This year I have really begun looking over my life with different eyes.
With grace, with thanks, for each and every gift in each and every day.
It has truly changed my life.
I have not perfected my counting, with grace I am continuing to count more each day.
I share these to encourage you to make each and every day count, each and every gift in your days.
How thankful I am for Ann Voskamp and her passion through her book, “One Thousand Gifts“.
- My Savior
- My life
- My curly headed peanut
- Unexpected wonderful text messages
- Quiet mommy night time
- Crisp fall air
- Help from my hubby n kiddos unloading groceries
- Grocery bill under budget
- My lil blessings and I having a movie night
- God’s voice spoken to my heart
- Smiles and cuddles during reading time
- A husband that I don’t have to wonder what he’s thinking
- My car with it’s heater
- Blog posts that promote Biblical training vs. spanking. Helps me in my situation.
- Yummy pumpkin marshmallow creme whoopie pies
- Coolness of the morning
- Hooting of an owl
- Sunlight falling on leaves
- Different shades of green
- Sunlight falling on the kitchen floor
- Music on A Holy Experience
- Laughter from the lips of my babies
- Tire swings
- A writer’s heart in my peanut
- The passion peanut has
- The ingenuity of boo
- Art of my daughter’s hand
- Smiles beaming from kiddo’s faces
- Fluffy white clouds
- Beautiful curls
- Simple excitement
- Rain watering my garden
- The sound of rain on my window panes
- Breakfast for dinner
- FaceTime chat
- Sleeping babies
- Fuzzy head on my boo
- Beautiful silly smiles from my peanut
- Aroma of homemade tortilla’s cooking
- Kiddos excited voices to see daddy
- The wind blowing through the grass
- First flower blooms of the summer
- Freshly swept floors
- Clean water
- Moonlit summer nights
- Sounds of little feet pattering across the floor
- Clutter to pick up ~ able hands
- Days off to recover, relax and clean
- Patch of grass for kids to play at the parade
- Learning games
- Listening ears
- Tutus and heels
- Dark curtains
- Hammock swinging on a summer day
- Forgiveness
- Tears of repentance
- Hubby’s return home
- Fried fish
- Tumbling dryer
- Silence
- Memories
- Chirping birds
- God’s unfailing love
- Pixie dust, green grass, asteroids, weeping willows & Christmas (all seen in the fireworks July 4th, 2012)
- Children playing well together
- Kiddos maturing
- Quiet moments with hubby
- Baby smiles
- My boo loving lil boy memories
- Silly stories at bedtime
- Dishwashers
- Cool grass
- Butterflies
- Quiet answers
- Fresh blueberries
- Conversations with kiddos
- Warm summer nights
- Hubby’s salty hair
- Hubby’s beautiful anniversary card
- Peanut’s call to pray alone
- Writing as a means to speak to peanut
- Beautiful long eyelashes on peanut
- Boos spike hair after a boat ride
- God’s words for blogging not mine
- New bread recipes
- Hubbys humor
- Peanut’s good morning eyes
- Curly top peanut
- Crispy fall season
- God’s grace
- Unexpected wonderful text messages
- New blogging opportunitiesÂ
- Warm woodstove fires started by hubby
- Kiddos playing nicely and quietly on a Saturday afternoon
- A large stack of wood to start off the fall/winter season
- God speaking to my heart, the focus for my life this year (Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God = expect great things in my marriage from God, attempt to love my husband as God loves!)
- Speaking to my kiddos from my heart
- Clean soft sheets
- God’s blessings of sleep
- Warm fuzzy boots
- Lovely chats with friends
- Snuggles with peanut
- Silly faces with boo
- Silly faces with peanut
- Babies for pray for and enjoy again
- A hard working hubby
- A friend to chat with at soccer games
- Dinner out with the family
- Movie night with the guys….even if they did make fun through most of it….
