November 30, 2011

• Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I’ve been in a season of trying to increase my gratefulness for some time now. So, every day I am trying to write down
  at least 10 things  that have spurred me on in giving thanks.
  
  “Ultimately, in his essence, Satan is an ingrate…Adam and Eve [were], simply, painfully ungrateful for what God gave….Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives.” ~ A. Voskamp
  
  “Gratefully praise God…” Ps 68:26
  
  “What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man – all that God has prepared for those who love Him, and who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him, and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed.” 1 Cor 2:9
  
  I want to be a prompt giver of thanks. Some examples of what have delighted me of late:
  
  > my middle son’s recent engagement – the wedding will be in July!
  (And we love his bride-to-be.)
  > music that brightens my heart
  > the mist in the mountains
  > the sun that breaks through the rain
  > budding relationships in our community
  > a recent photo project for church turned out well
  > enjoyable work sewing costumes
  > our warm house on windy nights
  > fresh baked muffins
  > our middle daughter’s honorable boyfriend
  > good talks with far away children on the phone
  > chocolate ice cream
  > provision for my youngest son who’s been looking for work
  > hot baths late at night & a warm bed
  > opportunity to help folks with less than we have
  
  This is truly only a small sample of all that should motivate me to pause and say,
  “Thank You, Lord, for abundant grace.”
  
  **********
  And, here’s a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens, which we visited this last summer.
  It was an absolutely phenomenal outing.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This is Spirit Lake, at the foot of the volcano. You can see the tree trunks that still clutter its surface from the blast in 1980.
  
  
  
  At the Windy Ridge look-out, 4 miles from the crater:
  
  
  
  Amazing floral resurgence in the area that had been blasted.
  
  
  
  So grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.

  • 1:29 pm
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