more and more to be thankful for

it's been longer than I wanted to wait before making another list of many things we can be thankful for, I'm sad to say that I know I can't possibly remember all of the Lord's good work in my life over the last two (or three?!) weeks... I'll do my best to remember and also be reminded that unless I acknowledge Him along the way I'm so prone to forget though His abundance is rich

431. did I say this already, an unexpected financial gift paying for half of Matt's summer class
432. a hard working husband who's reading, reading, reading these days to complete book reviews
433. a sweet husband who will read in the same room as me, just because I love being close (and I try to stay quiet)
434. walking with happy girls on a lovely day
435. children's consignment sales (I may have mentioned this before too?!)
436. slowly simplifying our life
437. realizing the Lord's provision and choosing not to cling to things for some sort of security
438. cleaning out closets and possessions that we can do without
439. recipe organization
440. kind people who become quick friends
441. generous hospitality of those who are far more "settled" in life yet still willing to share
442. quality resources shared among churches, being challenged by a "Money" book discussion out of an Acts 29 church
443. cold water when thirsty
444. little hands wondering where something went
445. a burst of energy after feeling a bit sick
446. God's timing which alone can be fully trusted
447. the joys of a library
448. birdwatching while I work
449. red headed downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice, and nuthatches all entertain as I wash dishes and watch children
450. filling up birdfeeders
451. a little man who hauls heavy loads in his Gator!
452. a three year old friend who asks why I have to go
453. roasting all kinds of vegetables together for a delicious side dish
454. the excitement of a wedding to celebrate
455. children sleeping
456. cooking with kids who love to help
457. loyal dogs
458. a storage unit
459. a baby girl who is more flexible than I realize
460. honey shared, local from a beekeeper in our church
461. cardboard box bulldozers

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord...

and all your saints shall bless you! ~Psalm 145:10



How right it is to give thanks to the Lord for His daily graces to us... join me as I thank Him, the source of all

401. a body which can exercise
402. children's consignment sales which are helpful as a buyer and seller
403. a husband who leads with love and sacrifice
404. books that challenge and build up
405. conversation into the night
406. conviction of sin and God's grace in Christ even still
407. unwavering love from my husband in spite of sin
408. freedom apart from perfection
409. waiting to scrub the shower, choosing not to be frantic
410. learning time management through the lens of people over tasks
411. considering simplicity and longing for it
412. clearing out excess (starting with a storage unit from my former teacher days)
413. a quarter received which allowed for laundry to be cleaned, God is in both big and very small
414. chocolate sheet cake baked to share
415. mashed potatoes with cottage cheese, remembering my favorite childhood lunch at Grandma Nettie's house
416. a healthy 18 month old baby girl
417. His word which stirs my heart
418. hearing a testimony of faith from 70 years ago, "30 were baptized in the creek that day"
419. specific prayer
420. kind conversation with moms as we walk with our little ones
421. a van that can be repaired... today
422. the imitations of a helpful little girl as she cleans with me
423. classes with familiar faces all around
424. learning organization without perfection
425. books, books, books with my sweet girl
426. hash browns cooked in the oven, so much easier
427. leaving the world in the smallest of ways, finding contentment in the Lord instead
428. music leading to worship
429. clear and sunny skies today
430. my husband who works so very hard

blessed by 400 gifts

362. time at home with our little family together
363. the start of a new semester for my husband, the Lord is sustaining us through the seminary journey
364. generosity of so many
365. a loaned car to drive
366. pacifiers that can soothe
367. new friendships growing
368. homemade dinners in every element

369. a Ranch dressing recipe shared
370. the smell of banana bread baking
371. seeing God in the journey He leads others on
372. walking alongside those in similar ministry settings
373. the opportunity to pray specifically
374. knowing the Lord has used me to be a blessing to another
375. sharing God's work with a wise counselor
376. rejoicing with a newly engaged friend :)
377. an altered dress that fits just right
378. sharing resources that the Lord has used in my life
379. ironing clothes
380. glowsticks in a baby girl's bath... lots of fun for all

381. a sky painted with pinks, purples, and oranges as the sun rises on a new day
382. preventative medical care
383. listening again to God's work in drawing Matt and I together six years ago
384. the purity of the Holy Spirit's work rather than our often tainted feelings
385. days off to be a homemaker
386. books that are slow to absorb, providing much to think upon
387. a stack of books waiting to be read
388. fresh air circulating
389. little girls playing together