- Hubby n Daniel laughing together while I was in the tub
- Tv time with my kiddos while I’m sick
- Aleve working
- Being hungry!
- The fluffy feel of powdered sugar
- The beauty of flowers inside in the fall
- Sunlight pouring in my kitchen
- Being on my knees crying out in my heart to my Lord
- Peanut’s taco dance
- Fun pumpkin carving times with my lil blessings
- Full moon shining bright
- Breakfast in bed
- Kiddos playing out in the Pre-hurricane winds
- Kiddos reading to me at bedtime
- Warm house to stay safe from the storm
- Dinner with the family
- Slow time on the road with kiddos
- My lil blogger in training
- Good weather for traveling
- My kiddos progress with swimming
- Good roads for traveling
- Kiddos helping unload cars cheerfully
- Rainbow colored sky
- Birds in flight
- The beauty of a falling leaf
- A babe asleep in my arms
- Schooling my kids at home đÂ
- Butterlfy kisses
- Kids sleeping behind a door
- Home waiting behind a door
- God’s will waiting behind a door
- Grace received from boo
- My lil Indian peanut
- Boos belly laugh
- Beauty of a fallen leaf
- Babe asleep in my arms
- Kids learning at home with me
- My lil ones sleeping tight in beds
- My home waiting for my return from vaca
- God’s gift behind each door we follow Him through
- Silent mornings
- Silent prayers
- Silent thoughts
- Golden rays of sunshine
- Golden streets God has prepared for me
- Golden rings that remind me of eternity
- Saying goodbye
- Parenting difficulties
- Living far away from family
- A baby’s belly laugh at phonic sounds
- Peanut’s laugh at Cowgirls N Angels
- The gentle laugh of my mother
- Yummy cake pops made, shared and passed on
- Brisk cool autumn air that is invigorating!Â
- Autumn leaves showing their true colors
- Autumn promises of new life to come again
- Friends and family gathering and fellowshipping
- Decorating Thanksgiving weekend for Christmas
- New Thanksliving tree tradition
- My lil blessings
- My nephew
- My Godly parents
- Sugar in the cabinet night before Thanksgiving đ saved me a trip to the grocery store
- My husband…..God knew I needed him though for a long time I didn’t understand) Â
- Friends who’ve become family
- Laughter from my lips
- Slowed down pace of life
- Freedom in Christ
- Eternity in Christ
- Stubborn love from Christ
- Cooking all day for a 20 min. family meal
- Washing laundry again and again
- Watching a friends kiddo so she could have a quiet afternoon
- 10 min Cat Naps
- 30 min. Workouts
- 4 Empty totes = less clutter
- Stretch marks from my blessings
- Fine lines revealing a life full of laughter
- Rough hands that show I am able to work
- Gifts lost that are found
- Girl time shopping with my peanut
- Energy to get my home clean and  ready for the week
- Preparing our hearts for Christmas through Advent
- Preparing to have a peaceful month off from school
- Preparing gifts to be givenÂ
- Clean hair scent
- Hugs from my blessings before bed
- Twinkling Christmas lights that look like stars
- A picture drawn by my peanut for me
- Reading cuddle time with my blessings
- A bright orange sunrise
- Neighbors willing to open hands and receive gifts on Thanksgiving
- Community of believers counting our days full of gifts
- Community of friends following God’s word throughout the world via FB
- Tiny snowflakes on my porch and railings this morningÂ
- Wisdom to say no to a big opportunity
- I’m writing the book God asked of me. Even if no one ever reads it.
