December Joy Dare

Well, This is the last post for Joy Dare for this year...I am not sure what I will do with it for next year, but I am thankful to have taken time to be grateful.  While some of the prompts were hard, it really stretched me to see the smallest little glimpse of all the gifts that pass by me unnoticed.  I still haven't read the book yet...maybe that will be my plan for next year...we'll see!  If you have never heard of the Joy Dare, you can read about it here and here...It may be an activity that changes your life!

1. 3 Gifts White
1} SNOW...really HOPING for some!
2} Homemade Marshmallows on Hot cocoa after playing in the snow!
3} Russian Tea Cakes...with Hot Cocoa...after the snow!

2. 3 Gifts Bright
1} Noses shining bright red in the COLD air
2} Headlights bright on the drive to a Christmas tea
3} Spirits bright as we celebrate the gift of friendship

3. 3 Gifts Shining
1} Christmas Lights shining through the front window welcoming us home
2} Christmas Lights strung throughout the house
3} My Young Living Diffuser

4. A Gift Circling, Crowning, Crafted
1} My Josiah Quilt...a paper pieced Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern...making progress
2}Getting a crown soon...not until next year, but SO THANKFUL that my broken tooth can be SAVED rather than just pulled!!!
3} Projects with the Children

5. 3 Gifts Silver
1} Earrings...a gift from my husband...and I wear them all the time.  They go with EVERYTHING
2} My Origami Owl Living Locket with LOTS of bling
3} Blank CDs we used to make an ornament which reminds us of Mary's song of praise for being chosen to be the mother of our Savior...just try to wrap your mind around that...

6. 3 Gifts Sweet
1} Christmas Cookies
2} Eggnog
3} Peppermint marshmallows

7. 3 Gifts From Your Savior
1} Marriage
2} 22 years
3} Vows

8. A Gift Hung, Held, Heard
1} A picture my sister made for me...it looks like tile, but it is really a calendar page...I LOVE IT!
2} The youngest...the last of those who will let me hold them
3} I love you Momma

9. 3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful
1}The death of a believer...so hard, especially at this time, but death has no victory over His people
2} Believing God's promise for one who looks so far from Him
3} The death and resurrection of our Lord which purchased at GREAT Price my redemption

10. 3 Gifts Unframed Art
1} The Children's Artwork wall
2} Our Anniversary gift from Grace and David
3} Scrapbooks

11. 3 Gifts Ice Cold
1} My Sunroom...keeps our tree fresh until...oh, about April!
2} Diet Coke
3} My Feet!  Makes me really appreciate socks and blankets!

12. 3 Gifts Berry Red
1} A LARGE mug for a friend
2} A New shirt for Christmas
3} Cranberry Bliss Bars

13. 3 Gifts Striped
1} Wrapping paper on sale before Christmas!
2} Costumes at the Nutcracker this morning
3} Candy Canes

14. 3 Gifts Stamped
1} Cards made by the Principessa
2} Things going out in the mail
3} Cards from friends with Christmas greetings and well wishes

15. A Gift Gold, Scented, Bent Low
1} Gold: Decorations on the tree at church
2} Scented: Food for our Fellowship meal
3} Bent Low: Saints in prayer

16. 3 Gifts Bethlehem Unlikely
1} God puts on flesh and comes to be with us
2} God chooses and uses the unqualified to do His work
3} Faith is the Victory

17. 3 Gifts Frosted
1} Cookies
2} The world outside
3} Gingerbread Loaves

18. 3 Gifts Miraculous
1} God's Word hidden in hearts comes back just at the right time
2} Those who wait upon Him are given the strength they need
3} Grace...I will never understand it, but stand in awe and great joy in it

19. 3 Gifts Manger Small
1} My Cradle to Cross Wreath
2} Gingerbread loaves to share with sisters in Christ
3} New Glasses...I can see!

20. 3 Gifts Angelic Song
1} Emmanuel, God With Us

2}Mary, Did You Know

3}Joy, Joy

21. 3 Gifts Lit
1} Young Living Diffuser
2} Christmas Lights all around the house
3} Our Tree

22. A Gift Rejoicing, Wonder, Praising
1} This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.
2} Children so excited about the gifts they are giving to their family members
3} Cantata at Church

23. 3 Gifts Starry
1} Stars on a cold, clear night
2} Children's eyes as the day approaches...full of excitement over the things they chose for others
3} Lights from the tree reflecting in and through the windows

24. 3 Gifts Humble
1} Being Born in a Stable
2} God in flesh walking our sod
3} Redemption through the cross

