Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 381-409

O give thanks unto the LORD for He is good . . .

Psalm 116:1a

381.  Just knowing You are with me

382.  Butterfly on dandelion . . . long enough to take a picture.  Oh, how long I have tried . . . so quickly they flutter away

383.  New buds on the rose bush

384.  Hearing the stories behind family treasures passed down to my daughter

385.  Lemon-pepper chicken wings

386.  Birthday shopping

387.  Ministering angels

388.  Kitten dozing in sun-soaked spot

389.  Climbing stairs

390.  Cleaning up flower beds

391.  Thinking about changing seasons

392.  A dirty job that somebody had to do . . . me

393.  A retired neighbour offering to do the weed-whacking

394.  My job is over . . .  where now, LORD?

395.  Little miss Ema scooting around, cutting teeth

396.  Choir & piano lessons starting up again

397.  Days where you just know that without Him you would either explode or implode

398.  Trusting that though my job has come to an abrupt end my provision hasn't . . . Jehovah Jireh

399.  Moved to tears by this post

400.  News of my 5 good things that grow in Ontario.

401.  A great idea for a birthday gift that turned out better than I hoped

402.  My daughter . . . one of the greatest gifts I have ever received . . . Happy Birthday, Shannon

403.  More energy, less pain today

404.  A papa helping his girl with landscaping

405.  Grace for a young lady with a broke down wheelchair

406.  Birthday dinner

407.  Pumpkin pie and sunflowers

408.  Praying friends

409.  Tears, tears and more tears

Linking again with this community of thanks-givers @

Found in the Translation

Source: verycalm.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest



Though silent . . . I can feel You near

I try to pray and feel the fear

that floodgates opened

never stop.

You read my tears

translate my groans

my words, quite simply

unnecessary.

But Your words are . . . I need them . . . now

I read them now . . . aloud

so faith that comes by hearing

has place to sink roots deep.

These words I read

"Be silent, all flesh,

before the LORD"

and so I stop.

I lay the Book across my chest

my prayer . . . Your words

go unexpressed

in forms I am familiar with,

but . . . I wait . . . I rest

My heart You see

my frame You know

and spirit words

they come and go in ways

not easily explained

in earthly terms.

I cannot say

what passed between us

I only know

that I've been seen

and heard and understood

And He is good

And all will be well.

© Andrea Dawn Olsen - 21 September 2011

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts, 351 - 380

Monday's here again  . . . counting more of the daily graces . . . . and grace for the hard days.

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Joining the symphony of thanks-givers at:




351.  One of the hard ones - 3 yr. old boy abducted from home in my province

image source

352.  Amber Alert that sparks outpouring of prayer for Kienan's safe return
353.  The joyous miracle . . . Kienan returned to his home by abductor . . . safe and sound.
354.  Many thank - you's to God for turning this man's heart

355. #2 granddaughter . . . Happy Birthday . . . news of her sweet celebration
356.  A challenge accepted . . . looking with different eyes

357.  Looking deeper for the beauty
358.  Playing boccia . . . partnering with Paralympian Alison Kabush in a match against Paralympian Paul Gauthier and his son.  A fun fundraiser for disabled sports programs.

359.  Looking past the disabilities and seeing the image of God
360.  High 5's and hallelujahs from sweet David

361.  Finding out it was Craig's birthday so we, his bloggy friends, could release blessing and prayers for him.  Thanks to his sister for spilling the beans.
362.  A new mouse . . . I can copy and paste with ease again.
363.  1st Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season . . . yum!

Image source

364.  The way God orchestrates things for the good of His children . . . the best Papa ever!
365.  A sewing machine and enough fabric and thread to keep me going a long time.

366.  Starting fall cleanup in the garden

367.  Fifteen minutes in the hammock just before nightfall
368.  Crockpot simmering soup all day
369.  A meaningful anniversary
370.  making cookies with my daughter
371.  Shopping for fabric with my sister
372.  A little sewing job 

373.  My dad offering to pay me to do some research for him

374.  Happy Birthday, Dallas . . . my really big "little brother" (photo from Auntie Jaye)

375.  Staying with a friend after a seizure
376.  3 days work this week and strength to get through them
377.  Healing for old wounds
378.  Sara . . . heading home to Jesus . . . outpouring of loving tributes and prayers
379.  The impact one life can have on so many people
380.  Sleep-stopping heartburn . . .  2 a.m. ginger tea and Scripture . . . sweet relief

House Insurance

"Guess what, Mom", she says . . . "apparently I have not had insurance on my house since I bought it last fall.  I completed all the paperwork, gave them the voided cheque, dotted the i's and crossed the t's, but never noticed that the automatic payments weren't coming out. The paperwork was misplaced,  misfiled and it only came to light now." 

