Just following Jesus in my real life...

Gratitude Journal-Catching Up-Part One, March 2024

2024-10-31T16:19:00.002-07:00

Picture in your mind a cube made of transparent glass or plastic. Its six sides are exactly the same size. Its design makes it well-balanced, not easily tipped over. Now think of your life as a cube. If each side of your cube is one of the top six priorities in your life, what would your six sides be? If you are a Jesus follower, you might instinctively blurt out "God is one side!" But God is not and cannot be one side of your life, He is your whole life. So think of God as a light that shines from within that transparent cube. Whichever side of that cube you are looking at, His light shines through it.

This concept of building a cubic life, a well-balanced life, is something the women in our church focused on for two months. Some of the concepts mentioned above did not become clear right away. Our relationship with God being within the cube and shining through each side of it was an epiphany that came through one of the women in our church as we had a group discussion. As we all worked on discerning the top six priorities in our life, the six things we spend most of our time, effort and resources on, some of us were able to grab onto what those six sides were right away. Some took more time. Some struggled to narrow it down to six things. The main thing is that it got all of us to prayerfully ponder if our our time/our life, was being spent on what really matters and if it was well balanced. If you know me personally or through my blog or other social media, perhaps you are curious what the six sides of my cubic life are. They are "me" (my spiritual, emotional, physical and relational health), my husband/our marriage, our family (three daughters, three sons-in-law and eight grandchildren), our church/ministry life, our home, our extended family. There are all sorts of ways your cube might look different than mine. For me, my job is our church and ministry. If I was still working at a secular job as well as my ministry job I would probably have put my family and extended family combined on one side of the cube and my job on one side. As life changes, some of the six sides of a person's cube may never change while others may. Also, living a well balanced life does not mean spending equal amounts of time on each of the six things. For example, the time spent on my family is way less than when our daughters were little ones living at home. But in my heart, in my prayer life and in my efforts to stay connected to them, they are definitely still a "top six" priority in my life. Also, everyone needs to have a "me" side in their cube. In our self-love focused culture that "me" side can become over emphasized and unbalanced. But, on the other hand if we neglect our spiritual, emotional physical and relational health how are we going to function well in the other facets of our life?

What does this have to do with me trying to play catch up on my gratitude journal posts for this year? Gratitude journaling is a daily practice that has been hugely beneficial to the "me" side of my cubic life. It has helped me immensely by causing me to see that even on the hard days, if I have eyes to see it, there is always something to be thankful for. God's blessings are all around us at all times. While I've continued to keep my daily gratitude journal I've neglected to be faithful to post it here. And I want to return to the practice of publicly declaring God's goodness in my life. As I was processing the concept of living a well balanced life with the women of our church I realized that were some other parts of the "me" side of my life that I had been neglecting. For example, I was feeling physically stuck with a few extra pounds, so I started tracking what I was eating and added an extra mile to my walking goal. I'm feeling so much better with just those two changes! Also, one thing that I've always found to be life-giving was creativity. In my efforts to focus more on the ministry side of my life I had laid aside almost all of my creative activities, like photography, writing, and art. At one point I was over focused on these things. What I need is godly balance. I think I'm ready to dust off my "big camera" and dabble in some photography again. I've gotten lazy because of the convenience of my iPhone camera. I ordered some watercoloring workbooks and I'm looking forward to playing with paints once again. And I want to write more than I have been.

With that said, I want to catch you up on what's been happening in my life by sharing my gratitude journal. Let me set the scene...

In the summer of 2023, our oldest daughter and her family moved to Northern California. Our son-in-law is a pastor and they accepted the pastoral position of a church there. For the first time since she was born, we were now living with none of our children or grandchildren nearby. (If you recall, our middle daughter and her family moved to South Carolina in 2021 and our youngest daughter moved to Florida in 2022.) I was, once again, feeling quite bereft. It felt like my heart would begin to recover and then another loss would come. And, to be gut level honest, it felt like the light and joy of old age, (our grandchildren), were taken away. I would surrender it all to the Lord and place my trust in His plan for us and peace would come. But then would come a birthday or a holiday with no loved ones around and the loneliness felt overwhelming. Then 2024 arrived and life continued on. In February my husband celebrated his sixty seventh birthday and six months later I celebrated mine. But instead of retiring and life slowing down for us, our church is doing better that ever and we are busier in ministry than ever. So here we are and this year is winding down. We are less than a week away from a presidential election, less than a month away from Thanksgiving and only fifty five days until Christmas! But come with me as I journey back to springtime....March of 2024. Let's revisit the faithfulness of God together.

