God is our Refuge... our Redeemer.... our Strength

Lately I have been reading over at

In Courage ~ http://www.incourage.me/2009/08/only-the-lowly.html

The Lord has really been speaking to me.

We are getting back into the swing of things. Mandi's doing well at college. We all still miss her and she misses us.

About two years ago I started making a gratitude list..... I started writing my list on the computer but just recently changed to a small notebook so that I could jot things down as they came to mind. As I look back at my list..... and I look at my blessings it helps me to see the GIFTS He has blessed me with. Last year my children were complaining and fussing .... and I felt the Lord nudging me to make them do a gratitude list. I first heard of this at Ann's blog. So many have started doing this and Ann explains how this changes our way of living, our focus, even just the way we view things.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/08/authentic-joy-in-five-minutes-day.html

Because she says it so much better than I can..... she explains what this "gratitude list" can really do to each of us......

A few..... of my gifts.......

102. baking christmas goodies

103. snuggling under the covers... so warm

104. when the Holy Spirit uses me

105. His peace

106. my haven friends~

107. being able to sit and read the word

108. flowers blooming

109. laughing at old movies~

110. our green grass after several years of dirt

111. the smell of a newborn

112. an empty church

113. the trail to the pond

114. hearing our horse nay when coming back from my walk in the mornings

115. listening to my children read to me

116. when each child starts asking about Jesus

117. our special lunches in the woods

118. my friend in Tx.~

119. time at the park

120. memories... so many memories~

121. coming home after being away

122. feeling HIS presence....

123. the quietness in the early morning

So often life gets hard..... even overwhelming for us.... I have found if I will focus on the simple... jot down some simple things I am thankful for... His grace washes over me and I can smile and keep on keeping on.....

May you be encouraged today........