Grace in the Midst

In Christ (despite my weaknesses, sinfulness, mistakes, & attitudes) I am... 1289. Holy 1290. Faithful 1291. Blessed 1292. Chosen 1293. Blameless 1294. Predestined 1295. Adopted 1296. Redeemed 1297. Forgiven 1298. Marked with a seal 1299. God's possession Ephesians 1 1  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,    To God’s holy people in Ephesus, [ a ]  the faithful in Christ Jesus:   2  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ   3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  4  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love  5  he [ b ]   predestined us for adoption to sonship [ c ]  through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—...

1275. Blake and I laying back down (all cuddled up) and waiting for Cole to wake up 1276. Blake, Avi & I hanging out on my bed during "nap time" 1277. The song "you're gonna miss this" - wonder if I'll miss always being behind on pretty much everything :) 1278. Showing Matt pictures and videos I take during the day 1279. How proud Matt is of his boys as they learn to accomplish more and more 1280. Going to bed early 1281. Still waking up late 1282. Thankful that though my ways are far from BLAMELESS, because of what Christ has done for me I am BLAMELESS 1283. Desiring to SEEK HIM with all my heart 1284. The author of Psalm 119 admitting his struggles and his desire to change - "Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!  Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.   I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws." 1285. The expression on Cole's face when he gets a litt...

1264. Healthy days - today isn't one, but it reminds me to be thankful for the ones that are :) 1265. Blake waking up early, but falling back asleep again 1266. Curling up on the couch - and a few minutes later Blake curling up with me 1267. Cole's enthusiasm 1268. Grace periods (both from banks - and God) 1269. Knowing that though I often feel like God's love is based on my actions (or lack thereof), and feel like he doesn't love me as much when I am struggling  - COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. 1270. Our cat snuggled on Matt's lap while he reads his bible 1271. Cole waking up and singing every morning 1272. Multiple reminders in Psalm 118 that HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER 1273. The example and reminder to TAKE REFUGE in the Lord, and the hope that I will learn how to do so more and more. 1274. Our family, friends, children, government, etc...will all let us down (they are only human)...but, if we TAKE REFUGE in the Lord rather than trust in men - we ...

1253. Productive mornings 1254. Lazy afternoons 1255.  2 Corinthians 12:9 1256. Wireless headphones - and the fact that they actually worked 1257. Keeping up with the dishes without a dishwasher 1258. An organized art supplies shelf 1259. Matt making lots of shots on his basketball night 1260. All three kids going to bed early - and the ability to get a lot done - or not. 1261. Another new day 1262. Matt coming home early from work and taking the kids on a walk 1263. The kids excited squeals when daddy walks in Quick thoughts : I am thankful for the ability to praise even when I don't really feel like it.  Nothing is particularly wrong this morning (other than maybe missing my mom)- I'm just feeling tired, lazy, and not exactly "in the mood" to praise.  Yet, after writing this quick list, I feel a bit better.  Not perfect, but better.  I am also thankful for the reminder in Psalm 117 of his GREAT LOVE TOWARD US, and his FAITHFULNESS that ENDURES FORE...

1238. Blank slates 1239. New beginnings 1240. Celebrating the new year with loved ones 1241. Looking forward to all that He has in store 1242. A wonderful visit with my mom 1243. Ugly/Beautiful - overwhelming organizational projects that I need to finish up/keeping the house tidy will be much easier once I finish them 1244. Remembering I can do anything for 15 minutes 1245. A sign on a friends wall "Keep it Simple" 1246. The friend on who's wall it hangs 1247. A moment of quiet 1248. Hot Showers 1249. The Lord's prayer, and how it seems to apply no matter what the circumstance 1250. Blake - "what in the wowld", "oh man" (grandma-isms) 1251. The boys tears for Grandma - so thankful that they know and love her 1252. God's consistant, never-ending love & grace Psalm 116  1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.  2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. ...

