Category: faith

Counting to 1,000 (645-676)

Diana B.7 Comments

“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.”

–Psalm 35:18

 

Happy 4th of July! Let’s thank God today, not just for the freedoms we enjoy here in the U.S., but also for our freedom from sin. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we are no longer captives to sin. What freedom!

Continuing my list of one thousand gifts this week — #645 is the best gift so far!

645. her meeting with the pastor about her upcoming baptism (Oh! What joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord!)

646. the two free books earned from Barnes & Noble — because they love to read

647. new friends at swim camp

648. a picnic lunch on the patio at the Arboretum

649. sunny, 70-degree weather

650. water lilies and tadpoles

651. how she longs for her sketchbook and colored pencils

652. catching the rose garden at peak bloom

653. girls in white dresses

654. her fascination with finding sticks

655. the smooth, curved edges of the oak leaves

656. the mighty oak that stretches its branches so far and wide, giving us shade

657. just breathing the sweet, intoxicating smell of the roses

658. roses, roses and more roses

659. little girls in the rose garden

660. a second, same-day trip to the rose garden, with camera and sketchbooks in tow

661. how wild they run in the lush grass

662. the sunlight that turns hair and grass and everything golden

662. watching and learning from sisterly love as it blooms

663. a short wait and a wise doctor at urgent care

664. medicine and insurance and the healing that comes from Jehovah Rophe, the Lord Who Heals and Restores

665. the little one who diligently prays for her big sister to recover

666. air conditioning on a hot, humid day

667. news of Annie’s birth

668. God’s faithful protection over him as he launches the sailboat

669. shelter from the severe wind storm that brings in cooler weather

670. how the clouds glow after the storm passes over

671. the first sail of the season

672. a 5-year-old’s prayer for wisdom

673. captivating clouds at sunset

674. lessons in contentment and God’s provision

675. reading John 4:7 after giving water and popsicles to the men working hard in the heat

676. hydrangeas blooming on the patio

Counting to 1,000 (608-644)

Diana B.1 Comment

“The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praises and thanks to God; we should neither eat nor sleep, but eat to God and sleep to God and work to God and talk to God, do all to His glory and praise.”

–Richard Sibbes

 

Likewise, Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

My list of one thousand gifts  continues to grow — so much grace He gives us.

608. reassurance from Colossians 3:12 that I am chosen, set apart, and dearly loved

609. God’s kindness, which leads us to repentance

610. her beautiful fish painting, the Smurf-blue paint between her toes, and how she excitedly explains her truck painting

611. one-on-one time with a chatty and helpful 8-year-old

612. comfort given the crying 2-year-old after a scary fall in the kitchen

613. the friends who are such good, strong mamas, even on the hardest days

614. the goat’s milk soap that smells like geraniums

615. their backyard chipmunk trapping adventure

616. Tuesday morning playgroup at the park

617. holding baby Dorothy as she naps

618. the gentle pitter-pat of the rain

619. an unseasonably cool June day

620. how they delight in playing with the neighbor girls all afternoon

621. a re-organized drawer just for my tea party stuff

622. a little pie packed with fresh peaches

623. a cool glass of ice water

624. the dear, sweet friend who hosts a very lovely belated birthday breakfast for me

625. the Spiderman picture he drew just for me

626. the picnic table under the mighty oaks — the perfect spot for studying Colossians on a gorgeous June afternoon

627. how she diligently reads and marks up her Bible

628. her excitement about meeting with the pastor

629. three boxes of my grandpa’s antique cameras, which cross many miles and arrive safely on my doorstep

630. shouts of glee as little feet bounce happily on the bubble wrap

631. the brave little biker who ventures off without her training wheels

632. the cheering big sister and loving daddy, so eager to help and encourage her

633. the county sheriff’s deputy who pulls her over for wearing her helmet and gives her a free ice cream ticket

634. the vibrant green grass

635. marshmallows roasting over the fire pit

636. fascinating books about missionaries

637. God’s compassion on all He has made

638. how her long, thick hair shines in the sunlight

639. the daddy who loves his little girls, prays with them and tucks them into bed

640. watching her hold sleeping Dorothy on her shoulder

641. how her hands cover her ears as we drive through the carwash

642. a late-night phone call from my big brother

643. news of my nephew’s high school graduation — Hooray!

