I am enjoying the daily challenge to develop a personal list of 1,000 gifts for my 2012. A couple years during our women’s study a friend encouraged us to each list our praises and thanks to God daily. I love a challenge and was in need of guidance to organize my quiet time. This is one of my favorite times during the day, thanking God for the things He has blessed me with each day and praising Him for the gifts only He could have showered me with.
As I purpose to list one-thousand nouns of thanks to God for my blog I find it easier to pay attention to the small things in life. Ann’s “February Joy Dare: capture these gifts” is a wonderful tool and springboard to zoning in items I may not have recognized before. You can download a copy at: http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FebruaryJoyDare.pdf February’s Joy Dares And my list continues: 11:30 a.m. – a student snuck a hand-drawn valentine onto my table to surprise me 2:30 p.m. – another valentine appeared, from a student not likely to express such care 6:30 p.m. – an appointment ends early which allows us to spend more time together I overheard my Mom say, “I’m so proud of her…” talking about my daughter I overheard a colleague mention “It’s that time of year again… I overheard my daughter share her admiration of Mr. Jordan with her Pop, and Pop’s respect and friendship in return for this amazing man Writing helps to keep my eyes open for God’s blessings Blessed with inspiration through the writing of others Writing brings healing A shiny copper penny in spite of the February sand in the parking lot A lost earring, found A new perspective on life A hand quilted bag made with love Blocks for my upcoming speaking engagement – cut, sanded, built, and painted alongside and with the help of my beloved parents (they did most of the work while I was teaching – thank you Mom and Dad) The strand of single crochet my daughter gave me when she learned to crochet – safely tucked in my jewelry box A Lake Ontario sunset Newly fallen snow The sound of birds chirping A healthy heart The cardinal Blood donated to save lives My sister’s hair clip - broken My mother’s locket - fixed My engagement ring - thrifted A snow day A 3 day get-away at my friend’s house on the lake Sins…forgiven Laughter in the classroom as children learn Laughter in the hallways as teachers walk Laughter at my parents while Pop and Mags chill watching gerbil Olympics The “Aha” moment for a child Opportunity to share with others New friends For my sister’s kidnapping making me the woman I am today – triumph over tragedy with God’s love and healing To laugh and enjoy life Jesus paid it all… Hot coffee from Dunkin Donuts thanks to my secret pal A freshly baked chocolate chip cookie when I arrived to school The laundry already folded and put away God loves me when my daughter says, “I love you Mom” God loves me when my husband hugs me tight God loves me…in spite of myself I lost my sister… But found God… And choose to use this tragedy to share Hope with others Fears faced Only God knows Mystery of life Hearts healed Stomachs filled Souls restored Handwritten note from my sister Notes from my parents Gram’s diaries A missed turn that saved time A career I love A house transformed into a home For answered prayers For unanswered prayers A God who ALWAYS answers prayers – yes, no, not right now |
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