***************

Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.

I continue to count my thanks,

piling up gratitude day by day in my journal.

(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#17,980-18,087

MARCH 2024

3/1/2024-

(I was on a last minute trip to Florida due to our youngest daughter breaking her ankle.)

-a yellow polka dot dress for our granddaughter and a yellow striped shirt for our grandson

-our daughter's in-laws bringing us dinner

(She is blessed with loving, caring, kind, helpful in-laws!)

-Florida birdsong

(which is very different than the birdsong in southwest Washington where we life)

3/2/2024-

-news from home that an important meeting went well

-an answer to prayer for my friend's son

-organizing my daughters cupboards and pantry

(I love organizing!)

3/3/2024-

-going to my daughter's church with the grandkids

(her husband stayed home with her)

-delicious pasta from the in-laws

-a gift in the mail from my husband

-Wendy's frosties with the grandkids

3-4-2024-

-the first full night's sleep since arriving here

-a much needed appointment for my daughter opening up with the orthopedic surgeon

-making homemade cinnamon rolls

(a grandkid favorite)

-a nice walk outside

3-5-2024-

-the in-law's help with transporting the kids back and forth to school

-a walk and a good catch up phone call with a friend back home

-tickets to go home

(I couldn't have gone back to my duties at home if my daughter's in-laws didn't open their home so that the my daughter and her family could live with them until she was able to maneuver around on her own. Due to the severity of the break and the fact that her ankle is now held together with permanent metal plates and screws this was quite a long process! Like I said, she has wonderful in-laws and I'm so thankful for their care for my girl.)

3-6-2024-

-a day with my youngest granddaughter who had to stay home from preschool

-a large blue heron flying right by us as we sat outside on the deck together

-a phone chat with my So. Cal friend

3-7-2024-

-last night's bedtime chat with my grandson about salvation and baptism

-lots of prayer support from our family and church family after finding our that our daughter's ankle break is the worst kind

-this time with my girl, my grandson and my granddaughter

3-8-2024-

-my daughter's MIL and me deep cleaning her house for her since it will be a long time before she'll be able to do so

-a promised visit to the park and to Dreamette for ice cream with the grandkids

-my daughter's MIL making dinner for us

3-9-2024-

-sleeping in a wee bit

-cute and inexpensive outfits for the grands

-a good stock of chocolate chip cookies and banana bread in the freezer for when I leave

-my daughter's FIL taking me to the airport

-and coming back to get me when my flight got cancelled

-playing Jenga with the grandkids

3-10-2024-

-my rebooked flight cancelled and rescheduled for this evening

-"zooming" into church at home

-a mallard duck couple flying parallel to the car window as we drove to the airport once again

-making my connection by the skin of my teeth due to the gate agent flagging down a cart to take me to the gate just in time

3-11-2024-

-a hot bubble bath

-a sweet morning home with my guy

-fish tacos for diner

-early to bed

3-12-2024-

-our daughter's surgery went well

-tea and good heart conversation with friends

-a beautiful gathering with all of the women from our church

(my SoCal friend spoke)

3-13-2024

-the growth group on-line chats buzzing with what God did last night

-a beautiful bouquet of tulips left from last night's meeting

-a fun afternoon antiquing with my friend

3-14-2024-

-early morning prayer group

-the trees in bloom on my way today

-God's care and provision for us

-early dinner at a local food cart and a little drive out into the country

3-15-2024

-a day trip to the beach

-such a beautiful clear day that we could see Mt. Hood, Mt.St. Helens and Mt. Rainier

-clam chowder

-a wonderful walk on the beach and I found two pieces of sea glass!

-a beautiful hawk perched on the telephone line

3-16-2024-

-freshly mowed grass

-a walk around our neighborhood park

-dinner with a young mama from our church

3-17-2024-

-another stunningly beautiful day

-DNW's message

-a FaceTime chat with our oldest daughter and two middle grand girlies

3-18-2024-

-new crown on tooth all done

-this beautiful day

-a long FaceTime chat with my oldest granddaughter

3-19-2024-

-the first day of spring

-early morning birdsong and evening frog chorus

-an evening walk-the sun began to set just as I was almost home

3-20-2024-

-God's help with difficult situation

-relistening to my friend's message to the women of our church while I make dinner

-good food, planning and prayer with my Visionary Leadership Team

3-21-2024-

-a date with my guy before our NorCal grand girlies come to spend spring break with us

-a Goodwill basket

-time for a walk before heading to the airport

-YaY! They're here!

