A Gift on Paper, In a Person, in a Picture

Well, I am going to attempt a picture post...from this not very techy gal...that may be a challenge.

1}

This HAS to be one of my favorite pictures...don't you think it looks just like me? It was drawn with sweet love and it IS one of my favorites!


2}

A precious treasure of a friend...I love her so dearly...not just because she is the dearest woman...but because she continually points me to Christ...Her beauty draws people to her


3}

This is the ONLY evidence of our Christmas surprise...it was a sweet blessing and great fun...and a HUGE thank you to all of you who got surprised...you made our day extra special!

3 Old Things Seen New

1} My Marriage Certificate...a vow made 21 years ago is still a vow made today. It is easy to set that aside as the years go by with all the He saids and She saids...but it is still precious and worth working on and fighting for

2} My faith...also around 21 years old...seems like I should be further along most days...but God is still working on this girl and faith is a process and I am much further along than I was...for that, I am beyond grateful.

3} The Word...it is very old, but I am thankful that while it never changes, it is just what I need each and every day...and I still learn things I never knew or thought about before. It is almost like unwrapping a gift each time you pick it up. New, but old...fresh but the same.

Blessings,
C~

A Song Heard, A Soft Word, A Light Seen

1} A song heard...
How about this one:


Or this one:


Or...



2} A Soft Word: Peace, Be Still...or Be Still and know that I am God

3}A Light Seen: A dim reflection of Christ's work in me seen in a dear friend's words to me. I am humbled by her sweet words...It is all Him!


Blessings,
C~

3 Graces found in Friends

1} Encouragement

2} Trust

3} Compassion

Blessings,
C~

3 Gifts in the Kitchen

1} My 20 year old Kitchenaid Mixer...probably one of the BEST kitchen gifts I ever got.

2) My ovens...after being without them for at least 2 years, I am more thankful than ever for a working oven

3) My Dishwasher: This appliance serves me so faithfully load after load after load...and I know many of us are very thankful for this gift.

Blessings,
C~

Sufficiency of Scripture

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

John 1:14-18

A Gift Before Dawn, At Noon, After Dark

1} Before Dawn: Some of my new work hours...5 am...and while I do not enjoy getting up this early, I am so thankful for work during a time that will not have as great of an impact on my family

2} At Noon: Lunch with my boy at work...he ate my food, which is good because he was hungry and I was not!

3) After Dark: The best conversation with very good friends!

A Grace Borrowed, Found, Inherited

1} Borrowed: A Quote from Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience

"...service isn’t about being a doormat but about being a door for joy to walk through."

When I read this...I think of a precious friend who serves her family with great joy and they want to be there...I want to be like that too!

2}Found: Folding Laundry with my boy...I find that this time I spend with him is priceless. Time found to grab his heart, to love him, to listen to him...to laugh together...doing one of his favorite chores...and I find that I am thankful he loves it too!

3}Inherited: Today I had a dear woman come up and talk with me...I introduce her to some of my children...she talks with my oldest...saying...You look JUST like your Mother...just what every teenage boy wants to hear...I look like my old mother...but it is what he got...he inherited...from me...and as I think on that now...I hope that when people see me...they will say (or at least think...) You look just like your Father...the one in Heaven who so wonderously has changed my life, my heart...make me JUST LIKE you Father...or at least as close as You can in this sin sick world...I want to look just like You!

Blessings,
C~

3 Things Blue

1}My Wallet...I LOVE that this is big enough for all of my wallet-y things

2}My Bedroom wall...I love its new look and cannot wait to see my husband's reaction

3}Fuzzy socks and a warm sweater on a chilly morning.

Blessings,
C~

3 Gifts Found in Christ

1}Salvation, Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness

2}Peace, Rest, Comfort, Love

3}Joy, Life, Hope, Blessing, Sanctification


HOW can you pick just three when there are an endless supply of gifts found in Christ.

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Wrinkled, Smooth, Unfolded

1}Wrinkled: A bleesed saint in our church. She says thinks like they are...anyway, she was talking to me yesterday and was just so tender and sweet I was almost in tears. I wish I could recall her exact words...but really touched me to the core.

2}Smooth: My locket...my memorial stone before the Lord...the things that remind me of HIS faithfulness to me.

3}Unfolded: all the little notes from my little ones...I love you Mom...I miss you Daddy and one of the sweetest messages of all...Do not love sleep...while a funny little note to get, my principessa was taking a Bible lesson to the application level...and was VERY humorous in my case, but precious still.

Blessings,
C~

A Gift in Sky, Water, Memory

1}A rainbow

2}The baptisms of two of my children

3}The memory of a boy...now grown...but when little...I was giving him what for about something...He looked up at me with his beautiful eyes and said, "I Love you Momma." I scooped him up and gave him a hug. I really wish we had those days back.

