gifts 276-283

276. Jade is the New Black and Wooden Shoe Like to Know are two beautiful nail colors by OPI that i find great delight in;)

277. the growing anticipation of another upcoming vacation to beautiful California, one of my most favorite places on earth. Looking forward to a more frequent appearance of the sun, lovely palm trees that sway and are not ashamed of their looks, and sinking my teeth into a huge good quality In N Out burger.

278. the consistency of my friendships. the ones that matter have stayed put, continue to encourage and be present when needed, offer wisdom and affection, and I am so thankful for them. such gifts.

279. you know, my sex life has been pretty rough only recently in the last 2-3 months, I blame it SOLELY on this pregnancy, but I am thankful that one, i can even still have sex and my desire is still strong for my husband, two, that I can rest in the knowledge that mostly, about 90 percent of the time, sex is rocking and fun for both parties, and the dry spells just creep up during pregnancy, so THIS SHALL PASS....right?! and so so so thankful for a gentle and understanding husband who is so overly aware and attentive to my every sigh and discomfort. He is always offering other means of physical comfort, whether it be a long back rub, a head rub, many hugs and kisses, slowed down time, and allowing me to rest and picking up so much of the slack. I can not thank him enough, or the Father of gifts for bestowing me with such a gracious husband.

280. I am always learning and striving and chasing after with desperation a true heart and life of humility and the more I dive into it, I sometimes fear of drowning, because there is such a depth and richness there, and I have not even scratched the surface. I am also learning [the more difficult way] that humility is easily misunderstood. I have had a close friend question me [in complete love and gentleness] thinking I had a low view of myself, or asking if I really knew how much the Father loved me and viewed me. I think he was asking me these things because sometimes humility comes across as so small and unassuming, giving little thought to self and affirmation, but honestly, I DO know where I stand with Jesus, I have never been more sure. His love is so big and He takes great delight in His children, and I am one of them. I do not put myself down anymore [used to be a constant struggle] or bash what He has created in me, I simply do not try and talk about it, because humility just thinks of itself less, not that I am less. I would rather veer toward the side of maybe too much smallness, than being filled with arrogance or self assurance. So maybe that gets me in trouble. But you know, I am thankful that as much as i am learning, the Father knows me so intimately and well, that my audience is for One, and He is who I aim to please. He is Who I want to be small and tiny for. I have much joy. I don't walk around feeling sorry for myself, or thinking I am a little piece of shit [I sure once thought this way] but I am content to rest in being a tiny child of God, a walker of low ground, and a silent confidence finding my identity in Him. May He be praised for what He is doing in little me. All this being said, I am just thankful. I deserve none of anything, yet He still lifts me up on solid ground. no matter who understands or not. 

281. thankful that my son possesses such a sweet and tender spirit. He is so gentle and affectionate, he loves to sing and make cards for people, he is thoughtful and sensitive and i view him as such a gift to my heart.

282. Thankful for moments in carefully chosen restaurants when my meal is placed in front of me, I partake and JUST HIT IT.  The food is excellent and tastes so delicious, I am just so excited at this point that one, I am out to eat, and two, paying for the food was well worth it. It's just a little thing, but I am so ecstatic when i hit it:)

283. good babysitters. T, J, and M, all take such good care of my littles, loving them, getting on the floor with them, making the evening special for them, tickling, laughing, and playing, my heart is so full when my children are well loved by others. it brings me peace.