3-22-2024-

-the weather report said rain but God gave us beautiful weather for a day trip to the beach with our granddaughters

-a balk eagle perched on top of a tree

-a yard full of elk!

3-23-2024-

-a bit of quiet time with the Lord while the girls sleep in

-thrifting with my granddaughters

-the tulips we planted last fall are starting to bloom

3-24-2024-

-taking with a hurting one who wandered into our church

-photos of our South Carolina grandsons in their church's Palm Sunday procession

-DNW's message today

-making hot cross buns with our granddaughters

-our granddaughter hanging out with the youth from out church

3-25-2024-

-singing in the car with our granddaughters

-Papa taking the girls and our great nephew to the arcade while I went to growth group

-God's grace in my weakness

3-26-2024-

-our oldest daughter-today is her birthday!

-apology given and grace and mercy received

-our grandgirlies safely back home

-a good heart talk with my oldest grandson on FaceTime

3-27-2024-

-thank You, God for Your mercy and Your grace and Your continual work in me

-getting some spring cleaning done

-driving the back roads together

3-28-2024-

-early morning prayer with our growth group

-youngest grandson wanting to FaceTime with me

-my guy helping me bag my groceries at Winco

3-29-2024-

-Friday date day with my one and only

-a lovely walk around Lake Sacajawea

-my husband stopping at antique stores on the way home just for me ❤️

3-30-2024-

-this beautiful spring day

-good podcasts to listen to while I clean and go on my walk

-baking for tomorrow's church breakfast

3-31-2024-

-Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

-new faces at church hearing the gospel

-a fun evening sitting around the fire pit at my nephews visiting with them and another couple from church

still following,

Weekly Gratitude Journal-February 202

2024-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm still here and I'm alive and well. I last posted in May. I shared my January gratitude journal and had hoped to get caught up posting the missing months. But here it is August already, and I'm farther behind than ever. Life is full and busy and my blog is evidently at the bottom of my priority list. However, keeping up on my gratitude journaling is a daily priority...the breakdown happens when it comes to posting it here. I thought about just skipping the months I didn't record online, but then I decided that my commitment to declare God's faithfulness in this online space was important to me. So, to my readers, however few there may be since I've not posted in so long, take a journey back though this year with me. We are already almost three fourths of the way through 2024, can you believe it?

***************

Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.

I continue to count my thanks,

piling up gratitude day by day in my journal.

(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#17,879-#17,979

Feb.1,2024-

-It's February!

-a lovely day exploring Fernandina Beach with my youngest daughter and her mother-in-law

-fish tacos at Salt Life, (YUMM!) and a rooftop view!

-a walk, dinner, homework, reading and a movie with my grandson

(mom, dad and sister are fighting a tummy bug)

Feb.2, 2024-

-playing the game of life with my daughter and grandson and granddaughter

-everyone is feeling better today

-a quiet, relaxing day

Feb.3, 2024-

-God's protection that we were not in a serious car accident that happened right in front of us

-my daughter bravely helping the people involved in the accident while I stayed in our car with the grandkids

-a nice lunch together before my flight home

-no one seated next to me all the way home!

Feb.4, 2024-

-water baptisms!

-making candles with some of the ladies from church

-Sunday night relaxation-watching our favorite PBS shows together

Feb.5. 2024-

-1 Corinthians 13:12 AMPC I am fully and clearly known and understood by God

-puttering around and tidying my house

-snuggling with my guy

-my daughter texting that she misses me

Feb.6, 2024-

-a tiny hummingbird perched on the top of a small tree

-clear weather for a walk

-helping and encouraging a sister in the Lord

-a hopeful job interview for our daughter

Feb.7, 2024-

-a good night's sleep

-a busy day filled with God's peace

-dinner and planning and heart talks

Feb.8,2024-

-starting the day with prayer with the women of our church

-a medical procedure for my guy that went well

-resting and relaxing together

-texts from our oldest granddaughter

-texts from my youngest brother

Feb.9,2024-

-date day with my guy

-a phone chat with my two middle grand girlies

-facetiming with my middle daughter and grandsons

Feb.10.2024-

-a sweet morning quiet time with the Lord

-text chats with our girls

-lunch and antiquing with a friend

Feb.11.2024-

-coffee in bed

-God led conversations

-FamBam texts about the Super Bowl

-signs of spring approaching

Feb.12,2024-

-God's help with prep for tomorrow's meeting

-my oldest sister, (who's in heaven now), would have been 80 today

-God's provision

Feb. 13, 2024-

-making Mama's oatmeal cake recipe to take to our meeting

-women sharing what God is doing in their lives

-daffodils, tulips, snowdrops and grape hyacinth all popping up in our flowerbeds

Feb. 14, 2024-

-my husband taking Valentine's day off to spend it with me

-Valentine texts and photos and FaceTime calls with our girls

-a cheery little bouquet of flowers in the cute plant pot my daughter gave me

Feb.15, 2024-

-early morning prayer with some ladies from our church

-our second oldest granddaughter is 15 today!

