Monday's Multitudes

Being thankful for what God has done is one of the most important attitudes that we can have. It's not only important to God, but it's really important to us. It changes our lives when we're thankful. I believe that gratitude is powerful. I think it puts a smile on God's face, and it does nothing but good for you and everyone around you. Good things are in store when you understand the power of being thankful. (Joyce Meyer)

spur of the moment dinner with my sister and brother and their families
cousins delight at seeing one another again
hearty laughter with friends
red peppers in the garden
a morning walk
a debt forgiven
relaxed getaway to my Dad's beautiful home with my dear sister
perfect summer evening, kids swimming until late, family and old friends, good food
delicious dinner at the Eastern bazaar
puppies and kittens
fist beans and courgettes in the garden
seedlings, a gift from my neighbor
summer fruits and watermelon slush
boys playing wild and free, outside until dark
wrapping up school work for the year
a trip to the farm for my girl
Christmas carols and picnic with my precious ones
 giant tree lit with light and hope
safe travels for my girl and my sister and her family
prayers of faithful friends
getting a much needed appointment at the last minute
days with no particular agenda now that school is done
champagne and strawberries and celebrating a dear friend's birthday
scrabble with hubby
our dear son spending an evening with us
pizza evening with my brother and his sweet boy
unexpected visit from my cute nephew
father and son time
Christmas cheer
Sunday chats with far away family
carols floating on the wind from afar
my boy popping in for lunch
early birthday treat of a relaxing pedicure

2480-2511

Monday's Multitudes

Continuing to count His blessings.....

2457-2479

handfuls of freshly picked tomatoes

hugs from my youngest

my girl sleeping soundly beside me

her appetite returning little by little

friends and family picnicking on our lawn on a perfect summer evening

staying out there as the stars came out, chatting, laughing and connecting

shopping with vouchers again

unexpected visit from my boy at lunch time

blessed that my girl will pass year end based on the work she has done for the year despite missing final exams

thanksgiving evening of fun with my precious family

my sweet nephew relaxing on the couch

more lunch time visits from my boy

winning a dinner for two

soaking summer rains

take out treats for dinner

wise counsel

mosaic fun with a dear friend

picnic lunch with a friend

boys having their first summer swim, lots of laughter and splashing

starry, windless  and perfect summer evenings

early morning hour long conversation with my much missed mum

movies and ice cream with my precious ones

excitement at seeing my dear sister

His peace in my heart

Monday's Multitudes

These last few weeks have been some of the most trying times we have ever faced as a family. Family changes and a very sick girl. And sometimes we are given more than we think we can handle or endure but we have One who can handle anything! In the midst of pain, sorrow or sadness, He is near and somehow He makes things good.

2430-2456
relaxed evening with my connect group
my sweet little nephew here for the afternoon
orders coming in
finding the perfect birthday gift for hubby
grocery shopping with vouchers
wonderful morning walk
unexpectedly meeting up with a friend
eggs from my brother's chickens
lunch with a dear friend
a free facial, wonderful treat
free samples of facial products
family braai using hubby's new gas braai
another early morning walk with my girl, so good for the soul
a day out with friends
comfort of a friend
good medical care for my girl when she was so very ill
kind nurses
thankful to be allowed to sit with my girl day and night at the hospital
relief and eternal gratefulness that her complications were not permanent
prayers of faithful friends and family
thankful my boy was not as ill as his sister
well wishes and caring calls from family and friends
my sweetie regaining strength daily
whispered prayers at bedtime
hubby's homemade pizza
flowers brightening the room
visit from a caring friend
birthday celebrations with friends despite the chaos, good to feel normal
lunch with my three kiddos

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

Monday's Multitudes

connect group fun making up Christmas boxes for underprivileged kids
friends treating us to lunch on hubby's birthday
family dinner to celebrate his birthday
sun warming my back
spring showers for my garden
leftovers for dinner
ice cream and cookies with the kids
a sincere apology
playing scrabble with the kids
a new iron bought with vouchers
another prize, a lovely hamper of facial products
freshly mowed lawn
a much needed nap
good counsel
gift of a new pot from hubby, my 22 year old one broke
relaxed evening having dinner and listening to music with hubby
an excellent read
Sunday's service
a friend popping in to visit
hubby sharing his birthday treats

