Trickling Tallies

I am counting my gifts, my blessings, the things I am thankful for  (http://www.aholyexperience.com/one-thousand-gifts-book/) and continually my patience as a mama and wife is being tested and taken to the limit.  Whether Ayla is having a meltdown over getting into the bath... or the boys are swinging fists at one another because, "He pushed me first!"...or all of the kids are just being downright disrespectful and sarcastic to me.  Chaos is lack of a better word to say the least.  Yet slowly and steadily calmness is beginning to reach up through me as I am continually tested.  As I try to bite my tongue, step back and breathe in this new kind of peace the raging storm within me is being tamed bit by bit.     

And today, gratitude is spilling over in our house.  

Yesterday I hung up some chalkboard paper on the wall for the kids to start their own "1000 Gift' List.

Ayla informed me that she was thankful for the roly polies she discovered on the floor at daycare.  She drew a picture of one.


Jonah and Micah started their lists:

I just love how Jonah is practicing true Eucharisteo,

#7.  Mom Yelling (But I still love her).

I also absolutely love and appreciate Micah's illustration of me, bottom right (or as Ayla would refer to it 'Giant Mama"').

But in all seriousness I am speechless and in awe of the work that God is doing in my children.  Jonah begged me to go and buy him a journal today so he could start his own list.  He has astounded me with his grateful heart that he so beautifully expresses.  

#4. Hearing God's Word
#5. Drooping Eyes (time for bed)
#6. Ministick Mornings


The boys set their alarm clock to wake up extra early each morning so they can have time to play mini-stick hockey before school.  Jonah cherishes this time apparently and now is offering up a small prayer of thanksgiving to his Heavenly Father for it.  

I sit here amazed.  


What a beautiful way to begin and end each day together as a family.  


And the best part about it?  

My children are excited and thrilled to express their gratitude to our Most High God! The Gift Tallying is Trickling down!!


Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 (ESV)



 

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