25. 3 Gifts in Luke 2
1}  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 10-11

2}And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 13-20, (emphasis mine)

3} And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,  then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
 A Light [l]of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—  and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 25-35

26. 3 Gifts in Christ
1} Joy
2} Peace
3} Faith

27. A Gift Found, Shared, Saved
1} Found: Duct Tape in the clearance section
2} Shared: Pizza with the family
3} Saved: $16 on scotch tape

28. 3 Gifts Lingering
1} Holding a warm cup of coffee in cold hands, the soothing feel of it in the cup and the wonderful taste!
2} Sitting by the fire, bundled in blankets on a cold day
3} Snuggling with the younger ones

29. 3 Gifts of Hope
1} Jesus has it all covered
2} My eternal home
3} Seeing Jesus face to face one day

30. 3 Gifts Remembered
1}  DD sharing his hot cocoa and marshmallows with me
2} I am richly blessed!
3} 1,000 gifts thankful this year

31. 3 Gifts Anticipated
1} A life redeemed
2} A life broken and changed
3} Jesus' return

November Joy Dare

1-3 Gifts Eaten
1} Chocolate Muffin in a Mug...WONDERFULLY decadent and ON PLAN!
2} Starbucks Chicken and Greens Salad
3} Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple Cheesecake...I had the VERY TINIEST of bites (NOT AT ALL ON PLAN) but it was SO INCREDIBLE!

2- 3 Gifts Worn
1} Red & Khaki
2} Warm fuzzy Spa Socks
3} ANYTHING BUT Red & Khaki!

3- 3 Gifts that Start with N
1} Nutella
2} Naps
3} November...a month where the focus is on being thankful, times spent with family, comfort food, crazy work schedules, and so much more!

4-A Gift Gathered, Given, Good
1} The end of our amazing elections at co-op...as the votes were gathered, we had a new president for co-op
2} Grace from these sweet Momma friends I am privileged to spend time with EVERY Monday!
3} The Brannon's came to our Support Group Meeting...their sharing was SO GOOD!

5-3 Gifts Acorn Small
1} Origami Owl Lockets and Charms ...a small thing that has been a great blessing
2} Popcorn- My friend Cindy was eating this when she came and rescued me when my car broke down...
3} Mustard Seed Faith- God is so good..He shows us that He knows our needs and can provide for them in ways we cannot even imagine!

6-3 Gifts Government
1} Democratic Republic-we are a representative government
2} We have freedoms outlined in our founding documents and Constitution, Bill of Rights
3} Isaiah 9:6- The government rests upon HIS shoulders

7-3 Gifts from Your Window
1} Peaceful country scenery as we drive to and from band/choir practice
2} DOT signs warning of accidents and breakdowns, so we are able to find an alternate route
3} Stars- More than we can count...and God knows each one by name

8-\A Gift Sweet, Salty, Sipped
1} Fritos Scoops
2} Lou's Chocolate Chip Cookies
3} Eggnog Latte

9-3 Gifts Harvest
1} Beautiful Fall Colors showing the color that has always been there
2} Amazing Fall Smells of rich spices and warm and comforting goodness
3} Incredible Fall Foods that boost of the goodness of God in all things

10-3 Gifts Found in Bible Reading
1} Guidance
2} Sustenance
3} Encouragement

11-3 Gifts of Remembrance
1} Seeing the hand of God and remembering His faithfulness
2} Praying for the needs of others
3} Thankfulness for those who have fought for our freedoms, for which MANY have died

12-3 Gifts at Noon
1} Justice
2} Mercy
3} Love

13-3 Gifts Behind a Door
1} Children...with greetings of HELLO
2} Vacuum...therapeutic for me
3} a hot soak in the tub

14- 3 Gifts Silent
1} Early Morning work done when all are still sleeping
2} A few moments before bedtime, when I read...for as long as I can...zzzz
3} Bible Study

15-3 Gifts Golden
1} Wedding ring
2} Homemade chicken soup
3} Cough drops

16-3 Gifts Hard Eucharisteo
1} Hard things that continue to come, but I know God has His plan and He shows me His personal loving care for me so very often
2} Boys to Men...can be a hard process some days
3} Working for a company in NW Washington that does not work in the rain

17- 3 Gifts of Laughter
1} A night of sweet co-op aunties...working and laughing together...you ladies bless me richly
2} Bedtime snuggles with a little boy
3} Siblings playing together

18- A Gift Made, Shared, Passed On
1} Pickles for co-op teachers...thanking them for being such a blessing
2} Time spent with the Co-op Aunties
3} A Starbucks Gift Card

19-3 Gifts of Autumn
1} Warm Sweaters
2} Hot Soups
3} Dark Nights

20- 3 Gifts of Traditions
1} Christmas Music Playing
2} Tree Trimming
3} Our NEW Tradition...the Christmas Morning Surprise...better watch out!

