66 Books - 25, January 2014

The Bible exhorts me to forgive, nearly 500 times if necessary, and in the same way I would hope to be forgiven. God’s Word encourages me to love my enemies, to bless and pray for my persecutors. His Word reminds me of the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross for me while I was still a sinner and His constant mercy when I inevitably make mistakes as a believer. For more of my thoughts...

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List of 1000 Gratefuls (111-115)

111. An 'off' switch and a 'volume' adjuster on electronic children's toys.
112. Medicine to help my sick 3 year old feel better.
113. Coffee!
114. Good books - I'm currently re-reading the "Anne of Green Gables" series by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
115. Little bursts of energy and motivation that help me get things done (i.e. washing dishes, doing laundry, picking up toys for the 10th time in a day...) around the house.

List of 1000 Gratefuls (106-110)

106. Celebrating Jerusha's 3rd Birthday with a new baby doll, a Dumbo cake, and video calls with family in the U.S. - Jerusha's response, "Amazing!"
107. The scent and softness of just bathes babes.
108. A warm bucket bath...so much nicer than the chilled water from the cistern.
109. Beautiful sunny, but cool 'winter' weather in India.
110. For Thatha (the girls paternal grandfather, my father-in-law), almost everyday he comes to the 'rescue' and gives me a little time to get something accomplished. He adores the girls, and the girls love him.

List of 1000 Gratefuls (101-105)

101. That my husband made it so I could sleep a little extra today, because I don't feel well, by feeding the girls and getting Jerusha ready to go to church with him.
102. My oldest daughter coming to me, sliding into my arms with kisses, and saying, with her cute little voice, "Mommy, I love you! I like you!"
103. For the coolness of air blowing from the fans.
104. Listening to my youngest, at 16 months old, practicing her 'talking', "tikka, tikaa..."
105. Cuddling with Serah at nap time.

66 Books - 18, January 2014

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

A story of a hidden treasure...

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66 Books - 11, January 2014

Need motivates a willing-to-do-anything attitude; it offers a dose of faith, an ounce of hope. It bolstered boldness and gives people courage to approach the Throne of Grace set before them. Here are my thoughts...

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List of 1000 Gratefuls

I have heard many times, even before I chose 'Joy' as the one word I would focus on this year, that practicing gratitude leads to joy. Being grateful helps me look beyond my circumstances and focus on the positive. Being grateful helps me keep my eyes on Jesus, the source and giver of joy.

In 2011, a little after my oldest daughter was born, I accepted a challenge to create a list of 1000 things I was grateful for. I started strong. Then after I listed 100, my posts stopped. 

It's not that I stopped being grateful, it's that I got too busy to pay attention, to keep track.

So here's to a new year full of joy with a practice in gratitude...

One Word : JOY

Last year I chose my 'one word', joining in with millions of others who decided to focus on one thing rather than make a list of resolutions that are quickly forgotten when life takes over. The word I selected was 'perspective'; I was merely hoping to gain some.

Honing in on this word began opening my eyes even more to the different view points I could have in every situation and circumstance. Simplified - I can look through half-full or a half-empty glass(es). I can look at things from the view of American culture or Kingdom culture. I can look at everything through my human eyes or choose to see the world through God's eyes.

Though I gained perspective last year, in the midst of the insanity that life brought, I was caught up and bogged down with the day-to-day of life, the struggles, the loneliness. And, I misplaced my joy.

So this year, I am on a quest. A quest to rediscover joy.

I am not just looking for a fleeting happiness in the moment (though being happy is most definately a part of it). I am looking for inhabitation.

I want to be filled with joy regardless of the circumstance, regardless of the trial. I want to rejoice always. I want gladness to satisfy my heart. I want gratitude to spill from my mouth. I want to be delighted by my relationship with the Lord, and I want Him to be captivated by me. I want to take delight in the world around me, in my husband, in my children, even in my daily duties. I want joy to become my legacy.

66 Books - 4, January 2014

How does God remind you of His promises? When my youngest daughter was born He reminded me with a double rainbow. Here is my testimony...

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