2410-2429

Monday's Multitudes

Finding joy in an overwhelming and scary world where nothing is as it should be....

movie night with the teens
an hour long phone call with a dear friend
fridge full of healthy food
granadilla blossoms daily
just picked ripe tomato
peppers growing in the garden
teens who do their chores without complaining
my dad's call
a wonderful evening out with friends
good reports from my son's employer, thankful that his work is going well
a gift from my girl, my favorite cookies
my sweet nephew on stage for his school concert, blessed to be there and witness the cuteness
coffee and chats with a friend
a good night's sleep
dinner with my oldest
Sunday worship
a walk with my youngest out in the fresh air
my girl's baking
my brother and his little family visiting for the evening

2391- 2410

Monday's Multitudes

No matter what, it is good to give thanks...

friends and family who care

hubby's wonderful prize of shopping vouchers

fresh insight

hugs from my kids

a gift of my favorite chocolate bar from hubby

new friends

laughter

restful sleep

spring flowers in my garden

grocery shopping with hubby

meandering through Muizenberg and enjoying undiscovered finds

a kind friend bringing dinner

teens making dinner and cleaning up

dinner with my brother and his little family

a God appointment

a spring morning walk with my boy and our dog

a caring, praying "mom" substitute

His promises

my dear neighbor who always welcomes my boy

coffee with a friend

seedlings gifted by my brother

story time with my cute nephew

gift of mosaic supplies

His everlasting arms

2367-2390

Monday's Multitudes

Thanks living...

connecting with our connect group

my precious nephew and his delightful conversations

generosity of my sister in law

my dear farm sister and her son arriving safely after a long bus trip from the farm

gifts in conversation: cousins catching up after months of not having seen one another

generosity of my sweet sister

farm cheese and other yummy home made delicacies from the farm

my kind and generous neighbour

my nephew spoiling me with sweet treats

smiles on my sweetpea's face today after a few tough days

coffee delivered to my bedside by hubby at dawn

fun evening with friends we have not seen in a while

family here, tots to teens having fun, good food, good times

thankful for our awesome pastor and the wonderful celebratory service today

ice creams and beach walks, my sister beside me, cousins having a blast on the beach

lunch with my oldest, just the two of us

my sweetie finding just what she needed in the shop

chats with my Mum

an unexpected warm greeting

friends and family celebrating our gorgeous niece's birthday together

watching the teens have a blast dancing and laughing

hospitality shown

my sister's gentle ways

enjoying seeing the boy cousins have a great time

my sister popping in with a tasty lunch for us to share

my neighbor blessing us with dinner

time exploring with my sister and my brother and his family

wonderful birthday party for my niece and my daughter, blessed that they have beautiful friends

family that cares

our precious girl, her 17th birthday today

mom and daughter massages, prizes won

pizza evening thanks to another prize won

2335-2366

Monday's Multitudes

Thankful for His blessings....

my girl baking tasty treats

puppy kisses and cuddles

freebies from Home Tester Club

early morning walk in the forest with a friend and my girl

wool gifted by a friend

getting through work we were behind on

red velvet cupcakes baked by my daughter's friend, shared with us

icy watermelon slush on a warm day

watching my youngest conquer a fear of heights and have loads of fun

my sweet girl blessing me with a voucher to get my hair done

gifts growing: tomato plants that came up on their own

a few hours paid work for me

sweet sounds of thanks giving in church this morning

hubby surprising me with a delicious home cooked dinner

gifts given : His grace, mercy and love

winning again! ...a voucher to get my hair done

long overdue conversations with my mum

winning vouchers for me and my girl to go for massages

my gorgeous cute nephew telling me he loves me to the sun

washi tape and a cute fabric heart, another prize!

fun evening out with girlfriends

a delicious Mediterranean cook book, another lovely prize

thankful for my Dad today, his birthday

3 days away with hubby

the earth laughing in colorful flowers

pristine beaches

spotted: buck, zebra, ostriches, birds of all kinds, wildebeest, fields of lambs and calves

safe travels

bumping into a colleague from 20 years ago

fireside laughter with new and old friends

good rest

friends and family looking out for my three

lunch with my younger two and my niece

beach walk

   another prize, vouchers from the mall

2301-2334

Monday's Multitudes

It is good to give thanks...