-a phone chat with her

Feb. 16, 2024-

-robins and chickadees making an appearance-spring is coming!

-phone calls with my siblings

-God's peace and presence

Feb.17.2024-

-a fresh croissant with raspberry jam

-early morning texts from our girls

-God changing the life of someone we've been praying for for a long time

Feb.18,2024-

-our home

-longtime friendship

-the four youngest grandkids having fun being together in South Carolina

Feb.19,2024-

-our youngest daughter and her kiddos arriving safely back home in Florida after their trip to South Carolina

-homemade crepes with fresh blueberries

-sunny weather for today's walk

-a great meeting with our growth group coordinators

Feb. 20,2024-

-a credit on our gas bill this month

-a good long heart talk with a friend

-my guy is home after a trip out of state

Feb.21,2024-

-a sweet time of prayer

-my favorite tea

-praying for someone dear

-the sound of spring - frogs

Feb.22,2024-

-my guy making me coffee before my early morning prayer call

-early morning birdsong

-I broke a tooth! But the dentist was able to get me right in

Feb.23, 2024-

-my guy bringing me my favorite tea and making a run to Costco for me

-the women of our church praying for our oldest daughter and her family

who have been struggling with sickness

-God healing my granddaughter

Feb.24,2024-

-feeling much better this morning

-getting some chores done

-an encouraging message

Feb.25,2024-

-someone we've been praying for was at church today with her whole family

-a surprise for my husband from the young people in our church

-daffodils in bloom

-our youngest grandson showing us the newest addition to their farm on FaceTime-

two little goats

Feb.26, 2024-

-God's provision

-a sun break for my walk

-growth group

Feb.27, 2024-

-it's my husband's birthday today!

-so many texts, calls, FaceTime, etc.wishing him a happy birthday

-a day trip to the beach together

Feb.28,2024-

-being able to listen to worship music while getting dental work done

-good reports from the growth group meetings

-my youngest daughter got a job at her children's school

Feb.29,2024-

-Leap Day! An extra day this year!

-God's help, my husband's help, my nephew's help to get me an emergency flight to Jacksonville, Fl. (our youngest daughter very seriously broke her ankle/leg)

-making my super tight connection in Atlanta

-good news-our middle grand girlies have airline tickets to visit us for spring break

still following,

Gratitude Journal-January 2024

2024-05-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe four months have flown by since I last posted! And in that post I expressed a desire to get back to writing and posting more often. Then, life happened! The scripture really is true, we are blind to what awaits us tomorrow. We can make plans, the Bible says, but it's God who directs our steps. The months have flown by filled with plans, appointments and events written in the calendar squares of my planner. Unexpected events and the needs of others around me fill in some of the empty spaces. Happy times, hard times, ordinary days filled with repetitious tasks, each one is sprinkled liberally with gifts from God. The greatest one of all, the one that could go at the top of every day's gratitude list is, He is with me.

He is with me. Always. Every moment. Every day. Every high. Every low.

It's important to me to record, not just in my paper journal, but here in this online space, God's goodness. So better late than never, here is January's list of blessings.

***************

Since 2009 I've been counting my blessings thanks to the prompting of Ann Voskamp.

I continue to count my thanks,

piling up gratitude day by day in my journal.

(and capturing some of my blessings via my camera or iPhone)

#17,666-#17,878

1-1-2024-

-a lazy day home together

-a pot of healthy veggie soup after the rich holiday foods

-a brisk walk-no rain!

-a phone chat with my two California granddaughters

1-2-2024-

-a FaceTime chat with my youngest granddaughter about her upcoming birthday

-a long chat and prayer with N

-God at work in and through the hard things

1-3-2024-

-homemade granola

-NEWNESS-my word for this new year

-a break in the rain for my walk

1-4-2024-

-women praying together every Thursday morning

-early morning birdsong

-a young mama and her busy little boy coming over for tea and a visit

-fog resting on the river

-chicken and dumplings

1-5-2024-

-a good night's sleep

-a slow, lazy Friday date day morning

-stovetop popcorn

-a miraculous healing of my nephew's heart!