- Silly bedtime fun with my blessings
- My Savior’s blood shed for me
- My heart
- Red eyes from tears
- Independence in my hubby
- Difficulties in parenting
- Beauty found in Christ alone
- Late night ice cream trips
- Books in the mail on the day they’re needed
- My blessings….may I never take them for granted
- My scouts….may I help, guide and be there for them
- Snowflakes falling from the sky
- Myself spotless white from my Savior
- White candle for Advent waiting for Christmas Day
- Advent Candle #1
- Christmas lights resembling that starry night
- My kiddos bright smiles
- My piano
- My violin
- My messiness ~ for out of it God will bring beauty
- My hubby’s shining face when smiling
- My eyes when tears of joy stream down my face
- My children’s eyes when looking into twinkling lights
- Memaw’s silver hair
- Silver spoons from my daddy’s and lil brother’s travels
- Silver heels from my boo
- My new camera
- Quiet drives to cool offÂ
- The love of my lil blessings
- Gentle Spirit urging to give more
- Time alone with my boo
- Long chats with old friends
- Sweet cheeks on a babe
- Sweet coffee to start the day
- Sweet gifts all around
- A quiet n peaceful bedtime
- Awana program
- A brother’s selflessness
- Peanut’s passion for Awana renewed
- Boo’s acceptance that working hard is worth it
- Life anew from my Savior
- Forgiveness from my Savior
- Grace from my Savior
- Ornament hung and given from Pastor
- A book held given from Pastor
- Message spoken with passion by Pastor at the leadership banquet
- Chatting with friends while kiddos played
- New hot tea and teapot from mom
- Time to set up my blog for the week
- Learning how to love a slow life schedule
- My hubby’s love for me
- Food to fill my belly full
- Lessons from Jesus
- Art unframed from my lil blessings hands
- Raindrops art unframed
- Tears art unframed
- Icy cold hands and toes while watching my kiddos play soccer
- Icy cold sweet tea reminding me of home
- Icy cold winters allowing time for reflection and change
- My hubby’s breath as he sleeps next to me
- My Savior’s blood shed for me
- My comforter that warms my body
- Berries on my advent candle urging me to slow down and count my moments
- God’s gentle nudging and quiet whisper
- Alone time to get errands accomplished
- Extra $ in account for a ministry God laid on my heart
- Time to teaching boo about opening eyes wide to see the gifts
- Boo asking for a notebook to record his gifts!!!
- Peanut writing devotionals to read to the family
- Coloring time with my peanut
- Long naps for the babe so alone time with peanut could happen
- New brain for my washer coming
- His stripes by which we were healed
- Striped fuzzy socks
- Striped candy telling Jesus’ story
- My golden ring from my daddy
- Pine trees
- My lil blessings bent low in prayer for hurting families
- Hand stamped Christmas cards
- Stamped Bible from Pepaw
- Old stamped letters from my daddy
- My marriage saved by God’s grace
- My new love of winter
- American girl doll gifted to my peanut
- Beauty of a babe formed in my womb
- My Savior’s love for me
- Forgiveness from my hubby
- Small fingerprints on ornaments
- Small raindrops filling the skating pond (now for it to freeze please!)
- Small homemade birthday gifts that mean the world to this mommy!