1228. Sleeping in 1229. Daddy waking up with the kids (without us even talking about it) 1230. Myself and 3 kiddos snuggled in Blake's bed (when I finally did wake up) 1231. My mom helping me organize my kitchen 1232. Saturdays 1233. Trust filled friendship 1234. Being "caught" at a drive through 1235. Baskets fitting perfectly on an old shelf 1236. Empty sinks 1237 "Our God He IS, our God He WAS, our God He's ALWAYS GONNA BE" Quick thoughts/prayer on Psalm 115: So thankful for Your LOVE and FAITHFULNESS, Lord. May we not put other "gods" before You Lord.  Thank you for the reminder that if we do we will be like those gods - with mouths that can't speak, eyes that can't see, ears that can't hear, noses that can't smell, hands that can't feel and feet that can't walk.  As we continue to learn how to put you first, Lord - give us mouths that speak, eyes that see, ears that hear, noses that smell, hands that feel an...

1216. Blake laughing till he cries 1217. Cole - "daddy does bean bags" 1218. Grandma, the smiles she brings, and...the help that she is to this tired momma 1219. A new toilet seat 1220. Knowing you made a right decision though it was a hard one 1221. Laughing with friends 1222. My friend Jess - a wonderful hostess 1223. Compliments 1224. Long drives with good friends 1225. The funny things other people's kids say like "its a match" (long story). 1226. "We ask God for patience...and we want it now" - a fellow "momy". 1227. The fact that God is at work in me - be it ever so slowly Quick thoughts on Psalm 114 - Lord, may we see you as you really are...POWERFUL, SOVEREIGN, WORTHY OF PRAISE.  May we not take You or Your name lightly, but learn to LEAP and even TREMBLE in Your presence.  May we BELIEVE Lord that you turned a rock into springs of water, and KNOW that you are the same God yesterday, today and forever.  You still move mo...

1202. Unexpected mall trips 1203. Grandma buying our boys perfect bath toys 1204. God working through ALL THINGS 1205. Reading 1000 gifts with my mom 1206. Getting lost, and actually finding my way home with a map (that is quite miraculous for me) 1207. Being reminded the importance of praise and thanksgiving, both through 1000 gifts and Psalm 113 1208. Having a bad dream, and waking up incredibly thankful it was just a dream 1209. Perfect timing 1210. Finding a lost cat 1211. My sister 1212. Being, and continually learning how to be a HAPPY MOTHER OF CHILDREN. 1213. Sprouted Ezekiel English Muffin Pizzas with tomato paste and fresh farm cheese 1214. Matt actually eats them, likes them & requests them 1215. Out of town friends that I get to see tonight :) :) :) Psalm 113  1 Praise the LORD.[a] Praise the LORD, you his servants;   praise the name of the LORD.  2 Let the name of the LORD be praised ,  both now and forevermor...

1192. Remembering that though we celebrate Christ's birthday on earth, He has always been 1193. Our kids taking their time opening presents (wanting to play with each one before opening the next one) 1194. Celebrating Christmas with three kids and three grandparents 1195. The kids playing with the least expensive gift more than any of the others - punch balloons 1196. Breakfast out 1197. Matt cleaning our entire basement 1198. Listening to Tammy Wynette with my mom 1199. Watching Matt tune a fiddle 1200. Trusting God in situations where I used to get so frustrated that I couldn't trust Him 1201. Knowing I'll have another chance to record my countless blessings soon (cuz three kiddos are ready for their momma) Psalm 112[a]  1 Praise the LORD.[b] Blessed are those who fear the LORD,  who find great delight in his commands.  2 Their children will be mighty in the land;  the generation of the upright will be blessed .  3 Wealth and riches ar...

