Thursday, October 26, 2017

2036-2042

2036. vicks kleenex!!! i could inhale them all day every day. who invented these?! 

2037. eucalyptus, eucalyptus, eucalyptus! 

2038. thursday mornings. we trickle in, we trickle out. we sip hot beverages and hearts spill out. the good. the hard. no reason to hold back. it is a safe place.

2039. sunshine today. i love rainy days too, but thankful to experience both..

2040. coming home to a clean house, lovingly done so by my  husband. thoughtful, serving, and a sweet i'm sorry for the hurt i caused heard loud and clear..

2041. new seasons! Nathan's acceptance into the Masters Program, baby's due date, winter coming, wedding season coming to a close..

2042. thoughtful unexpected gifts from others for no reason

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

2028-2035

2028. beginning to see the fruits of this new purposeful lifestyle of slowing down, de throning busyness, and learning to say no. it has yielded peace, rest, quiet time with jesus, and quality time with my family as well as a renewed passion to care for my home well. 

2029. a gorgeous fall day for family pictures. rolling green hills, soft warm weather, and plush autumn colors vibrantly shining. countryside, untouched. a perfect gift. 

2030. travel is used for quality time for our family. thankful that it brings us close and snug, in the car, on the road, listening to podcasts, eating packed lunches, laughter, good conversations, and exploring and adventuring together. 

2031. fresh eucalyptus bringing bits of life to my table, tied in a bunch in my shower, opening up my passageways and the steamy scent is heavenly. little wonderful gifts. 

2032. genuine consistent friendships that don't go anywhere no matter the circumstance. 

2033.  a beautiful brand new hand made robe, turquoise and giant floating florals, i'd been looking around for the perfect one for my hospital stay and post birth, and a friend generously surprised and gifted me with the perfect one!! a tiny desire of my heart that i hadn't even spoke to anyone about, and yet God knew and it felt like such a personal kind gift.

2034. the ability to smell. 

2035. God, You are so good and faithful. thank you for seeing me, knowing me, and being such a gentle Shepherd. thank you for your unconditional love, your loving kindness, and hiding me under your wings. You are my Shelter, my Tower, my Shield. i love You so much. 

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

2020-2027

2020. after a disheartening talk cut short, a new evening rolls in with second chances and upbeat spirits. three children who chose to change sour attitudes, eat all their dinner with determination [eating fresh farm vegetables and sausage is pretty tough stuff in the kid world], and having plenty of time to play before bed..so thankful and proud of them for turning the night around with good fruits of the spirit

2021. husband arriving home late with gifts: a new plant pet, english toffee, french butter, and words of missing me when he's not with me. perhaps small, but speaks volumes to me. much needed and appreciated.

2022. friends who share burdens. feel the safety of pouring out guts and weaknesses, and equally eager to carry the weight of mine as well..

2023. the ability to say no is empowering. and a gift. i never want to take it for granted.

2024. yet again, the gift of keeping up with a clean kitchen. daily act of worship

2025. a generous joyful friend offering her home and laundry room while she's gone right at a time that mine is broken and trekking to the laundromat feels overwhelming. generous people always teach me to be more generous. 

2026. a beautiful bassinet, again borrowed from a generous friend, but perfect for this season for our new baby boy. an answer to prayer really. 

2027. slowly but surely, his little nursery is coming..can't wait to meet this littlest gift. 9 weeks left! 

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

2011-2019

2011. peppermint tea, the rich aromatics before the first sip, and the calm it brings to my stomach 

2012. fettuccine alfredo, stir fried vegetables, grilled chicken, bread, whipped butter, ginger beer-a delicious soul meal made by many hands with love 

2013. ride on the grand river, puttering along, taking in the colors, the quiet ripples of the water, enjoying time with family and friends 

2014.  keeping up with cleaning the kitchen. every day. [enjoying the gift for now..who knows how long it will last]

2015. helpful hands that belong to my children. 

2016. consistent faithful long term friendships

2017. thankful for a counselor that continues to speak gospel to me, who coaches and encourages, who helps me navigate and equip me for the outside world, who teaches me how to have boundaries, how to keep depression in check, and genuinely cares about me. 

2018. speaking of depression, thank you Father for pulling me away from the dark place and quietly consistency drawing me into the light..all glory to You God. you sustain and uphold and you are ever present. 

2019. belly bands and brand new kicks that provide amazing support to my tired heavy body. 

Sunday, October 8, 2017

2005 - 2010

2005 a few hours with max, chelsea, football, ikea, and millybaby. joy and life there, and the reminder that the most beautiful relationships take a lot of work

2006 challenging words from my doctor to get with the Lord and seek the cause of anxiety, grateful for holistic care that focuses on the whole person - body, mind, spirit

2007 rosy mound hike with matty and talk about gospel and isaiah and holiness and humbleness

2008 saturday morning at the farmers market, moist gluten free bread and the best textured french toast i've ever had. not to mention the sweet lady selling her goods with delight and kindness

2009 fall colors in the trees at every turn, crisp morning and evening air, warm afternoons, layers

2010 hand-trimmed bushes along the fence at home

Friday, October 6, 2017

1994-2004

1994. a simple counting of gifts, a gentle reminder from chelsea, keeps discontent, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed at bay. 

1995. coming home to a house full of gifts. spotless floors, a sparkling bathroom, a new floor mat, flowers peeking in the window, a decluttered fridge, washed and folded laundry, new cleaning supplies, and a patched roof. un deserved gifts from generous neighbors 

1996. a full week before chaos with concentrated family time. loose agendas, ample sunshine, plush hotels and included hearty breakfasts, spending time with our three children before #4 comes and our family grows and readjusts..i needed this time before disney, as i knew it wouldn't be the same kind of vacation

1997. a supportive, understanding husband who is willing to be my advocate and will do what is in my best interest in order to care for me well, both emotionally and physically 

1998. encouraging responses to me sharing my heart and what i learn. thankful people even care about me or my small words 

1999. getting invited to a party i would never think i would have a seat to

2000. small break throughs with a friend i have been struggling to see godly fruit currently. watching in pain, but seeing maybe pain itself is what will bring her to her knees in desperate need for Him and not leaning on her own image or ability to get her by..

2001. a sweet cheerful daughter who is a cherry blossom, full of chatter, a box full of giggles, and is just blossoming before our very eyes. loving her age and all that she is learning 

2002. time in the car with dad. even though my physical weakness brought us there early, thankful for his willing ness to escort me there, to give respite to my aching back and legs, and easy going conversation and company to help the time pass

2003. amazing flights/traveling home. on time flights, well behaved children. time to eat, walk, and get in and out of the bathroom. flying into grand rapids instead of having to drive home from chicago after 2 flights and a layover. a van that started. the Lord was good to us above and beyond what we asked.

2004. homemade coffee from the Kuerig, with plenty of cream. i like coffee weather.