a good night sleep for a change

conversations with my far away farm sister

my sweet friend who messages me every day to say hi and ask how I am

winning again! 2 tickets to Cape Homemakers Expo

my cheery niece popping in

an afternoon with my cute nephew

nebuliser helping to relieve my boy's tight chest

connecting with ladies in my connect group

fire crackling and warming us as it storms outside

our daughter's excellent mid year results

a friend who is always happy to include my boy on fun outings

being the "special person" visitor at my nephew's school

knowing that my friend's daughter is safe and peacefully in the arms of Jesus

hope

"thank you" gift from my neighbor

my sister in law cooking and bringing a delicious meal we shared together

having my brother, his wife and little guy here for the evening

sunny spring weather

wonderful afternoon at my cousin, great company, delicious food on the braai, good laughs and happy kids 

Sunday breakfast with hubby

bumping into a friend from long ago

down time, just me alone at home

gardening, always good for the soul

sun-kissed strawberries freshly picked from the garden

lemons from my mom in law's tree

good and exciting news from my farm sister

this month's verse on my calendar " The Lord will sustain you" Ps 55: 22

2274-2300

Thanks Living

Today I choose to share my thankfulness despite circumstances. 

A friend's daughter passed away yesterday. Too young and too soon.

 Finding joy and gifts to be thankful for, no matter how big or small,  has become a way of life... 

a life line in a sometimes sad and scary world. 

glorious sunny weather
morning walk before hitting the school books

generosity of my brother

faithful friends and family's prayers
my girl's delicious baking, enjoyed by us all
impromptu coffee and catch up with friends two nights running
heart shaped biscuit baked and decorated just for me
my sweet little nephew fast asleep on my bed
his sunny disposition and cute chatter in the morning
a caring letter of appreciation from my sweet girl
fresh eggs from my brother's hens
grace on difficult days
pancakes made by my sweetpea
weekend rest
wonderful evening of fun with friends new and old, celebrating Christmas in August
lovely gift, just the one my heart desired : fridge poetry
gift of sacrifice from my mum, much appreciated and needed
summer weather on a winter's day

solitary beach walk, warm water lapping at my feet, sun on my back
first braai of the coming season, gorgeous friends and good food
our youngest's birthday, wonderful day celebrating with family
pizzas by hubby for the celebration
wonderful news of our oldest's acceptance to university
friends and family who share our joy in this wonderful news
my gorgeous nephew spending the day with me, cute and constant chatter
evening of laughter and fun with my sweet friend
a refund I didn't expect
another prize won, a case of wine from a nearby wine farm
thankful for good medical care and medicine for my oldest
my sweet girl, preparing treats for her brother's party all week
Saturday sleep in, just what was needed
teens enjoying Zak's party...loud, hungry, happy
wonderful message on Psalm 23
beautiful sunshine and walk in the forest
conversations with my far away Mum
coffee with a friend
enjoying prize I won...soothing and calming massages for hubby and me at a tranquil spa

2237-2273

Monday's Multitudes

It is good to give thanks..

gift white: my warm cozy gown protecting me from the cold

gifts eaten: cinnamon, lemon and sticky syrup pancakes made by my sweetpea

hamburgers made by hubby

gift outside: morning walk in the crisp air, good for the soul

community and sense of belonging in our church family

gift sitting: my youngest and me, sitting together enjoying an audio book, precious times

winning massages for me and for hubby and a dear friend

girlfriends, laughter and conversations

a visit from my little nephew, he asked his daddy to bring him to see me 

voice notes from my mum

early morning coffee and conversation with my oldest son before he leaves for work

my girl finishing off  preparing dinner and making tastier mac and cheese than I ever have

my sunny, sparkly niece popping in 

gift outside: good soaking rains

a glorious morning walk with hubby, the kiddos and the crazy dog 

my oldest and his girlfriend volunteering and making a delicious dinner 

my 3 year old nephew having fun in a bubble bath and sharing the cutest conversations with me

kids home safely from camp

delicious bacon and egg brunch made by my oldest

bread and wine shared this morning with church family

glorious sunshine, waves crashing on the shore, sun on my back and hubby beside me

sun-kissed strawberries eaten fresh from the garden

hubby making dinner 

fresh eggs from my brother's hens

generosity shown toward us

brisk walk in the cool evening air

time out with my girl, laughter and heartfelt conversations 

2210- 2236

Grateful Thanks

This post is a little late but better late than never.

