still so thankful

I haven't forgotten to be thankful for all of the Lord's goodness to me... I have been behind in recording this thanksgiving, so I'll catch up though it will be "hodgepodged" together since it's been awhile :)

247. two weeks of holiday vacation paid
248. thoughtful employers who are so generous and know Moriah and I well

249. the joy of gift giving and knowing a small token was well received
250. extended family time, the longest we've been in Kansas City since moving to Louisville, four years ago
251. the joy of grandmas spending time with our little girl (the only grandchild on both sides thus a bit spoiled!)
252. free laundry and assistance with it (my mom is a laundry queen if there could be such a thing)
253. watching Moriah invent toys during our visits to various places, my mom's baby Jesus from her large-ish nativity was scooted around and around the kitchen table tractor-style (I think Moriah missed Mr. S. and his tractors)
254. a whirlwind day of catching up with faraway friends who I wish were nearer
255. sharing glimpses of young married life with one who will be in this place just a few months from now
256. a friend who would make quite a drive to visit and eat deer stew
257. the Lord's work in ways that I never would've predicted, isn't it just SO good to know that He does know better, even when we think we may understand a circumstance we can see
258. hearing testimonies of the Lord's work in action, real families loving and serving those in the local church in big and sacrificial ways, what an example of faith in action
259. servant hearted leaders, who would stay in the nursery on Christmas morning when other workers didn't arrive
260. Christmas dresses, tights, and bows

261. Crown Center at Christmas time, perfect for nostalgic memories and the fun of showing Moriah new places (an aquarium will be opening there soon, and I can't wait to visit Kaleidoscope with her some day, or even go ice skating, we're also looking forward to a meal at the Crayola Cafe)
262. the special foods of the holidays, carefully prepared just once a year
263. the relaxed entertainer, so much for me to learn
264. easy conversation with kind teenagers, refreshing
265. the gift of hand-me-down suits for my preacher husband, very helpful
266. all the dogs Moriah could hope for everywhere we went in KC, lots of excitement and smiles as she "met" them all
267. tasty olive oil to cook with
268. generous giving, though not the meaning of Christmas
269. a new camera to capture these sweet moments when I can grab it in time
270. preaching that is sincere and of the Lord
271. the arrival of a long awaited and greatly desired baby boy, God has answered many prayers
272. the end of teething for now, all teeth through one year molars are in
273. a reunion with Matt
274. the mutually agreed upon decision that we'll probably never prefer to travel apart again
275. Moriah's sweet and all consuming love for her daddy, just what the Lord desires our love for Him to look like

276. cooking with my mom
277. cookie decorating with Moriah for the first time, she was very careful and after tasting a cookie didn't want to stop the fun she was having :)
278. visiting family friends, thinking of memories with my Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Harlan
279. great grandparents who can enjoy Moriah in good health
280. the kindness of our church members, who love us in so many tangible ways
281. a handcrafted end table from cherry wood, the loveliest furnishing that we hope to keep always
282. singing to the Lord even when we're not sounding the best from an earthly vantage point
283. discovering new music that draws us to worship
284. a fresh smelling home, thanks to a Scentsy gift
285. apple cider and oatmeal cookies on a cold day
286. a pile of hats on a little girl's head, just for fun around the house anytime she can
287. real conversations

288. the desire to give with generosity
289. new glasses arriving soon from an online retailer, only $25!
290. stocking up on diapers and wipes, two things I don't like to cut it close on
291. knowing that the Lord gives us just enough for now, desiring to respond in thanksgiving rather than worry
292. living faith openly
293. fellowship that is sincere
294. watching the Lord work among those who are living their lives outside the ministry bubble we often know, such faithfulness in everyday families who seek and serve the Lord
295. little ones playing together
296. sharing meals
297. helping my husband in the littlest of ways, praying that the Lord makes me a blessing
298. books that open our minds to greater things than we knew before (just read Kisses from Katie)
299. a month of a normal work schedule
300. painting with my sweet girl
301. listening to Moriah talk about doggies, blueberries, Miss Owl, and teddy bears

all good gifts...

