It's The Little Things

I love the lessons we learn from our children.  Although we are the older, supposedly wiser ones, it's amazing what these little lives can teach us.

Today, we were happy to venture OUT of the house after being snow bound for the past three days.  We met Laura for lunch at Chick-Fil-A (Cole's restaurant of choice), headed to Target to purchase a few needed items, and finished our errand run at Goodwill (where I found some great deals).

One of our list items for Target was chap stick for Cole.  He's been using mine the past few days and when I told him we'd buy some of his own, he was thrilled!  We found a Hershey Kiss scented/flavored balm in the $1.00 bin - he couldn't wait to open it.  All afternoon/evening, it's stayed in his hands or his pocket - that is when he's not lathering it all over the lower half of his face.  It's hilarious to watch!

Love the chocolate mustache

Another favorite purchase was this set of binoculars we found at Goodwill.  Cole's worn these most of the evening as well and even watched a bit of a favorite show, Wipeout, through the lenses.

If there's any type of camera nearby, Cole MUST take a few pictures.  With an uncle as a professional photographer, I think the 'photo' gene might run in the family.  He's actually quite good!  

It amazes me how these very simple things could bring so much joy, entertainment, and contentment.  If only my soul would learn to take delight in the small things and recognize the unnoticed blessings of our everyday life.  Thank you Cole for reminding me that it truly is the little things that matter most.

41.  Cool Whip

42.  lots and lots of Cool Whip

43.  hopping into a warmed up vehicle

44.  a delicious dinner - that I didn't have to cook!

45.  the love of family

46.  sleeping in

47.  the $1 bin at Target - how I love you...

48.  vulnerable friends - reminding me that I'm not alone

49.  worship CDs

50.  hearing Cole quote Scripture (my fav!)

Just Because. . .

I love you.

Those were the words spoken by my sweet husband as he came through the door yesterday with a beautiful bouquet of lavender daisies.

No rhyme or reason for the gift - 

simply because he loved me and wanted me to feel special and treasured.

As I passed by the flowers, taking in their fragrance, I began to wonder. . .

How many times do I choose to show gratitude, spend time with, and honor my Heavenly Father 'just because I love Him'?

Not because I need to or it's the right thing to do. . .

Simply because I want to show my appreciation for all He's done in my life and give Him my complete adoration.

Jesus, help me to show gratitude in the mundane moments, spend time with you because I long for intimacy, and honor you with my words, thoughts, and actions - all because I love you.

27.  an unexpected gift

28.  bear hugs

29.  learning a new game (and almost winning!)

30.  meaningful conversation

31.  finding an easy, new, YUMMY recipe

32.  looking at baby bedding

33.  seeing a Scripture in a new light

34.  comfy pajama pants

35.  a day of play in the snow

36.  soft Kleenexes

37.  waking up to falling flakes and a blanket of white

38.  little feet padding down the hallway to our room in the morning

39.  curling up in my favorite chair with a good book

40.  the laughter of father and son playing

The List Continues. . .

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Ezra 3:11

After having 'one of those days' parenting a 4-year old, it's good for the soul to reflect on the blessings of the day.

14.  my foundation - the Rock of Jesus Christ

15.  sharing a meal with good friends

16.  a little boy that loves to shop and run errands with his mommy

17.  reminiscing through old photos

18.  the innocence of childhood

19.  made-up, silly songs

20. the smell of dinner filling up the house

21.  capturing the 'perfect' shot on camera

22.  sharing this stage of life with friends that 'get-it'

23.  baby talk and thoughts of little ones with my expectant mommy friends (there are six of us due within 6 weeks of one another!)

24.  clean sheets

25.  a freshly vacuumed floor 

26.  a sweet friend sending a random message of encouragement - the Lord knew I needed it!

2011 Gratitude List

   Know that the LORD is God. 

   It is he who made us, and we are his; 

   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

    Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

   and his courts with praise; 

   give thanks to him and praise his name. 