 There is always something to be thankful for....

2176) winning another competition, a massage at a wonderful spa

2177) evening with my dear friend, laughing, good coffee and sharing waffles

2178) gift of stone: the heart of stone gifted by my sister that reminds me of her daily

2179) my oldest handing me a cuppa first thing this morning without me asking

2180) sleep...lots of sleep

2181) plans that were cancelled...more time to relax

2182) thankful we are part of a wonderful church family where my kids are learning to serve others

2183) thankful to be able to give back on Mandela Day

2184) thankful to be paid for my opinion in a market research group

2185) hubby's homemade pizzas, laughter and friends

2186) my cute nephew popping in for a visit with his daddy

2187) my boy feeling better after an awful bug

2188) hubby doing shopping when I was down and out with a migraine

2189) hubby taking care of dinner too

2190) our beautiful girl speaking in church this morning

2191) sunshine after the rains

2192) low key start to school because we can

2193) wonderful evening out with hubby at the waterfront

2194) enjoying my prize recently won, a relaxing massage

2195) thankful we are getting into a good rhythm with the new school term

2196) sounds of my oldest two laughing and enjoying each others company

2197) blessed to be of encouragement to my sister

2198) thankful for answered prayers

2199) wonderful sounds of youth connect group in our lounge

2200) delicious celebratory family birthday dinner

2201) thankful for our son's health and well being for the last 19 years

2202) a good night's sleep with my three year old nephew snuggled up next to me

2203) a gift fresh:  free range eggs from my brother's chickens

2204) a gift at home: quiet after all the loudness and fun of birthday celebrations

2205) a gift in relaxation: a day with absolutely no agendas

2206) blessed with a bag of wool

2207) gift together: my youngest boy and I spending our mornings together schooling, a privilege to have this              time together

2208) gift heard: teens laughing loud and having fun

2209) spoiled with chocolates 

July Joys

He is good, the source of all good things!

 Counting my joys and celebrating life while precious memories are made....

2142) gifts loved : my beautiful children

2143) gifts loved : my comfy and warm bed

2144) gifts loved : an early morning excursion to the botanical gardens with my two youngest

2145) gifts read: encouraging messages from my Mum

2146)gifts read: beautiful message of appreciation from my sweet friend

2147) my sweet and gentle friend treating me to breakfast, the two us laughing, sharing and even crying together, a blessed morning

2148) a box of wonderfully scented aromatherapy fabric softener to share with friends from Home Tester Club

2149) a gift in freedom: holidays, freedom to lie in in , freedom to relax

2150) a gift in family: my guys and me around the dinner table, good food and good conversations

2151) a gift in faith: comforting life giving , faith building words in a recent read

2152) a day with no agenda whatsoever!

2153) wonderful fun evening celebrating a friend's birthday

2154) a couple of hours paid work for me

2155) gift of enthusiasm: my gorgeous nephew and his cuddles

2156) eggs from by brother's chickens

2157) buyers for secondhand curriculum

2158) finding a beautifully warm jacket for my boy at 30% off

2159) thankful the kids can spend time with their grandparents

2160) surprise voice notes from my mum and sister who are together, lovely to hear their voices

2161) thankful for a tank full from a friend who borrowed my car, a real blessing!

2162) waffles shared with hubby

2163) catch up over coffee with a friend

2164) gifts from a friend who recently traveled to Italy

2165) wise counsel bringing hope and change for the better

2166) overnight visit to my Dad

2167) breathtaking views from his home, soul food

2168) free time, lots of it

2169) prize of a visit to the science center shared with a dear friend and her son

2170) hubby making dinner

2171) hugs from my eldest

2172) my girl, safely back home after a week away

2173) surprise visit from my bubbly niece

2174) happy voice notes from my Mum

2175) chats with my far away farm sister

June's Gifts

Thankful for good and perfect gifts from above...

