multitudes on monday (131-135) (spring edition!)

Today I am thankful for:

131. The gorgeous weather we have been having in the Flathead Valley.  Sun!  Warmth!

132. A chance to get outside and walk. I'm loving the way my muscles actually feel like I'm using them!  And who can beat that wonderful fresh air here in Montana?

133. A daughter who "ruined my mad" tonight by singing "Edelweiss" when I was seriously annoyed with her.

134. The incredible blessing of being asked to be a godparent (with my husband) to a precious baby boy.  Last week, I had the privilege of attending his baptism and what joy!

135. Girls' night out with my lady friends.  What a joy to have so many lovely woman friends who I can truly be myself with!

BONUS: The chance to dig in the dirt and pot a geranium plant and some seeds today.  How hopeful planting is!

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (126-130)

Today I am thankful for:

126. A beautiful day yesterday and the chance to enjoy a drive to Glacier National Park.

127. Belly laughs with my husband and daughter.

128. People who don't know me--and sometimes don't agree with me--who are finding my blog, leading to wonderful, meaningful conversations.

129. That God's grace is big enough for any sin, if we will but turn to Him in repentance.

130. That I can still type on my computer even if a couple of keys are broken (and that we were able to order replacement keys!).

What are YOU thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (121-125)

This week I am thankful for:

121. How well writing has been going this month.  I started the new year with the thought of really investing in doing even more with my writing and growing an even larger audience.  Thanks be to God, doors continue to open.  No, I haven't "made it" as a writer yet, but I sure am enjoying the journey.

122. The joys of really good cinema.  Recently, I've seen movies that moved me profoundly, spoke to me, and enriched my life: The Descendants, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Midnight in Paris.  All of these had something very special to say and I am the richer for having experienced them.  God is a creative and awesome God in giving people such wonderful artistic gifts.

123. Kisses and face pats from my little daughter.

124. The joy of watching my husband teach my daughter so many valuable things.  He is so patient with her and excellent at coming up with new things to teach her about her world.  She hangs on his every word.

125. Good friends, to whom I can pour out my heart.  Friends who have time for me.  What a gift!

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (116-120)

Today I am thankful for:

116. Thick snow, gently falling on the all-too-brown earth.

117. A chance to worship together with both my husband and daughter this weekend.

118. All of the open doors that God has given me to do more editing lately.  What a joy to be able to earn some money doing what I love!

119. My Kindle, which I love more every day.  What a joy to be able to read and mark up so many wonderful books--often for free!

120. That my daughter is learning to play well by herself.

What are YOU thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (111-115)

Here's what I'm giving thanks for this week:

111. That when my knee dislocated twice recently, it popped right back in.

112. For hubby's opportunity to get involved in some fun local activities and make some new friends.

113. For a couple of nights of sleep with no sleep aid this week...first time in about 6 weeks!

114. For a daughter who wakes up peppy!

115. For more writing opportunities and more motivation for writing.

multitudes on monday (106-110)

It's the first Multitudes post of the year!

106. The past month has been rich with wonderful memories, but also trying because I have been battling insomnia again.  And yet, even in the sometimes fog of sleeplessness, God's mercies are new every morning!  He sustains me when I have had a rough night and He fills me with joy when I sleep well.

107. My daughter's growing kindness and compassion.  When she came in to my room this morning, the first thing she said to me was, "Did you have a bad night, Mom?"  And I was happy to tell her I hadn't!

108. Wonderful family time playing board games with Christopher and Burrito this weekend.

109. The people in my life who "speak a word in season," a word of encouragement.

110. A great pep talk from my Mom this weekend.

Thanks be to God!

Most Popular Posts of the Year: #3 Multitudes on Monday

For the next few days, I will be posting 10 most popular Flathead Mama posts of the year.  I would like to invite you to take this chance to catch up on a good buzz-worthy post that you may missed.  Please also drop a comment on the original post.  I'd love to continue the conversation.  If you found a post particularly useful to you, I'd love your help to get the word out about Flathead Mama: copy and paste the link and post to your Facebook page, Twitter about it, or post to a Pinterest profile.  

Thanks and enjoy!
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Interestingly enough, my #3 post of the year was one of my weekly Multitudes on Monday posts.  I'm not completely sure what made this particular post so compelling, unless it was references to the famine in Somalia.  Or perhaps, less seriously, this was a week when I actually remembered to link up with Ann Voskamp's blog (ha!).  Either way, you can learn more about why I write a weekly list of blessings in my life as I work on cultivating a life of thankfulness here.

multitudes on monday (101-105)

Today I give thanks to God for:

101. The joy of books.  In seminary, too much ponderous and pointless reading nearly stole my love of books from me.  But in recent years, it has revived.  I give thanks too for the blessing of public libraries!  And ebooks!

102. For a daughter who got two candy canes (which she adores) in her stocking and whose first response was to turn to me and say, "One for you...".  And for the joy of receiving the first gift she picked out herself for me.

