Lists are always flowing from any pen or pencil I can get a hold of.  Lately there’s been so many lists to make and mark off that counting stopped for a bit.  But a quiet Friday afternoon was just the time to pick up the counting list and start back up.So far, in 2013, 246 gifts counted, written down, but know, there are many many more acknowledged each day.

Interesting conversation that keeps my mind engage
Safely missing the accident I nearly drove into
Echos of truth spoke in love
JoyNess’ sweet soft voice after breakfast and a clean diaper, sounding like she sings along with the hymns playing
Wide eye wonder
Listening to music, drumming on the keyboard, while typing up a story ~ another word girl in the house!
3 miles on the bike
New season lessons
Learning to shoot

my new pistol
Hugs from the youngest, all throughout the day
Hearing my dad’s excitement at my new endeavors
A warm welcome from the AWANA leaders
A new friend, signing up to be my teacher’s aide
3 way calls with my girl and my Builder
Friends who have “been there, done that” and tell me the story when they see the dent in my van.  Leaving me with no shame, no condemnation
A dream, a goal, and a plan to get there

prayer around the camp, sinners from a long line of sinners, forgiven and praying for others

sweet cousins roasting Twizzlers

the perfect marshmallow contest continues

hiking to the top, all from the littlest to the biggers, mom, nanas, dads & uncles conquering the scrambling rocks together

tubes floating, bouncing in the water

kids laughing

momma chortling

first sunflower bloom in the garden

 

In different seasons of life anger is an unwelcome presence in life.  It seems to be passed from generation to generation just like flat feet and curled toes.

At times conversing over the phone with the miles stretched between us the isolated distance carries a panic as we talk over yard work, budget and youthful struggles.

Seeing the fingerprint of generations upon our kids without the lens of amazing grace can suck the hope right out of a conversation.

We tumble down a spiral and grasp for answers, help wanted requests shooting upwards.  Are we wise enough or do we need someone with more education, letters behind a name?

Sometimes professional help is what is needed.  But what if more often, it is the wise words from a listening friend?

Experiencing life within a fellowship of believers in our community is another grace discovered.

Great counsel can come from the friend with a listening ear.  Life lived in community can make molehills out of mountains.

Giving thanks for community such as this.

graces from 151-165

Hope that the angry person will come to know and believe the love of GodGratitude for the tears that spilled today from my eyes, softening my heartHope springing from the conversation with Peggy.  She has so much common wisdom to share.

Time to read the Scriptures with precious one and to pray with her

A letter written and sent to encourage several years ago, pulled out for me to read 

Girls up all night talking

Inspiration and wisdom shared with me, just before it is needed.

Chubby baby girl blowing raspberries All. The. Time.

My dad answering my question with a story that allows me into his time in Vietnam in 1968