Awakened

The days of November 2010 come to an end.
The numbering stopped.
Numbness returned and the looking became blurred.

Vision blurred with "just living life".

The gratitude journal has been dusted off
Good intentions overcome
My walk returns to a walk of looking
Alert to those things HE is giving

This my friend is the only way to experience the moments Our Creator is giving. 

Looking, naming, and counting.

Please take the 4 minutes to view this video ~ and hopefully you too will be awaken to the moments given to you.

So teach us to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Thank you Lord,

for giving us moments

and

forgiving us for not capturing.

Moments=Gifts from God

Exceeding

May my Thanksgiving List always Exceed my request list

Lord, at this moment I humble myself,

 knowing that pride and arrogance

cannot walk hand in hand with thanksgiving.

I desire to practice gratitude and daily surrender

 my will to this walk of life.

Give me understanding to these words

 pain does have potential for gratitude,

 when problems arise this too is

an opportunity for my faith to be exercised.

  

Viewing situations with gratitude

 takes deliberation of the will and practice.

It is so easy to overlook blessings,

 if our hearts are not molded to gratitude.

 

Gratitude = Worship

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many,

 may cause thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of God.

  2 Cor. 4:15

 You Lord, are my Shepherd,

I have more than I need, I am thankful for

your faithfulness, provisions, and your wonderful WORD

that contains treasures more than sufficient for my

every need.  Amen

continuing to look and count...

161. sitting in the warmth HE provides

162.  phone call from a sister

163.  conversations with friends in Western Auto

164.  love relationship with God that goes on forever

165.  extra hour of rest

166.  friends who give rides

167.  new purple pjs

168.  assurance of never being alone

169.  peppermint tea time with my sweetheart

170.  lunch shared with church family

171.  Sunday evening outside fire

172.  game time

173.  the moment of watching everyone give Allegiance to the Flag

174.  prayer at the Basketball Game

175.  "new to us" transportation

176.  His mercies are NEW each morning

177.  excitement from planning visits to family & friends

178. share time at Bible Study

179.  answered prayer (seeing HIM at work)

180.  a mate who is loving & patient

When you say thank-you do you smile?

The two go hand in hand!
~ ~ ~

I encourage you to to do something this week,

 to make someone smile.

~~~

In Him,

Karen

Joining the others in the

Gratitude Community

at Holy Experience

 

~pleasing to the heart~

I would rather have

Moments

 filled with  lasting joys

 and not

 empty pleasure

As I prepared this post, I searched for photos, go ahead and admit it

we prefer pictures over words.  As the pictures came together I began thinking about the beauty of them,

 pleasing to the eye.  I almost entitled the post

 eye-pleasers. 

 But, as I started writing and looking at verses of scripture HE reminded me

 that all of these beautiful things he has graced me with this season... will fade.  They are not lasting.

Isa 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:

 but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

  Sure I may be able to winter some of the plants, but the blooms and leaves are going to wither and fall. 

On Mondays I share my heart by letting you read my

~ jotted down list~ of the wonderful gifts HE has

given me over the past week. 

These joys are:

 lasting

those that make the heart smile

sense activators

contentment givers

worship causing

memory keepers

heart warmers

my list reads simple

141.  surprise from husband and son's grocery shopping trip

142.  vaccuumed van

143.  reminders of His controlling hands

144.  peace when I'm at His feet

145.  prayer & coffee time with a wonderful Southern Lady

146.  planned in home Bible Study (Lord prepare our hearts)

147.  successful surgery for Granny

148.  laughter with two Senior Citizen sisters

149.  extra time the dishwasher allows

150.  Saturday am alarm clock "bird" outside my window  

151.  the sound of the leaves rustling with the wind

152.  the glow of the new bedroom lamp

153.  no fear at night time when husband is away

154.  communion shared with believers on Sunday morning

155.  those who minister faithfully to the congregation

156.  Saturday afternoon drive with my sweetheart

157.  comments from Katie

158.  Tuesday morning ladies Bible study & prayer time

159.  answered prayer for son's job

160.  "little boy laughter" from a 21 yr. old

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return,
 and come with singing unto Zion;
 and everlasting joy shall be upon their head:
 they shall obtain gladness and joy;
 and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isa 51:11

Joining the others in the Gratitude Community

Your heart will be pleased as you read the others.

Lasting Joys

My heart is full today,

I hope the fingers can write the words

on the screen.

lasting joys ~ bring contentment

I want to become the one

 who always lets others know

 of something that brings me joy?

I want to be excited over simple things. 

~ Simple-minded ~

I want to be able to face life's circumstances

with a heart that is looking for the good.