644. cabin plans

A Day in the Homeschool Life: 100th Day Project

Diana B.1 Comment

In his prayer to God in Psalm 90, Moses says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Our little homeschool started numbering school days in September, and in March we celebrated my 5-year-old’s 100th day of pre-Kindergarten.

Laurel had been carefully counting and greatly anticipating special math projects and fun activities for the milestone day, and 8-year-old Linnea was happy to join in the celebration.

This year I have been counting to 1,000 myself (inspired by Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts), and that led me to add to our plans a Bible lesson in thankfulness and God’s love and faithfulness. Psalm 100, a favorite of mine, is a psalm for giving thanks and a great one to memorize.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His;

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

After the girls and I read Psalm 100 together, we talked about giving thanks to God and counting the ways He loves us. We discussed the Israelites en route to the Promised Land and how they had not given thanks to God and had not trusted Him, even though He had faithfully provided everything they needed. We discussed how grumbling and complaining displeases God and how thankfulness pleases Him.

We also talked about how long counting to 100 days took. We did count 100 days, but we couldn’t count forever.  Forever is much, much longer than 100 days, and God’s love and faithfulness endures forever. Forever!

I gave the girls this special sheet to help them start counting and giving thanks for 100 gifts from God. (You can download the PDF to use with your children if you click here.)

In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul encourages us to be thankful and to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God with gratitude in our hearts, giving thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.

We put this idea into practice by singing praises along with Maranatha Music’s “He Hath Made Me Glad” and Chris Tomlin’s “Forever” — the lyrics of both songs include strong ties to Psalm 100.

Here’s a downloadable version of Psalm 100 to help with memorization.

By the way, I’ve included more photos, lessons and downloadable materials from our 100th Day Project in these posts:

Counting to 1,000 (549-607)

Diana B.2 Comments

David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 —

   “Praise be to you, O LORD,
   God of our father Israel,
   from everlasting to everlasting. 
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
   and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
   for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
   you are exalted as head over all. 
Wealth and honor come from you;
   you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
   to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
   and praise your glorious name.

Like David, I am praising God’s glorious name today and offering Him thanks as I continue my list of one thousand gifts . Everything in heaven and earth is His, and His grace is sufficient for me.

549. encouragement from Colossians 3:4-6 and 2 Corinthians 12:9

550. his words that remind us to keep praying

551. the hot summer wind and 104 degrees (above zero!) in Minnesota

552. the white peony opening in bloom the day I leave for vacation, and the hope of peonies still blooming when I return

553. piggy braids after bath time

554. how she sleeps upside-down like Pippi Longstocking

555. her sweet, round face resting on the pillow

556. Sonic ice to crunch on a hot afternoon and how he delights in his blazin’ BBQ hamburger

557. Homeschool Presentation Day — and all the love, sweat and tears that go into this fabulous year-end event

558. Iowa corn growing taller and the wind making waves across the amber-colored wheat fields of Kansas

559. bright orange wildflowers along the wayside in Kansas

560. the scissor-tail fly-catcher zipping through the Oklahoma sky

561. the flash of lightning bugs in the darkness

562. cloud-to-cloud lightning and protection from the storm

563. the cowgirl dancer that asks her to boot-scoot, too

564. Braum’s peppermint ice cream with our favorite chocolate cake, served up on glass dishes

565. a celebration of my 36 years and a banner of love-notes posted in the window

566. riding in the car with just my daddy, praying the ice cream doesn’t melt before we get home

567. grandparents who care for the kids for four whole days

568. their sweet farewells as we make a getaway trip to St. Charles

569. riding in the car with just my husband

570. enjoying Mardel and Chick-Fil-A, just the two of us

571. how he loudly proclaims “Candy!” and makes me giggle at the billboards along the interstate