2118) thankful for the plans He has for each of our precious three

2119) my oldest and his girlfriend cooking dinner for the family when hubby and I were not well

2120) girl cousins cleaning up the kitchen

2121) wonderful walk in the winter sunshine with my youngest and our dog

2122) hubby sharing his chocolates with me

2123) a touching message of heartfelt thanks

2124) our girl's wonderful marks for her mid year art exam

2125) thankful she was unharmed in the car accident she was in, and thankful for a kind passer by

2126) restorative rest

2127) perfect sunny winter weekend weather

2128) finger-licking ice cream pancakes shared with loved ones

2129) sounds of guinea fowl, geese and birdsong on a winter's day walk

2130) family chat group that keeps us connected and praying for one another

2131) thankful for Ann Voskamp's beautiful words

2132) time for another brisk walk on a perfect evening

2133) midweek girls evening out with my girl : good laughs, goody bags, foot massage and manicures, 

just what we both needed

2134) cozy pj day

2135) thankful that my two youngest were safe and unharmed in yet another car accident

2136) gift of my favorite chocolates as a peace offering

2137) His Word comforting my soul

2138) bumping into old friends

2139) thankful to be given something I would have had to buy

2140) time out with my girl again

2141) school holidays

June's Joyful Thanks

2083) log fires and pjs on cold days
2084) treated to lunch by my kind friend
2085) safe travels for my son
2086) delicious doughnuts made by my girl
2087) dinner and conversations with old friends we haven't seen in a while
2088) my sweet nephew spending the night with me
2089) kids all getting home safely on a rainy night
2090) Sunday chats with my sister
2091) restorative rest
2092) thankful that He sustains us
2093) blessed that we can pray together as a family
2094) fire side school while it storms outside
2095) long distance call from my Mum
2096) an exam that seemingly went well for my girl
2097) a relaxing facial and foot massage, wonderful treat at the end of a long week
2098) gift of a doggy bed and treats for our dog from my kind neighbor
2099) rain letting up so the mounds of washing can get dry
2100) wonderful evening with new friends, good food, great company and lots of laughs
2101) hubby making dinner
2102) beautiful message of His love and breaking of bread at this morning's service
2103) friends we can be real with
2104) teen cousins laughing, making memories and enjoying one another's company
2105) His saving grace over the last year
2106) thankful for my pressure cooker, a wedding gift from my aunt and uncle, served us well for 22 years
2107) wise counsel
2108) my comfy, warm bed on cold winter's nights
2109) dinner with my loved ones despite the power failure
2110) using my Mother's Day voucher, getting my hair done in time before my hairdresser is off for 6 weeks
2111) tasty curry cooked by and shared with friends
2112) winning a Woolies voucher
2113) good food bought with that voucher
2114) thankful for the great Dad my hubby is to our three
2115) thankful for my Dad and his gentle and wise ways
2116) time out with my Dad and brother sharing delicious breakfast together
2117) delightful sound of my 3 year old nephew's laughter

May's Joyful Thanks

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live" 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I have much to thank Him for....

2062) hugs when needed

2063) generosity of a friend

2064) my sweet niece lifting my boy home when I couldn't

2065) happy sounds of girl cousins working on assignments together, such a blessing for them to be living in the same town again

2066) pj day on a cold and rainy day

2067) home cooked lunch because we are blessed to be able to do so

2068) time out and good laughs with a special friend...just what we both needed

2069) freebies from Home Tester Club

2070) cuddles and giggles with my 3 year old nephew

2071) thankful that our son passed his driver's license

2072) meaningful apologies and hugs

2073) time spent with my Dad

2074) delightful evening enjoying a three course dinner at new friends

2075) warm and cozy bed on a stormy night

2076) wonderfully inspiring church service

2077) hubby's home cooked pizza

2078) hubby helping the kids "get" their math when I can't

2079) hot buttered bread, freshly made by my sweet girl

2080) better nights sleep than I had been having 

2081) belly laughs with my youngest

2082) thankful to be able to bless others with clothes when they have lost all

Thanks Living

I love the verse on my calendar for May and am thankful for this beautiful truth from His word...