21-3 Gifts of Family
1} Common History
2} Unconditional Love
3} A Sense of Being Home

22-A Gift of Grateful-
I am thankful for the daily ways God sustains and encourages me

23- 3 Gifts Only In Christ
1} Grace
2} Peace
3} Life

24- 3 Gifts Humble
1} My Bank Account...and yet our needs are met
2} A Fixed Vehicle...the IMPOSSIBLE looking situation becoming possible
3} Knowing there is a "Saul" in the process of becoming a "Paul"...but not seeing how it could possibly happen...Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mt. 19:26

25-3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful
1}Motherhood often looks ugly to us...our failings, things we didn't do, etc, but can be so beautiful when viewed from our children's eyes
2} The end of another co-op term...A break is always nice...a few weeks off from the Monday Madness, but I have grown to love these families so dearly, that the last day will be hard...but February will be here before we know it.
3} The preparation days leading up to the Holidays can be a busy stressful mess, but learning to simplify and make new traditions to keep the focus on Christ and family create a special atmosphere and amazing memories

26-3 Gifts Preparing
1} To work Black Friday
2} Gathering fun things to do in December
3} Christmas Gifts

27- A Gift Handmade, Held, Happy
1} The sweet Nativity set my children made...best Nativity set ever!
2} Bags for Guests at work
3} An AWANA FREE Week...My Girls are working so hard and doing such a great job learning verses and bringing friends to club...but a Wednesday night at home is a rare treat!

28- 3 Gifts in Community
1} Running into friends and neighbors at Target
2} Team Members on a long day...encouragement, understanding, support
3} Helping in a windstorm in the middle of the night

29- 3 Gifts Red
1} My Starbucks mugs- a newer tradition  for my hubby and I...when Starbucks has their 12 Days of Christmas special, we grab matching mugs!
2} Breathe Again Young Living Essential Oil...red label...I LOVE this oil...I can INSTANTLY feel my airways opening up.
3} The tag on my key ring from the mechanic, which reminds me to pray for his business.

30- 3 Gifts Astonishing
1} God's GREAT LOVE
2} His UNFATHOMABLE MERCY
3} His UNCONTAINABLE GRACE

Joy Dare, October

So, this is part catch up, part trying to make life a little easier...

3- A Gift Caught, Let Go, Mid Way
1} Caught-a boy growing too fast in a LEAPING LIZARD...that is where he flies off the counter and I catch him...I got a hard thud this time
2} Let Go-Expectations of how things should be
3} Mid Way- My Principessa and her flute...she is not MID-way but making so much progress with each class that I feel so blessed to be hearing such joyful sounds

4- 3 Gifts Reaped
1} A paycheck
2} Joy
3} A Boy got a new job

5- 3 Gifts Returned
1} Library Books...thankful we can borrow them and take them back, but ever so thankful for no fees!
2} Back to the Lesson Plan book...a weekly labor of love...to pray and plan and place the details of our lives
3} a Phone call to my hubby

6- 3 Gifts Redeemed
1} My Starbucks Star Dash e-Gift Card
2} A Free Drink on my card
3} My Little Boy...very present in my mind as he rejoicing in being able to share in his first opportunity to participate in communion

7- A Gift Baked, Stirred, Eaten
1} Baked Oatmeal...been having such a craving for this...the recipe I have is from a dear friend who moved and I do not get to see her anymore, so I think of her everytime I make it
2} Coffee at co-op...I LOVE Libby and her servant's heart to have it available for us
3} Dinner...I have NO idea now what it was, but I remember trying to have it ready before everyone had to go their different directions for the night.

8- 3 Gifts Prayed For
1} Deeper walk with the Lord
2} Our Children to walk with the Lord...3 John 4
3} Strength for the day

9- 3 Gifts Praised For
1} More permanent work for my husband
2} Clean Labs after a boy's eye surgery
3} Friends that point me to Christ

10- 3 Hard Eucharisteos
1} That place that God wants to change or cut out that you are having difficulty letting go of
2} That thing God wants you to do that you are having a hard time doing
3} Changing a bad habit for the glory of God.