572. finding a lovely place to stay in historic St. Charles

573. the quaint brick streets of St. Charles — lined with gas lamps, flowers, little shops and romantic restaurants

574. eating mint-chip ice cream on the steps of the gazebo

575. biking the Katy Trail together on a lazy afternoon

576. a pleasant dinner at Union Station with a wonderful and beautiful young couple

577. the grandeur of the Grand Hall at Union Station

578. protection through an accidental late-night trip into East St. Louis, IL

579. the Gateway Arch that welcomes us as we cross back into Missouri

580. the cardinal in the trees along the Katy Trail

581. Bandana BBQ’s donut holes — dipped in powdered sugar and tasting just like funnel cake

582. absence that makes our hearts grow fonder

583. little girl hugs and kisses and affection when we reunite — because we love each other

584. cowgirl hats and free pony rides on Patches and Butterscotch

585. the distinct smell of Green Country’s grass in June and how the locusts and crickets make music deep in the trees

586. how my daddy escorts my husband’s grandma up the stairs

587. little girls running wildly up the hill, through the grass, into Grammy’s embrace

588. the lovely gold brooch she gave me that once belonged to my husband’s great-grandmother

589. the Gypsy Mama’s honest, heart-felt words on daughters and beauty

590. how they enjoy listening to Jonathan Park and Adventures in Odessy as the miles add up

591. holding hands with my husband

592. safety throughout a long road trip and the joy of returning to home sweet home

593. the parade of blooming peonies that line the patio, a plethora of petals welcoming us home

594. the blue irises that bloom and remind me of the ones my mama grew

595. peonies, peonies and more peonies

596. the last whiff of the dwarf lilac’s enchanting fragrance

597. little girls just playing, running, being silly-happy on the swings

598. the nutshell pram kit and the dedicated grandpa who dug it, piece by piece, out of the dumpster for us

599. how they all eagerly agree to paint it red and name it “Ruby”

600. the first plump robin to visit the new bird bath

601. my daddy

602. the husband who prays and listens and studies and teaches and works so diligently to lead our family

603. a Sunday nap that quenches like a cool drink of water

604. how they all line up on the dock and eagerly launch the little toy boat

605. her happy dancing on the dock

606. father-daughter projects enjoyed on the water

607. little hands dipping and splashing in the lake water

Counting to 1,000 (vacation flashback)

Diana B.Leave a comment

NOTE: While my list of one thousand gifts continues, this week I am taking a much-needed break from blogging. I’m busy spending time with family and taking pictures, and I will be back next week with additions to my list. In the meantime, please enjoy a little vacation flashback: a re-post of 23 blessings from last summer’s vacation to northern Minnesota. (This was before I read Ann’s book or started my official list counting to 1,000.)

Today I write in celebration of God’s divine goodness toward our family during our Boundary Waters vacation earlier this month.

  1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Psalm 23

Father in heaven, thank You for leading us to this captivating place where I count so many blessings.

1. Fresh, gentle breezes drifting through open windows.

 

2. Daisies showing You love me.

 

3. Raspberries ripening, wild and sweet.

4. Waters parting as canoes glide quietly.

5. Water lilies floating elegantly.

6. A strong man persevering.

7. Hikers exploring new boundaries.

8. Rocks welcoming young climbers.

9. Water falling like stair steps.

10. Little girls wading deep in clear water.

11. Pine trees scenting the air.

12. Wind rustling the leaves, which encourage it to slow down.

13. Hummingbirds darting to and fro while chickadees sing cheerfully.

14. Chipmunks bravely scurrying to play hide-and-seek.

 

15. Friends treasuring time together.

16. A sailboat whisking away in the wind.

17. A dog flying, fetching into the water.

18. Lupines growing tall but fading.

19. The moose evading the camera.

20. Popcorn promising to pile up like winter snow.

 

21. Tired little girls resting in snug bunk beds.

22. Loons crying lonesome in the night.

23. Your Love Lights, aurora borealis, brightening the dark night sky in the wee small hours.

Thank You, Father in heaven, for this peaceful place beside the water, this place where You give me rest and restore my soul. Your goodness and love follows me. My cup overflows.

