More Gifts from the Giver

315. Another Paperbackswap credit

314. Lots of movement from Baby #5

313. Another day ended exhausted but thankful

312. Children dirty from good play

311. Three new windows

310. Good memories of childhood

309. News of babies being knit together in the womb

308. Children fed

307. A husband sharing temptations so that I can pray for more specifically

306. Tears shed over my transgression and His undeserved forgiveness

305. Swollen pregnant hands and feet

304. Prayers answered

303. Faith-building and sacrificial giving

302. Rolls made by scratch and a son excited to partake

301. Folded towels and sheets by a friend

Gifts My Eyes Have Seen Recently

Lord, it is easy to see misery when my focus is on self. But when I open my eyes to see as You see, my view changes drastically! Thank You, Father, for these visible gifts and the greatest gift that can never be taken away!

300. A friend struggling in her faith attending church and being cared for by God's people.

299. Children excitedly eating a treat of ice cream.

298. A mother shedding tears of joy over having all of her grown children worshipping God together in church. Lord, may I be that blessed!

297. Distant relatives enjoying the gift of family.

296. A grandfather sitting cross-legged on the carpet playing with his grandson Hamilton.

295. A husband, my Papa-son, diligently teaching our kiddos about God.

Joshua Prays

294. My four-year old Joshua prayed for me yesterday morning at the breakfast table after seeing me not able to hold back my tears. I was sharing with William some struggles and respond to one of William's questions by saying, "I just can't see clearly" meaning my situation. Well, my smart, attentive, and compassionate Joshua said, "Mommy, I can pray for you." And this is what he prayed:

"Jesus, help Mommy's eyes to feel better so that she can see clearly. Help her not to be angry."

The other night when William had a meeting he prayed,

"Jesus, help Daddy and Mommy to know how to train us, me, Joshua, Saraina, Kadin, and Paloma. Help them to know how to teach us."

Wow! Wow! I am humbled. I am so thankful for You, Lord. That Your would allow me to have a child who even at the age of four prays for me. Bless him. Use him mightily for Your kingdom and glory!

The Harvest Begins!

293. The harvest is coming in! We're getting zucchini, lettuce and the tomatoes are almost ready too! All this is possible from a generous blessing of "seed" money a friend sent us out of the blue. Charity & Ryan, your gift continues to bless us and is also allowing us to bless others! Thank you!

Saraina's hernia - repaired!

292. Saraina's surgery to repair her umbilical hernia... completed as of yesterday, June 26th! Thankful William's work load was such (and his priority to be home with our other children during a time like this!) that everything went fairly smoothly. Lord, thank You for granting our family a sweet time of petitioning You to heal her without medical intervention, thank You for reminding me that You are the healer, for Saraina's surgery being scheduled first thing in the morning, for good hospital care, for our health insurance, for Saraina's response to the entire experience, for the alone time I was able to have with my sweet biggest girl, for strength to complete all You had in store for me though I was weary, for a husband who is the greatest husband I could ever imagine and the unbelievable Daddy he is to our kiddos! My cup is truly overflowing...

Pastoral Care

291. Our pastors are such gifts! In fact, Lord, You are awesome in how You provide Your people with shepherds to help us guard our souls and treasure the Gospel. Thank You, Lord, for Tab and Josh and how they ALWAYS make time for whoever is in need. I recently needed some pastoral help and ended up speaking with both of them at separate times and ended both conversations even more thankful for these men and their wives! Bless them and their families, O Great God! Oops! I left out our new pastor, Jamie. Lord, I have already been on the receiving end of our newest pastor's gifts as I can now listen to the message in the hallway thanks to the new speaker! Oh what a gift that is to so many moms and dads who walk the halls with sick or sleeping children. Thank You, Lord God.

Our Week

290. Had a chiropractor appointment which included a 25-minute massage! I'm still in shock at how quickly I'm feeling better since starting back up at the chiro! Lord, I am so, so grateful You have made a way for me to go again. You are merciful to me!

289. Made it to my midwife appointment without problem and b/c Papa-Bear is home I was able to go solo.

288. Daddy was off today! Always a gift having my Hubby around all day. He's my favorite person to be with...

287. New fence completed! Already enjoying the extra benefits! And how sweet the blessing is knowing that we were able to pay cash and not incur any debt. (We paid off all our debt just over a year ago. Well, not 100%. We do have a mortgage but hope to pay that off long before it's due!)