There is so much I weighs on my heart this morning. I’m grateful for the sunshine on mornings like this. We lost all of our chickens this weekend. We cannot find a single one. Something came to the coop and took all 8 hens. We go back and forth trying to figure out what predator got so many at once and left without a trace. Our yard feels so empty without them pecking around this morning. I’m trying to understand this “hard eucharisteo” I’m reading about in my book. When God blesses, but it doesn’t feel like a blessing.
I thought for this morning, I would join up with Ann Voskamp’s site to count the many gifts God gives us. I have hesitated doing this in the past for silly reasons. She and I are both farmer’s wives. She has 6 kids, I have 5. We both homeschool. I even found out we both knit. We both write. She has a New York Times Bestseller, and it is impacting me in very deep ways. I didn’t want to be a tag along to her success, but create my own. Now that I have “met” her through her writings, I feel like she is a dear sister in Christ who I want to bless even a fraction of how she has blessed me with her words.
I think for this Monday, with all the heartache going on in our house for various reasons, I’ll continue on with my list towards 1,000 of God’s grace on our lives. His eucharisteo as she puts it.
10. Fat robins filling the yard
11. Smell of cut wood
12. Tulips finally spotted
13. Alone in a room with Oreos and milk
14. newborn kittens in the barn
15. Kids playing outside and making big plans for a clubhouse
16. Grass growing a shadow of green
17. Quiet morning talks for encouragement with Knut.
18. Baby giggles
19. Music, for so many reasons
20. Looking upon the face of a friend’s newborn, and seeing the handiwork of God so fresh.
I don’t know how to put it simply, but I am awestruck this morning on how God makes all things new. New babies, new kitties, new chicks. Life after the long winter. He seems to bring life out of pain and death everywhere I look this morning. I’m so blessed.
Janis Cox says
April 29, 2013 at 3:43 pmHello
Great to meet you. I am linking in from A Holy Experience. I read Ann’s book 2 years ago. – 4 times. Then I taught a Bible Study based on the book before Ann put out her Bible Study. Lives were changed.
Please join this community. And count your gifts – it will help when things happen- Hard Eucharisteo.
Margaret Feinberg has written an excellent book too – Wonderstruck. We are studying that now in our Bible Study.
Please don’t think you are as you said: I didn’t want to be a tag along to her success, but create my own.
We need community. You are blessing Ann by mentioning her and explaining how others can see God’s blessings,
I love the “fat robins”.
Sometimes on He Cares for Us – my blog I have a linky party for my Joy Dare Mondays. I do have consistent links for Stillness Sundays and Wednesday’s Word. You are welcome to join us and let’s spread God’s Word – one word at a time.
Many blessings,
Thanking God for opening the door to meeting you.
Richelle @ Our Wright-ing Pad says
April 29, 2013 at 4:49 pmsorry for your hard morning and your loss. we raised chickens for awhile and it was always hard when we lost one… or more.
appreciated your list – esp newborn kitties and just you and your cookies and milk that you can savor without having to share… at least not right away!
blessings on your week.
Anonymous says
April 29, 2013 at 9:42 pmWith apparently little or no evidence left behind, you might want to be considering two-legged predators, unfortunately. Sharon
Mom says
April 30, 2013 at 1:09 amI had to chuckle at the Oreos and milk! I just went to visit Grandma and Grandpa and Grandpa said you had sent her the audio version of this book. She has been so blessed! She listens to it over and over again! You are a blessing!
Composed By Grace says
April 30, 2013 at 1:37 amI liked the Oreos and milk also. I must try that again soon! 🙂
Debbie Petras says
April 30, 2013 at 1:39 pmSo glad you are joining in! I’ve been counting my blessings along with Ann for some time now. I’m in the 800’s even. One of the photos I included in my post was of one of the twins. You will recognize the sweet face I’m sure.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
http://www.heartchoices.com/2013/04/thankful-for-smiles-and-laughter.html