Multitude Monday

#11...church Thanksgiving potlucks.

#12...fall-like weather at the end of November.
#13...tire pressure gauges - so sleek.
#14...Cockapoo puppies that make me laugh.
#15...game nights with friends.
#16...Sunday afternoon naps.
#17...a short work week.
#18...my green robe.
#19...comfort for difficult days.
#20...washed, folded and put-away laundry.

See what Ann is thankful for today.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16: 34

Bailey

We got to babysit this guy this weekend. I really didn't know how much work puppies were, but I know now that they're totally worth it. He was quite charming and gave lots of sweet kisses. He even slept through the night! Does he not just melt your heart?I think Tom enjoyed the furry friend more than he let on *smile.

And me and Bailey got along very well too. Pretty much best friends really.

Our house feels so quiet now. Come over anytime, Bailey!

Game night with the Anderstrom's

Mike and Tana had us over for a lovely dinner and game night on Friday. Per usual, we enjoyed hanging out with them and have loved getting to know them through church. Sometimes it feels like we've known them much longer than just a couple months. Mike always makes us laugh and Tana is sweet as a bell (and a really good cook!).Tana's brother and his girlfriend stopped over to participate in some Taboo game action. Unfortunately, the boys won. I mean, good job boys.
No one is on tippy toes. Tom feels right at home for once! I, on the other hand, feel quite short.Strangers are just friends waiting to happen. ~Rod McKuen, Looking for a Friend

At His Feet

A few weeks ago, as Tom and I cleaned out our small garden I couldn't help but think about how beautiful the flowers had been. We enjoyed them so much this year, we even planted fall flowers. The colors were once vibrant and filled our little courtyard with splashes of reds, pinks, yellows and purples. Some plants flourished so much I requested to our groundskeeper (Tom) that they be cut back as not to overcrowd the others. Some needed staking, they grew so tall and strong. They bloomed and bloomed and bloomed again - loving the sunlight and summer rain showers or occasional sprinkler spa treatment. But now it was evident that time and weather had taken its toll on our once bountiful oasis.What had once been flourishing...now dead and dry.And isn't that just like our faith sometimes? As Tom and I cut away dead branches, pulled up roots and threw away lifeless buds, I felt a twinge of comparison to real life. Our hearts get heavy with the burdens of this world and we lose our energy to earnestly seek after Him. Our prayers are quick and hurried, if we pray at all. We wonder why we feel empty. And depleted of the fruit of the spirit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The things we so desire...

Sometimes it doesn't matter what the weather is like or how many times I've worked out that week or whether people were nice to me at work. Some days I just feel tired. Sometimes there is no explanation other than I need more of Jesus. It has been one of those weeks where my heart is heavy with prayer requests from those I love and heartache for even those that I don't. I know life won't always be colorful, vibrant, blooming flowers. I know that suffering produces perseverance. I know that in our trials, we grow in ways we might otherwise not be able. I know that He is with me always and that the power of the Holy Spirit lives in me. I know that He suffers with us in our grief. I know that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. And I also know that we are to praise Him in all things -- like the beautiful blooming flowers that once were. So while I feel weary at times, I am thankful that I am learning and growing. I lay these burdens at His feet for truly He knows best how to handle them. I look forward with great anticipation to spring blossoms that will once again fill our courtyard, but until then, I will enjoy the simple color of one tenacious purple cabbage that is still going strong.

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Joy Finder

Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense
of the crowded kindnesses of God
in your daily life. - Alexander Maclaren

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I have been encouraged and blessed by the writings of Ann Voskamp recently. She takes stunning pictures and writes so effortlessly -- her words have touched my heart. I am excited to see how God works through her as I continue to follow her journey. Starting today, I am going to join her Gratitude Community and every Monday give thanks for both the obvious and often ignored blessings that enrich my life. As of today, she has posted 1,264 things in which she is thankful. It's often so easy to focus on that of which we do not have instead of that in which we do. I want to transform my mind and heart to start noticing and giving thanks for even the small things -- the seemingly unnoticed things. It is all from Him anyway, and I am thankful that His mercies are new every morning.

#1...His death on the cross for our sins.

#2...the sweetness and gentleness that my husband demonstrates daily.