103. The joy of seeing our church full on Christmas and the blessing of being so proud of my husband's delivery of the Gospel.

104. The blessing of a quiet day at home on Christmas with the ones I love most.

105. The goodness of a God who is present for those friends who lost a loved one this Christmas...the Baby born in Bethlehem does not mean sparkly parties so much as He means life and salvation...and hope, even beyond the grave.

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (96-100)--and not succumbing to the "Pinterest mindset"

I have been rather neglectful of my Multitudes posts lately.  I think part of the reason for this is that it is difficult not to succumb to the "Pinterest mindset" that uses posts of gratitude as a way of self-promotion.  It should be about God, not about me.  It should be about His blessings in my life, not my attempt at a picture-perfect self-image.  I need to read One Thousand Gifts about a million more times and try to get this through my thick skull! 

I do think that sometimes it is easier to be thankful in a God-focused way when things are tough, rather than when things are good.  When things are tough, we are forced to lean hard on God and we notice the way He daily sustains us, because we know that without Him we would not make it through the day.  But in good times, we are likely to think it's all about us.  We are likely to think that any good we have in our lives is simply because we produced a perfect, well-ordered, beautiful life.  But all beauty is from God.  And all beauty points us to Him.  But how slow we are to realize this.  Or at least I am!

With that said, here are my attempts to give thanks to God, publicly before you all.  What are you grateful for this week?

96. A breakthrough in understanding the doctrine of election (the teaching that God chooses and draws to Himself those who come to faith in Him).  My vision of who God is is transformed.  I give thanks to God for the blessing of studying Romans 9-11 in detail, even though I will never fully fathom its depths. (I plan to write more on what the breakthrough was in the future.)

97. The blessing of my congregation's "Beyond our Walls" committee.  What a joy to hang out with other Christians who are excited about reaching out to our community!

98. That my daughter has been really getting the Christmas story learned this Advent season!  Working with the ebook Truth in the Tinsel has really helped with introducing her to the Christmas story.  Now, instead of just playing Cinderella and Belle, she is playing Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus!

99. For the blessings of our congregation in general.  We moved into town almost exactly a year ago now.  It was the evening of last year's Christmas cantata.  So when I sat at the cantata this year, I found myself getting tears in my eyes thinking about how I didn't know any of the people who were singing yet last year and now so many of them are dear to my heart.  So much has happened in one year!

100. For a year of SO MUCH HEALING!  There's more to do, but God has brought me and our family so far!  And for this I say, thanks be to God!

multitudes on monday (91-95)

Here's what I'm thankful for today:

91. Potty training success...at long last!  I'm starting to see the light at the end of the potty training tunnel!  And imagining things like easier travel...no having to find a suitable place to change a diaper!  Thank you, God, for helping Burrito through such a big and important transition and please continue to help her to learn.

92. The blessing of so many sales last week that helped us stretch our lowered Christmas budget farther, not to mention that helped provide some things that we needed for the house affordably.

93. The glow on my daughter's face as she watched the Nutcracker this weekend.  She later closed her eyes and said, "I see dancers on my eyes!"

94. Good friends to spend Thanksgiving with.  I think so often how the Bible says, "God sets the lonely in families."  I don't think it just means biological families.

95. The joy of setting up the Christmas tree...and the most anticipation I've felt for the holidays in years.  My weary soul is starting to (slowly) heal.  And sharing joy with my daughter and husband is the greatest gift in my life, other than, of course, the gift of Christmas: Jesus.

What are YOU thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (86-90)

Today I am thankful for:

86. A wonderful weekend with hubby and daughter.  Great family activities at home, a fun Art Walk in Bigfork, and then a great Daddy/daughter date to see the big tree get lit up in town.

87. A cheerful daughter today.  So much singing!

88.  Doing better selling MOPS raffle tickets than I expected, and enjoying good conversation with my friend.

89. A happy week of thankfulness ahead!

90. The excitement of planning for Christmas.

What are YOU thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (81-85)

Today I am thankful for:

81.  Big snowflakes fluttering down and catching on the branches of the pine trees...and the first snowman of the season.

82. Morning glory muffins slathered in butter and living in a place where even cafes have good coffee.

83. More copy-editing work.

84. That my sick Burrito slept well last night.

85. For the beautiful cooperation of all of our church members at our annual church dinner. 

multitudes on monday (76-80)

Here's what I'm thankful for this week:

76. The continued blessing of "computer Sabbath" on Sundays, giving me more time to read and spend time with family.

77. The good attitude of my daughter lately.  I think her current developmental stage is starting to set in for both of us and we are both dealing better with toddler-hood.

78.  The way my family continues to make me feel rich, day by day.  I look at Burrito and cannot believe the joy that God has given her to me.  I look at my husband and give thanks for his faithfulness, kindness and support.

