By Kristen, on May 14th, 2012% 
It’s the middle of May already. I continue to count the multitudes of blessings!
I am giving thanks for…
…a husband who is home again from his travels.
…freshly planted, brilliantly red, flowers in our front flowerbed.
…a nice dinner with my in-laws and grandparents-in-law.
…new recipes that are enjoyed by all.
…a full cupboard from which to cook.
…a nice farewell dinner for three of our teachers.
…another school week completed and another begun.
…a clean house and clean laundry that is ready for the upcoming busy week.
…the anticipation of seeing former students from St. Mark’s on our upcoming pen pal field trip.
…twelve days remaining for this school year!
This list numbers items 1106 to 1115 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
By Kristen, on May 13th, 2012% My Mother’s Day prayer is a different one this year. My heart has been torn all week, praying for so many woman.
It started with God’s Word in this verse.
This is my humble prayer. May you know that you are loved – by so many but most importantly – our Heavenly Father!
For every pregnant mother, who still cradles her little one safe inside,
For every mother of little ones, who never has a moment alone,
For every mother of grown ones, who misses the commotion and chaffeuring,
You are loved!
For every one who has stood beside a hospital bed, and for every one who still tucks a child into bed at night,
For every one who has brought a child to the baptismal font, and for every one who has stood at a grave side,
For every one who regrets an abortion, and for every one who rejoices in the gift of adoption,
You are loved!
For the one who is heartbroken by another negative pregnancy test, and for the one who wonders how to feed another mouth,
For every grandmother raising her grandchildren, and for every young mother doing it on her own,
For the single mom working two jobs and pinching pennies, and for the stay-at-home mom, who’s counting the cost,
You are loved!
For every woman who longs for a child,
For every woman who prays for a child,
For every woman who loves a child,
You are loved!
For every woman who is single, and every woman who is married,
For every woman who prays for a child, with a child, and over a child,
For every woman, precious and beloved in God’s sight,
You are loved!
By Kristen, on May 7th, 2012%
Andy left for Washington, D.C. last night. Every other year, he takes his class on a trip to our Nation’s Capital and this was the big trip year! I certainly wish I could be there with them, but I’m at home, teaching as normal. I am going to use this time to try to do some deep cleaning of all the hidden nooks and crannies. I’m in an organizing and simplifying mood right now!
In the quietness of our home, I continue to give thanks. I give thanks for…
…the freedoms of our country.
…students who have the opportunity to discover firsthand the history of our nation.
…good hymns sung in worship at St. Paul’s.
…witnessing 24 sixth graders profess their baptismal faith in their confirmation.
…pleasant days and cool nights.
…good guacamole.
…several projects that are already prepared and waiting for my students.
…a to-do list that shrinks and grows.
This list numbers items 1098 to 1105 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
By Kristen, on May 6th, 2012% 
My husband and I saw this peacock at the zoo recently. I had to pause for a moment because this proud and bold animal looked so subdued. It made me think.
How is my heart? It it full of pride? Or am I truly humble?
Pride is a clear and appealing temptation, but we know that God desires humility.
I believe God calls us to humility and I believe, as James says, God shows favor to the humble.
The only time I desire pride is in my desire to make God proud of my humility!
By Kristen, on April 30th, 2012%
It is hard to believe that the month of April is drawing to a close already! Once again, another month has hurried by, and I am still giving thanks.
I am thankful for…
…safe travels to and from Berne, as I took my class to the Pioneer Village.
…compliments from the guides on the behavior and knowledge of my kiddos. That always make a teacher proud!
…twins that still want to be held by me and who still remember our time together last summer.
…a quiet Friday night in by myself.
…safe travels to and from the NFL Draft for my husband. I don’t understand the allure of all things football, but I do understand how excited by husband is by it!
…a cold night at the Tincaps where I got to visit with friends.
…playing with my K to 2 students as they sang for worship on Good Shepherd’s Sunday.
…positive perspective visits with preschoolers for next year.
…a leisurely afternoon of bargain shopping. When life is so busy, it’s easy to forget how nice it is to wander a bit on your regular shopping trips!
…new haircuts and visits with our friendly hairstylist.
This list numbers items 1087 to 1097 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
By Kristen, on April 29th, 2012% 
There are so many fruits of the spirit – and this bowl of blackberries reminded me how important it is to be overflowing with these fruits.
Is your life full of the fruits of the spirit? I pray that it is – for all of us.
By Kristen, on April 23rd, 2012%
It was a whirlwind week and weekend, due in large part to our spring musical of “Malice in the Palace”. As busy as it was, I am quite thankful for the musical moments of the past week.
I am thankful for…
…students who were excited to share our musical.
…Kindergarten students who journaled about the musical.
…junior high students who rose to the acting challenge.
…modest girls who actually did NOT want to wear much make-up for their part as the beauty pageant girls.
…beautiful solos sung by Ruth, Sam and David.
…a full crowd (of close to 400) who came to see our musical.
…Dads who stayed around to clean up the gym afterwards.
…complimentary comments from people who noticed the hard work we had done.
…junior high boys (from my husband’s school) who wanted to come watch with him, too.
…relaxing at last over late night, half priced appetizers at Applebees with good friends.
In non-related musical thoughts, I am thankful for…
…brainstorming congregational ideas.
…dancing with my husband at the CLHS band auction.
…a new printer that is finally set up and working.
…a visit to the Fort Wayne zoo. I finally made it there and it was very nice!
…chaperoning an 8th grade “date” with my husband. I guess we really are old enough to do so!
This list numbers items 1066 to 1086 my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
By Kristen, on April 16th, 2012%
This week is my baptismal birthday, which gives me more reasons to give thanks.
I am thankful for…
…30 years of growing in my baptismal faith.
…parents who brought me quickly and joyfully to the baptismal font.
…baptismal sponsors who have prayed for me and encouraged me over the years.
…God’s faithfulness and forgiveness.
…tech savy brother and brothers-in-law who quickly respond to emails about printers with their knowledgeable advice.
…a late night Starbucks visit with an open and encouraging friend.
…Pampered Chef bridal showers.
…taxes that are already filed. I’m indeed thankful not to be worrying about that at the last minute!
…a good, short, previous week of school.
…one week left until our school musical. There is lots to do yet, but I know it will all get done.
Those are a couple things that fill my heart with thankfulness. For what are you giving thanks?
This list numbers items 1056 on 1065 my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
By Kristen, on April 15th, 2012% 
Jonah said:
“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.
“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”
Jonah 2:1-9
In the midst of Jonah’s distress, he cried out to the Lord. I do the same.
My prayers may not be as eloquent as Jonah’s, but perfect words aren’t a requirement in prayer. My prayers are always heard.
I call to the Lord and He answers me.
By Kristen, on April 9th, 2012%
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! With the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection, my heart is filled with thankfulness.
I am giving thanks for…
…SonRise worship with my husband.
…good Easter hymns such as “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds.”
…a productive Spring break.
…a clean house, clean garage and a clean basement.
…opportunities to eat out with friends.
…a quiet 30th birthday celebration.
…happy birthday songs sung by my nieces in Japan, left on my voice mail.
…a long overdue visit with a friend from long ago, Josh.
…our boys and way they played at the National Lutheran School tournament.
…one more day before I return to school.
This list numbers items 1046 to 1055 on my Journey to One Thousand Gifts.
|
Grab My Button 
<a href="http://www.joyfullythriving.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd369/kmwhirrett/JoyfullyThrivingBlogButton.jpg" alt="JoyfullyThriving.com" width="125" height="125" /></a>
|