390. the Lord knowing that this season would be one of good and needed refinement, not letting us go on without it
391. a new chapter of friendships and fellowship
392. a sink, full of dishes soaking
393. the Psalms which give us words
394. sharing hope for a thankful life with others
395. grand daughters who love to be at great grandma's for the weekend
396. a softening heart
397. giggles at the discovery of another novelty in the world (through the eyes of an 18 month old)

398. "mama tickle" from Moriah's mouth
399. "mama pat Moriah" at bedtime as sleep approaches
400. a walk outside in January, only jackets needed

always more to see

322. for a willing and wise supervisor to oversee Matt's Applied Ministry class this semester
323. one more week of everyone home each evening, before the semester begins
324. those who kindly buy lunch though unexpected
325. coupons which help, this week I'm excited to find one for $1 off Crock Pot liners, one of my favorite winter cooking helps
326. creativity in meal planning
327. the opportunity to encourage those who've been faithful yet haven't seen earthly "results"... God is in control still
328. Matt's clarity and Spirit-filled sermons through Jonah over the last few weeks
329. life as a two car family (when one goes awry the other is especially helpful)
330. stories from the past, reminding us that though things change God is eternal and unchanging
331. the opportunity to welcome others into our home for a meal
332. Moriah's Sunday afternoon nap, in her crib for a normal nap rather than in the car
333. safety when the van's problems happened, we were able to cruise right into the parking lot of our mechanic shop (without myself, Moriah, and a van full of groceries stalling in the midst of city traffic on roads without shoulders)
334. Monday off to have the problems assessed without needing transportation to work
335. sweet tea
336. knowing that there are some who not only espouse solid theological thought but actually live it out when the rubber meets the road, lately we've been blessed to read many writings by the Wilson family in Moscow, Idaho (I've read one of Nancy Wilson's books Matt gave me for Christmas regarding the role of a wife, just finished their daughters "Loving the Little Years" and am currently reading Douglas Wilson's marriage book... Matt is reading ND Wilson's "Notes From the Tilt A Whirl")
337. giggles from a sweet girl enjoying time with her daddy, yesterday it included time in a fort sitting on his lap reading books
338. for Moriah's growing vocabulary that let's us know what she wants/needs most of the time, though we're learning that our vocabulary must include some responses that don't fit with her clearly articulated desires
339. Crock Pots
340. babysitting swaps which make date nights more frequent and affordable
341. Seminary Wives classes starting so soon
342. an unexpected vacation from work as the family travels
343. like mindedness
344. an abundance of weddings and babies in our broad circle of friends and acquaintances, all occasions for celebration
345. library story times, ours always include books, songs, and Moriah's favorites: bubbles at the end along with the "sleepy bunnies" song in which tiny little children lay down pretending to sleep, then wake up hopping like bunnies - so precious

always more

I'm continuously recognizing all of the graces that draw me to see the Lord in my midst...
302. safety in spite of storms
303. sirens to warn
304. basements for safety, even comfortable finished ones
305. a basement picnic enjoyed by little ones
306. the ever increasing vocabulary of my chatty little girl (Matt thinks she's taking after my mom and I!)
307. painting fun with Moriah
308. bubble baths and the last splashes Moriah insists on before it's time to get out
309. spontaneous hugs and deliberate kisses from her in the midst of life, in those moments I'm amazed that a 17 month old knows how to love so well
310. a generous gift
311. sharing sincere words, showing others that we're coming from similar backgrounds while hoping in Christ to bring about transformation and change
312. fellowship cultivated naturally through the Holy Spirit's work
313. that Christ comes to us, all the way, when we have nothing to muster
314. neighborliness... sharing help, asking for help, meeting simple needs that bless
315. children who are never bothered by runny noses
316. trips to the library with little ones
317. the simple fun of someone else's train table
318. seeing the Lord in complete strangers (a family that seemingly had been grown by adoption today and their Godly interactions together)
319. the Lord's work in weaving together so many stories, we feel like it's a coincidental small world, though that cannot be the only answer
320. books that bring about serious thought and laughter too, recommended reading "Loving the Little Years"
321. my husband who treks up and down the stairs outside in hot, cold, rain or shine to do our laundry, he serves us well

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