~~~~

lots of

"I wants"

but

I believe

these

"I wants"

align

with

 His wants.

~~~~

(Saturday, my husband & I went to his garden and picked these together)

"I've kept my feet on the ground,

I've cultivated a quiet heart.

Like a baby content in its mother's arms,

my soul is a baby content."

Psalms 131:2 MSG

If we are looking for the simple that brings us joy,

we will not become weary of the ordinary!

(those words are from HIM and you may use them)

my journey of gratitude continues....

121.  the croton plant showing the colors of fall
122.  lines drawn through the to-do list
123.  God's nearness (I asked for this)
124.  assurance of living forever with my Saviour
125.  Quietness
126. flickering of the fire on a cool autumn evening
127.  the smell of pumpkin pound cake baking
128.  relaxing atmosphere with first-time visitors in our home
129.  picking zinnas with my sweetheart (see the pic)
130.  eye sight to see the changing colors of God's creation
131.  footed pjs found for a little boy in Honduras
132.  safe football game for the youngest
133.  comments affirming that the Lord is using me through HIM
134.  laughter over the phone from the oldest
135. the experience of sharing my heart
136.  learning private is sometimes wrapped in a package of pride
137.  ears to hear my husband share God's word in Bible Study
138.  glow from the lamp in my kitchen window
139.  warm sun in the cool breeze
140. sweet text messages from a new mother

The reason contentment is not had,
 is our lack of gratefulness for what we have.

I'm joining the others
in the Gratitude Community
at Holy Experience.



~not just living life~

So teach us to number our days,

 that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalms 90:12

A new number continually appears on the atomic clock that hangs in our home and more of my hairs do not match the color,

of the ones when I was younger. I could continue naming happenings that we all experience as time ticks on; we are all experiencing it.

Nothing can slow this thing called Time.

 

I long to capture (don't let it go) the realization, that each moment of life is a gift.  You know the feeling,

when you look at someone you love and the thoughts rush through your mind,

this is a precious moment, we may never do this again. 

It is a gift every moment the new number appears.

Life is temporary for each one.  When I allow my mind to think on these thoughts...I truly understand what is important.



When we are allowed to face our own immortality,

our priorites quickly take on a whole new meaning. 

We will find purpose and meaning for each day when we consider our life as God's gift.

Every moment is precious, we need to cherish them all. 

~I don't want to just live life ~

I want a life that is full of life in the One who gave life.

my life giving moments this past week

111.  my husband's safe trip home

112. movie time with the youngest son

113. teachable moments 

114.  two yellow butterflies

115.  the last blooms of summer

116.  encouraging words

117.  e-mails with new found sisters in Christ

118.  sharing my special coffee cup 

119.  concrete moved (carport cleaned)

120.  meal shared with missionaries & church family

We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey.

 Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day.

 We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world.

George A. Buttrick

It's a beautiful Monday and I'm linking to the
 Gratitude Community.

Awakened to Gratitude

Each morning this past week, I anticipated the words and photos downloading before my eyes of Ann's@A Holy Experience trip to Guatemala.
I wanted to grasp with my eyes through the monitor, all that was attainable.
I know only a small amount was captured through pictures.
I was not actually walking the streets of Guatemala with her and the team, but my heart and eyes were opened, through what I viewed by technology.
I took the time Sunday afternoon, to go through all of the photos and try to sit where Ann sat and walk the streets where she walked. I wanted to grasp the surroundings, not just the faces that melted my heart.

Today, my gratitude list doesn't contain any pictures ~~~~ I know it's boring reading black & white words.
I tried to think of photos I could share, but I realized I did not want you to focus on what luxury I live in,
compared to the pictures Ann shared this past week.
(My luxury doesn't even match some of the luxury of your homes. I've visited your homes through pictures and oohed and ahhhed!)

I would love for you to click on the box below and this will link you directly to Ann's experience in Guatemala.
The readings, "scratchings" as she calls it, of her was my beginning of joining the Gratitude Community.  Before you click on the link, I'll share my list that will read so simple to you, but these gifts came from viewing Ann's trip.

My List of Gratitude continues...
81.  floors to mop
82.  windows with screens
83.  outside doors with locks
84.  level ground
85.  yard to mow
86.  fresh air
87.  red brick
88.  God's blue sky (he paints one in Guatemala too)
89.  almost an acre of land
90.  water running from a faucet
91.  kitchen with cabinets
92.  painted sheetrock walls
93.  no leaky roof
94.  washer and dryer
95.  pantry with stocked shelves
96.  death gripping hugs ~ that fill you up with love
97.  hands lifted praising God
98.  my comfortable spot at the end of the couch
99.  closets for ALL our clothes
100. comfortable bed for each family member

~Counting Blessings~

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

 count your blessings, see what God has done;

