Continuing My Count

Our week has been so busy. This time of year seems overwhelming with activity. I stop to write my list so I can continue my count.

Gifts List # 596-653
Sound of wind blowing through the trees
smells of Spring
cool breeze during my walk
air conditioner and radio in van
words that point you to your mission
muscles that work even when they feel they won't

unexpected lunch with Philip
teens who love to go to church with friends
seeing good friend at lunch
a friend seeing prayer for child-the opportunity to intercede

smell of strawberry cake baking
anticipation of a road trip
3 Bible study friends who are honest and open
friends anxious for our visit
secreat surprises for kids
a husband who drive
stopping hald way over night for rest

a lift in rain
medicine that relieves mirgraines
a good outcome for child's surgery-no side effects from anesthesia
weekends/holidays with friends
hearing my 9 year old sing praise songs passionately
a Mom, Dad and baby girl sitting on the porch waiting for our arrival
a baby girl in her Big Sister shirt
the growing belly of the Mama-new life
Good Friday & Communion service at home that reflects the importance of the cross
talk with family about Scripture & tradition-letting them see why
sirens that warn of severe weather
getting back to sleep after hanging out in the bathroom
our safety in the storms all around us

fresh made donuts
breakfast with a sweet baby girl
33rd bday celebrations
laughter of a room full of "family"
gut-laughs of a baby girl
the arrival of an old friend
picnic lunches at "high bridge"
egg games
word games that bring lots of laughter

an Easter worship celebration to remember
seeing joyful faces on baptism video
enjoying lunch with no dishes
Easter pictures that are an annual event
egg hunting fun
seeing how Spring is delayed -leaves and flowers just now budding in KY
a "quick" drive home
home in my chair with my heating pad

seeing my sweet dog happy for our return
a good morning walk seeing Spring everywhere
to know sons tooth problem is a baby tooth that will come out soon
hearing that my "big" 11 year old son still has 12 baby teeth -at least one thing is still baby about him
house showing again-knowing the process will lead to our actual selling
husband grilling tenderloin
seeing a wonderful friend at the ball field
ability to pray for our coach
a good talk with MK about Bible, beliefs, etc.
a wonderful dinner
Philip seeing need to engage in parenting and doing it

Living the Easter Sunday Life

I had written and signed Easter cards to Mama and some friends. I headed to the post office for mailing. I ran inside to see if they had any pretty stamps for Easter. The man, who I usually joke with, said yes he had some that looked like Easter eggs. I said "sure" I would take them thinking this was my only option. He began sticking "Celebrate" stamps on my notes. Next he blurted out "What is Easter for anyway?"

I live in the "Bible Belt" so for a minute the question caught me off guard. I looked at him and said, "Well, (I felt like I was stammering) it is about Jesus death and resurrection." He began a small tirade (common for him on most topics) about why all the eggs and bunnies and stuff.

I paid and left my mail. The conversation left me pondering. Easter is my favortie time. I love Spring in general... New life, hope born. To me eggs, bunnies, baskets, and fuzzy ducklings, they do help me think about Jesus and His new life given to me.

 How do I communicate that with others? Am I caught up in the commercialism of a holiday? Do people only see the shiny new outfit on the outside, but no "new life" on the inside?

I so hope that my life reflects an Easter Sunday living-new life, new hope and celebration!

Holy Week Reflections and a Thankful Heart

Broken

Beaten

Bruised

Bloody

Begging

Breath....last

Cross

Death

Sins

Taken

Tomb

Empty

Grave

Hope

Life

Grace

ALL FOR ME!

As I reflect today about Holy Week...  palm branches waving, shouts of "Hosana", last supper, betrayal, mockery, lies, rejection, beatings, scars, crosses, innocent blood shed...I write these words above. I am humbled that Jesus, an innocent man took on my sins. He wore them in His crown of thorns, felt them in every beat of the whip, and He stayed there anyway. He did it so that I might have FREEDOM from those sins. A life of HOPE! For these acts- this week- I am most THANKFUL!

Counting my Gifts...# 554- 592
showers that wash me clean & give me reflections of redemption
quiet God time

Seeing new life growing
excitement on parents faces as they see new life
a  child (teen) who sees the value of life even when a parent doesn't
the faith of a couple whose husband lost his job-trusting God to be faithful
faith of a couple to trust God in cancer for  healing

a friend willing to help children in math
60% school days
lunch with Philip and younger children
safe travel for older girls
girls choir receiving good rating in competition
house showing again

Bible study with friends who can be open and real
honesty and healing with friends
time with Sarah to talk
laughter with family

shelter in rain storm
lunch with Leeann
a service project MK loves to work with each year
early to bed
Philip taking kids to swim -memories with Dad
Wynn finally having spend the night company

Trippe winning his race
a sunny, cool day
a friend coming home
shopping with family
Wynn painting of a horse
medicine to stop the cough

good night's sleep
a new dress
a good word brought by Will-pointing me to look deep within
lunch with good friends
chocolate pie
a clean house
breakfast for dinner
laughing until my stomach hurts
 goodnight kisses

a doctor who helps and points you in a right direction
warmed  cherry pits that relieve neck pain
time alone in the word
an instructor gracious to let your child go when it is time to move on
a new chauffer
shrimp, corn and potatoes boiled for dinner