101). Getting up before everyone else, and listening to the silence.
102). And then listening harder and it sounds noisy! Like the furnace, the hum of a computer, the coffee maker...
103). Good coffee.
104). Sipping it out of a shared mug with the one you love.
105). Being thankful for all these gifts. You can actually FEEL thankfulness in your heart if you're sensitive to it.
106). Watching movies on the couches with Guy and the kids the last two nights.
107). TV.
108). Books.
109). My journal which I have kept since the kids were little. It is filled with the unedited story of my life. Love it or hate it, it's just a chronicle, and I am thankful for my own strengths.
110). Funny anecdotes about stuff my kids said. Like when Ally was just learning to talk, when I would say, "I love you!" she would respond with, "I love me, too!"She'd cock her head a little to the side, sort of like a reassurance. It was so cute!
111). The fact that Bobby talks at all. He didn't talk until he was almost 4 years old.
112). Which made me think something was terribly wrong, but it wasn't.
113). He's actually just brilliant.
114). That Bobby could explain to me the difference between the Theory of Relativity and the Theory of Special Relativity when he was in 2nd grade. "Quanta are just little tiny packets of energy, Mom."
115). Paved roads.
116). Red maples.
117). Taking a scenic drive in the fall and looking at the leaves.
118). Or a scenic run, or on the bikes.
119). When Guy and I had a picnic in the parking lot, on the asphalt, at Lake Rebecca last summer. Spread out a plaid blanket, ate cheese and crusty bread, and shared a Summit.
120). That no matter where I am with him, I feel like I'm at home.
121). Fine smelling cleaning products.
122). Pine scented candles at Christmas time.
123). Red toenail polish.
124). Being able to remember my dreams almost every night.
125). Watching people I care about, succeed. Like following people on Ironmanlive when they qualify for Kona, and just wishing I were there to see them smile! Or how I felt when my boss Darin get promoted. I still miss his humor!
126). That I can get back up again when I get knocked down.
127). That cuts heal eventually.
128). The canvas which is the sky, that God paints every morning and every evening. Our God can PAINT!!!
129). Hot chocolate with marshmallows.
130). Picking your own apples.
131). Walking down to the farmers market in Medina to get peppers, and then holding a bag of veggies in one hand, and each other's in the other hand, all the way home.
132). The old blogging days when we'd get to know each other by our words alone, then meet up at some race in a cool location.
133). Staying in touch with some of them!
134). Meeting someone as passionate about God as I am.
135). And freely talking about it.
136). Praying with my eyes open.
137). Being moved to tears every week by worship music.
138). Feeling God's presence.
139). Knowing that God knows that I try, and still loves me when I get it wrong.
140). Electricity. Our power went out for a full day recently - so inconvenient! but enlightening, too.
141). Actually getting pregnant and having Ally AFTER having ectopic pregnancies in both tubes.
142). Becoming a Christian a few years ago.
143). Standing on a bridge over a river and watching the water flow downstream.
144). Dropping leaves in it and watching them disappear.
145). Doing that with your kids just on a steam in the woods in back of the house.
146). Treasure hunting with a metal detector.
147). Panning for gold. ("I'm not addicted! I can quit whenever I want!" "Honey, you said that two hours ago."
148). Lucky Charms. And how they put in more marshmallows so you never run out anymore.
149). Lasik
150). Cute reading classes for when the lasik doesn't work anymore.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Thousand Gifts, page 2
51). Reading the things Bobby and Ally just wrote down when I asked them to write 10 things they were thankful for. Bobby wrote 11 and Ally couldn't stop 'til she hit 37. Which was "make-up.":-)
52). The smell of roasting turkey in the oven, all basted with aromatic herbs that Guy stuffed it with.
53). Living someplace where it goes unnoticed when you end sentences with prepositions.
54). My daughter's sweet hand on my back as I type this.
55). The enormous complexity of my eyeballs, and that they WORK. God, sheesh, how did you DO that??!!
56). Thinking about my 10th grade English teacher, Joan Howard, and how I still think of her almost every week.
57). Kim Basala and how she is so love-filled and fun. A smile from her sweet face can heal all wounds.
