Thankfulness

I have been reading this book lately:It is beautifully challenging.
I thought it was one of those books that would just help along those naturally happy feelings of thankfulness, and tumble my heart into a glorious feeling of gratitude and quiet. I started to wonder what everyone was raving about, and the first few chapters slipped by with subtle appreciation. I started my own list-a very personal one, something that is meant to be completely raw, genuine, and honest. I loved the challenge of finding thankfulness in each day, and exploring beyond those basics that I am always thankful for. Thank you, Lord, for this day, for my children, for my husband, for shelter, for food.
While I was muddling my way through those early pages, I witnessed situations arising that could be perceived as gratitude killers. I struggled to put words to my thoughts, to my emotions, even as I purposed to find gratitude in an ocean of questions. Then I read Chapter 5, and I am stalled and stunned by how perfectly it fit me here and now. My appreciation for this book has grown, and I'm thankful for Ann Voskamp and her heart in writing this.

If you would like to learn more about One Thousand Gifts and Ann Voskamp, visit A Holy Experience and explore.

"Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." -Psalm 100

He Giveth More Grace

This hymn was ministering to me today. There are dear ones going through painful times right now, and I am thankful to recall and rest in the knowledge that God knows, and that is enough for me.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

-Annie J. Flint

Naptime

All her things were on the floor...and this is how she fell asleep.
Impressive, kiddo.

Evening Fun

We went back outside yesterday evening. Ava is loving every chance she gets to explore the yard. Last night she discovered sticks. She dislikes any with leaves on them, and will brandish a long stick in each hand and walk around gleefully! Her daddy has taught her that anything long and sword-like can be used while saying "hiya".

Her parents laughed while she "hiya"-ed her way all over the yard!

The more confident she got walking on bumpy ground, the more she fell. Thus the occurance of her first official playtime scrapes! Thankfully the scratches from her faceplant were very minor, and the source of the scratches on her hand remain a mystery. I say it is proof that Ava went out and had fun! :)

Outside!

Shadow Games

I am Appreciating:

The gift of carpet from Scott's boss, to replace the ugly stuff in our bedroom. It's gorgeous. They are replacing this with hardwood, and were so kind to ask if we had a use for some lovely cream colored carpeting.

The best cornbread I've ever made. I need to write down where I get these recipes so I can give credit where it is due. Just know that I'm passing all the credit to the amazing chef that invented this recipe.

Hubby dearest let me cut my hair off. I was ready for a change, and he thinks it's cute, yay!