11- 3 Gifts of Change
1} An Empty Checklane 6
2} A Missing Team Mate
3} Things that will never be the same again

12- A Gift Small, Smaller, Smallest
1} a snow globe on my desk...evidences of a boy's perfect love gift to his Momma
2} A new necklace
3} A mustard seed size of faith

13- 3 Gifts Read
1} Matthew 5
2} Hinds Feet on High Places
3} John 15

14-3 Gifts Said
1} The more you tuck God's Word in your heart, the more it will be on the tip of your tongue.
2} The Scriptures you memorize are the only Scriptures you can read on the ceiling in the dark.
3} What is my conduct revealing about my character?

15- 3 Gifts Re-Read
1} A Light for My Path
2}Anne of Green Gables
3}Anne of Avonlea

16- 3 Gifts Burning
1} A wax warmer is on with Honey Pear Cider Scentsy Bar
2} Potato soup the the bottom of my pan...it ALWAYS does that, but is still good...just more work washing the pan.
3} Beeswax candles

17- 3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful
1} My house...guests are coming...Praise God for My Husband, My Children and GOOD friends
2} Expectations- never what you think will happen...becoming something better or more appropriate
3} A blessing of fellowship and study after 3 years of hardship

18- A Gift Shared, Saved, Surrendered
1} A new soup recipe to try
2} A Blog post that I can't seem to complete
3} Another small part of MY will to His

19- 3 Gifts Unexpected
1} A day off of soccer just at the right time for Mission's Conference
2} Some kind words from a sweet friend
3} A nice chat with an old friend...we have been having similar things going on for about the same time period.

20- 3 Gifts Unconventional
1} a visit in the nursery during Sunday School
2} having enough potato soup left over for the potluck today
3} working in the fitting room was not so bad tonight...except for THE INCIDENT!

21- 3 Gifts Undervalued
1} The Lord's Power
2} His Love
3} His Holiness

22- A Gift Silent, Still, Strong
1}Silent:
2}Still: two hours of quiet during Bible Study after a long weekend
3}Strong: Our God

23- 3 Gifts Begun
1} My Josiah quilt...begun right after he was born...lost and found
2} A cross stitch project
3} Meal Plan for the month

24- 3 Gifts Accomplished
1} Getting everyone where they needed to be on time with one vehicle and three completely different locations.
2} Dinner- after the day I had today...THAT WAS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!
3} Laundry...well for one day at least

25- 3 Gifts Enjoying
1} My Homeschool Grades
2} Band & Choir for my younger two
3} Sewing Projects

26- 3 Gifts Extravagant
1} Grace
2} Love
3} Forgiveness

27- A Gift Humbling, Honoring, Happy
1}Humbling: Comp Shopping
2}Honoring:A Wonderful Pastor
3} Happy: Coming Home after a VERY LONG DAY

28- 3 Gifts in Christ
1} Matthew 5:3-12
2} Matthew 6:9-13
3} Matthew 6: 25-34

29- 3 Gifts on Time
1}Getting up early for work...but not as early as I wanted...but still  in time to get things done.
2}Comp Shop is DONE for this week
3}Just happening to be RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER from Homeschool Potpourri when I needed a couple of things...SO THANKFUL right now!

30- 3 Gifts Overjoyed
1} The right lesson for me at EXACTLY the RIGHT TIME
2} Getting to share with a sweet woman how blessed I have been by knowing that she has prayed once a month for my prodigal and EVERY CHILD she has ever taught in BSF...you are TOO PRECIOUS FOR WORDS...oh and seeing her point out his name in her Bible...this was at least 14 years ago...
3} God's Provision=perfect timing!!!

31- 3 Gifts Hallowed
1} God's Name
2} God's Purposes and Plans
3} God's Character

3 Gifts Falling

1} Leaves: Feeling ready for fall as we had a most blessed Summer...

2} Rain: we get lots of rain in our area, but after a long dry summer, the grass is drinking big gulps of water, greening up and growing tall.

3} Early to bed...falling into bed early for an EARLY work day...

3 Gifts Orange

1} DD just spent his money to buy a couple of scarecrows...he called them puppets...I told him that when he doesn't want to play with them, he could stick them into something for a fall decoration...he said, "Great Idea!" LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that boy!

2} The Cover on a new ink cartridge...thankful I had a back up, thankful Costco refills these cheaper than buying new, thankful to be back up and running

3} While Pumpkin Spice Lattes are not my favorite way to drink my coffee, I am looking forward to trying Pumpkin Spice Bagels and English Muffins...now that sounds AMAZING!