“Gratitude is the culture of the sinners made saints.” –Ann Voskamp

 

Counting to 1,000 (522-548)

Diana B.Leave a comment

This week as I continue counting up one thousand gifts  from God, I want to share these encouraging words from Lysa TerKeurst’s recent Proverbs 31 Devotional:

Daniel prayed, Thank You God. ‘Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.’ (Daniel 6:10b, NIV)

Since Daniel’s response is so opposite of the way most of us would react, it makes me stop and ponder. Our initial responses are usually a by-product of the rituals we’ve established in our life. Daniel had made it his habit to be thankful.

Therefore, who God is and what God provides was front and center in Daniel’s heart — even in the midst of heartbreak.”

Oh, to be like Daniel. To make it my habit to be thankful.

522. how passionately they sprinkle pepper and salt on their hard-boiled eggs

523. how he helps her whittle the soap with her brand new Swiss Army knife

524. the crowd of forty elementary homeschoolers practicing the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”

525. the playful little girl’s mom who smiles at she chases a beach ball down the sporting goods aisle at Target

526. the wind rushing wild through the tree leaves

527. the sparkle in his eyes and smile as he jokes about eating his mama’s sandwich

528. the sweet and tender little snuggles of a one-month-old

529. how she squeezes my neck tight and tells me she loves me “to Pluto and back a thousand-hundred times”

530. the end-of-school, track-and-field day with wonderful friends, watermelon and a wild water slide

531. the golden brown edges of the marshmallow while it toasts

532. an evening huddled around the backyard fire pit

533. an impromptu lunch with friends

534. the photos that arrive in the mail just in time

535. flowers on the sidewalk

536. glorious clouds that look, she says, like Jesus is coming back

537. more rays of sunshine bursting through the clouds

538. a lovely evening with godly friends who encourage us and uplift our spirits

539. how confidently she serves up a plateful of cinnamon toast

540. her first piano book, all finished now

541. dwarf lilacs scenting the patio

542. little legs that carry her happy through a game of hopscotch

543. moments of happiness and contentment on the swings, enjoying the weather

544. the “girls only” fort they constructed in the woods

545. her delicious chocolate cobbler served up with ice cream on a warm evening

546. God’s faithfulness and loving kindness

547. encouragement from Colossians 3:1-3

548. his words that teach us how to stand up under temptation

(Photos to be added later today.)

A Prayer for Your Children

Diana B.1 Comment

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

-Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word. Your Word is truth; it sets me free and keeps me free. According to Your Word, I thank You for teaching my children to fear You, for surrounding my children with divine favor, and for sending to my children godly friends. I consider it done in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

This prayer by Joe McGee is based on Psalm 34:11, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:16; Psalm 5:12 and Proverbs 27:17. He encourages parents to pray it daily for their children.

Joe McGee Ministries in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has many resources for families right here.

May we all be diligent this summer in passing on a strong faith in Jesus to our children, teaching them about Him when we are at home and on the road, morning and evening!

5 Star Links for Friday

Diana B.1 Comment

June is my favorite month, and not just because my birthday happens to be in June.

I love June because of the peonies that bloom.

And I love June because of the fresh fruit that gets more affordable, the daylight that seems endless, and the general glow that accompanies nearly everything about early summer.

All that said, the first Friday in June seems the perfect day for another 5-Star Friday!

This time around, these links are especially for moms — because I am one, because I love many dear friends who are moms, and because motherhood matters to God — and not just in the month of May!

Below are links to some great reading (and listening) that truly encouraged me in recent weeks, and I pray these encourage you as well.

1. When You Feel Like You Just Keep Blowing It by Ann Voskamp

2. Why Motherhood Should Be Graded on a Curve by The Gypsy Mama

3. The Danger of Moralistic Parenting by Elyse Fitzpatrick

4. The Sons of Thunder (Mother’s Day 2011) sermon at Church on the Move by guest speaker Joe McGee (5/8/11)

5. “Hidden in My Heart” CD from scripture-lullabies.com is so sweet and peaceful and fitting for all ages. I ordered three copies — one for myself and two to give to moms with newborns. You can preview the songs online.

