1000 Gifts....

22. Beautiful snow falling in large and small snowflakes, covering the grass and turning everything into a winter wonderland.

23. Time spent watching a movie with my husband over the weekend.

24. Long e-mails from a dear friend.

25. The joy of listening to the many hopes and dreams my children have.

26. Knowing that when I am sad or afraid the Lord is always there to listen to me.  He comforts me and tells me to cast my many fears, trials, and concerns upon Him.

27. Little boys who wear snow boots or rubber boots all the time.  So cute!

28. My 8 year old, Matthew, who willingly treks up and down the stairs many times to get jars and cans from the basement pantry.

29. Kids who love your home cooking!

30. The joy of homeschooling my kiddos.

31. The added benefit of watching them learn to read, do algebra, write their own books, all because we invested a little time to teach them how to learn on their own.

 

A Clean Slate

I love the feeling of the new year being fresh, wide open with possibilities.  I always make a list of goals, dreams, or accomplishments I hope to realize during the upcoming year. 

Last year I wanted to read more books.  I ended up reading over 50 new books, and a few previously read books because they are my favorites.  Books that have challenged me, comforted me, and drew me closer to the Lord.  A new favorite, must-be-read-each-year, book is First We Have Coffe by Margaret Jensen.

This year, along with the usual goals of losing weight and reading through the Bible in a year, I am hoping and praying to be able to buy a small farm with a farmhouse, red barns, and fences.  I really miss our chickens, hogs, gardens, flower beds, and just the freedom to do what we want with the land.

The Lord knows what we need in a farm, plus what features I'd like in a farmhouse.  I love big, sunny kitchens, large bedrooms, a place for all of our school books, it definately has to have an upstairs, and a basement.  I like the security a basement gives in tornado season.  I'm still getting used to living each summer with the possibility of a tornado coming our way. 

But no matter if we still are living here, in our rental house, next year, it's okay.  The Lord has a plan for my life and for my family that I trust.  A house and land would be great, but what's even better is knowing that we are in His hand, sheltered and protected.  Here for a reason we may or may not know, trusting that His plan is best for our lives.

Simply Trusting

Simply trusting ev'ry day,

Trusting through a stormy way;

Even when my faith is small;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,

Trusting as the days go by;

Trusting him whate'er befall,

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth his Spirit shine

Into this poor heart of mine;

While he leads I cannot fall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear;

Praying if the path be drear;

If in danger, for him call;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting him while life shall last,

Trusting him till earth be past;

Till within the jasper wall;

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~