Blessings,
C~

Sufficiency of Scripture

Somehow, I dropped the ball on these posts...I think I got lost in the Joy Dare Challenge of counting 1, 000 gifts. But this will be for yesterday...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

John 1:1-13

3 Gifts Only Seen Close Up

1)My children's hearts...their dreams, fears, hopes

2)God's creative power in snowflakes

3}There is a blessing in walking through a time of trial. This is when God does His refining work...and I want to be more like Him

Blessings,
C~

3 Gifts that might never have been

1}Being used by the Lord to bless a friend...what I thought was MY idea...was a part of God's plan and I got to be used by Him because I followed a thought...which was really God speaking in that still small voice...the one that sounds much like thinking...

2}The gift of Prayer Warriors...humbling yourself to share struggles so friends come alongside to carry the burden and lift our needs up before the Lord to help us walk in victory when we are weak.

3} A new look for my bedroom because of a half-hearted comment...but it was taken seriously and was a GREAT blessing...and I got a new friend too...which was the best gift for she is a dear heart!



Blessings,
C~

3 Gifts from God's Word

Ohhh... I LOVE this one...the hard part is going to be ONLY Three....

1} But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me.”
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.

Isaiah 49:14-16...my anchor verse...

2}Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:12-16

3}1 Kings 19
I won't post the entire Scripture here (click link), but I LOVE this passage...God knows when the journey is too much for us and He meets us there...but He doesn't let us stay there...

There are SO MANY wonderful gifts is God's word...hard to pcik only 3...

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Bringing Laughter, Prayer, Quiet

1} A Gift bringing laughter: The PERFECT gift from a six year old...He gave it to me for Christmas...he was SO PROUD of himself for picking it out and his excitement to give it to me was SOOOOO adorable it just made me laugh...it was a snow globe with a golden retreiver puppy inside...and it sits close to the computer...and every time I see it...it makes me smile...because it WAS the perfect gift...a sweet gift of love for his momma.

2} A Gift bringing Prayer: My BSF lesson...what is your message for me this week? (BSF has been a GREAT GIFT to me these last few years...if you are looking for an excellent study of God's Word...check it out here

3}A Gift Bringing Quiet: a nap...just kidding...I wanted one today, but ended up talking to a good friend instead...then when the call was almost over, my two youngest came up for snuggles and a few tickles...but NO NAP...seriously...a new book... and again my BSF Lesson.

Blessings,
C~

3 Witnessed Blessings

1} A father discipling his son in the ways of his business...patiently showing his boy how to do something...where to look for the right answer...involving him in his life and world and treating him as if this was the best part of his day.

2} A baby who smiles with every muscle in his body.

3}A hug from an old friend...

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Worn, Given Away, Shared

A Gift Worn: My wedding ring. This ring is a replacement for the one that was stolen when I was pregnant with my oldest child. It came on a Christmas that was particularly difficult. Dana's father had died 4 months before and it was going to be a hard holiday for all of us. It came in a box slightly deeper than a ream of copy paper...maybe two...but it was HEAVY...it came with a card that was handmade by my husband...and his words led me to believe maybe it was a figurine of some sort,but then I peeled back the flaps of the box...I saw some bricks...and I started crying...because I KNEW what it was. It was a sacrificial gift that we could not afford at that time, but that was an important gift for my husband to give to me at this time.

Given Away: We bought the principessa a special gift for Christmas...a special locket that says...you are a unique and precious gift to us from God. In her locket she has a crown...because she is a child of God, a snowflake...because she was born on a snowy day and her birthstone. She is a very great gift.

Shared: My number 3 boy and I went and had a night out together. We saw Les Miserables and got a bite to eat. This boy has taken on quite a bit of responsibility this year and I wanted to show him how grateful I was for all of his help. It was a nice time of togetherness.

Blessings,
C~

3 Startling Graces of God

1} I am amazed the God's word has exactly the words I need each day...It does not matter if I have read that verse 30 times throughout the course of my Christian walk...when I discover THAT word on THAT day...it is like it is JUST FOR ME...His word is LIVING and ACTIVE...

2} I am amazed and often humbled by the grace God gives to me...one so very unworthy and so unable...He calls me precious and dear...He calls me His child and gives me more than I could think to even think about asking for.

3} I am startled by the grace in this word...to Abram...to me..."I am your shield, your very great reward." God is my protection and MY VERY GREAT REWARD (Gen. 15:1)...unbelievable...

Blessings
C~

3 Things About Yourself that You are Grateful For

1} I love to laugh...a good belly aching laugh...A LOT!
2} I am Creative...I like to create beautiful things to give to dear ones
3} I love to read and learn new things...I am curious...and when I wonder..who is...why did this happen, how was this made, what was that all about...I go and find out.

Blessings,
C~

Something Above, Below, Beside

A Gift Above: My Heavenly Father
A Gift Below:My Sandals...with their blingy stones...makes me feel so happy, even in the rain!
A Gift Beside: Piles of clean clothes ready for dresser drawers...the warm the ones I love most here

Blessings,
C~

3 Yellow Gifts of Fresh Mercy

1)Highlighting in my Bible...things I want to remember, things God has shown me...mercies He gives me each day...like this one:

But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,
And the Lord has forgotten me.”
“Can a woman forget her nursing child
And have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.
“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:14-16

2)Wedding Rings...not really yellow, but a sign of devoted love and forgiveness that lasts a lifetime.