2039) " Don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." 

Mathew 10:31

2040) connect group conversations 

2041) honey, a gift from my neighbor's hive
2042) powerful prayers bringing peace
2043) blessed, loved and spoiled by my family on Mother's day
2044) beautiful messages from my Mum on Mother's day
2045) fun family outing
2046) hubby preparing a delicious paella, a night off for me
2047) my Mum, always faithfully keeping us in her prayers,
always encouraging and always ready to listen
2048) my sweet nephew's "nose kisses"
2049) best ever coffee made regularly for me by my oldest
2050) silly laughter and fun with my younger two
2051) coffee with a caring friend
2052) an encouraging book lent to me
2053) bowls of steaming soup on a cold rainy evening
2054) autumn sunshine and a Sunday family braai
2055) carefree creative morning spent with my girl
2056) girl cousins and their beautiful sister-like bond
2057) a burst tire but unharmed teens
2058) His beautiful message of forgiveness
2059) pizza evening with new and old neighbors
2060) evening walk with my girl
2061) productive school days

May's Multitudes

Thanks giving becomes thanks living....

2023) beautiful, near perfect autumn weather

2024) perfume , a free gift

2025) products to use and enjoy from Home Tester

2026) connect group friends

2027) time with my eldest son, laughs, brunch and chatter

2028) message of love from my dear sister

2029) evening with my sweet friend

2030) treated to take out after a long day

2031) moonlit seaside walk with hubby

2032) time at my Dad's place

2033) all my teens home 

2034) gift before 9 a.m.....a Sunday morning lie in

2035) new friends made at church

2036) long distance Sunday chats with my much missed Mum

2037) a gift tasted....delicious seafood paella prepared by hubby for dinner

2038) a gift in a smile...my gorgeous chubby cheeked nephew's smiles and kisses today

April's Gifts

Counting His blessings...

2001) time chatting with my eldest on the daily drive to and from work

2002) thankful for our youngest's easy to use curriculum

2003) my sister surprising me and arriving two days early for an overnight stay

2004) Easter egg hunt with 3 exuberant teens

2005) family taking up a whole row at a beautiful Good Friday worship and communion service

2006) coffee and hot cross buns with family

2007) my own white Easter eggs, my favorite!

2008) my kiddos arriving safely at camp for the long weekend

2009) much needed restorative sleep

2010) honey from my sister's beehives

2011) my sister , here again with her hubby

2012) His grace by which I live and breathe

2013) my heart stilled by His Word

2014) Easter Sunday at my Dad

2015) happy teens safe and sound, home from camp

2016) my sister and her hubby cooking dinner for us

2017) perfect autumn weather

2018) pocket money for sitting as a portrait model in my Dad's art studio

2019) Proteas picked from my dad's garden, now gracing my coffee table

2020) coffee with hubby

2021) celebrating my precious nephew's 3rd birthday

2022) my sister delivering flowers to my far away Mum from me

2000 Gifts!

2000 gifts...such a blessing to count the ways He loves and blesses us!

Counting gifts has been a joy and sometimes my life line in times of difficulty. It pays to lift one's eyes from whatever the circumstances may be and give thanks to God for seemingly small or insignificant things. After all, He is the giver of every good and perfect thing.

1985) sleeping in on a cold and rainy morning

1986) yes to a lounge full of noisy teens staying over for a Star Wars movie marathon

1987) mom and daughter time out in a tranquil garden with my sweet 16 year old girl

1988) warm bowls of soup filling hungry tums on a cool evening

1989) my niece, breezy, bright and ever cheerful

1990) good results on my eye test

1991) kisses from my gorgeous almost 3 year old nephew

1992) a walk through the richly scented pine forest

1993) friends popping by and staying for an evening of pizza, laughter and fun

1994) thankful for a washing basket, hangars and spices that my neighbor was getting rid of

1995) thankful for the gift of salvation and our 13 year old son's decision to be baptized

1996) thankful for the beautiful bonds of love and friendship between our 3 kiddos

1997) safe return of our eldest after a night out at the matric dance

1998) thankful for good health care and medicines that fight infection

1999) conversations with my far away sisters

2000) thankful for the challenge to always seek and count His blessings despite circumstances.