May God richly bless all you mom-readers!

Counting to 1,000 (482-521)

Diana B.4 Comments

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

This week I surpass the half-way mark as I am counting up one thousand gifts  from God! Praise Him for His goodness, His love that endures forever, and for the peace that comes in knowing He is always in control — even on days when life doesn’t make sense.

482. pairs of indigo buntings at the feeders

483. flower shopping with little girls in tow

484. a cloudless sky

485. the golden sunset rays that outline the fuzz on a little gosling near the pond

486. vases full of lilacs

487. tiny tea parties

488. the promise of peonies

489. how they encourage the friend with a broken leg

490. gardening gloves that fit just right

491. their teamwork in playing “Heart and Soul” together on the piano

492. the vivid green of spring

493. grandma-made dresses with the ultimate twirly-ness

494. bare feet spinning in happiness as the sun sinks lower

495. a Saturday afternoon patio picnic at the Arboretum

496. the engineer brain that figures out the tricky umbrella at our table

497. a lively stroll through the blooming lilacs as their delightful, heavenly fragrance lingers heavy in the air

498. the azalea’s brilliant orange and pink blossoms

499. the redbud trees that remind me of climbing in my neighbors’ redbud trees as a kid

500. the delicate bleeding hearts

501. how the tiny Lily of the Valley draws her ever closer

502. the happy, hoppy toad on the rocks

503. droplets pearling on the blue shadow alder

504. the vibrant fuchsia petals of the peony

505. how he giggles with them about the “Toothbrush” Song

506. bite-sized cucumber sandwiches sprinkled with dill and devoured by the little snacker

507. homemade raspberry white chocolate scones with clotted cream

508. how happily she rediscovers the little house in the shade

509. the dearly loved piano teacher who stops by for a visit

510. how beautifully she plays her “Medley in Pink”

511. her sweet little voice singing “I Love Snack Time”

512. a whole morning gladdened by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and reading I, Vivaldi together

513. her thrill at eating popcorn and watching Charlotte’s Web, just the two of us

514. refreshing sips of Simply Lemonade

515. the joyous arrival of sweet Kayla Michelle and her very first Sunday at church

516. encouraging reports from missionaries to Thailand

517. the book of Ruth and how it reminds us that God is always in control

518. answered prayers for their protection and for the deadly tornadoes to pass over without harming them

519. pumpkin seeds to crunch at snack time

520. the broad, silvery strokes of pink and blue painting the sunset sky

521. the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country

Counting to 1,000 (462-481)

Diana B.Leave a comment

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Giving thanks to God, I’m counting up one thousand gifts  from above. May we give Him thanks forever!

462. how they all three thrill at seeing the first humming-bird at the new feeder

463. the black-capped chickadee, the deep red cardinal and the electric blue indigo bunting at the finch feeder

464. raindrops on lilacs

465. the captivating yet familiar scent of fresh lilac blossoms

466. tulips sprinkled with raindrops

467. tiny bare toes that dance happily across the stage

468. how her face beams as she does the caterpillar/butterfly dance on the big stage

469. her “Tigger tail”

470. how thoughtfully she moves to Dvorak’s music

471. how they giggle about their “not serious” ballet

472. instructors with a contagious passion for the art of dance and students who excel under their direction

473. orange popsicles to savor

474. time to explore the endless possibilities of wooden pattern blocks

475. hairpins and the kind neighbor’s 5 minute lesson on hair buns

476. frilly costumes that make them feel so beautiful

477. medicine for allergies

478. the sweet Granny who introduces them to Rosemaling and the immeasurably wonderful art instructor who inspires us all

479. Sunday evening fellowship with some familiar and some unfamiliar faces

480. protection from the devastating storm nearby

481. a quiet, slow morning with a flexible schedule