One Thousand Gifts

I have had a lot happen to me in 2009.  Things that have tested my faith time and again.  I have had to relinquish control of my life time and again and give that control Him.  It hasn't been easy, in fact it is an ongoing challenge.  Sometimes I need to remind myself to give "it" to God every day.  Sometimes every minute.

When I encounter a trial, my first inclination is to deal with it...fast, in any way I can.  After this fails, (as it usually does) I seek Him and wait.  Oh the wait.  While I wait I have hope, then the doubts come and I begin to throw myself a pity party. 

I am learning to change these reactions.  I am getting better at seeking Him first.  My hope is holding out longer and longer with every trial.  But the self-pity is sneaky and tenacious.  Just one little pitiful thought can pull me perilously close to that pit.

My desire to change and get rid of the self-pity brought me to making a New Year's resolution to be content, whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11).  With that in mind I am joining the Gratitude Community.  I want to make my life about worship and counting 1000 gifts.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Gifts straight from God's hands:

1.  He chose me

2.  A steaming cup of hot coffee with cream

3.  Quiet mornings

4.  A vibrant sunrise warming the horizon

5.  A god-fearing husband

6.  Peaceful sleeping children

7.  The ability to stay home and teach my children

8.  God-fearing mother and mother-in-law that I can openly share with

9.  Gently falling snowflakes, each different than the one before

10. A friend of twenty plus years and still counting

11. Freedom to gather with the body of Christ

12. A working computer

13. My prayer journal which reminds me of God's faithfulness

14. Laughter

15. Gel pens in a variety of colors

16. Tender-hearted children

17. The fresh smile on sleepy faces when they see me in the morning

18. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls dripping with cream cheese frosting

19. Each new day

Gifts everyday, everywhere, good and perfect from the Father of heavenly lights.