolate kit kat

A gift sour: The lemon in my water each day.

A gift salty: Pickles with my lunch.

3 gifts found in little people:
~A snuggle on Canada day.
~Getting to paint Little Girl Friends nails for her.
~A little drawing made for my baby girl.

3 gifts that made you laugh:
~A silly commercial.
~Watching a silly movie with my husband.
~ Husband making up a silly laugh.

3 gifts found in community:
~A meal shared.
~ Appreciation  for lives poured out.
~ Hugs, tears and joy in God's plans.

A gift on a plate: Key lime pie from my landlady (what a nice treat!).

A gift in a pot: A new recipe tried for dinner last night. It was delicious!

A gift in package: New diapers and diaper covers.

3 gifts hard giving thanks for:
~ Gaining pregnancy weight. Learning to not put my significance in how I think I should look.
(The other two are personal)


A gift worn: Comfy maternity tank top.

Mistaking God's working

I am reading through Matthew right now as part of my time with God. I was reading Chapter 14 today and saw something new (to me) today:
  Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.   But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” .” Matthew 14:22-27

I was struck by verses 26 and 27 in a way I don't think I ever have been before.
The disciples were afraid because they mistook Jesus for a Ghost. I've glibly passed over this fact thinking how silly the disciples were and moving on the the later verses. But really, were they foolish? Or just human? What would I do in the same situation? 
How often do I not recognize Jesus and the work He is doing in my life, mistaking it for something else? How often do I respond by crying out in fear?
God is always at work in each of our lives.
He uses pain, suffering and storms for His own perfect plan.
May I see Him in all He is doing in our lives right now and in the future and take His hand in confidence instead of cringing in fear.

Some more saved gifts:
 3 gifts orange:
~Sunset
~Orange vanilla yogurt popsicle
~Cheese nips


3 gifts found in the dark:
~Trust in a Father who loves us more than we can ever know.
~A reminder from God's Word that He knows what we need before we ask Him.
~A reminder that His grace is sufficient.

A gift outside: summer breeze


A gift inside : clean drinking water (no small deal).


A gift upside down: My schedule-I get to stay home now!


3 gifts about your parents:
~Faithfulness in bringing me to church each week.
~Not having a television on all the time growing up.
~A love for God's Word.


3 gifts held in your hand today:
~CD of pictures of our baby girl.
~Tiny shoes for announcing it's a girl!
~Veggies prepared by a friend to get some healthy snacks in me!


3 gifts found in your mother:
~ A servant's heart.
~ Time given to us, her children.
~Example of making time with God a priority. 


A gift picked up:My friend's sweet girl.


A gift put away: Clean dishes.

A gift put back: Sweet maple syrup put back into the refrigerator after preparing my waffles.  

And more

3 gifts opened up:
~Lives
~Hearts
~and Wills in marriage.

3 gifts budding/blooming:
~ Fruit trees along the road.
~ Flowers in a vase from our landlady.
~ A car covered in blossoms (must have been sitting under a tree during the wild spring rain).

3 gifts worn:
~New maternity dress at wedding.
~Necklace from my in-laws.
~New summer burkenstocks.

3 gifts bright:
~Sun in the middle of a rainy week.
~My new journal.
~Bright blue sky after the rain.

3 gifts found looking up:
~Crazy cloud formations.
~Where my help comes from (the Lord).
~Hope in my Lord, not focusing on circumstances.

"Old" but good

Now that I am home (not working) I can truly catch up on my gifts :). I have quite a few saved on my phone, but I also need to get back on track.

3 gifts found in Christ:
~Our church family.
~Love from and for others.
~Peace in storms.

3 gifts nailed together:
~Our soon to be replaced pews.
~Our sanctuary in our church building.Yes, it is just a building but the refreshment and teaching found there each week is needed and appreciated.
~The communion table.

3 gifts waited for:
~A baby.
~Restful days off.
~Spring (told you these were old!).

3 gifts about your home:
~The begining of a new bead pattern.
~Markers-used to make the new pattern.
~Comfy lazy boy chair.

3 gifts found in a closet:
~New maternity clothes.
~Games.
~Summer shoes.

3 gifts found in the dark:
~Shelter from the storm.
~I am alive (re my pulmonary embolism 4 years ago).
~I am able to have a baby (see above).

A gift outside: Butterfly who seemed to be fighting for life.
A gift inside: Flowers from my love.
A gift upside down: nest on the side of the road that I saw during a walk.

3 gifts rising up:
~Finch flitting through the yard.
~The tempeture.
~ A prop plane seen during a walk.

A gift hiding: My lost tea mug (it was in the trunk!).
A gift held: Fresh fruit.
A gift heard: peppers singing around the lake at night.

And still more

3 hard gifts:
~ My husband being unable to eat normally and knowing we can rest in Him anyway.
~Daily sinus headaches and learning to trust in Him for minute by minute strength.
~Sore legs from pregnancy/circulation problems and being on my feet all day, and strength to make it through each shift.

3 gifts woven together:
~ The woven portions of a pair of shorts a friend has turned into a work of art!
~ Joy woven with pain.
~ My simple, lovely living room curtains.

3 gifts inherited:
~ Creativity from both my parents.
~ A love of reading.
~ An inheritance of those who fear the Lord.

3 gifts square:
~ Napkins to wipe up fingers :).
~ Quilt that warms and comforts each night.
~ Heating pad to eases my neck and head when it aches.

A gift stacked: books.
 A gift stashed: tea in the cupboard.
A gift stilled: the calm in my heart from the Lord even when things are not how I would have planned them.

3 gifts found in Christ:
~ Growth.
~ Confidence in Him.
~ Trust in His plans for us, for His plans are always good.

3 gifts closed:
The ending of different seasons;
~ Getting to be home and get ready for our little girl.
~ Five of my girls graduating from  high school.
~ Seeing friends move on to a new season in their lives and across the country.

3 gifts reflecting:
~The calm lake water as we were at camp.
~My heart
~And mind reflecting the Truths of God and His Word.

3 gifts fragile:
~A new mug from a friend.
~Pictures on my walls.
~Flower vase passed from generation to generation.

A gift cloth: Shorts that are comfortable on my growing belly.
A gift steel: My oven, stove used to make delicious food for my family.
A gift wood: My kitchen table, a place to prepare food, play games and sip tea with friends.

3 gifts moving:
~ The child growing inside me (man can she move!)
~ Tree tops moving in the wind.
~ Changing seasons.