211. that even sickness passes quickly
212. for a healthy baby girl over the last 16 months
213. teeth emerging after the difficulties that come with them in little mouths
214. our glider that makes comforting her comfortable for me
215. babysitting swaps with a sweet friend, date nights are possible without the additional cost of a babysitter
216. resting with Matt, doing nothing more than reading in one another's company
217. first birthdays and the thrill of a baby discovering cake :)
218. baby legs with ruffly socks and patent leather shoes... very classic in my mind

219. good books to read aloud with Moriah
220. quality music performed without the compromise and for God's glory, "Behold the Lamb of God"
221. lighting that matches music as it's played... especially when the lights suddenly shone as the musicians sang of the angels appearing and singing to the shepherds
222. considering our light in heaven will radiate from the True Light, wow
223. homemade cheesy potato soup
224. an unexpectedly warm day, perfect for taking a walk as a family
225. lovely nativities and ornaments made around the world and sold in our local fair trade store
226. homemade Christmas potpourri for the stove, that I'm excited to try
227. watching squirrels scamper with Moriah
228. the relief medicine can provide for fevered babies
229. blueberry muffins from my childhood "Fannie Farmer Junior" cookbook
230. Christmas cards arriving from near and far
231. the process of thinking about the Lord's work and composing a Christmas letter to share

232. wrapping gifts and the joy of surprising others
233. purple corduroy overalls with ruffles and a Peter Pan collared shirt
234. tiny tiramisu for treats
235. locally made marinara sauce from Lotsa Pasta
236. a husband who chooses to know my heart even when I struggle to communicate it well
237. catching up with friends far away
238. much needed naps
239. new light bulbs after becoming used to a half lit room
240. watching Moriah learn

241. the opportunity to encourage with Truth as we think through it together
242. a helpful devotional to draw my thoughts to the Lord's work in all of life, currently reading this one called "Contentment" but also recently finished "Joy"
243. asking "who is God?" as I read familiar passages in the Christmas story... seeing Him in the Word as He makes Himself known always
244. a thoughtful brother who loves being an uncle (or so it seems!)

245. God's protection over those I love during a car accident, showing His mercy
246. songs conveying Truth with creativity while requiring thoughtfulness, listen to "I Will Find a Way" at the bottom on a video link, then read the interview for background info about the fascinating song

choosing to notice

I've found that most of the contents on these lists are very normal, life moments, ones that I might otherwise pass right by, and too often do. Thinking thankfully challenges me to praise God and not whiz through life blind to Him and His very good work all around me. I want to live these days well and remembering is part of that for me...

183. rainy day naps
184. a baby who will nap at the same time
185. the glow of a Christmas tree
186. assembling the pre-lit tree correctly for the first time ever! all lights on :)
187. Moriah's interest in the angel on our tree and with each nativity
188. Moriah's newest word "geeze" (aka "Jesus") as she holds each baby Jesus in the nativities we've collected
189. noticing the strange phenomena of rain through the eyes of a little one marveling at it
190. exercise and the productive work of it
191. ironing for my husband to serve him in small ways
192. trail mix! the great snack of Cheerios, pretzels, m&m's, raisins, and cashews
193. mini pumpkin pies and homemade whipped cream
194. the generosity of believers who welcome us into their homes even on holidays like Thanksgiving
195. discussions of accountability with serious questions showing care and bringing about godliness in one another
196. the voice of a baby who's just discovered it
197. owl pajamas on my sweet girl
198. singing Christmas songs and thinking of Christ born as a baby
199. God's providence in an early Christmas bonus, just the right amount at just the right time, He knows our needs even before we do
200. bonus points = free pizza
201. reflecting on past goodness as I re-read old Christmas letters
202. proclaiming the Lord's work now as we are testimonies of it
203. 6 days in a row off work
204. Christmas crafts in planning stages
205. gift giving for those who've been an especially "big" blessing
206. the promise of bulbs blooming in days to come and the joy of watching their transformation
207. the opportunity to be Moriah's first teacher
208. for the many temptations the Lord has protected me from in His strength and wisdom, not my own
209. warm socks
210. a hard working husband who's finished his semester's school work

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30+ reasons for gratitude lately

151. so many blessings they're hard to remember... thus I ought to be recording them more frequently!
152. a week at home, every night
153. a job that has taught me everything I know about flexibility, good for me to learn as routine is my comfort
154. Matt who is gentle in helping me live outside routines, but kind to tolerate them when they help us most
155. Trader Joe's and new tasty treats... chai tea mix and personal apple dumplings for a Friday night at home date
156. shared interests with dear Matt who enjoys sitting together in the quiet of turning pages as we read, maybe more than I do!
157. a healthy and BUSY baby girl

158. my little girl and her mouthful of teeth
159. lengthy cuddles and a basket of board books during an avoidance of napping today (by Moriah, not me!)
160. the thrill of Play-Doh for little hands
161. watching Moriah catch and scoop bubbles and plop them into her little bowl in the bathtub... her actions were very deliberate and intentional, though no bubbles were actually transferred
162. the joy of whispering with Moriah who likes to whisper back

163. a print shop on campus with a laminator I've learned!
164. preparations for a meaningful Advent
165. the new tradition and collection of objects for our Jesse Tree
166. the opportunity to buy gifts for others, especially Matt who I'm not able to surprise as often as I'd like
167. memories of the past from saints who've lived many years with the Lord
168. thank you notes scrawled onto simple paper in recognition of a church's gift to one in need