1-6-2024-

-a long phone chat with a friend

-new plant pots for my plant babies

-reading a good book

1-7-2024-

-the power of God's presence

-such a good word about ascending on the way

-Sunday afternoon rest

1-8-2024-

-cozy candlelight

-warm oatmeal on a cold, rainy morning

-a day of working on notes for tomorrow's meeting

-trying a new to me dessert recipe

-groups texts with our family about the Washington Huskies game

1-9-2024-

-God's provision

-God's help and strength leading our monthly meeting in spite of a migraine

-talking with my husband about what God is showing him

1-10-2024-

-texts with our oldest granddaughter

-our youngest granddaughter saying she want us to get her "a real horse" for her birthday

-a new to us dinner recipe that we both loved

1-11-2024-

-praying together

-a good brisk walk with our dog

-finding her lost collar

1-12-2024-

-a sweet date day morning

-my grandson so excited that there will be a full moon for us to look at together

when I visit them later this month

(seen in the photo above!)

-a sweet FaceTime chat with my two South Carolina grandsons

1-13-2024-

-a quiet snowy morning, sipping coffee, praying, reading my Bible, journaling

-cleaning house and making homemade split pea and ham soup with some homemade bread

-a phone call with my California granddaughters

-Face time calls with my East Coast daughters and grandkids

1-14-2024-

-meeting on Zoom for church due to the snow-such a good word and discussion!

-some of the youth kids from church popped by and helped eat up our Sunday dinner ❤️

-all power outages restored

1-15-2024-

-the weather cleared up enough to run an errand

-our nine year old grandson's crazy adventures, (involving him and a friend and some bear spray!),

that made us all laugh so hard

-a warm home, hot water, electricity

1-16-2024-

-a good night's sleep

-a cup of my favorite tea brought to me by my guy

-the neighborhood kids and families skating on the pond behind our house

1-17-2024-

-waking up headache free

-a procrastinated task finished

-making plans with my grandkids to make cinnamon rolls when I visit them

1-18-2024-

-clear enough roads to run errands

-another headache free day

-cozy quiet moments after a busy day

1-19-2024-

-no weather complications for our flight

-a fun date day together

-God's work in us

1-20-2024-

-buying our granddaughter a new winter coat

-getting to see so many friends at the memorial service

-the legacy of a life lived wholeheartedly loving and following Jesus

-a FaceTime chat with our youngest grandson

1-21-2024-

-a powerful word

-lunch with friends

-Sunday evening with my guy

1-22-2024-

-sweet compliments from my husband

-God's work in Growth Group

-all packed and ready for tomorrow's flight

1-23-2024-

-a safe, uneventful flight to Jacksonville

-my grandkids meeting me at baggage claim, running to me yelling, "Nana!" and giving me big hugs

-chatting with my youngest daughter

1-24-2024-

-a walk with my girl

-a nap (jet lag!)

-snuggling and watching B.F.G. with my youngest granddaughter

-playing play dough and singing with my grandkids

1-25-2024-

-walking and exercising with my daughter

-new school shoes for my granddaughter

-generous Papa making sure we have money for treats

-buying bubblegum and trying to teach my grandkids how to blow bubbles

-looking at the "wolf moon" with my grandkids

1-26-2024-

-some quiet time with the Lord while everyone else was still asleep

-an afternoon of baking with my youngest granddaugher

-homemade pizza night and a movie with my daughter and granddaughters

1-27-2024-

-our youngest granddaughter's fifth birthday!

-homemade cinnamon rolls for birthday breakfast

-a beautiful 80 degree day to go to Big Talbot Beach for the afternoon

-our middle daughter and her two youngest kids arrived safely to our youngest daughter's house

1-28-2024-

-beautiful worship

-my grandsons telling each other, "I love you."

-a wonderful post birthday dinner and celebration

-a good report from home

-my oldest grandson facetiming me

1-29-2024-

-a refreshing morning walk

-playing in the sunny backyard with my youngest grandson

-pho soup for dinner

-oldest granddaughter calling

1-30-2024-

-some quiet time with the Lord

-dinner at my daughter's in-law's

-our grandkids having so much fun with the neighbor kids

-my daughter giving the grandsons haircuts

1-31-2024-

-God's provision for us

-our middle daughter and her boys having a safe trip home

-helping in my grandson's classroom making 100 days of school T-shirts

-working with my daughter on some projects around the house

still following,