If I had known where God would take me when we first said "yes" to adoption, I'm not sure I would have wanted to adopted at all. The past several years have been incredibly difficult. Many times I honestly felt we were literally losing our minds...(so when questioning my behaviour...keep this in mind ;) However, this post is not about the real, hard, ugly side of adoption. It is about what has come from all of that. I am so thankful that at times His "word is a lamp unto my feet" (remember that song?), and not a glaring light illuminating His entire plan for me....cause I would have crapped my pants and headed to the hills!! lol!
I want to share just a glimpse of what God is doing in my life. I must admit, it is often easier to grumble, complain and see all the bad in my life. I have slowly been working on this. Trying to be intentionally thankful.
Several years ago I heard about Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. I immediately knew this was a "buy it, keep it forever" kinda book. It took me a few years to say "scrap the budget" and buy the book. I have not regretted it one bit! It really is one of those books.
I won't go into too much detail about the book...Ann Voskamp has an incredible way with words, and for me to say too much would ruin it for you, but basically it's about being thankful and how that simple act of worship can change our world.
I want to share just a glimpse of what God is doing in my life. I must admit, it is often easier to grumble, complain and see all the bad in my life. I have slowly been working on this. Trying to be intentionally thankful.
Several years ago I heard about Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. I immediately knew this was a "buy it, keep it forever" kinda book. It took me a few years to say "scrap the budget" and buy the book. I have not regretted it one bit! It really is one of those books.
I won't go into too much detail about the book...Ann Voskamp has an incredible way with words, and for me to say too much would ruin it for you, but basically it's about being thankful and how that simple act of worship can change our world.
I have taken the challenge to intentionally record at least 1000 things I am thankful for in this next year. I've had a slow start, but the more I take the time to write things down, to stop and enjoy the moment, the more I have to write. I've even begun taking pictures of some of these things/events. Here are a few things on my list....
1) Freckles sprinkled across little boys' noses.
7) Watching work worn hands style little girls hair...too funny and sweet and sexy all at the same time!
29) Spring puddles.
32) Family walks.
41) The calm in homeschooling
52) Time alone...all 20 minutes of it! :)
60) Glow on dancers face.
71) Insect repellent.
82) Water fountain.
94) Son sharing about the latest Youth event.
107) Smell of fresh cut grass.
112) Admiring butterfly on day lilies.
113) Smell of lilacs blooming.
118) Watching fireflies.
122) Bananas on sale for 50% off.
126) Raina enjoying freshly picked flowers.
127) Young girl giving sacrificially of her hard earned baby sitting money. (Aili...your generous act is an inspiration to us, causes us to smile, and most importantly perhaps...it makes us more determined than ever to give as Jesus gave.)
4 comments:
It's an amazing book isn't it? There are parts of it that will never leave me.
I loved this book as well. It is great to find joy in the small things and changes your perspective throughout the day.
:) -ah, this is just what I needed to read today Marie. Thanks. :)
I love the book and I love her website too. Joy in the little things is my mantra daily!
Your "lamp unto my feet" comment really hit home with me today...if I had known all the challenges I might have joined you in running to the hills! Thankful that HE reveals things slowly and that he is always there for us!
:)
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