What I am Thankful for....

This Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for...
a wonderful family, caring friends and a God who never fails!
But this Thanksgiving I am especially grateful for one thing...the perspective that He has given my daughter. On our long car ride home she randomly announced all the things she was thankful for with the innocence of a child. Among them were...I am thankful for my family... that I have a dad and a mom. I am thankful that we can buy things when we need them. I am thankful that I am not poor.
The last one took me by complete surprise. So simple, but so profound. Perhaps the recent outing to fill our Operation Christmas Child boxes was fresh on her mind. We had watched several videos with children who had just received a gift for the first time. Whatever her reason, I did not ask. It was enough to hear from her little mind and heart that she has gained true perspective in life, one that I pray she will not easily forget.  May I never take for granted the things that God has given me and always be grateful for what I have...to be mindful of others in need and give with generous abandon. Thank you Father...for these little reminders from the heart of a child.

Day 14

Sunshine

breathing in fresh air

warm day

little ones calling mom

my little boy babbling away

laughter

splashing in the water

fresh chocolate chip cookies

messy chocolate mouths

sweet neighbors

music to refresh the soul

fresh cut grass

an eager, helpful heart

Day 13...

Quiet morning

time to reflect

busy children

giggly boy

cool evening

our sweet neighbors

excited chatter of children

an orange glow on the horizon

Day 12...

maps

flavors that bring back good memories

a warm smile

a kind comment

the culture of a land so far away, but close to my heart

curiosity

my little boy enjoying being in his daddy's arms

a scenic drive through trees

beautiful colored flowers

cascading water, beautiful and grand

bright pink colors

sweet memories made

safety

prayers said by my big girl

her caring heart

getting home

my soft bed and pillow

Day 11...all creatures great and small!

our little girl greeting everyone with a hi

an older man opening the car door for his wife

lazy morning

late yummy breakfast

the beauty of the mountains around us.

trees, green and lush

a kiss

content children

mountains on the horizon

smiles

bright blue eyes

hugs

laughter and tickling

fascination and wonder

crystal blue water

fuzzy little ducks

a kind gesture

beautiful blues and greens of peacocks

Day 10...The Lord GOD made them all...

cool, crisp morning air

excitement

hot coffee

warmth from my family

wonder in my little ones eyes.

the detail in each thing YOU have made!

delicious, fresh fish that falls apart with the touch a fork.

the amazing view of water, boats and sunset

the sounds of the pier

safety driving

soaking up time with my kids

the hearty giggles from my boy

snuggling in warm covers

Day 9

health

friends that care

excitement

a listening ear

calming words

warm and inviting room

Day 8...Joy comes in the morning!

Hope that God gives us!

friendships built

Prayer.

encouragement

excitement in my little girls voice over accomplishing a new venture

anticipation

gorgeous weather

Day 7...

#62 fresh earth

#63 smell of thyme

#67 sharing

#68 springtime weather

#69 delight when day comes home

#70 time spent with my kids

#71unexpected visit

#72 encouraging words

#73 a wisp of hair

#74 a shy smile

#75 bashful boy

What is Summertime without...

... Fresh fruit for a yummy fruit pizza!

... Juicy watermelon for a snack.

...some cool shades.

...having some fun in the sun.

Day 6...The Lord is my strength.

#54 the fuzzy little head of my boy rubbing my face when I kiss him

#55 time spent in Your Word.

#56 smell of clean clothes

#57 warmth and care of friends

#58 encouragement

#59 peaceful time sitting on a country porch

#60 hugs

#61 prayer

Day 5...wait for the LORD!

#43 teachable moments

#44 learning

#45 Hope that only Christ can give

#46 the cool breeze on my face

#47 a fun bike ride with my family

#48 hearing the leaves rustle in the trees

#49 vibrant colors of flowers

#50 baby chicks fuzzy & cute

#51 fascination and wonder in a childs eyes.

#52 salmon, grilled and yummy

#53 beauty and detail in every birds feather

Day 4...bless the LORD, O my soul!

#33 happy, gleeful cries from my little one when she sees me.

#34 a sweet smile from my little boy

#35 innocent conversations of children

#36 excitement in my little ones voice, seeing the birds eating from our bird feeder

#37 a man and his wife who are passionate about God and families!

#38 wisdom shared from those who have been there.

#39 truths deep and convicting from His word.

#40 fellowship

#41 tears

#42 encouragement in community

Day 3...God of wonders beyond all MAJESTY!

#23 silence, just the ticking my clock while my kids nap.

#24 Sunshine, the warm feeling when it bathes your skin.

#25 the smell of clean laundry

#26 An elderly lady who said, I remember those days, reminding me that moments with my little ones are fleeting and I hang on to them a bit tighter.

#27 A book with a lesson, reminding not just my daughter, but me, that value is not based on how much you have.

#28 the smell of dirt as I work the soil in my garden.

#29 the smell of herbs, fresh and inviting.

#30 little babies, so fragile and sweet.

#31 Friends, inviting, warm and fun company!

#32 Laughter

Day 2... Your faithfulness is new every morning!

16# the sun shining in through the front window

17#coffee

18#barefoot little toes soaking up the sun

19#friends who speak truth and wisdom into my life

20#friends who encourage and pray

21#hearing my little one sing as she plays

22#photos of precious memories that we will treasure forever

50 Days....to count my blessings.

1# hearing my little boy coo and babble when he woke up this morning.

2#hearing, "I love you mom." from my sweet 6 yr old as she headed off to her class.

3#hearing Emily say Bye to her from the back seat.

4# thank you Lord, for the gift of hearing.

5# my little one cupping her hands to whisper a secret in my ear.

6# beautiful sunny weather

7# taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.

8# the smell of fresh blossoms

9# a library close by

10#reading fun new books

11#long summer nights

12# the smell of fresh cut grass

13# the birds singing

14# my little boys smile when he sees his daddy.

15# spring blooming in our front yard...