I hear the crowd, and the complaining of discontented hearts. I listen to the grumbling of their discouraged souls. And I wish for them, the joy that comes in giving thanks from a grateful heart. I wish for them to know the freedom that is found in the discipline of gratitude. And although there is definite disappointment in […]
Giving Thanks to Him with Song
Music has always been so important to me. I remember being in 3rd grade, driving in the car with my mom, and learning the harmony part to This Land is Your Land. She always sang with me in the car, and it is with her, I practiced training my ear to hear harmony. As I […]
When Thanks Demands a Sacrifice
It’s late as I sit down to write this weekly gratitude post and I don’t feel like being thankful tonight. It’s been a long week, a rough day, and I’m tired. Tired of swimming upstream to give thanks. Tired of this season of life. Tired of reading perky posts where thanks is listed in a seemingly easy stream […]
For When the Aching Causes Us to Look Up and Give Thanks
Aches, fever, and chills here today, bringing me a greater appreciation for health. I’ve been stopped in my tracks—my body forcing me to be still. Even in the face of all I have to accomplish, even with all the things on my to-do list (things that aren’t going to go away), all day I’ve rested under the covers […]
Stunning Beauty {Giving Thanks for God’s Creation and our Time Away}
I’m flying at thirty six thousand feet, high above the clouds. The kids are asleep around me and I’ve just finished my second glass of tomato juice with no ice, the kind I seem to only drink when I’m on an airplane. Funny how that is! Maybe you have your favorite airplane drink too? There’s […]
Seeing the Gifts in the Mess
Why is it so easy to focus on what isn’t? To fix my eyes on what is lacking in the now, failing to see what is really before me? I easily notice the mess of toys on the floor, and I’m irritated. And internally I escalate. I just cleaned that area and hour ago! And I am […]
Hello Mornings…A New Challenge
This past fall I have rushed like a mad-woman, at a ridiculous pace. I strive, like Ann says, to slow time with the weight of my full attention–with the weight of being fully in the present moment. And while I do long for that, I’ve given myself so many hats to wear and so much to accomplish […]
10 Promises to Give Your Heart Rest
God’s Word is true and His promises are sure. In fact they remind me of these live oak trees, standing strong and immovable, protecting whatever is beneath them. And we can have confidence and know that whatever He promises to do, He will do. And as this New Year is beginning, may your heart be rest as you are reminded […]
Returning Home {Visiting with the Giants}
I can’t think of any better way to initiate the New Year than returning home and visiting my family. My parents have lived in the same house for almost 40 years and returning there brings comfort from the familiarity and memories it holds. And there is something to be said for living in one place so […]
For When We Need to Keep Pressing On
We celebrated a day early this year, as it was my turn to work on Christmas day. After all, babies come when they want to, whether it’s Christmas or not, and sure enough they did. We welcomed three new babies into this world on Sunday, and as I dried one of them off, weighed him, […]
