One Thousand Gifts 5/23

OK - I promise that I am going to finish my posts about Uganda.

I really am.

But not today. :P

It is entirely too pretty outside to spend the day behind the computer and I think Silas and I might sneak off to a friend's pool for the day. :)

I can't believe he is almost 2.

And that reminds me that I should probably do a post about him sometime soon too so the fam will stop bugging me about it. :)

Continuing my list of gratitudes...

103. hugs when I am lifted off of the ground :)

104. waking to find five squirrels, two chipmunks, countless birds, and a rabbit right outside the back door

105. washing cars in the sunshine with my boys

106. sweet cheek kisses saying "hello" or "goodbye" to friends

107. date nights

108. the story of Mephibosheth and that I, too, and a child of the King

109. that He cannot be put in a box or on a schedule

110. little gifts from Justin

111. clean sheets

112. laughing until my sides hurt

113. music that speaks the truth

114. Silas saying "Momma" (finally!)

115. sunshine on my skin

116. unexpected gifts from sweet friends

117. cold pillows in the summertime

118. freshly vacuumed carpet

119. when people really listen

120. forgiveness - the gift to give and to receive

121. that our God is greater, stronger, and higher

One Thousand Gifts - 5/16

He heard my cry and He came to my rescue.

And yet not for MY sake, but for His own glory.

I (as usual, but more so) was in desperate need if Him to show up this past week.

An opportunity had presented itself for me to be a part of something big, and I was humbled and honored to be asked to participate, but I was tripped up over the fact that I really didn't know what on earth I would have to offer.

So I did what I do and I laid bare my soul before Him and prayed that He would be made strong in my weakness and I claimed James 1:5 and asked for wisdom.

And then I woke up in the wee hours and drove to Nashville for this meeting filled with hope and anticipation.

And you know what?

He showed up.

{insert "of course He did" here}

My presence at this gathering could have been a big waste of time and money for the people who asked me to come.

But.

But He gave me wisdom and creativity and something to offer and I became invisible and He became greater and it was ALL His doing.

And my joy and gratefulness was {is} palpable.

*When the time is right I will share more about this meeting. Until then, please pray for continued wisdom for those of us that are part of it and that above all our Lord will be magnified.*

86. inspiration

87. answered prayers - when God shows up

88. being part of something bigger than me

89. good music on long drives

90. mountains

91. thrift-store finds

92. the scent of a little boy sweaty from a long day of play

93. hard, trying things that make me run to Him

94. that this place is NOT my home

95. *********** loving on the orphan heart (will share more later)

96. DIY mani-pedis

97. when Silas grabs my head and pulls me in for a kiss

98. dancing in the kitchen with My Love

99. imagination and creativity

100. when I wear a long dress and Silas runs up and hides underneath it - thankfully this hasn't happened in public ;)

101. tin-foil potatoes on the grill

102. that He is a father to the fatherless

Embrace the Camera 5/12

Silas and I spent the last two weeks in Louisiana at my parent's house because 1) I had not seen them since Christmas and that was the longest we have ever gone without seeing each other and 2) Justin had back to back business trips.

While we were there we went to Lafayette to the Festival International de Louisiane with my mom and Doug's girlfriend, Rachael. It was a very fun day with yummy food and craft vendors, many of whom were from Africa. I spent a lot of time just chatting it up with them. :)

These are all from Festival.

My little man LOVES to be outside and around (and by around I mean "in") water so we spent a great deal of time in the lake and fishing from the dock.

Love his crazy hair. ;)

And here's the required Mother's Day picture. We forgot to take one and waited until the very end of the day so both of us were t.i.r.e.d.

I love you sweet little man!

One Thousand Gifts

52. searching for and finding petrified wood in the lake

53. the lake :)

54. five acres of entertainment for an outdoor-loving little boy

55. hummingbirds

56. scripture that squashes fear

57. visits with friends from long ago

58. healthy twin baby boys born to a dear friend

59. a God worthy of praise - even in storms

60. peace that passes understanding

61. taking every thought captive

62. Silas's new words - "Hi Fifi" and "welcome" (you're welcome)

63. His still, small voice

64. stillness

65. the lopsided frolick of young puppy dogs

66. 4-wheeler rides with Silas

67. catching white perch with the rod in one hand and my little man in the other

68. shopping trips with DD

69. knowing what I believe

70. jalapeno potato chips

71. a husband who shares my thoughts even when we are MILES apart

72. His unfailing love

73. the sweet, earthy smell of rain

74. His power made perfect in my weakness

75. watching Silas and Emma-Claire interact

76. afternoons spent with life-long friends

77. words of affirmation

78. feminine sanitary supplies

79. turtles sunning on a log

80. airport reunions

81. shopping for flowers

82. Christ Community Church

83. my Momma

84. footrubs with lavender lotion

85. the empty tomb and death conquered