#3...colorful pashminas.

#4...Metro Transit so I don't have to fight traffic.

#5...programmable coffee makers.

#6...a bunny that makes me smile.

#7...a sister to talk about the weekend with.

#8...sunlight streaming through our dining room windows - great for taking pictures.

#9...friends who are expecting babies.

#10...projects at work.

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Give thanks in all circumstances....

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Trend Follower

Something big happened on Friday...it shocked even myself.

I.

bought.

skinny.

jeans.

Well, ok -- they're cords and they're black (forgiving color, right?) but still, they're skinny. This is big for me. I am not one to follow trends and I don't like things tight and unfortunately these skinny cords are both - trendy and tight. Uhhh.......? But my friend Erin "made me do it" and they were on sale. Tom says they're "cute." I am still unsure. I may or may not have worn them tonight and kept the tags on "just in case." Let's just say I was quite relieved to put on my comfy pj's when I got home. I don't know how girls do it these days! I mean, what type of shirt can I wear with them? Do I have to buy long shirts/sweaters and expensive boots now? This is very overwhelming to me. Erin promises I will get used to them after awhile and that they'll stretch. I hope she's right. *smile.

Happy Birthday, Greg!

I would like to give a big shout out to Greg (Tom's big brother) on his BIRTHDAY today. Happy birthday, Greg! We hope you have a wonderful day and have big, fun, exciting plans for the weekend to celebrate the BIG (31!) day!
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Why do we think Greg is so great, you ask? Well many reasons but to name a few - he is an amazing husband and dad. His wife respects him deeply and his kids adore him. He works hard to provide for them and doesn't take his role lightly. He's been a great example for Tom. Big brothers have big responsibilities and he's proven time and time again to be a great resource of advice and inspiration for Tom. He's demonstrated the importance of following Christ and living for him in all we do. What a blessing!
And gosh darn it, he's just plain FUN! Aside from being caring, smart, determined and compassionate, Greg is always up for some good family game time, a trip to the amusement park or just time spent laughing at good stories.

Happy Birthday! We love you!

I...

I am…stubborn.
I want…a miniature horse.
I wish...my best friends and entire family lived within an hour from me.
I hate…feeling like I missed out on something.
I miss…my sister (and her baby).
I fear…I won't be a good mom.
I feel…ready for the weekend.
I hear…Survivor previews in the background.
I smell…an apple cinnamon Glade plugin.
I crave…this changes weekly, but currently sushi.
I search…blogs for inspiration in many forms.
I wonder…about Heaven.
I regret…ha! Too many things to list, but to name one -- typically clothing purchases made without Tom's approval.
I ache…pretty constantly.
I care…about where people will go when they die.
I always…lay my clothes, vitamins and toothbrush out at night for the next day.
I am not…always gentle with my words. (Working on that *smile.)
I believe…he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1: 13-1)

I dance…at weddings after some wine.
I sing...with my husband at random time like while making dinner or driving.
I cry…almost daily. It doesn't take much.
I don’t always...get out of bed on time.
I fight…for the last piece of dessert.
I write…for therapy.
I never…miss my favorite shows.
I listen…to my husband. Most of the time.
I need…a clean house.
I am happy…when Tom is happy.

Niece and Nephews

I fell for another contest.

Click here to view this photo book larger

This Weekend, I...

went out to dinner with friends
took a bubble bath to warm up
woke up early
enjoyed my cup (or two) of coffee
cleaned the house
went to Hom Furniture where we bought something "so me"
made a trip to New York & Company, Gap & Express
came close but bought nothing
got groceries
got some odds & ends done around home
took a nap
made dinner
watched "Vacancy" with two girlfriends & the hubby
went to 7:30 am worship team practice
went to church
went to Bible study
went to small group
loved the conversation and time with new friends
cleaned up the garden
did some organizing in the garage
went through two tubs of stuff from my parents house
put most of it in a goodwill box
"winterized" our bed
(exchanged white for chocolate brown duvet/pillows and put on flannel sheets)
warmed up some leftovers for dinner
finally sat down
sipped hot apple cider
watched "The Proposal"
went to bed
woke up to SUNSHINE!

It was a great weekend.