One Thousand Gifts - Nature in Winter

10.) A real snowfall
11.) Children sledding all day
12.) Hot chocolate in cold hands
13.) Cardinals in icy branches
14.) Snow crunching underfoot
15.) Magnolia leaf shaped icicles
16.) Chickadees at the feeder
17.) The birds finding the front porch window feeder
18.) and off topic - Baby being delighted to see picture of herself and Daddy on facebook this morning

One Thousand Gifts

Anne shared this quote day before yesterday:

"If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness and all perfection, he must tell you to make a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you.

It is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you, if you thank and praise God for it, you turn it into a blessing.

If you could work miracles, therefore, you could not do more for yourself than by this thankful spirit. It heals and turns all that it touches into happiness."

William Law, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life

I was convicted and decided to renew my attempt to list my many gifts. As often as possible.

7. Black crows on colored maple against blue sky

8. Grocery shopping that is finally done (at least for a day or two)

9. Bella sleeping quietly

And Rosie's list :^)

1. A mommy and a daddy

2. A big Jesus

3. Brothers and sisters

Gifts

And so, with this new year, I finally begin my list. I'm starting with the big things.

1. Eternal life - 1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— . Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
2. A Godly Heritage - Deuteronomy 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. My parents were, indeed, diligent, and I am eternally grateful for them.
3. A Godly Husband - Song of Solomon 5:16 His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable.This is my beloved and this is my friend...
4. My children - Ethan, Anna Kate, Rose - I could write volumes in thankfulness every time I remember the miracles and gifts that you are...
5. My siblings - We're the stuff they write books about. Than, Hannah, Rachel, Titus, Isaiah, Stephen - I'm so thankful for the richness you bring to my life. Even when you drive me nuts. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
6. My friends - Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. I'm so thankful for my friends, and for so many of you being such dear friends to me.