Monday, December 6, 2010

1000 Gifts: A Change of our Hearts

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

~Johnson Oatman, Jr.
(Thanks Heather)
This past week was rather harrowing.  A trip to Kroger with three boys in tow - meltdowns abundant.  Children who were less than obedient and rather rambunctious throughout the week.  Complaints about having to "do school", and just general disgruntledness among all in our household. HOWEVER, this blog is about thankfulness - things that God has done. Seeing the better side of things and how His blessings are abundant. every. day.
So with that I continue to count blessings!

569.  The season of Advent - preparing our hearts for the coming KING!
570.  After a melt down in the store - my older two discussing how they were loved and known by our Father before the beginning of the world.

571.  warm tears from this mom and the idea that they are "getting it" 
572.  Practice for Christmas programs declaring the coming of a Savior with Monkey participating in song

573.  Supernatural - 24/7 Children's Church at CF
574.  Watching my two older boys dance and sing - "Jesus is my Superhero" 
575.  The blessing of four straight days of seven uninterrupted hours of sleep as the little one goes through a growth spurt - rest for momma.

576.  An evening of fellowship - Bible study Christmas Celebration - White Elephant gifts galore - and some regifts from last year bringing tons of laughter.
577.  A clean living room - ready for decorating.

578.  Friends who take the boys and the husband out of the house to the park so the living room can be cleaned - thoroughly!
579.  Laughter


580.  A restful Sunday afternoon 


581.  A dusting of snow




582.  Christmas cookies from friends






3 comments:

Erin said...

Been there. Done that. Bought the shirt. But...in the midst of it all, they're getting it. Praise Jesus...they ARE getting it! Thanks for your sweet comment.Prayers sent your way today.

Heather said...

Oh, amen to sleep and cookies and outings and songs and celebrations and *clean rooms* to boot!!

Love you, G, and miss you tons~ hoping to see you ALL over New Year's!

Renee said...

Hi Gretchen :) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog yesterday and for taking the time to let me know who you are...and especilly for your prayers. You have a beautiful family and I have enjoyed praying for you and your sweet boys this evening :) I'm thinking there is nothing better for a mama-heart than realizing that her littles are "getting it!" Makes everything worth it :) Have a great week!