A workweek of worship

I have to confess I've struggled with my attitude a little this week.  The weather was gloomy and moods were too.  But I've still found plenty to appreciate.  I've also noticed that I'm much more in touch with God's gifts outside. And I've uploaded some pics that I added to previous entries, so scroll down if you want to see them.

36. scrunchy-nose baby faces
37. "piano" playing
38. mid-day check-in phone calls
39. rain becomes snow
40. two bottom-toothy grins
41. leftover ham
42. berry season
43. one-on-one time
44. hello smiles first thing in the morning
45. successful meatLOAF (not crumble)
46. meatloaf sandwiches
47. baby sitting on her own - achievement!

48. tulips in every color all in one place
49. warm sun, cool breeze
50. blue richness at the top of the sky
51. baby snuggles during our walk
52. 70 degrees just days after snow
53. cloud shadows play on the mountains
54. appreciation wave for common courtesy
55. aroma of Starbucks fills the car
56. knotted roots like a tree skirt
57. yellow daffodils with orange cups at their prime
58. the fattest robin I've EVER seen
59. smiles from passersby
60. friendly neighbor and possibility of free flowers
61. sidewalk chalk brick path

62. a new favorite toy

Reflections on a Weekend

18. Easter morning, quiet and white
19. Starbucks soy latte after Lent's discipline
20. upcoming sermon series perfect for now
21. sleepy Sunday snuggle with man and dogs
22. the tongue out that always makes me chuckle
23. children joyful on the way to school
24. caramel light frapp
25. the nubbin wag
26. the harmony of rolling thunder
27. passionate sky-crying-with-my-heartache run
28. smell of rain and dirt
29. baking for friends
30. song from a friend that speaks Truth
31. remorse for not trusting His goodness
32. amazing white-Peak blue-sky commute
33. pink-, spring green-, white-blooming trees
34. approach to Union, Garden of Gods in view
35. a relaxing day with sweet husband

Easter Saturday

10. true understanding through shared experience
11. hello from horses
12. family of deer peaceful at our passing
13. ten mile accomplishment
14. thanks-for-cooking kisses
15. nephew in the stitch hat

16. snow on Easter Sunday

17. perfect metaphor for my life

The first gift

When we first moved to Colorado, I started a new blog to keep friends and family updated on the exciting changes in our lives.  In my mind I was going to post pictures of the new house, pictures of things we did to the house, and soon be making announcements about additions to our family.  God has not yet seen fit to bless us with children to add to the mix, and I've had to adjust my expectations.  I've also spent the past couple years dealing with the impact that two miscarriages have had on my relationship with Him.  And this week the next step in my journey arrived - a gift from a friend, a book called One Thousand Gifts.  In it, the author embarks on a dare to create a list of 1,000 things she's grateful for, and in the process learns God's goodness enough to trust him through tragedy and the stresses of life, learns to become a blessing to others, and learns communion with God in a whole new way.  She's human, and faces the same setbacks and distractions we all do, but refuses to quit counting the gifts he brings to her, day by day, moment by moment.

I have decided to follow her lead and begin my own list.  And for accountability, for my own processing, and hopefully for your encouragement I've decided to post my list here.  And hopefully I will find in my life - like hers - growth into the woman of grace I'm straining to become.  I won't expound here, but if you're curious about any of the items on my list, I'm not a private person, so feel free to ask.  And without further ado:

1. packages in the mail
2. the continuation of a theme
3. waking to play
4. baby hand reaching for palm kisses
5. running into the breeze
6. the difference a week makes
7. fragrant blossoms wafting
8. hidden beauty inside a tulip
9. berries and cream dessert

....

the difference a week makes

hidden beauty inside a tulip