58). A selection of climate-appropriate clothes that I can select from each day.
59). Hobbies, like:
60). Sewing
61). ...painting,
62). ...running,
63). ...mountain biking,
64). ...tri-biking,
65). ...swimming in lakes with my son (Ally will probably join in this summer)
66). and canoeing with my kids
67). Fresh, clean sheets
68). Watching Guy smile at me without actually moving his mouth.
69). Listening to the leaves rustle on the quaking aspens in the back yard
70). French Park, Wild Meadows, and Baker Park trails.
71). The "block" button on Facebook so you don't even have to know if the mean people are still talking about you! Even though they haven't spoken to you personally in over a year.
72). The person who invented those wooden blinds where you just have to pull that string and they go up, or down, evenly! and you can lock them them in any position.
73). Automobiles
74). Fax machines were awesome when they came out, but now we can just...
75). Scan things! Like pictures and documents
76). Just how incredibly smart, smart phones are.
77). Bill Gates
78). black tinted mulch
79). gas powered lawn mowers
80). The sweet sound of Guy's greeting, as he just walked into the kitchen where I am sitting and said, "Hi, Honey."
81). Bibles with tabs or cut-outs so you know where the chapters are.
82). New International Version.
83). The tiny little taste I just had of Guy's homemade orange-zested cranberry sauce.
84). That he made enough to put on turkey sandwiches for the next few days. It is seriously de-LISH.
85). Pretty fabric
86). Being blessed with straight teeth.
87). Seeing that my kids got my teeth.
88). Minty toothpaste
89). smart wool socks
90). tinted windows (like in your car) on my house so that the rooms don't get too hot, and the furniture doesn't fade
90). Sneaking into Guy's sock drawer, trying on the engagement ring he's getting ready to give me, and not getting in trouble when I get caught. (hey! get outa there!!)
91). Being certain about saying, "yes."
92). Not having to work today - just spin, cook, relax with family, sip at a glass of chardonnay
93). Keeping an orchid alive.
94). The Chronicles of Narnia
95). When they have pickled beets on the salad bar.
96). Spinach
97). Blue cheese
98). Popcorn with butter
99). KTIS ministry radio.
100). Peace in my life.
Oh, my gosh! This is so fun! THERE IS TREASURE AND GIFTS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
52). The smell of roasting turkey in the oven, all basted with aromatic herbs that Guy stuffed it with.
53). Living someplace where it goes unnoticed when you end sentences with prepositions.
54). My daughter's sweet hand on my back as I type this.
55). The enormous complexity of my eyeballs, and that they WORK. God, sheesh, how did you DO that??!!
56). Thinking about my 10th grade English teacher, Joan Howard, and how I still think of her almost every week.
57). Kim Basala and how she is so love-filled and fun. A smile from her sweet face can heal all wounds.
58). A selection of climate-appropriate clothes that I can select from each day.
59). Hobbies, like:
60). Sewing
61). ...painting,
62). ...running,
63). ...mountain biking,
64). ...tri-biking,
65). ...swimming in lakes with my son (Ally will probably join in this summer)
66). and canoeing with my kids
67). Fresh, clean sheets
68). Watching Guy smile at me without actually moving his mouth.
69). Listening to the leaves rustle on the quaking aspens in the back yard
70). French Park, Wild Meadows, and Baker Park trails.
71). The "block" button on Facebook so you don't even have to know if the mean people are still talking about you! Even though they haven't spoken to you personally in over a year.
72). The person who invented those wooden blinds where you just have to pull that string and they go up, or down, evenly! and you can lock them them in any position.
73). Automobiles
74). Fax machines were awesome when they came out, but now we can just...
75). Scan things! Like pictures and documents
76). Just how incredibly smart, smart phones are.
77). Bill Gates
78). black tinted mulch
79). gas powered lawn mowers
80). The sweet sound of Guy's greeting, as he just walked into the kitchen where I am sitting and said, "Hi, Honey."
81). Bibles with tabs or cut-outs so you know where the chapters are.
82). New International Version.
83). The tiny little taste I just had of Guy's homemade orange-zested cranberry sauce.
84). That he made enough to put on turkey sandwiches for the next few days. It is seriously de-LISH.
