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.

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!

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

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.

Fuzzy brain

I really hope their is nothing goofy in this posting, but I need to keep doing this. My brain has been off all day long. I think it's just me getting used to not sleeping normally, which is a huge shift for me. I've always been a very sound sleeper. So, if there is something off, chalk it up to exhausted pregnancy brain ;). It's been a long, busy day!

3 gifts ugly beautiful:
~Legs swelling and veins starting to show (gift of our child).
~An exhausting week, full of His grace.
~Pain to bring healing to my husbands knee.

3 gifts in dirt:
~ Daisies growing up out of it.
~Strong noble trees.
~A twilight walk along some.

A gift in a sign:
An old sign still painted on the brick of a building.

A gift in a smile: Smiles of my co-workers.

A gift in a snack: Fresh out of the oven soft biscuits shared with my husband.

3 gifts found in Christ:
~ The steadfast love of the Lord.
~His unending faithfulness.
~His strength in my weakness.

So much grace

3 gifts tasted:
~Coffee! I can only have a bit each day and it makes it all that more of a treat!
~Raspberry thumbprint scone.
~Chicken nuggets.

3 gifts found in difficult people:
~ Grace to realize it's not all about me.
~ Grace to realize my hormones were dictating a really bad attitude in myself.
~ Learning to turn an unhappy customer into a satisfied one by going outside of myself and above and beyond for them.

3 gifts round:
~My breakfast bowl of granola and fresh raspberries.

~Crackers in my soup at lunch.

~A plate full of dinner made by my mother-in-law after a very long day at work.

3 gifts white:
~The clouds chasing each other across the sky.
~ Hot creamy milk being poured from a pitcher into a mug.
~ Soup suds from my body wash in my hot shower at the end of my long day.

3 gifts surprisingly found:
~ To really enjoy my "boring soup" for lunch.

 ~ Getting to spend the evening with my in-laws.
~ Seeing a ground hog right up close to the front door.

3 lines overheard that were graces:
~ A cheer and "we were having a moment!" from the kitchen at our youth retreat at march (yes, it has taken me a while to remember to watch for this one).
~ "Rain, rain, go away, come again another day." Sung by a little customer in line today.
~ "I'm good" sung by my husband this evening (Trip Lee). It's a comfort to know he knows and believes this truth that we are good no matter what happens because we are in God's perfect will.

I was so comforted last night to be reminded of the Lord of a truth He has continually reminded me of in the past:
"Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:16
What a comfort!

More than you'll ever know

Five years ago the man and I spent our first Valentines day separated by more than a thousand miles. I saw him a couple of days later and he proposed!

Five amazing years later, and I now know that he believes Valentines is a silly made up holiday, made for the sake of consumerism.

That year however I was giddy and made him a special gift he still treasures. Funny thing is, something I now find a little corny is what prompted him to encourage me to get back to blogging (among other things).

I wrote him a "fairy tale" about a princess (me) and her prince, scrap book style with our few pictures in it.
When I was young I used to think I'd be a writer, but that's fallen by the way side over the years.
Andrew told me that this gift is part of what made him fall in love with me. Go figure.
Today as I was praying and thanking the Lord for a man who loves me so much.
He loves me where I am, encourages me where I need to grow and nurtures things in me I don't even realize are there sometimes. I am also so grateful for a husband who loves the Lord so much and who's desire is to serve Him and His people all his life.

During my quiet time today I was also thinking about God's huge love for me and how He has shown me /us that over the years.
In so many little and huge ways He has taken care of us and redirected our plans. What a loving thing to do!
The man put this quote on my facebook wall not to long ago, and it really spoke to me:
"You're more sinful than you ever dared believe; you're more loved than you ever dared hope."
Tim Keller

^"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

God's love for us isn't based on how we live or what good things we have done. It's based on Christ and the cross. I can courageously wake up each morning and approach the throne of grace boldly knowing that He sees me in Christ, that I cannot have a righteousness of my own, but that His love for me will never change. He doesn't love me out of principle (because He has to) , but because He truly loves me!
Bask in His love today!