She was so very grateful that there had been no reason to need it.  All taken care of now.

The next day I am reading in Job, chapter 5 and come across these verses . . .

You shall know that your tent is at peace;

you shall visit your habitation and find nothing amiss. (vs 24)

. . . Behold this we have searched out; it is true. Hear it and know for yourself.  (vs27)

Doesn't that just sound like the best house insurance? A promise from the Word of God?

Now . . . I know that these words were spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job's "friends", but 2 TImothy 3:16 says that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness".

I have begun to pray this when I leave my home, believing God,  . . . trusting that my tent is at peace, that I will return home and find nothing amiss.

Another treasure found in this chapter is verse 12 . . .

"He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans."

Makes me think  . . . What sorrows, what tragedies could be averted if the saints prayed this way?

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to frustrate the devices of the crafty, so that they CANNOT carry out their plans.  All those this day, that plot evil against the innocents, those that scheme revenge, those greedy for power and riches that stop at nothing . . . frustrate their plans, O LORD."

In my younger years walking with God, I was often amazed at the way some believers could pray.  Their words were compelling, awe-inspiring, ushering in the presence of God.  Now I know where they find the words . . . in the Word, given by inspiration of God.

Feeling ineffectual in prayer? . . . open the Word.  Say what you see . . . agree with God.  He loves to hear us say back to Him what He has said to us. 

Joy Comes in the Mourning - 5 Minute Friday

Joining Lisa-Jo once again at Gypsy Mama for 5 Minute Friday. 
Here's how we do it:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

3. Go a little overboard encouraging the writer who linked up before you.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes on:

JOY!

Go:

Joy . . . the word bounces around in my mind, picking up Scriptures as it goes. 

Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation - Isaiah

"I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in truth" - John the Beloved

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace . . .

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.

This 5 Minute Friday prompt and post is dedicated to Sara, who "chooses joy".  She is making the final journey and will soon be home . . . in the presence of her King . . . where there is fullness of joy . . . forevermore.

There is much to be said about this precious one, as no doubt you will find as you read other 5 Minute Friday posts . . . please do . . . you will be so blessed.  I hardly knew her,  just started reading her blog a month ago, but have been deeply touched by her life.

Joy comes in the mourning . . . remembering who she is, acknowledging the tremendous loss and knowing where she will be . . . waiting to see you all again.

STOP

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 301 - 350

This is the final catching up entry . . . woohoo!

Linking with Ann for . . .

301. Cuddling a lonely Zack-kitty missing his humans

302.  The community of believing bloggers who encourage, inspire and make me smile big 
303.  . . . and often reduce me to joyous weeping for the beauty of their words
304.  Dawn, Susan, Ann, Craig, Lorrie, Danelle, Lisa-Jo, Linda and so many more.  Thank you.
 305.  Mending clothes . . . yes some people really still do that
306.  A sweet wander through the Word - He found me
307.  A poem that almost wrote itself . . . Paper Cuts
308.  Paying bills for my out-of-town girl
309.  Thinking of a friend I haven't seen for a while and she calls
 310.  The peace of God . . . peace with God
 311.  Sparkling clean bathroom
 312.  Brushing up on geography with Seterra . . .what fun, my how the world has changed since I was in school.
313.  Watermelon . . . when my girl was little she called it "water lemon"
 314.  Watering the grass
 315.  Heard from my boss - back to work next week
 316.  Listening to the song in my heart . . .  "I've seen miracles just happen, silent prayers be answered . . . that's what faith can do". 

317.  Trying new recipe . . . plum platz

318.  My kitten is now a cat . . . Happy Birthday, Gracie

319.  Doing a jigsaw puzzle . . . finding the lost piece

Visited my sister and her husband here last summer.

320.  Waking from a wonderful restful sleep

321.  My first "5 Minute Friday " post . . . a free-writing challenge.  I had so much fun.

322.  Buckets of encouragement poured out on me today

323.  Smiling big . . . He knows how to make me do that!

324.  Staying in the shade

325.  Picking blackberries 

326.  Friendly people in the park

327.  The power of words . . . to inspire, encourage, bring hope

328.  Back to work . . . it's a good thing

329.  Coffee break

330.  Hanging in when the pain kicked in  . . . sufficient grace

331.  Baby pumpkins

332.  Zack . . . the orange cat the melts my heart with his puppy-dog eyes

333.  Saying no to temptation

334.  Cooler weather

335.  Abundant blackberries

336.  Walking with less pain

337.  Laundry . . . clean, folded, put away

338.  Learning to let God be who He is  . . . my Provider

339.  Remembering all His benefits (Psalm 103)

340.  Forgiveness, healing, redemption 

341.  Eagle soaring high over the Fraser River

342.  My daughter's generosity . . . she reminds me of her Papa

343.  Long weekends

344. Praying in my car . . . take care of a lot of business there

345.  Talking to my dad who calls nearly every Sunday afternoon

346.  Sunday afternoon naps

347.  The way thirsty plants respond to a drink of water

348.  Clean coffee maker

349.  Feeling sunny inside

350.  Left hand turn lights

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises to His name. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