    For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:3-5

In my previous post, I challenged you to join me this year in naming 2011 blessings during 2011.  I'm coupling my list along with my daily quiet time through the One Year Chronological Bible, and may post my blessings from time to time.  What better way to start out the New Year?!

1.  Long-time friendships that remain the same even though separated by miles.

2.  Seeing the joy of answered prayer on the faces of loved ones

3.  The laughter that ensues from a board/card game - the doubling over, tear streaming kind :)

4.  A lazy day lounging in pajamas with no schedule or agenda

5.  A looooong hot, shower

6.  A little boy sleeping in until 10:30 a.m. after a fun night of ringing in the New Year

7.  An organized, cleaned-out attic    

2010 Blessings

As this year comes to a close and 2011 makes its debut, I'm reminded of all the blessings the Lord has showered on our family.  Many may seem small and insignificant, but we know by His unfailing Word that every good gift comes from above. . . and He delights in our praise and thanksgiving.  Here is a small, far from complete, list of special memories/blessings from the past 12 months.

* Watching Cole grow in his knowledge of Jesus and begin to ask questions about sin, salvation, and heaven.  Michael and I pray daily that the Lord will give us wisdom when sharing with both of our boys and that they will walk in His ways at an early age.

* Reading through the Word with precious women while gleaning from one another.  In depth, verse-by-verse studies of Ecclesiastes and Hebrews were my favorites (thanks to my sweet friend, Regina, for leading us!).

* God's sustaining hand in Michael's business.  In times where the real-estate market continues to sway and no month-to-month salary is guaranteed, he has stayed busy and his cliental has grown.  The Lord's provision amazes us!

* Relationships built through Michael's business.  Alan and Dawn, we are so thankful for your hospitality and sharing your home/time with us.  We truly felt as if we were residing in a 5 star hotel.  Our NYC getaway was greatly refreshing and appreciated!  

* Cuddling together at night on Cole's 'big' bed while reading about Jesus, singing, and praying.  It's sweet family time that I'll always cherish.

* Enjoying lots of time together this summer through mini-vacations and fun day trips.  Chattanooga was a definite favorite with highlights being the aquarium, zoo, and Rock City as well as a fall getaway to Gatlinburg.

* Cultivating new friendships with lunch dates, play dates, shopping outings, and dinners together.  Michael and I are so thankful for this answer to prayer!

* Seeing precious friends come to know the Lord. . . many which have been prayed over for years.  I also had the joy of leading three HHS cheerleaders to Christ during our church's Fall Student Crusade - to Him be the Glory!

* Our Long Hollow church family.  We feel so blessed to be a part of a congregation that truly believes and LIVES serving others and reaching our community/world for Christ.  This past year, our work in Haiti has touched my heart the most.  Watching children be brought into the orphan village that we've built, listening to their stories of redemption and grace through Jesus, seeing their hands lifted high in praise. . . it's humbling.

* Learning of the arrival of our sweet new blessing in April 2011.  The sugar on top was finding out with our fun gender reveal party that it was to be another BOY :)  We can't wait to welcome Cade Elias to our home!

* Celebrating 9 years of marriage to my best friend.  Michael, I'm so thankful for you and the way you lead our family.  You are a wonderful husband and dad that strives to follow God's will - in your life and ours.  Not to mention you are one handsome hunk!  We love you very much!

* I finally got a sister! :)  My brother, Kyle, married his best friend, Laura, in June.  We were thrilled to be a part of their special day and were excited to 'officially' welcome Laura to the family.  We can't wait to share many memories together in the future.

* Cole turned four and is truly the joy of our home.  His love and laughter make life so much more meaningful and exciting.  This year we celebrated his birthday with an outer space theme - it was definitely an outta this world party!  We also marvel at the way he is growing and changing.  He is reading fluently (he reads bedtime stories to us) and becomes more of a little man everyday.  How we treasure these years for we know they will quickly pass us by.