- Frosted Christmas cookies
- Frosty windows reminding me of the warmth inside my home
- Extra days off to do nothing
- Quiet still birthdays
- The heavenly host of angels proclaiming the coming of our Savior
- Angelic voices singing of our coming King
- Angelic songs about coming to our home in heaven above
- Wood stove burning brightly in my living room
- Child’s face lit when hugged n loved
- Candle lit to bring Christmas scents to our home
- A birthday that wasn’t full of depression
- A wall of fear/vulnerability overcome by peace from God
- A small humble home filled with Christ’s love and friends building relationships
- Hubby taking boo shopping alone
- A peanut sleeping only with me because she feels icky đ
- Alone time with boo with my arm around him in public
- A painting with stars reminding us of God’s promises shining like stars in the darkest of night
- Stars painted by my boo’s hands
- Stars in the Christmas story books we read reminding of the “Jesus star” so long ago
- An imperfect perfect Christmas
- My hearts desire for a different CHRISTmas
- A small home full of warmth and love
- Shepherds coming in haste to see Christ
- Mary’s ponderings
- Joseph and Mary’s marveling though they knew Jesus was God’s Son
- Unfailing grace
- Unending mercy
- Stubborn love
- Game time with my blessings
- Dinner time with my blessings
- Fellow sisters with similar like passions
- Energy to complete projects that need to be done
- Peace in counting when feeling down
- Time with my children when they’re ill
- Memories of a changed heart for Christmas 2012
- Friends lingering at my home
- Hubby lingering around the house just a bit longer for my sake
- My lingering Savior always near, never far
- A new day of hope
- A new year of hope
- A new eternal life coming for me someday
- My birthday remembered by my lil brothers
- My childhood family memories
- Memories of my lil blessings being first laid on me
- A fulfilling year anticipated
- A “new” marriage relationship anticipated
- A new family focus anticipated
2013
- A new year with new beginnings
- A dream coming true by God’s hand alone
- God’s words to my pen to others hearts
- My children’ts laughter while eating icicles
- Piano keys tinkering
- My hubby’s truck pulling in the driveway
- Snow insulating our house
- My lil blessings
- Provisions from my Heavenly Father
- Big dreams
- Small gifts with big words
- Imperfection
- Spontaneous worship
- My wise grandmothers
- Butterfly pocket tokens
- My eyes for with them I see the gifts God gives
- My children’s prayers
- The sound of blades upon the ice….oh the anticipation
- My stepsons ok answer when asked to grab something at the store
- My entire family loving dinner
- No more perfect mom’s book
- Making plans for hubby’s birthday
- My children relaxing on a quiet winter morning
- Being a yes mom
- Opening day on the ice
- Teaching peanut to skate better
- A birthday gift from a friend
- Soy creamer that allows me to enjoy coffee
- A new ebook title and subject
- Children loving breakfast this am
- Hubby visiting with me last night
- Mom telling me what dad needed/wanted for his bday
- The dusky light of a sunset
- The surprising reflection of tree branches on the snow
- Lovely shadows of the moon beams on the ice
- Devotionals that speak directly to my aching heart
- Making the choice to spend quality time with my lil blessings this year
- Unexpected play dates for my kiddos
- Holding my peanut while heartbroken tears fell down her face
- Totes of school textbooks that my mother saved for my homeschooling days
- My family at the dinner table all together
- A caring Pastor
- Peanut only having a concussion
- Vacations scheduled
- Quiet night with hot tea and a good book
- Difficulties that make me stronger in Christ
- Burning eyes that tell me it’s time to accept the blessing of sleep God has for me
- A sour attitude to teach and train to right
- My peanuts sweet voice when asking for forgiveness
- Just right cuddling up with kiddos reading before bedtime
- Sunrise, the promise of a new day
- Daffodils, the promise of new life
- Sunset, the promise of blessed sleep coming our way
- A gift above, the roof over my head
- A gift below, my husband downstairs on the couch
- A gift beside, my pillows waiting for me to rest my head in blessed sleep
- I am learning to look to Him in ALL things
- I am “diving in” though the water’s deep
- I am a mother to two lil blessings
- A quiet voice when everything in me wants to raise it
- The opportunity to be an imperfect mother to 2 babes that He created within me
- That He loved me enough to life His hands off His Son to become a sacrifice that I might have life
- Rings that unite hubby and I
- Gifts given away ~ 1000 Gifts  (x5)
- Time with a dear friend over lunch
