I have been reading Ann Voskamp's blog for a while now and am completely smitten with her. Ann is a poet and recognizes the necessity for thankfulness in our lives. She challenges readers to be part of her gratitude community and I have decided to follow suit and embrace this challenge in my own life.
Starting today I will offer my fishes and loaves ~ small gifts, not much to look at, but offered with the eyes of faith for my Lord to multiply. These gifts are not the things I desire, but what already fills my life. May I live my life in constant memory of the love that is poured out upon me.

Here are my first gratitude postings: Feel free to join me as we live outloud, thankful.

the cool, dark mornings that beg a second cup of coffee

the husband who loves me, constructing catapults for my science class

the daughter who sets table, unasked

the smell of pumpkin scented candles wafting through our house

the way the morning light flickers as it dances across the river

my favorite slippers after a long day

banana bread, made by a friend

my children's voices filling my home with singing

that guitar playing boy

laughter around the dinner table

the encouraging words of a friend

patchwork colors dripping, signature of the season I love most

marshmallows ~ jumbo and mini

Why I Love Sundays

Rest
Breathing deeply of the goodness
I enter the place my soul knows well.

Surrounded by the beloved,
the ones who wear the waters of baptism,
we lift voices to utter psalms
with lisping babes.

Reverent kneeling- we bow
young and old,
sinners seeking forgiveness
for the trespasses of the week,
the day,
the hour,
the moment.

"Christ have mercy upon us"

Hands raised over heads
extended to the beloved,
grace reaches down from the throne room.

Forgiveness.

Exuberant declarations of faithfulness
to a forgiven people
we praise,
hands lifted heavenward in chorus of deep gratitude
Gloria Patri
glad song together,

always together.

Surrounded by a host
joining heavenly voices with dust dwellers
for one moment, no longer departed.

Heaven eclipsing earth
mingling spirits and body.

I come hungry
aware of my need,
feasting on the bread,
the soul-food of promise
that feeds more than my flesh;

this is my body
offered for you
my beloved

the wine,
the blood that slakes my thirst
no water can.

Here, I know again
I was created for worship;

made holy-
and I wonder how can it be.

How the Holy One can reach so far

This is the mystery-the entering in
The faith seekers, fallen
and yet holy.

The blessing of the redeemed;
Rest.

The Real Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Hebrews 11~
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.





By faith, Pauline Jacobi, choosing to place her trust in her Savior Jesus Christ, knew the real meaning of "hope", not an empty platitude, but an accomplished and certain victory won for her at the cross. She surrendered to her redeemer, who would not disappoint.

Lord, let my life be an offering of faith.

Unwelcome Visitor

Gratitude

How prone I am to forget.
That is why, I'm sure,
you give me days like these.

These are the mercy-filled days.
Days of illness, exhaustion,
imperfection,

disguised as unwelcome visitors
sent to remind me
how much I need you.

Thank you for this weary and failing body
that keeps me looking to you for strength,
reminding me that I am not necessary,
although I like to think
I am.

If I never lived these days
compassion would never sprout wings on my tired shoulders
causing me to extend grace,
beyond.

I would miss the opportunity to receive kindness
from others,
ministering angels, sent by your hand
for me.

Love in action, displayed in the needful moments of living,

poured out freely
from you,
through your earthen vessels, the beloved,
to me.

My comfort rests in role of giver,
but today you ask me to receive.

Wash me Lord Jesus; not just my feet, but all of me.

I would never know the rest to be found
only in you;
in the quiet places meant for weary souls and fragile bodies
if the unwelcome visitor never stopped by.

Thank you for the time to heal.