3)Sponges: well, mine are blue...but we can picture a yellow one here...used to clean...reminds me of God's cleaning me...with His blood...Red...(and we end up with all the primary colors!) His work is done...and yet it continues...in me...in my heart...to change my words, my thoughts, my actions...so I can be more like Him.

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Sour, Sweet, Just Right

A Gift Sour: A sick child...makes me focus on the more important things I need to be doing
A Gift Sweet: Great News...which I will share soon!
A Gift Just Right: Help for our broken down van...I think it will be finished today

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Held, Passed by, Sat With

Today's gifts....

A gift held: My little boy as he frequently climbs in my lap just to be there.
A Gift Passed By: a quick hug for a good friend
A Gift Sat With: Sitting down doing Bible Study with the Principessa


Blessings,
C~

Joy Dare Catch-ups

Fell a little behind in the craziness of life, but I want to be thankful in and for all things...so a little catch up is in order...

Jan 7
3 Graces from People you love
1) My son saying, "You ARE awesome Momma"
2) A coming home welcoming committee...makes me feel SO APPRECIATED
3)A very sweet word from our church granny...made me cry

Jan 8
1) Dusky Light:A promise given that I cling to even though the fulfillment looks IMPOSSIBLE...Our God IS GOD of the impossible
2)Surprising Reflection: My children...so like me in many areas...and yet fearfully and wonderfully made a unique creation of our loving God
3)Lovely Shadow: A man came through my line yesterday and said, "You have the peace that comes with loving children...a serenity that is lovely." Can we just say STUNNED...but so very blessed by his words...

One thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart

One thing in my bag: 2 bags of gummys (fruit snacks) for my littles...they LOVE them and consider them a great treat...I was excited to surprise them...the look on their faces...PRICELESS
In my fridge: Chai Tea Latte Concentrate...may have a cup right now...can't you just smell it?
In my heart: Trust in the Lord with all your heart...

Hope your day is blessed!
C~

Sufficiency of Scripture

When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Luke 2:41-52

Something you're Reading, Making, Seeing

Something I am reading: the Bible...Genesis right now...Chapter 15
Something I am making: Coffee...mmmm
Something I am seeing: the longest picture ever made...well in our home at least. The Prinicpessa decided to make THE LONGEST PICTURE ever made...it has our family in it...our home...Grandma's home...our pets...church and so much more! It is a sweet thing to see...

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Old, New, Blue

Being thankful for little things that are precious to my heart today...

A gift old: The ring my grandmother gave me...it was the VERY LAST GIFT I was ever to get from her...always reminds me of her and how beautiful she was and what a great cook she was. I wish she was not taken from us so early.
A gift new:Girl scout cookies from a friend...boy what a treat this time of year!
A gift blue: My wallet...I LOVE it...it holds everything I need to carry...it is hard to find just the RIGHT wallet...but this is DEFINITELY it for me...

Blessings,
C~

3 Graces Overheard

Three graces overheard...this is going to be tough...I feel like I have not overheard anything particular today...but we will try...

1) The principessa instructing her little brother on a song
2) A song hummed/sung while little hands were busy helping clean up
3)Forward progress on piano playing...the principessa is trying to learn more than she knows right now...makes me so happy to see her want to play so much that she will put it upon herself to do that.

Living a Blessed life...
C~

Smile

So, some good friends are working on an album and I thought I would share a little bit...
From Battery Street
Smile


Have a listen...and I HOPE you all enjoy!

Blessings,
C~

A Gift Outside, Inside, on a Plate

Today's Joy Dare is a bit of a challenge as it would be ever so much more lovely in pictures, but no pictures today...

Outside: Today, while I was waiting to get into the store...it was at that time of day when it is still dark, but you can see morning's glory peaking up over the horizon. Stars were twinkling, mountains standing in their majestic places, a light pink staining the sky just at the place of where heaven meets earth and clouds look like brush strokes from their Maker's hand...it was a beautiful site and I REALLY wished I had a camera...

Inside: A clean space...as we are in the process of getting back on top of life, a gift for today is a clean livingroom...everyone worked together so that many hands made light work.

On a plate: a cranberry orange muffin...a very unexpected treat


Ever so thankful..today...
Blessings,
C~

1,000 Gifts...

I read the most beautiful post over at A Holy Experience...a message I really needed when you look back over a year and can only see your failures and the very long list of things you did not do...

As I ponder that message...I am thinking...I should really do the Joy Dare...posting 1,000 gifts...and so I will try...
Today it is 3 gifts heard...
1. My Son's voice...he was out of town for several days...and now he is home...
2. "Come over for dinner tonight"...cannot think of many things sweeter than this
3. "I love you Momma"...mmm...so very grateful for the five that call me momma...

As a very difficult year has ended and we are just at the beginning of a brand new one, join me in falling forward...

Sweet Blessings...
C~