  Count your many blessings
 name them one by one;

 Count your many blessings;
 see what God has done. 

Naming them one by one

51.  morning shower

52.  waves from teachers in the drop-off line in the morning

53.  phone call from someone special on Monday morning

54. autumn in the air

55. laughs with a senior citizen

56.  instant answered prayer request for repairs to blog

57.  soft baby knees

58.  Saturday night meal with church friends

59.  a surprise bloom
60.  my husband's job

61.  the flag swaying with the wind

62.  reflections from leaded windows
63. laughter with college girls

64.  hearts opened to us

65. tomatoes shared from the garden
66. conviction that falls heavy
67. a new grandmother's tears, hopes, and pictures
68. morning love notes
69.  tears that release anxiety
70. the old hymn Count Your Blessings

 income for our household

tomatoes shared from the garden

surprise bloom

reflections from leaded windows

 and The American flag

You will be blessed by reading Ann's heart today,
"when you ache with an ordinary life".

          

Joys of the Journey

We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey. Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world. George A. Buttrick

 

It's Monday, and I continue to name and count them one by one.....

35.  faces of those we love and don't see often
36.  getting life out of gratitude
37.  photos shared
38.  safe road trips for antique shopping
39. delicious lunch in a small town
40. wonderful gently used chair at a great price
41.  a healed wound
42.  beauty of canned banana peppers after the smell of hot vinegar
43.  no set alarm clock on Saturday morning
44.  coffee cups and husband on weekend mornings
45.  a husband with an open Bible
46.  thoughts that can be placed on paper
47.  observing a true worshipper in Sunday morning worship service
48. looking at Mr. Earl's treasures and some of his memories shared
49.  my mother came home from the hospital
50.  phone call from our oldest telling of his plans for a visit

Faces we don't get to see as often as we would like.

Lunch at the Ritz in West Point, MS ~ Cranberry Chicken Salad

A shared photo of a place we love to visit.

Our oldest is making plans to visit soon :)

Thanks-Living List

John 1:16
The Amplified Bible
For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received
 (all had a share and we were all supplied with)
 one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing
 and even favor upon favor and
 gift (heaped) upon gift.
(please don't miss out on the blessing by not reading and absorbing this promise today)

God's promise in His inspired Word is truly a confirmation to my
One Thousand Gift List. 

Last week I began... My One Thousand Gift List.
 Not things I want, but things I'm given each and every day.
 This list may read simple, but these could be taken or never given.
 As the day unfolds I write them on paper and share with you on Mondays.
  They are gifts that I need not take for granted or never acknowledge.

 Each one is making my senses come to life.

  I now am becoming more aware of what is given me in twenty-four hours.
  My prayer is "these treasures of mine will make you aware of gifts given to you".


I've chosen to increase my joy.
 my list continues...

21.  the smell of summer rain
22. hummingbirds out my kitchen window
23.  the movement of infant feet in the buggy @ Wal-mart
24.  clean crisp white cotton sheets
25.  memories revived when opening the cedar chest
26.  a husband with a servant's heart
27.  conviction when reading written words by an inspired blogger
28.  plants were fertilized from Heaven
29.  phone calls to my mother
30.  the new found song "I AM" by Nichole Nordeman
31.  when husband's eyes and mine meet and linger
32.  mopped floors
33.  our discarded mattresses given to a grateful new homeowner
34. HE (The One who gave Himself for me) is listening to my heart and taking my burden

"Lord, I pray those who read my gift list today, will begin to slow and start opening their eyes and heart to what You are giving." 

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

I have been blessed over the past months, reading the Gratitude Community posts on Multitude Mondays, over at Ann's, A Holy Experience.  I wanted to join in with those who are changing their outlook and increasing their joy.  So, today marks another first for me...(don't know if I like all these firsts, here at this age.)  I sincerely believe this first will be a life-changing experience for me.  I want to be included in this one!  Join me in the Journey.

My Thanks~living list begins:

1.  the One who loves me more than I love myself
2. fellowship with the One who created me for fellowship
3.  smile from a one year old birthday boy
4.  loved ones voices through the telephone lines miles away
5.  The Written Word inspired by the One who loves me
6.  a clean kitchen window
7.  negative results from a biopsy
8.  cool air on 100 degree days
9.  quietness
10.  music
11.  marriage between my husband and me
12.  21 years for our oldest
13.  a schedule and routine
14.  good memories of moments shared with those who's lives have crossed our path
15.  lol on the computer with a dear girlfriend while chatting
16. cool flip-side of the pillow :)
17. The Holy Spirit bringing those to mind who need prayer
18.  talent given to family
19. priviledge of spending the day at home
20.  those who are doing something postive on the www

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

Thanksgiving is trusting and placing your faith in God.  Peace instead of anxiety.  What a life lesson for me as I begin my
 Thanks~living Journey.