As you pause to ring in the New Year, I pray that you will look back and recognize God's hand over the course of your life in 2010.  Even amidst trials and pain (which we all experienced), He was there - showering us with his Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love (a quote I love from Cole's Jesus Storybook Bible. . . my favorite!).

I also pass to you this challenge. . . see if you can name 2011 blessings in 2011.  Divided, it ends up being 5-6 each day.  They can be mighty answers to prayer or the simple things such as finding a GREAT parking spot on a cold, rainy day.  As I begin my Chronological Bible study this year, this simple list will be a part of my quiet time with Him.  Reflecting on His goodness, mercy, and love through the everyday circumstances.  

These daily reminders of thanksgiving and praise are mighty things bringing us closer to the Father's heart.  I'd love for you to join me!

Rejoicing in a new beginning, 

Adrian  

Multitude Monday (on Tuesday :) ): Lessons from the Manna

For our family devotion last night, we were reading the story about the Israelites complaining to Moses about the manna they received daily from the Lord.  

It's amazing how God provided food and drink for his chosen ones in the hot desert, and all they wanted to do was return to Egypt, to slavery,. . . all for 'delicious tasting' meals.  No praise offered, no thanks.  It is almost hard to fathom. . .

After tucking Cole in, this message stayed with me - one of complaining instead of being content; wanting more instead of seeing the blessings and miracles around me;  wishing to return over and over to slavery/sin because it looks, feels, and tastes better to my flesh.

Thank you Lord for your goodness. . .for your Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Always and Forever Love.  Thank you for lessons from the manna. . .

21.  celebrating life

22.  fresh cut flowers

23.  a servant husband

24.  belly laughs

25.  anticipation of events to come

26.  polka dots :)

27.  finding a GREAT bargain

28.  being with my mom

29.  a child's questions of heaven

30.  lazy mornings

31.  a free lunch

32.  'Jesus Loves Me'

33.  an orphaned child united with a forever family

34.  a stranger's "Hello!"

35.  playdates

36.  a freshly vacuumed home

37.  friends that want to live RADICAL lives for Christ

38.  butterflies

39.  the right song on the radio - at the right time

40.  Sunday morning corporate worship

     

Multitude Monday: A Heart of Thanks

Manners.

Something every mother tries to instill in her young ones.  Reminders of 'please', 'thank-you', 'yes mam', 'no sir', and, 'excuse me' echo off our walls daily as I strive to impart these words (and actions) to my little man - in hopes that one day they will become as natural as breathing and as involuntary as a heartbeat.

Recently, Cole found me in a moment of 'manner forgetfulness' and promptly let me know.  This sparked a deep conviction as I began to think of all the blessings, both great and small, that I neglect to acknowledge and my wavering attitude of thankfulness towards my Heavenly Father.  

My heart and soul are constantly thankful for His love, grace, mercy, salvation, and freedom; but how I long to find hints of His goodness in the daily grind of life - and pause to give thanks.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 118: 28-29

So here begins my gratitude - for the moments of beauty easily forgotten. . .

1.  The smell of clean sheets

2.  The sound of a child playing pretend

3.  Revelation through God's Word

4.  Getting to know a new friend

5.  Dinner simmering in a slow cooker

6.  A husband that makes me laugh

7.  The splendor of a thunderstorm

8.  A little boy that LOVES to grocery shop

9.  An unexpected gift

10.  Consignment sales 

11.  The feel of a small hand in mine

12.  Snuggling, popcorn, and a good movie

13.  Designing a marble race track - and it WORKS

14.  Candlelight

15.  The quiet and stillness of naptime

16.  An organized desk

17.  Eating on china - for no special reason

18.  Silly songs

19.  The taste of fresh fruit - handpicked ourselves

20.  A church that truly LOVES as Christ and longs to be his hands and feet

Check back every Monday as the list continues. . .

Where will you begin?