1172. Blake and Cole enthralled by the birds outside Avi's window 1173. A precious video (taken by Matt) of Cole and his "doggie" 1174. The way we are able to capture precious moments on film - so that we may treasure them forever 1175. The Lord providing at the last minute 1176. His Sovereignty (this one will probably make the list a million times...as does His GRACE) 1177. Family 1178. Friends that feel like family (even ones that don't know they do) 1179. Free Wi-Fi in public places 1180. Hope of getting our Christmas card (well, maybe New Years card) printed today 1181. Precious photo cards of family and friends all lined up on our wall 1182. Counting down the days till Christmas with our construction paper chain (thanks for the idea Jamie & Trish) 1183. Blake, out of the blue  - "Mommy, why did God tell Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit on the tree" I answered (afraid to write my answer here in case it isn't entirely theologically sou...

1155. That we can come before God with open and honest hearts whether our attitudes are right or wrong - see the Psalm below 1156. David's example of coming to God with praise an prayer when he was struggling... rather than blaming and/or running from Him 1157. So thankful I don't feel like this towards anyone at this time (and hopefully never will) 1158. That though each of us deserves punishment (as it is clear that David's enemy did...not to mention David), God continually pours out His love and grace. 1159. God's SOVEREIGNTY, GOODNESS & LOVE 1160. Multitasking - listening in on a parenting conference call & getting Mount Foldmore folded 1161. Blake playing quietly and with a good attitude while the Cole and Avonlea rested. 1162. A whole week at home (and the fact that I LOVE being home now...that is a miracle in and of itself) 1163. Matt starting a load of laundry every morning - so at least I only have Mount Foldmore - instead of Mount Washmore :) ...

1143. Pajama days 1144. Avonlea's expression when she sees daddy 1145. Frequent flyer miles - mom is coming for Christmas! 1146. Ugly/Beautiful - our messy house/the blessings that make it messy 1147. Unexpected evenings with daddy (he was too exhausted to play basketball) 1148. The children's book -  Circus Ship 1149. Cole sitting in the middle of a big group of kids (listening to Circus Ship) and raising his hand when the author asked a question (imitating the bigger kids) 1150. Cole's "performances" 1151. The way my heart melts when I watch my children in public places 1152. Realizing that God's heart probably melts in the same way (probably even more) when he looks at us. 1153. The life long search for "bear" (Blakes special stuffed animal that we never can find) 1154. The reminder of Gods GREAT LOVE and FAITHFULNESS found in Psalm 108 (below) Psalm 108 1 My heart, O God, is  steadfast ;  I will  sing  and  make music  wit...

1124. Singing Christmas music in the true spirit of Christmas 1125. My husband who woke up at 4:30am to fill bean bags 1126. Bean bag sales 1127. Ephesians 1128. Blake's teaching spirit (always teaching Cole) 1129. A potential last minute visit from my mom 1130. The train around our Christmas tree 1131. The smiles it brings our boys 1132. Cole - "mama, hugs pease" 1133. A surprise gift for the boys from an old friend - a magnetic nativity scene 1134. The boys fighting over the baby Jesus :) 1135. An anonymous financial gift - THANK YOU - whoever you are! 1136. Discussing the future with Matt 1137. Being used (hopefully) by God despite our weaknesses 1138. My "heart & home" friends who inspire me in and around my home 1139. Friends who love our bean bags - sounds silly, but it makes my heart smile 1140. Avi playing with a green balloon 1141. Joy in the simple things 1142. Playing and giggling with Avonlea

1107.  Avonlea - both our precious daughter and the "town" of Avonlea 1108.  The Belfast Maskers presentation of "Anne of Green Gables" 1109.  My soulmate arranging a babysitter so we could go (and on his basketball night) 1110.  Being surrounded by dear friends as we enjoyed the show 1111.  Learning more and more about the incredible blessings of children - both the joy they bring and the refinement that comes from raising them 1112.  Cole singing - "Jesus loves mommy, bang bang goes the hammer, Jesus loves daddy, bang bang goes the hammer, Jesus loves Blaker, bang bang goes the hammer". 1113. Avonlea's contagious squeal of laughter 1114. Ugly/Beautiful - Tinsel - beautiful on the tree, ugly everywhere else :) 1115. Finding hope and encouragement from other M.O.M.Y.S. (mothers of multiple young siblings) 1116. The anticipation of a fun evening with friends - celebrating the biggest gift we could ever receive - our Savior. 1117. Photo Christm...

