I will lift my eyes

Lost in thought and prayer lately. So many things I'm wrestling with, being challenged by. I hope it means growth, but truly, in God's kingdom, the way up in growing is down :) So I'm quiet while I let and allow and resist the urge to defend myself while my heart is humbled and I listen. Allowing the workings of my days, the stony parts of my heart, the rhythms of grace lead me back to Father's presence where I pray I'll be changed more and more.

Mother's Day was a treasure with love outpourings from my husband, children, and well loved friends and family. Days like that are beautiful in that they lift the heart of a giving woman, tell her and remind her what an important and irreplaceable job she is doing, and give her the space in a whole day to reflect on the fruit of her labors.


Life is busy and I'm forgetting a little to slow down and capture the memories by picture and words. So I picked up the camera again today to do a Grateful Monday for 1000 Gifts. So, without further delay...



Dear Lord, I am so thankful for:

~Husband who walks through the door with groceries in hand saying, "I've got the rest of dinner. I saw Rachel Ray do an awesome dinner in 15 minutes on TV at the doctor's and I brought home the stuff to do it!"

~Little girls who rested their busy bodies and minds to listen to my singing and storytelling.

~Homemade cards with misspellings and heart-thoughts of their own

~Being center stage in a little wonder of a boy's heart

~a Japanese restaurant and time alone with my Gentleman

~life reminders that their is an adversary that prowls to rob, kill and destroy

~2 toned petunias and free gifts at the garden store

~the Love of God, the love of family, the love of friends

~sweet, special time with my Mom and sister

~an anonymous, smiling, quiet woman whose hobby was portrayed in Victoria magazine sitting at a table next to me, and she was beautiful in her old age

~tasting bits and pieces of "peace that passes understanding"

~coffee in bed

~excited faces peeking in my bedroom door because it was a happy morning of Mother's Day for them as much as it was for me