Finding Joy : 1000 Gifts

Come the end of last week, I was weary and discouraged. Piles of school papers, books, bills, toys, laundry were everywhere. Weakly, I shuffled through them trying to find something to encourage, something to soothe me. But in the piles I found more to do, more to burden. Phone calls and emails came in with sad news of death and illness and brokenness. Oh, Lord, it's all just too much.

The weekend was a blur of activity. All fun things on my calendar, but still discouragement and soul-weariness soured me.

Monday comes. And I find again that when I am still, seeking, remembering His gifts, He brings joy. And gentle reminders of His grace.

the continuing gift list...

0092
The encouragement of friends.

0093
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -Romans 8:26

0094
A missionary's testimony.

0095
Freedom to worship.

0096
A talented friend inviting me to come along, learn, attempt to assist as he beautifully photographs a wedding. The opportunity to witness a marriage celebration through a camera lens.

0097
A generous gift of Redskins tickets. And even with a miserable game outcome... an afternoon of free babysitting, time with my husband, and friends.
0098
The sun after the rain.

0099
Being reminded of some of the reasons we do what we do. (Heidi says it so well.)

0100
Homeschooling in the hammock.


0101
After an I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gotten so upset... Will wraps his arms around me, "That's ok, Mom, I forgive you. Adults sin just like kids do."

0102
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

"If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness
and all perfection, he must tell you to
make a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything
that happens to you.

It is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you,
if you thank and praise God for it,
you turn it into a blessing.

If you could work miracles,
therefore, you could not do more for yourself
than by this thankful spirit.

It heals and turns all that it touches into happiness."

~ William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life (found here)