85). Pretty fabric
86). Being blessed with straight teeth.
87). Seeing that my kids got my teeth.
88). Minty toothpaste
89). smart wool socks
90). tinted windows (like in your car) on my house so that the rooms don't get too hot, and the furniture doesn't fade
90). Sneaking into Guy's sock drawer, trying on the engagement ring he's getting ready to give me, and not getting in trouble when I get caught. (hey! get outa there!!)
91). Being certain about saying, "yes."
92). Not having to work today - just spin, cook, relax with family, sip at a glass of chardonnay
93). Keeping an orchid alive.
94). The Chronicles of Narnia
95). When they have pickled beets on the salad bar.
96). Spinach
97). Blue cheese
98). Popcorn with butter
99). KTIS ministry radio.
100). Peace in my life.
Oh, my gosh! This is so fun! THERE IS TREASURE AND GIFTS EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Thousand Gifts
I just stumbled upon a blog from a fellow blogger's blogging buddy. It's called A Thousand Gifts. Basically you write down a thousand gifts... I think it's a beautiful idea! I am going to start right now.
1). The millions of snowflakes gently falling onto the deck furniture outside my kitchen window right now.
2). The sound of my kids' voices while they watch funny youtube videos in the next room.
3). The unending love and amazing Grace from my Savior.
4). The fact that He forgives me for not listing #3 first, when now that I think about it, it certainly should be #1!
5). The love showered on me from my soulmate, Guy. He truly possesses all the Fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.
6). Those being Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Those are ALL incredible gifts.
7). The fact that I can read and write.
8). The fact that my children can, as well.
9). The fact that, while my soul didn't do anything to deserve it, and it was only by the Grace of God, that I was born in a free country.
10). That I enjoy climate control pretty much everywhere I go. Not too hot, not too cold.
11). People with a sense of humor who make me laugh.
12). I have a small handful of friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin.
13). That when I screw up, and I do a lot, I am given the opportunity to apologize and make it "right" again.
14). That we can disagree in America without getting shot, stoned, or burned with acid.
15). That my kids have a Christ-centered school that they love where they can express their faith openly.
16). Watching my kids singing along, hands raised, words memorized, to the worship songs at the Starfield concert a couple weeks ago.
17). That Guy surprised us with tickets to it. He is so thoughtful and romantic!
18). Gosh how I love Starfield.
19). And Chris Tomlin.
20). And the Newsboys.
21). And Toby Mac.
22). And how these bands have AWESOME running music that stirs your soul and supercharges your feet and you don't have to wait for it to "kick in" like you do with Gu or PowerGel.
23). That Guys parents are coming tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner.
24). That Guy's family has welcomed me and my kids like we were family all along.
25). People who trust God alone to be the judge.
26). That we are shown love and mercy by Him every day.
27). That He gets up every day and pursues ME, just forgettable ol' Jenny Moore. The God of the Universe seeks me! Can you believe that?! I am nothing, and He already has everything, but He still loves me enough to pursue me. I'm not "nothing" to Him. It's mind boggling.
28). That I have my health.
29). The white clouds moving across deep blue skies in June.
30). Watching tall, amber grasses blow in the wind.
31). My mountain bike.
32). Superior hiking Trail.
33). People who have artistic skill to make woven rugs, sturdy enough for walking on everyday and they look beautiful and pleasing year after year, anyway.
34). That I have a job.
35). That I understand compassion and can give freely, and I LIKE to, even when nobody else knows about it.
36). Twisted-peppermint scented lotion and body wash from Bath and Body Works.
37). That I can go to a number of spouts and get clean, microbe-free drinking water without even having to go outside or walk to a stream.
38). Silence.
39). People who I can be silent with, and it isn't awkward.
40). Guy's kisses. He kisses me like he loves me.
41). The way I can actually "see" Guy's soul when I look in his eyes.
42). That Guy SO fills my own heart with love, that I sometimes wish I could climb inside him for a day, to see what he sees, hear what he hears, and feel him talking.
43). Holding hands.
44). Watching friends I love, repeatedly and unfailingly and gracefully, take the "high road" when people are harsh and difficult with them. Carrie - I rarely get to see you, but you have no idea how much you inspire me.
