1000 Gifts - God's Hand of Protection

Storms are amazing.  By their nature they reveal glimpses of the strength and power of the Creator, however, they are by no means, stronger than He who created them.  For in the Gospels it is recorded on more than one account that Jesus stilled the winds and the waves, and that the disciples marveled at this.

Folks our little section of the country were caught for three days in the midst of a nor'easter.  Wind gusts up to 75 miles an hour and sustained winds of 55 miles an hour snapped trees, electric poles, and blew water past its normal mark to heights of 7.6 feet above the tide's stopping point.  There was flooding, damage, destruction.  But God's hand was here.  He gave me this picture in my mind as I prayed for our protection from the storm - His hand cupped over our house - His hand of protection.   No destruction came to us.  Not even a large branch from the trees that line the property. No flooding.

 For His Hand of protection - I give thanks.

0072.  the rains that watered the land for days commanding us to stay inside together, even daddy, for fun family time

0073.  the  howling of winds and bending of trees and the firm knowledge that with His word it would stop immediately if He chose it

0074.  kids in pajamas all day long

0075.  special breakfasts made by daddy because work has been canceled for the day

0076.  no loss of power except for a brief few hours during sleep time

0077.  wrestling, game playing, movie watching, book reading, treat baking - an unplanned staycation - reconnecting with the people with whom you live

0078.  the symbolism of three days of dark skies and pouring non stop rain entombed indoors only to be broken apart by the bright glorious sun of the Lord's day

0079. sweet fellowship at our place of worship and hearing words of Life - praises to the LORD - a needed change from being confined to the house

0080.  a beautifully sunny day - perfect for outdoor clean up

0081.  a new verse to hide in my heart - reminding me that the Lord has brought me up out of Egypt  and that He will bless my obedience

Psalm 81:10

I am the LORD your God, 

Who brought you up out of Egypt.

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 

1000 Gifts

0062.  making plans for our Thanksgiving week with family

0063.  the eager anticipation of a long trip - kids already asking "when are we going?"

0064.  a friend who calls and takes my kids so that I can clean my nest


0065.  learning a new skill/hobby and using it to supply Christmas gifts to loved ones

0066.  the smells of autumn

0067.  sweet children exhausted from a day of being outside working in the yard at Gramma & Grampa's

0068.  hard work out in our yard - mowing one last time... gathering leaves & pine straw in heaping bags... and the exhaustion of hard physical labor

0069.  a few more warm days to enjoy outside before the cold winds of winter arrive and stay

0070.  a celebration of our new Bible Study class turning one year old - as a result - new friends, a fresh perspective and a closer walk with Jesus.

0071.  a few hours of silence while my boys sleep and husband is away to study God's Word and spend some time with Him.

1000 Gifts: The Oasis of Friendship

 This weekend we were invited to my best friend's parent's house in the mountains.  A double treat!  I absolutely ADORE my best friend!  Since she and her family moved north we have not had the visiting, chatting, sharing, advice giving and receiving time that we used to.  Being able to spend time with her and her family is like visiting an oasis after a long walk in the desert -  just refreshing.  


I also love her parent's place.  It's one of THOSE places- I hope you are blessed enough to have one - where you walk in and you leave the pressure of all of your responsibilities at the door -  Ahhhhhhhhhh!  - like cuddling in a warm blanket.    

So on the list continues -  


0052.  the gift of a getaway weekend to our favorite mountain resort

0053.  seeing friends who are like family after a long separation and falling right back into where we left off

0054.  a day to pick God's bounty, together, enjoying the fruits of our labor

0055.  the opportunity for "treasure hunting" - fresh air, adventure, and using muscles that have been asleep for longer than we can remember





0056.  Children - a heritage from the Lord.

0057.  a quick minute of rest on a LONG walk in the woods.

 0058.   a 3 year old who takes his time to enjoy what gifts he finds that God has left for him in the forest.

0059.  young friends hanging out in jammies to watch a favorite show after an adventurous day

0060.  plans for our next visit - just a few months away.


0061.  the innumerable blessings that a sweet friend adds to your life - thanks Heather - I love you!