God's Gift

Source: sgcgo.com via Andrea on Pinterest

One of my Facebook contacts posted this the other day and I feel compelled to share it here too.  Oh the heartache that could be avoided if we as women learned to do this and taught this to our daughters.

"A woman would be much better off

if she could distinguish the difference between

a man that flatters her & a man that compliments her . . .

a man that spends money on her & a man that invests in her . . .

a man that views her as property & a man that views her properly . . .

a man that lusts after her & a man that loves her . . .

a man that believes he is God's gift to women & a man that REMEMBERS a woman was God's gift to man."    ~Author Unknown

I have 5 precious granddaughters and I am so thankful that their daddy models the godly difference to them . . . complimenting, investing, viewing, loving, remembering that their mama was God's gift to him.

I pray that we would all take every opportunity to instruct our "little women" in these ways . . . in their own worth . . . that they would not succumb to the lies that flatter and the  lust that shatters their identities and dreams.

Trusting in His goodness and mercy,

Andrea Dawn

In Real Life

 That time again . . . 5 Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo, The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

3. Get a little crazy with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.

The prompt for today is In Real Life


Ready, GO!


A handful of little misses call me Grandma

Five granddaughters  . . . such a blessing 

My heart is so longing to see them more often

They live three time zones away from me and how it stings at times to miss all their daily doings, the funny little things that they say and do, the expressions on their faces.

And the last one, the little bundle that came early and needed so much prayer

Oh, to see and hold her . . .  my heart was fearful that it would not be

But thanks be to God, He made a way for her  . . . and for me

I have seen her and held her

In real life.

STOP

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 251 - 300

The counting continues . . . linking with Ann at @

251.  My daughter's ongoing generosity . . . such a big heart

252.  Friends that know what makes the other smile

253.  Surprise flowers in the garden

254.  Bursts of energy

255.  Working through the pain

256.  Soup in the crockpot, fridge cleaned up

257.  A fan and electricity to cool me down on a hot summer day

258.  An abundant supply of potable water

259.  Your love, O LORD

260.  Hollyhocks blooming in the garden . . . remind me of my sweet Mama

261.  Beer-can chicken . . . I use a pop can . . . so delicious and tender

262.  Inspiring someone to try something new

263.  "Called to witness, always with our lives, and sometimes with words, to the great things God has done for use ~ Henri Nouwen quote

264.  A break from the intense heat

265.  Writing words that make someone's day

266.  My children, though they are all grown up, I will always be their mom.

267.  A place to call "Home"

268.  Feline friends that make me laugh so much

269.  Indoor plumbing

270.  Bell peppers & cherry tomatoes . . . container gardening

271.  Strawberries ripening red in the sun

272.  A library of great books

273.  The ability to read

274.  The peace of God that surpasses understanding, guarding my heart and mind

275.  Bearing one another's burdens

276.  Increased energy

277.  My bed, a comfy place to sleep

278.  A cooler day to do a little outside work

279.  The feeling of clean after a shower

280.  Memories that ignite hope

281.  Provision when I need it

282.  The memory of the righteous is blessed . . . Proverbs 10:7a

283.  Full moon, reflecting the light of the sun

284.  All creatures great and small . . . the cute things and the shuddery things, all made by You, with purpose.

285.  Small changes by degrees that seem insignificant at the beginning but have a huge impact at the end

286.  The lips of the righteous feed many . . . Proverbs 10:21

287.  Blueberries in season

288.  Blossoms in the pumpkin patch

289.  Sneaking out at midnight to gaze at the full moon

290.  Big girl's who still need their mama's

291.  The way gratitude changes things

292.  Laughter in the morning

293.  Blog-hopping

294.  Two tiny feather friends flitting in the branches outside the kitchen window, there . . . then gone

295.  Hearing, sight, taste, smell, touch

296.  Overcoming a fear

297.  Wasp on finger - didn't get stung

298.  My computer and the internet

299.  Grandgirlie fridge magnets

300.  Memory . . . such a gift to be able to replay treasured moments