169. an middle aged son at church even without his elderly mom, coming willingly without her Godly influence
170. a feisty older member who's decided to take her prescription (for a sinus infection) so she can join us next Sunday to worship... she held off on her medicine for most of the week we were told

171. twins
172. a break from weekly classes for both Matt and I, every night at home!
173. hospitable strangers inviting us to join a Thanksgiving celebration
174. photobooks that capture memories

175. chai tea and apple cider, my favorite cold weather warm drinks
176. learning from my husband as I proof read his papers for class
177. recognizing more of God's big picture work in His Word after a Seminary Wives class devoted to surveys of the Old and New Testament
178. the excitement of new classes ahead... for me "Redeeming the Time", "Intro to Biblical Counseling" and "Spiritual Life of a Minister's Wife"
179. an extended visit with family ahead
180. to help Matt with joy in the Lord as I serve
181. conversations with a mentor and friend who's remained faithfully consistent over many years
182. rejoicing in the Lord's work

abundance

I haven't updated this list in what seems like a long time... hoping to remember all the little things that I don't want to miss as I thank the Lord for every good gift He gives...

126. generosity of family = two yummy weekend lunches out at Bluegrass Burgers and Lotsa Pasta
127. watching Moriah love her far away family every chance she gets
128. the spontaneous "please" Moriah is saying when she needs a bit of help these days (opening her cup to get the last bit of milk, getting down from the picnic table after climbing up bravely, or opening a toolbox of Mr. S' that latches shut!)
129. the joy of motherhood as an opportunity to serve the Lord all the time, I didn't always feel this way as the first few sleep deprived months are far more exhausting than I was prepared for initially... I think it's the sowing and reaping principle come to life
130. comforting Moriah and knowing that the Lord somehow uses my hugs, and arms to hold her as calming to her little spirit (before motherhood I always worried that I might not have the "magical touch" I witnessed from other moms with my own child)
131. the friendly dogs who romp on the dog hill at our lovely Cherokee Park
132. little children playing with one another without hindrance, even though they may be strangers... just amazing, probably the community we all ought to long for and have with other Believers, more to look forward to in Heaven when all is made right
133. friends who became moms right about the same time as me!
134. enjoying the company of those friends at the zoo with our little ladies
135. kindness of a friend and an amazing memory resulting in a yummy surprise chai tea
136. smooth outings with three children, I didn't think it would be possible :)
137. giggles of little ones together... heard during a "You Make Me Wanna Shout!" dance party last night... not the "witching hour" in this home for once
138. cooking a "real" dinner during naps just to make it possible
139. the calming help and mood booster of fresh air! I'm becoming old when I just want to go outside "to enjoy the fresh air"
140. toy tractors driving through the grass
141. the automatic fun balls bring to playing with children, especially in a racquetball gym
142. friends who will walk in the evening, even though it's dark (back to #139)
143. a new recipe for tasty pasta
144. the acquired tastes of life post-college: mushrooms, coffee, kalmata olives, tomatoes, fresh herbs, tiramisu, mangoes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, celery in soup, pimento cheese, onions on hamburgers, creamy tomato soups, pesto, and the list could go on...
145. sharing recipes with friends
146. praying with Matt and knowing we seek the Lord together for our wisdom and guidance
147. Trader Joe's and the fun of a new grocery store with unique extras
148. financial provision in the most amazing ways... an extra $100 then a car repair that wouldn't have been afforded otherwise, "overtime" pay for recent extra hours that will help with a Thanksgiving worthy feast
149. the potential for a long Christmas Break from work, just like my teaching days... WOW!
150. knowing that the Lord knows all things and has most lovingly ordained them, we are safely in His keeping

pardon the lack of pictures, I'll keep working on it!

more of His goodness...

112. children playing happily together
113. the potential of exercise while holding a little baby (thanks again to Mommy and Me at the Seminary)
114. the surprise of long naps from little ones who needed rest
115. cuddling to read books at any time of day (not just bedtimes!)
116. the Spirit who is our Helper as Jesus promised
117. the last of my hardest Seminary Wives Class quizzes tonight (Dr. Schreiner is a New Testament scholar, he thinks they're easy!)
118. the fresh feeling of a clean house
119. smooth outings with three children, I was overwhelmed at first, but the Lord's grace has been sufficient always
120. "pleee" = "please" from the mouth of our sweet girl
121. adorable purple corduory overalls from a very nice children's store thanks to Matt's generous co-workers
122. tasty breakfast options on an early morning at work
123. visits from more family members who don't like to be away from Moriah for too long
124. a job with holidays off, already looking forward to three leisurely days for Thanksgiving
125. the sweet companionship little children offer one another through tender hugs and kind kisses