Practicing Gratitude 6.8.15

- Mom and Dad’s 45th anniversary. Getting to celebrate on the same BEACH where Trey and Amy got married; Dad baptizing both Ashlyn and Joy Taylor; getting to spend the week with both Trey and Chris’ families. Of course I wish we and Luke’s family were there, but reflecting in God’s gifts of family and preservation of Spiritual truths even in our absence.

- That You order my days

- Corbin leaving work early and taking boys to Colonial at noon today

- That I trust you, Lord, in my circumstances, our day

- Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jn 14:6

- “That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet”

- Albracht wedding

- Escaping my house today! I am so thirsty for quiet, and you have provided that today. But I had to vacate my home and enlist help to get to solitude: An open calendar day (on purpose), Mom getting kids after school, and taking over a quiet office at Corbin’s work. Coffee, solitude, my Bible and laptop... I left our house crazy with kitchen torn up (new countertops), everything dusty, Reed moving out today, lots of dirty dishes (no kitchen sink) and loads of dirty laundry. What a gift to escape. I am peopled out. Thank you for this space, this day. I feel like I so needed it, but I know it’s a tremendous gift from you, Lord

- Mom getting Es’ Swedish costume together. I had nothing to offer. She made the cutest apron yesterday to create a costume, went home late last night (after a trip to the lake) and sewed it. Just amazing. So grateful for Daboo jumping in the save the day - even without being asked

- Putting on the Armor of Christ ~ belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, good news of peace footwear, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit ~ your Word. Not luxuries or nice options, but necessities. This armor is a vital part of your plan of delivering me from the corrupt and destructive behaviors and thoughts that Satan promotes

- The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Ps 27:1

- Our last Moms in Prayer for the year ~ they make Monday mornings quite special

Mindy and Carole - Mindy drove in from Waco to meet with us!

Loyal prayer partners

Praying together since our kids started elementary ~ now those same kiddos are in 10th and 11th grade

Getting to meet Amy's sweet Chase

- Coach Jeanne's hospitality with an end-of-season volleyball party

Jeanne is quite an athlete herself, and was fantastic with our girls

Until next season...

- Early morning donuts with Mr. Williams

- When Esther gets a hold of my label maker

"Healthy??!!"

- Reed staying with us these past few weeks. His kindness, humor, our mutual love for the Texas Rangers, a privilege to offer him a spot to stay

- Broken ice maker, and too much time spent researching new ones. Frustrating. But Daboo and Reed proved quite resourceful in installing our new one (much better than the Sears guys I chased out of my house)

Yeeesss ~ ice!!

- 3rd grade rollerskating party ~ an annual tradition

- Watching Hudson on stage, calling out names for 7th awards program. A surprise privilege.

Love our principal, Mr. Engel

Mr. Deal - like family!

- Basden's 5th grade promotion. I cried all morning before getting to McLean for the ceremony. Other issues helped prompt my emotions, but I was coming to grips with the end of her elementary years. So, so proud of and thankful for this sweet girl.