Choosing Gratitude

March 30, 2012

Steadfast

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.' Lamentations 3:22-24

The art of enjoying nature

Children should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they learn something of the habits and history of bee, ant, wasp, spider, hairy caterpillar, dragon-fly, and whatever of larger growth comes in their way. (Charlotte Mason ~ Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.57 )

With a broad smile beaming from a dirt-smeared face, my youngest son excitedly tugs my hand and points to the ground. He has found a big black ant.

Together we watch the ant crawl along the garden box. I gently nudge a couple facts into our simple conversation but mostly just let him observe. He is fascinated by the little creature. And I am elated by his delight.

Wesley is no stranger to dirt - in fact, he has mastered the art of playing in it. But Grant, on the other hand, struggles to still his mind and body long enough to observe the nature around him and play with imagination. What a blessing it is that Wesley very happily models such play for Grant... and I do believe Grant is slowly (very slowly, but surely) picking it up.

However, I am still mastering the "mother culture" of allowing my boys to roll around in the dirt... I think it's time we get a sandbox. :)

We can't make a child smart, but we can make sure that his brain is fortified with pure, healthy blood, and that his mind is nourished with productive ideas. (Charlotte Mason ~ Vol 5 paraphrase pg 142)

O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great. Psalm 104:24-25

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

~ St. Francis of Assisi

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Facebook Cover Photo for you...

1. First click (left-click) on the photo to pull up the highest quality image on your computer screen.
2. Then right-click on the photo and choose "save image as" and save the image as your own.
3. Finally, upload the picture to your Facebook page (Timeline format) as your cover photo!

something sweet

In the midst of a busy day, he grabbed my hand to slow me down and presented a sweet visual pause.

... a colorful reminder to look around and recognize the beauty and joy in that day.

Oh how easily I get caught up in my to-do lists and forget to be thankful for the many blessings that are in the fleeting moments. It's nice to be reminded.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

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Facebook Cover Photos for you...

1. First click (left-click) on a photo to pull up the highest quality image on your computer screen.
2. Then right-click on the photo and choose "save image as" and save the image as your own.
3. Finally, upload the picture to your Facebook page (Timeline format) as your cover photo!

Beyond words

It is quiet all around me.

The sunlight spills through the trees, giving its morning benediction.

In the distance I can hear the melody of a mourning dove. The haunting notes bring with it sweet memories from my childhood.

As I prepare for the day, I softly sing a hymn. It is like a love-inspired sonnet written for my soul.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care;

In thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are.

~ Dorothy A Thrupp

It has been a labor-intensive couple of weeks. I have labored in prayer. The kind of prayer where you beg for mercy - a reprieve from the hurt.

I say these prayers for my oldest son who has few words of his own. I pray that his late-night groanings will reach the Master's ears.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

It is a surreal feeling to experience things that words cannot convey. No string of eloquent phrases can describe the rugged road I walk. It is only for those who have walked it to know.

And yet there is great comfort in knowing that the secret space I trod is shared with my Savior. He has led me here. Instead of pulling away, I have learned to lean in... lean in heavily with hope. I lean in and whisper my fears, my longings... and I find rest as my Savior continues to shed enough light for one more step along the narrow way.

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The warm weather has opened up our backyard for even more time for outdoor play.

We took the boys to the overlook at the airport to see the airplanes take off...

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.

Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:18-25

sufficient grace

Celebrating Wesley

The name Wesley means west meadow.

To me, when I ponder the meaning, I think of heaven. I think of a beautiful field.

I think of Psalm 23:1-3...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Wesley is a beautiful, constant reminder to me of God's great plan for my family. During a time of pain and uncertainty, he was carefully placed in our lives.

Wesley has a very tender heart for Grant. Already I am witnessing their roles being reversed... quietly, he is becoming the bigger brother. Wesley helps, teaches, and cares for Grant - all while being his goofy and fun-loving self.