45). The way Bobby just jumped up and ran to hug Guy when he walked in the door from work just now.
46). Seeing how much Guy loved it.
47). Seeing how much my kids like peace.
48). Honesty and Truthfulness.
49). Knowing the difference between genuineness and acting.
50). Realizing that genuineness is actually easier!
That is 50 already, and they just RATTLED off the keyboard all by themselves. I will take this challenge - it's fun! I think I will hit #1,000 before the end of 2010.
Who wants to join me?
1). The millions of snowflakes gently falling onto the deck furniture outside my kitchen window right now.
2). The sound of my kids' voices while they watch funny youtube videos in the next room.
3). The unending love and amazing Grace from my Savior.
4). The fact that He forgives me for not listing #3 first, when now that I think about it, it certainly should be #1!
5). The love showered on me from my soulmate, Guy. He truly possesses all the Fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.
6). Those being Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Those are ALL incredible gifts.
7). The fact that I can read and write.
8). The fact that my children can, as well.
9). The fact that, while my soul didn't do anything to deserve it, and it was only by the Grace of God, that I was born in a free country.
10). That I enjoy climate control pretty much everywhere I go. Not too hot, not too cold.
11). People with a sense of humor who make me laugh.
12). I have a small handful of friends who have stuck with me through thick and thin.
13). That when I screw up, and I do a lot, I am given the opportunity to apologize and make it "right" again.
14). That we can disagree in America without getting shot, stoned, or burned with acid.
15). That my kids have a Christ-centered school that they love where they can express their faith openly.
16). Watching my kids singing along, hands raised, words memorized, to the worship songs at the Starfield concert a couple weeks ago.
17). That Guy surprised us with tickets to it. He is so thoughtful and romantic!
18). Gosh how I love Starfield.
19). And Chris Tomlin.
20). And the Newsboys.
21). And Toby Mac.
22). And how these bands have AWESOME running music that stirs your soul and supercharges your feet and you don't have to wait for it to "kick in" like you do with Gu or PowerGel.
23). That Guys parents are coming tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner.
24). That Guy's family has welcomed me and my kids like we were family all along.
25). People who trust God alone to be the judge.
26). That we are shown love and mercy by Him every day.
27). That He gets up every day and pursues ME, just forgettable ol' Jenny Moore. The God of the Universe seeks me! Can you believe that?! I am nothing, and He already has everything, but He still loves me enough to pursue me. I'm not "nothing" to Him. It's mind boggling.
28). That I have my health.
29). The white clouds moving across deep blue skies in June.
30). Watching tall, amber grasses blow in the wind.
31). My mountain bike.
32). Superior hiking Trail.
33). People who have artistic skill to make woven rugs, sturdy enough for walking on everyday and they look beautiful and pleasing year after year, anyway.
34). That I have a job.
35). That I understand compassion and can give freely, and I LIKE to, even when nobody else knows about it.
36). Twisted-peppermint scented lotion and body wash from Bath and Body Works.
37). That I can go to a number of spouts and get clean, microbe-free drinking water without even having to go outside or walk to a stream.
38). Silence.
39). People who I can be silent with, and it isn't awkward.
40). Guy's kisses. He kisses me like he loves me.
41). The way I can actually "see" Guy's soul when I look in his eyes.
42). That Guy SO fills my own heart with love, that I sometimes wish I could climb inside him for a day, to see what he sees, hear what he hears, and feel him talking.
43). Holding hands.
44). Watching friends I love, repeatedly and unfailingly and gracefully, take the "high road" when people are harsh and difficult with them. Carrie - I rarely get to see you, but you have no idea how much you inspire me.
45). The way Bobby just jumped up and ran to hug Guy when he walked in the door from work just now.
46). Seeing how much Guy loved it.
47). Seeing how much my kids like peace.
48). Honesty and Truthfulness.
49). Knowing the difference between genuineness and acting.
50). Realizing that genuineness is actually easier!
That is 50 already, and they just RATTLED off the keyboard all by themselves. I will take this challenge - it's fun! I think I will hit #1,000 before the end of 2010.
Who wants to join me?
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