Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 838-864

All together now - applause for God!

Sing songs to the tune of His glory, set glory to the rhythms of His praise.

Say of God, "We've never seen anything like Him!"

When Your enemies see You in action, they slink off like scolded dogs.

The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships You, sings to You,

can't stop enjoying Your name and fame.

Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away.

Psalm 55:1-5 (The Message)

838.  A project for a birthday girl

839.  A section of the parking lot roped off at senior's home because a mama duck had built her nest beneath a            rhododendron bush.  Do not disturb signs posted.

840.  Setting boundaries and standing firm
841.  A wallet found
842.  The sound it makes when you first cut into a watermelon . . . anticipation of juicy goodness
843.  Electricity . . . sewing by machine is something I enjoy tremendously
844.  Being patient with myself when I forget a step in my project
845.  My daughter - such a sweet demonstration of God's heart to so many

846.  God so loved the world that He gave . . . 
847.  More seed in the bird feeder
848.  A grandma getting stronger
849.  Smiles . . . they don't cost a cent and they brighten someone's day

850.  The bread and the wine . . . in remembrance of Him
851.  A call to the birthday girl . . . can she be 10 already?
852.  Regaled with tales of "high tea" and a daddy dressed up as the butler
853.  I am accepted in the Beloved
854.  Found something I thought was long gone
855.  Tendonitis less painful today
856.  Fresh mint to dry for tea
857.  A new birdie visitor . . .  male downy woodpecker

858.  Words of life that break off shame
859.  A new grandbaby for my cousin and his wife . . . such a cutie she is
860.  An eagle soaring circles overhead
861.  Sufficient grace to handle a difficult situation with patience and compassion
862.  Another blanket finished

863.  My Norwex dusting mitt that picks up everything so neatly
864.  Watermelon . . . I love watermelon . . . I could eat it everyday

Linking with Ann  . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 813-837

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34:1-3,8

Getting closer to 1000  . . . 

813.  A call from a friend
814.  Rejoicing with those who rejoice
815.  A great recycling program 
816.  Home made turkey/chicken broth . . . no artificial ingredients
817.  A new search engine that is non-profit . . . generates income that is 100% donated to worthy charities  

http://benelab.org/
 (image source: benelab homepage)

818.  Random things that make you smile . . . like a rubber ducky in the middle of the road

819.  An eagle soaring over the house

820.  Little neigbour girl learning English

821.  Her cheery greetings
822.  Three bags full from the farm market

823.  Increased energy
824.  Provision from unexpected places . . . not once, not twice but four times.  Somebody loves me.
825.  Hydrangeas that WILL blossom this year

826.  An icky job accomplished
827.  Tuna treats for kitties . . . lip-smacking good

828.  Sweet sale on lily bulbs . . . $1 per package (How could I resist "Sweet Surrender?)

829.  A fun garage sale fundraiser for orphans in Sierra Leone
830.  Wounding words, forgiveness,  a heart that stays open
831.   Surprised with a zoo day
832.  Spontaneous praise at the wonders of God's imagination

833.  Greater measure of healing in my knee that allowed me to enjoy the full extent of the zoo
834.  Restorative sleep
835.  Sweet dreams
836.  Creativity sparked
837.  Symphony of bird song that delights the heart

Joining the multitudes, giving thanks together at . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 797-812

I am thankful for a pair of shoes that feel really good on my feet.  I like my shoes.

 I am thankful for the birds; I feel like they are singing just for me when I get up in the morning, saying 'Good morning, John, you made it, John'. 

I am thankful for the sea breeze that feels so good right now, and the scent of jasmine when the sun starts going down.

~ Johnny Cash

Whether you are famous or unknown, young or old, rich or poor, gratitude is an attitude that can be cultivated by all and it bears a rich harvest of joy, peace and perspective. Carrying on with the counting . . . 

797.  Bullfrogs croaking in the cool morning air
798.  Rain pelting loudly on skylight windows . . . being safely tucked inside
799.  A big sleepy dog that sticks close to me all evening and night

800.  A trip to the garden centre for spring colour

801.  Help overcoming a "ticked-off" attitude . . . poor customer service really gets me going
802.  The park in spring . . . thousands of bulbs arrayed in glorious garb

803.  Nature's wonders . . . a faithful mate.  This fellow stuck with his lady love when all the other ducks in the 
         pond went off on a grand adventure

804.  Happenings in bunches that remind me who I am to Him and this song on youtube . . .

Remind Me Who I Am by  Jason Gray

805.  Things that just make you smile . . . a young lady crossing the street on a shiny, girly scooter, wearing  
         tights with slashes in them and carrying a pink and silver purse.
806. Snuggly kittens lapping up the love . . . the lessons they teach you.
807. Checking the mail and finding this . . .

808. When I can't go I can give, when I can't give I can pray.  There is always a way to be involved in the work 
         of the kingdom.
809.  Singing in the car at the top of my lungs
810.  Bags of "Free Kale"  at church . . . making some kale chips tonight

811.  What is impossible for man is possible for God
812.  Teenage girls standing in the rain, face up and arms outstretched

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 770-796

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!  For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

~ Psalm 75:1

Time got away on me last week and I didn't make a Grace Notes post even though I had recorded them in my Gratitude Journal.  Playing catch up as I continue counting . . . 

