January 27, 2019

~ thankful for a super fun day celebrating Samantha’s birthday!  How can it be that our little Stinky Girl is 11 years old!?  School was out, so we got to really got to do it up. The day started off with donuts for breakfast, and then a trip to the mall. Not just a leisurely trip to the mall to look around. No sir, this was a trip with a purpose. And that purpose was getting Samantha’s ears pierced!  This is a milestone first offered to our girls upon reaching the age of 10, but Sam was NOT INTERESTED last year. This year she was SET. Until we got there. Then there was a dramatic change of heart. There were big tears. There was a call home to big sis for a pep talk. There may have been some time spent huddled in a corner of the store. But, she rallied her courage and eventually walked proudly out of the mall with red, swollen eyes and sparkly blue earrings!  Then came a Subway lunch date with Dad, and home to make her own ice cream cake, and finally a delicious dinner that evening.  She said it was the very best birthday she’s ever had.  What a blessing is our sweet, sweet Sam. 

~ for encouragement from the Lord through the gift of worship music. Several times this week, certain songs have just ministered to my heart… “have you come to the end of yourself?  Do you long for a drink from the well?  Jesus is calling…”. and “who am I that the highest King should welcome me?  I was lost but He brought me in, oh His Love for me.”  What a gift music is!  And then also what a gift it is to experience watching my daughter grow into her gifting as she continues to lead worship at school and at church.  I’m including a video of Carson Grace from our service this morning.  Be blessed. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XE6ANdzNVOo

~ for the simple sweetness of the kids feeding the ducks at sunset. Something so little makes them so happy. All it takes is a little time. 

~ for the opportunity to share in our friends’ joy.  This week, one of our brave Gold Network Hero friends took his very last chemotherapy medication after more than 3 years of treatment for leukemia. What a day of celebration!  And that morning, his entire school dressed in superhero costumes and greeted him with cheers and well wishes, a true heroes welcome!  I’m not sure if Sawyer and this dear boy have even actually met, but Sawyer simply knows him as one of his “friends.”  He watched the video with me and clapped and cheered for his fellow leukemia warrior, and it filled my heart with so much hope and joy.  We HAVE to celebrate the victories!

~ for a great time at the mid-week worship service with my kids. I am loving the intimate setting, and the opportunity to explain to them WHY we are doing what we are doing…explaining WHO GOD IS and why He is worthy of our worship.  And everything I share with them is a fresh reminder to me, right where I am.  Oh Lord, keep my faith like that of a child!

~ and for a big finish to our week: it’s official – WE HAVE LOST OUR MINDS!  We got a new puppy!  Josh and I found a sweet pup on Craigslist that captured our hearts, and Saturday morning we loaded up all the kids, sleepy and confused, into the bus, telling them only, “we’re going on a family adventure!” You can imagine the squeals of surprise and delight when their eyes were met with a fluffy new friend!  It was such a fun day, and I know we will all remember it forever!  Everyone loves “Bear,” and his name suits him perfectly, as he more closely resembles a cuddly teddy bear than an actual live animal. Puppy kisses are the best!  A “family adventure” INDEED!

Thank you to so many who have liked the Sunday Gratitude Facebook page or signed up to follow this blog.  I am so thankful for this community and all of your support.  I hope this week finds you well. If you are weary, hang on, and don’t lose heart.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  If you’re in a season of joy – SHARE SOME!  I promise you, somebody’s desperate for it!  You never know when you may be the answer to somebody’s prayer. Thank you for giving thanks with me. 

“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”  Psalm 3:3 NIV