- My boo’s heartfelt honest prayer
- My hubby’s diligent outside work in the midst of snow
- The falling snow on a day when I have no where to go
- Butterfly kisses
- Hubby’s prayer at the family dinner table
- Time cuddling with hubby
- In Him all things are possible
- Through Him I have perfect strength
- Because of Him I am redeemed
- A fulfilling life in Christ
- My marriage
- My lil blessings
- Snowflakes
- Dew drops
- Frost
- My heavenly home Jesus is preparing for me
- Frozen water falling from the sky tonight
- My grandfather’s wonderful advice
- A loved ones wrinkled hands
- A baby’s smooth skin
- God’s arms unfolded wrapped around me
- Christ’s light
- Christ’s acceptance
- Christ’s forever forgotten forgiveness
- Warm blankets
- Living life slow today
- Beginning to grasp that life is not an emergency
- Games and reading time with my kiddos
- The opportunity to blow dry the curls on my peanut’s head
- Time cooking in the kitchen with my lil blessings
- Hubby sleeping in bed with me
- My boo’s blue eyes
- Blue skies coming up ahead
- Blue dolphins from my daddy
- Unexpected days off
- Borrowed time with my lil blessings
- New life found in Christ
- My inherited blue eyes from my daddy
- Fingers running through hubby’s hair
- God refilling my love for my hubby
- Puzzle time with my boo
- Valentine card making lesson from my peanut
- Kiddos working diligently cleaning living room
- Being willing to bend when plans fall through and still have a good evening
- A princess sleeping in bed with me
- Working a puzzle with my boo
- Quiet time home with the family
- My kiddos love of reading God’s word aloud
- French vanilla creamer
- 3 new printables laminated from A Holy Experience taped to my fridge door
- Food with which to nourish our bodies
- Friends’ helpfulness
- Friends’ love
- Friends’ support
- My stepson’s keys on the piano
- Remembering to speak quietly when frustrated with the kiddos
- Light at the end of the tunnel
- Hush puppies, a blast from the past
- God’s amazingness shown through yet again
- God’s word so old, yet new each day to my heart
- My boo’s missionary interview on paper
- My best friend working out beside me
- My wedding photo hanging on my bedroom wall
- Red comforter to keep me warm
- Red, tear brimmed eyes in hopes of what is to come
- Red roses from the past that remind me of love strong and true
- 1st letter from our sponsored child
- God’s word to bring peace to my heart
- Peanuts reply to our sponsored child
- My van
- Hubby’s fishing boats
- God’s handiwork
- God’s gift of salvation through His beloved Son Jesus Christ
- God’s grace written providing grace again and again each time His word is read
- God’s love revealed through each word we read
- My head in surrender when all I feel is failure
- My lil blessing listening to history and geography with eyes wide
- My lil blessings ritual of many different kinds of kisses
- My church doll my mother made me when I was child
- A shelf my grandfather made my son when he was a baby
- A shawl that was made for me all the while praying for me through a difficult time in my life
- Baby taking a nap
- Playing rummy with boo
- Kiddos having a Godly program to attend (Awana)
- Upbeat spirit
- Kiddos going to bed beautifully….possibly due to my upbeat spirit
- Hubby grabbing meat and veggies before snowstorm
- Christ’s broken body hung on a tree
- An angel hubby fixed from my mom
- Dresses thrifted that held memories that I’ll never forget
- A beautiful sunrise
- An apology from hubby
- Hubby’s bday surprise wknd away
- Kiddos laughing playing with baby
- Laughter abounds when butterfly kisses are happening
- Laughter from scouts when I misspoke for the 4th time
- Cuddle time with baby “working”
- Time with my kiddos with textbooks all around
- Hubby’s safety while working when boat broke
- Going through a valley in my marriage again, knowing that what lies ahead is greater than I can imagine for The Lord holds it in His hand!
- Letting go of my past dreams of a wonderful marriage, knowing that God has me where I am for His purpose!
- Putting myself out there again, attempting to not have expectations
- Welcoming arms when arriving home from the gym
- Hot fire burning behind the wood stove door
- Hot shower to relax after a long day
- God’s iron strength He is for me
- Grasping that I am an imperfectly perfect princess of THE King
- My little ones arms around me
- Losing weight I carry around making me more healthy
- Finding the perfect gift for hubby for vday
- Happiness in my heart and on my families faces when making their favorite goodies, showing my love for them
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Thanksliving | Simply Helping Him
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