All these gifts...in one Psalm! 1081. God speaking through his word & His... 1082. Enduring love 1083. Redemption 1084. Deliverance 1085. Unfailing love 1086. Wonderful deeds 1087. Satisfaction in Him 1088. Subjection 1089. The ability to cry out to Him 1090. then...HE SAVES 1091. He breaks away chains 1092. He heals 1093. He rescues 1094. He fills us with songs of joy 1095. He brings us out of distress 1096. He stills the storm 1097. He guides 1098. We exalt 1099. He blesses 1100. He increases our numbers 1101. He humbles us through oppression, calamity & sorrow 1102. He lifts up the needy 1103. He increases our families 1104. We see and rejoice 1105. We heed these things 1106. We ponder the loving deeds of the Lord Psalm 107 (Emphasis Mine) 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good ;  his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the land...

1070. Listening ears 1071. Loving hearts 1072. God working in me and through me - right through my mistakes and/or sin 1073. Brokenness 1074. God's word 1075. The emphasis of praise in His word 1076. Missing friends 1077. Holding back 1078. Recognizing fear 1079. Wise counsel 1080. Unconditional love

Psalm 106   1   Praise the LORD. [ a ]     Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good ;    his love endures forever.   2  Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD    or fully declare his praise? 3   Blessed are those who act justly,    who always do what is right.   4  Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people,    come to my aid when you save them, 5  that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,    that I may share in the joy of your nation    and join your inheritance in giving praise .   6  We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;    we have done wrong and acted wickedly. 7  When our ancestors were in Egypt,    they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses,    and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. [ ...

1057. Asking Cole what he wants to talk about - his answer - Jesus :) 1058. Cole finishing my sentences 1059. Knowing my Savior has experienced all types of pain, and I can come to Him daily 1060. Learning how to walk with Him and allow Him to lead 1061. Knowing He loves me no matter what and that there is absolutely NOTHING I could ever do (or not do) to lose his love. 1062. Hope in Him 1063. Grace. Grace. Grace. Grace. 1064. Knowing He's not finished with me yet 1065. Connecting with family despite the miles between us 1066. Hope and trust in situations that seem hopeless (especially in regards to sickness of loved ones) 1067. A down day - for some reason I enjoy my children even more on down days (perhaps because I don't strive to get much done...I just lounge around with my kids) 1068. A relationship with my husband that is continually growing in depth (despite our weaknesses) 1069. A relationship with God that is continually growing in depth (despite my weaknes...

1047. Resilience of young children - turns out Cole broke his Collar bone, but he is doing amazing 1048. All of my children have all of their limbs (sounds silly, but watching Cole go about his day with one arm has reminded me once again how much we have to be thankful for) 1049. Blake helping his little brother 1050. An understanding doctor - the first thing he said was, don't worry about what I think (or something to that effect), I have 6 boys and I have been there 1051. Time with family, both immediate and extended 1052. Cousins (and Aunties) 1053. Cell phones 1054. My friend,  Victoria Crain , and all she is doing for Avonlea 1055. Daniel 11:33 "Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless"  Isn't it INCREDIBLE, that God is at work even through our mistakes...by the way I am not insinuating that I am wise (I have a feeling it works across the board :) ) 1056. Daniel 11:1 "I took my stand to support and prot...

1036. Protection - Cole has taken a few rough falls lately, but is doing just fine. 1037. Peace in scary situations 1038. Feasting at the Lord's Table & at Matt's mom's table - yum!  So thankful for her hard work. 1039. Picking my husbands brain 1040. Learning from what he's learned 1041. God helping me find a balance between goal setting and Holy Spirit leading 1042. Early Christmas presents 1043. Blake's coloring pages - complete with his name 1044. Cole's admiration for Blake 1045. Avonlea's growth & her new found talent (sticking out her tongue) 1046. Snail mail from someone who cares