Multitudes on Mondays #51-60

"God meant for us to regularly experience pleasure and delight, laughter, and pure, unadulterated joy. But in order for these to be an integral part of a very real relationship with Him, we need to find Him in beauty and pleasure in the minute places and details of our lives. " Sally Clarkson {Dancing with My Father}

I truly have so much to give thanks for today. Sometimes I feel as if ALL is a gift and I'm thankful for those days of RIGHT thinking. When my mind is stayed on truth. Because, honestly, most days I battle with truth - and wanting to think on it. Sinner.

This weekend was refreshing and though right now I can't exactly remember what we did that made it so... I feel ready for this week. And ready to give thanks! So here we go...

#51-60

- planning a bridal shower... and the reminder that in this sinful, sad world there is still joy and there is still HOLY matrimony.

- a 3 month old that has found her fingers and toes ;)

- neighbors cats loving our back porch and a 2 year old who loves to name them.

- box fan in the window sucking in that cool morning air

- the smell of Tide

- getting to know a new friend even better over pizza

- a lighthearted husband who laughs when I make him a PBJ with the heels of the bread {hehehe}

-"Char-ey" Brown as mentioned by my biggest girl. Who also loves to wear sleep blinders for fun, and cracks me up so many minutes of the day!

- Waking up to a giggly, smiling, chubby baby who is SO happy to see her momma

- the book of AMOS and the reminder that I really don't know or understand everything...

What's on your list today? EUCHARISTEO! Give THANKS!

Counting my blessings...

Life is kinda nuts around here right now. I'm babysitting full time and so learning to have 3 kids under 3 all day has been fun, but VERY busy! Even though they are super late - here are my multitude of things I'm thankful for. I wrote them down in my journal Monday - and its nice to re-read them this morning and remember.

#41-50

- Opportunity to raise children for the Lord

- baby forks

- glitter on our couch from Ava's princess purse

- smiles from the C- man

- husband making breakfast

- quick few minutes in the psalms this a.m.

- new air freshener

- Cafe Latte coffee creamer

- walking around walgreens...alone.

- chunky baby legs

Soon to harvest...

A thought came to me a few minutes ago as I watched a man gather wood from a freshly cut tree - Harvest time is coming. He was preparing his home for the cold days to come. There would be plenty of wood for his wood stove. We saw some squirrels chasing each other around the backyard and along the street... always digging and looking for food to hide away. Harvest time is coming. Farmers are emptying their fields of corn {especially here in Iowa}, soybeans and soon wheat, etc. Storehouses and silos will be stocked, pantry cupboards full of canned veggies and summer fruits. It seems everyone - man and animals are all starting the preparation for Harvest and the next season to come...in these parts, the coldest/longest season.

This got me thinking of my own family and how I prepare them - how we prepare for Harvest, and the cold months to follow. Last year I wasn't so intentional and that could be felt. And after the season ended I was determined for this year to be different. Physically, spiritually... we've GOT to prepare. I've got to prepare. I'm not a country woman...tho I very much would LOVE to be. I don't know how to grow a garden or make freezer jam or sew clothing. And thankfully right now in life my family isn't dependent on me knowing how to do those things. :) But they DO need me to set the tone when things are stressful or boring or... well, you get it. So my brain has been busy the last few weeks thinking of ways to make Harvest time and winter time a fun and purposeful time here at home. Just like those silly squirrels... we've got to prepare.

A friend of mine sent me a text last week asking if I was interested in putting together some Busy Bags, heard of them? And the more I consider the more I love the idea! This would keep little fingers and brains busy - less temptation to just flip on the TV and zone out. {guilty} I'm also planning to start some preschool with my Ava girl - probably closer to December or January. Was planning on this fall, but with babysitting and having a 3 mo old...we are still adjusting. :) I would like to use the Fireflies curriculum, the same one I used when I taught at the preschool years ago. I loved how simple it was and yet the kids were learning so many things.

On top of school type things - I'd love to start working on some scripture memorization not only for myself but for Ava, too! And this fall our Mom's ladies bible studies will start up again... giving me the refreshing kick in the pants! :)

So many more ideas... this post might have to have a part two. :)