Blessings,

3 Gifts Shining

1} Street lights guiding me to an early work day
2} Shining faces eager for a new school week
3} God's Word lighting my path
Blessings,

3 Gifts Shelved

1}Books
2}Clutter
3} A little pair of red boots to remind me of time too quickly gone by

3 Gifts Shy

1}Little ones at work, not sure if they want to talk
2}Thoughts of a shy friend not seen for a long time
3}Thoughts of how painfully shy I was as a girl and how God has changed some of that and allowed some to remain still

Watching Down the Lane,

A Gift Unexpected, Uneven, Unpopular

1} Going to the dentist today
2} The way my mouth feels after novacaine...got two chipped teeth fixed and a small cavity filled
3}The Word

3 Gifts Flourishing

1}a child's faith
2}a child's love
3}a child's passion for what interests them

Blessings,

3 Gifts Finished

1} The BIG Christmas Gift for the Principessa...she is going to be BEYOND EXCITED and that is one thing off my list!
2} A good school day
3} My Coffee

Blessings,

3 Gifts Funny

1} Technology generated pirate names
2} The things that come out of a 7 year old's mouth
3} The things I have said when dog tired

Blessings,

3 Gifts Quiet

1} Early Morning Devotions
2} Work-only the cash office part
3] The house an hour after bedtime!

Blessings,

More Joy Dare Catch up...

17- 3 Gifts Ugly Beautiful
1} Upcoming eye surgery for my middle boy...will get rid of the marks he does not like, but will be ugly for a long time until healed
2} A relationship with a little lamb bent on hurting themself...progress is made in a painfully slow one small step forward, three steps back...opportunities present to offer love and grace in a tough love kind of a way.
3} My relationship with the Lord as I try to have my own way and and obstinate and rebellious and His loving care is always gentle, full of grace and mercy, and perfect...

18-A Gift Fixed, Folded, Freckled
1} Fixed: Buffalo Chicken Wings
2} Folded: Laundry
3} Freckled: The special surprise we got for my Principessa for Christmas...shhhh...

19- 3 Gifts in Conversation
1} Pirate talk with a jolly bunch of scaliwags
2} Finding one of those who see the good in your rascal
3} Donuts, coffee and conversation with good friends at the park on a BEAUTFULLY SUNNY and warm day!

20- 3 Gifts in Salvation
1} Wisdom
2} Emmanuel (God's presence with us now)
3} Jesus (Our Future Hope!)
4} One more...today is surgery day- PEACE

21- 3 Gifts in Information
1} Encouragement
2} Knowledge
3} The ability to better pray

22- a Gift Rattling, Receding, Reclaiming
1} Rattling- Venti Iced Coffee with a splash, no classic
2} Receding- Bitterness and hurt from a hard situation
3} Reclaiming-The Joy of the Lord will be my strength

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Gifts Shared

1} Family Meals

2} Learning...at Co-op (and Science!)

3} BSF with Daddy, the Principessa and DD

Blessings,

3 Gifts Paired

1} Coffee & Cream

2} Peanut Butter & Chocolate

3} Husband & Wife

Blessings,

3 Gifts Drawn

1} My MOST favorite picture of me...with spikey orange hair...and JUMBO EYES...drawn by my DD

2} A watercolor done by my Principessa of me and her...so sweet!

3} a drawing of a man (who is supposed to be our Lord) holding a lamb

Blessings,

A Gift Scented, Scrawled, Started

1} Scented-Scentsy Bar- Sentimental Cider

2} Scrawled-a funny mad lib from Daddy's birthday lunch is becoming a letter to DD's BEST friend.

3} Started- A new cross stitch project...hoping to finish before Christmas...

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Gifts in His Word

1}From the Good Morning Girls Study, "Loving Like Jesus" Luke 18:15-17
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

2} BSF started today for me...and we are doing Matthew...so I will share Matthew 4:4, which is the memory verse for this week...
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

3} And last, from a conversation with a precious friend...we will be starting a study based on this verse...Titus 2:3-5
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

I could really share so many, but to encourage you to get into the Word, I will leave one more...You NEVER know what you are going to find there...
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Hard Eucharisteos

1} Busy new fall schedules have me wondering how on earth we will get everything done, but have the sweet addition of new curriculum, band, co-op and science class. Trying to stay on track, but so many things to do pull at me at every turn. Very thankful for this season as my children are growing up.

2} A hard discovery

3} Letting go of MY plan and trusting God has it all...very easy to say, but hard to walk out...

Blessings,