770.  Seeing the moon and stars when I took out the recycling.  The rain clouds had sailed away to water other
         places.
771.  The way stars remind me of "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine".
772.   Grace that carried me through a busy day after a poor night's sleep.
773.  Opportunities to show kindness to strangers
774.  Pistachios

775.  Talking to the grandgirlies
776.  Hearing Ema say "hi da".
777.  Pockets of sunshine
778.  Extra laps in the pool
779.  Following the prompting of the spirit and finding provision
780.  Fresh juice from fruits and veggies
781.  A moving Good Friday service
782.  First beach day . . . sunny but still cool by the water

783.  Fish & chips

784.  The sun, the breeze, the salty air . . . peace that washes over me at the ocean's edge.
785.  Faithful pups waiting for their master to finish lunch

786.  Treasures of the sea revealed at low tide
787.  A furry friend that wanted lots of attention
788.  Cross-centred hymns and worship songs . . . He is Risen, indeed!
789.  First BBQ of the year
790.  Tulips busting out all over

791.  Seeing "91" in so many places . . . getting the message (Psalm 91) . . . even the number of this counted gift
         (totally not planned).
792.  Safe am I . . . in the hollow of His hand
793.  Big girls that can still call their daddy's for help
794.  Both Shan's dad and Alison's dad came over this week and took care of some 'manly' chores . . . power 
         washing and chopping down a tree.
795.  A finished project . . . soft and snuggly recycled flannel

796.  Forgetting my cane on numerous occasions . . . needing it less often


Linking with the grateful ones at . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 749-769

The year's at the spring, and day's at the morn;

Morning's at seven; the hill-side's dew-pearl'd;

The lark's on the wing; the snail's on the thorn;

God's in His heaven - all's right with the world!

~ Robert Browning

The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitudes of isles be glad!

Psalm 97:1

Joining the multitudes giving thanks . . . 

749.  Help getting air in my tire
750.  A gas station that still provides air at no charge . . . very few of those left
751.  Young man on a skateboard, headphones on, drink in one hand, bag of groceries in the other, grinning                  from ear to ear on a sunny no-jacket kind of day.  Had me smiling right along with him.
752.  Warmer days, longer daylight
753.  Blue jays visiting 

754.  My hip and knee class started and I get to use the hot tub after class . . . aahhh (relaxing sigh).
755.  Friendly classmates
756.  My sister got her surgery date . . .
757.   . . . and then it got moved even closer.  
758.  Gracie is getting so grown up . . . she knows what time to come home every night from Auntie Shannon's.            10 pm and she is looking for her treats.
759.  A hard conversation that was well-received
760.  Daffodils blooming

761.  Singing along with Bill Gaither's Gospel Hour
762.  Developing an action plan
763.  The tiniest signs of life on my Virginia creeper
764.  Stairs getting easier
765.  Welcoming faces at church
766.  Communion with the saints on Sunday . . . in remembrance of Him
767.  Hearing the neighbour's lawnmower the first time this spring
768.  Ladybugs and snails . . . small wonders of nature

769.  Kitties that come for a visit and a snuggle

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 736-749

To often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring . . . all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

~ Leo Buscaglia

Counting on to 1000 gifts . . .

736.  Stirred up emotions have settled down
737.  Joy blooming

738.  A light-box . . . home-made photography aid from online tutorial . . . helps to take lovely "natural" light photos like this delightful bundle of lavender

739.  Friends who use their God-given talents
740.  A much enjoyed theatrical production
741.  Helping my dad with internet stuff
742.  Grace and peace and provision while locked out of the house for 5 hours
743.  The privilege of volunteering at Canadian National Boccia Competition . . . so many broken bodies but bright smiles and warm hearts

744.  My fellow volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the event run smoothly

745.  The dedication and hard work displayed by the parents and caregivers of the disabled athletes
746.  A glorious sunset
747.  Sleeping in after three early mornings
748.  Finding my rhythm again

Linking with Ann's community . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 724-736

"All our discontents about what we want appeared to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have."

~  Daniel Defoe 

Giving thanks for what I have . . .

724.  A lesson on judging and kindness played out in living colour
725.  Knowing how it feels to be wrongly judged . . . being careful not to judge others
726.  Being treated with kindness and respect at my next stop . . . such a contrast . . . I prefer kindness
727.  A lovely day for a walk in my favourite park

728.  Sitting face to the sun, warm kisses on my cheek
729.  So many ducks, flying in . . . taking off

730.  Pussy-willows . . . the quintessential harbinger of spring
731.  Capturing late winter beauty in such intricate detail

732.  A symphony of birdsong
733.  A parade of plumage . . . blue jays squawking . . .  

 dark-eyed juncos,

  song sparrows,

 and the first robin of spring.

734.  While watching and waiting to see if more birds would come, this song arises in my heart . . .

      Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling; calling for you and for me

See on the portals He's watching and waiting; waiting for you and for me.

735.  Learning about Lent

736.  A new project  . . Fifty-Five and Counting

Linking with Ann & friends at . . .