Joy Dare October week 4

Giving thanks....

Day 23

1032) audio books for my boy to listen to for school as I was not feeling well today

1033) a call from my big sister

1034) boys who have taken up the slack....

doing their sister's chores while she is away, without complaining

Day 24

1035) meaningful discussions with the boys over Bible time this morning

1036) thankful my eldest is preparing diligently for his exams

1037) broad beans from my neighbours garden again

1038) happy messages from my daughter on the farm

Day 25

1039) ice cream enjoyed with a friend

1040) an unplanned, but perfect evening braaing at the neighbours

Day 26

1041) a peaceful afternoon enjoying my book and some down time as I continue to recover

1042) talking to my girl on the farm...

thankful she has been having a wonderful time

Day 27

1043) thankful to get my hair done by my kind neighbour

1044) hubby helping me in the garden

Day 28

1045) growth in character, discernment and wisdom for our precious girl

1046) meaningful chats with my teen son

1047) thankful that our children are His and He is the gardener of their hearts

Day 29

1048) our daughter's safe journey home from the farm... 

feeling complete again now that she is home

1049) grateful thanks for the blessing of my sister and her family who cared for and nurtured her 

over the last two weeks

1050) precious moments watching my three re-connect after her 2 week absence

1051)  delicious gift of a wonderful variety of home made cheeses and butter from the farm 

1052) thankful for a wonderful dinner with neighbours celebrating her return and hubby's birthday

Joy Dare October week 3

Though I decided to take a break from my blog, I could not break the "thankful habit" I have gotten into over the last while. It reminds me to constantly be thankful to Him in all circumstances for everything....

Day 16

1010) thankful that despite mix ups as to where her boarding gate was, our daughter managed to board the plane safely and on time early this morning

1011) thankful for a safe journey to the farm with her cousin and uncle...

and being able to be in touch via messaging throughout her journey

1012) thankful to hear her voice and laugh tonight...

tired but happy to be there with her special cousin whom she regards as a precious sister

1013) thankful for calls from all my siblings today

&

1014) broad beans from my neighbour's garden

Day 17

1015) delighted that my asparagus have survived when I thought they were dead and gone

Day 18

1016) morning walk with my neighbour and her dogs...the little one pulling me all the way

1017) boys in the kitchen with me, laughing, music loud, one baking bread and the other a dessert

1018) talking to my daughter on the far away farm ....hearing about her making butter, cheese and ice cream

1019) my sister sending me photos of my daughter and messaging me to let me know all is well

1020) my sister in law visiting with my baby nephew two days running

Day 19

1021) thankful we had wood for an indoor fire....

enabling us to cook toasted sandwiches for a houseful of teens at dinner when the power went out!

1022) coffee, cake and laughter celebrating another birthday with the neighbours

Day 20

1023) houseful of happy teens again

1024) talking to my sister and the girls on the farm

Day 21

1025) medicine from my neighbour to try and fight what ever it is that my body is fighting

1026) hubby taking over chores so I could rest

Day 22

1027) a gift of broccoli seedlings and straw to mulch my strawberries

1028) thankful to be feeling a little stronger today

1029) thankful for my daughter's good term marks for art, and the wonderful teacher she has
1030) thankful for a visit from my brother and the way he made me laugh today
1031) thankful that as Ann Voskamp says,
 "You defeat your dark when thanksgiving is your default."

Joy Dare October week 2

This past week I reached counting 1000 gifts to be thankful for. 

It has become a daily habit to find something to give thanks to God for no matter what we face. 

Sometimes it is not easy when life burdens one with challenges but it is worth it! 

So I will continue to count my blessings....

Day 9

989) acceptance in Him
990) His strength, not my own
&
991) knowing nothing can separate me from His love

Day 10

992) thankful to find joy, great or small even in difficult times
993) happy sounds of cousins on a long distance phone call.... knowing they will see each other soon
994) thankful for groceries just when there was little left

Day 11

995) thankful that last night's intruders did not get into our home and we were not harmed
996) thankful for some quiet time to myself while my eldest did his chemistry practicals and the youngest explored the science centre with his friend
997) humble thanks for God's family that is beyond our comprehension....
and His provision through someone we don't even know
998) thankful for financial help to replace our gate motor after it was stolen last night
999) thankful for a beautiful evening..
blessed to be surrounded by my family...
a simple meal shared outdoors...
  delicious best ever chocolate mousse for dessert
made by my eldest and his sweet girlfriend

Day 12

1000) reaching 1000 things to give thanks for no matter what life holds
1001) encouragement and blessings from my far away mum
1002) end of a challenging week...hopefully some rest and relaxation over the weekend

Day 13

1003) seeing my teen daughter and her friend enjoy a happy fun filled girls day today....

.....laughing at princess movies, eating pink food and wearing crowns!

1004) an evening of fun and dancing with hubby and some friends

Day 14

1005) conversations with my farm sister and my mum
1006) hubby's helping hands around the house today

Day 15
( a gift re-read)

1009) thankful for wise words on motherhood from Kat at Inspired to Action :

"The best I can do is to show them what following God looks like, what good choices look like, what love looks like. My job is to invite them to journey alongside me, teach them as much as I can and pray for them constantly.

Ultimately, though, their responses and decisions I must entrust to the grace of God. Unlike a marathon, boot camp or grad school, following all the rules doesn't mean I get the prize of perfect kids."

&

1008) thankful for friends who make me laugh

1009) thankful for shared lifts for the children today....giving me extra time to help my daughter get ready for her trip to the farm in the morning

Joy Dare October week 1

Day 2

(a gift falling)

970) plans falling into place for my daughter to visit far away family

&

971) visit from a friend I haven't seen in a while

Day 3

972) early morning coffee at the neighbour in my pjs

973) house full of kids and their friends...love it

974) my mum sending me photos from her visit at the farm

975) having my precious baby nephew here this afternoon

976) another generous donation of bath sprudels for my son's fund raising project for the Chaeli Campaign

977) lemon curd and ice cream for desert

Day 4

978) rain watering my garden today

Day 5

979) morning walk and talk with my daughter

980) a friend popping in unexpectedly for a visit today

981) teens filling the house....loud and happy

Day 6

982) beautiful truth in Ann Voskamp's words...

" And He knows your name and He holds the stars and His girds underneath and He never lets go and He is joy and He is light and He is the warrior who defeats the dark"

983) my dad popping in for coffee and taking my daughter out to an art exhibition
984) laughing with friends
985) winning a book prize for my youngest

Day 7

(a gift eaten)
986) doughnuts brought for us by my daughter's friend

Day 8

987) good first day back at school today after the week long break
988) a brisk walk in the biting wind ...clearing the mind and getting the heart pumping