79. That my daughter said John 3:16 all the way through all by herself this week!

80. That I have a public library that constantly enriches my life with lots of free, wonderful books to read!

What are YOU thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (71-75)

71. My daughter's exuberant joy as she sang with the Sunday School kids at church on Sunday.  She was jumping up and down and singing and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry from all the joy she brings me.

72. The continued wonderful class at church on evangelism.  It is through the Institute of Lutheran Theology and has opened my eyes to how evangelism can be done in a Lutheran way.  Lots of wonderful, Bible-based teaching.

73. The great Sunday School program at our church.  The kids may be small in numbers but the teachers and volunteers are so dedicated and I see such a difference in the life of my daughter and the other kids at church.  Positive peer pressure for Jesus!

74. That after a tough night with a sick and freaked out daughter, she woke up perky and happy.

75. That my husband is bold and courageous as a leader, willing to follow the Lord faithfully.

That's my list.  What's yours?

multitudes on monday (66-70)

This week I am thankful for:
66. A great class on Lutheran evangelism that we are streaming to our church through the Institute for Lutheran Theology (ILT).  This is great timing for me to have such a wonderful, Biblically-based class as I've been struggling with some related questions.

67. The blessing of a great Sunday School program for my daughter that encourages her to grow in her faith.

68.  A great talk with a friend who lives far away and who understands me so very well.  And loves Jesus!

69.  That my husband is back from his 5-day trip to a church conference!  I always appreciate him more when he returns from a trip!

70. That the week when Daddy was gone, we were safe and everything went fine.  And we had great fellowship with friends so that we were not lonely!

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (61-65)

This week I am thankful for:

61. The continued blessing of "computer Sabbath" on Sunday. 

62. The joy of a wonderful date with my husband on Friday.  The joy of having places to go with him that refresh me and quiet my sometimes anxious heart.

63.  A daughter who sat still at church on Sunday and mostly behaved (except for the moment when her blankie went airborne during the service!).

64. A community that feels like a family to me.

65. The continuing opportunity to do something regularly that engages me and fills me with joy: write.

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (56-60)

Today I am grateful for:

56. Time to write.  Not having to work outside the home, I find myself with far more time and energy for writing.  And it's wonderful and fulfilling.  I am so grateful.

57. A fantastic birthday party for my daughter who turned 3!  We had the most wonderful evening with a backyard barbecue, happy children running around and an absolutely delighted daughter.

58. Our friends, who make our lives so much richer.  In North Dakota, we had almost no friends our own age for most of the time that we lived there.  What friends we did have were busy pastors (just like us).  My soul was thirsting for friendships, real ones where I could be open and honest, warts and all.  God has given these friends to me.  In the flesh.

59. The opportunity I have to sit down and just soak in God's Word at a local Bible study.  It's so wonderful to not have to be the leader sometimes.

60. The end of a wonderful stewardship campaign that I assisted with at church.  The best part of it was the wonderful relationships I developed with two savvy, smart, faithful older women, who I worked with on the campaign.  They encouraged me so much and it has been so long since I was praised for something I did in ministry.  It was water to a thirsty soul.  It was so wonderful too to see how our gifts balanced each other out; each of us could do something the others couldn't.  What a blessing!

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (51-55)

I'm juggling a lot of projects lately and missed posting Multitudes last week. 

Isn't it the truth that when we most need to reflect on our blessings and give thanks to God that it falls by the wayside?  This is a growing edge for me.

Here's this week's list of things I am thankful for:

51. An afternoon off on Saturday on which I took myself to see The Help and remembered why I loved the book so much.
52. Having 3 of 6 parenting Bible study lessons written for church...and having God challenging me in the areas I'm writing about.
53. New people in church yesterday and a husband who courageously speaks the truth in his sermons.
54. A break from potty training, which was exhausting me.
55. The ability to chew again!  TMJ seems to be gone, at least for now.

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (46-50)

It's been a crazy week...Lots of exhaustion...plenty of busyness...dealing with potty training again...and a pretty darn awful case of what appeared to be TMJ.  Those are the kinds of weeks when it goes everything in me to be thankful.  Instead, I want to complain...or better yet, climb into a hole somewhere.  But God calls me to "give thanks in all circumstances," and if I try hard enough, I can see His light peeking through the darkness.  Here's what I'm thankful for today:

46. The ability to chew.  This is definitely something I take for granted.  But this week when even trying to chew a raisin or soft pasta was agonizing, I started to feel more grateful for the ability to chew.  What a blessing it is to be able to enjoy food as I usually do.

47. Friends who gave me lots of helpful, funny, encouraging advice in the midst of this painful episode.  And the result being that my jaw is feeling better every day. Thanks be to God!

48. The way exhaustion, pain, or struggles with toddler wills lead me to God.  Without such struggles, would I seek God earnestly?  I don't know (but doubt it), so I am grateful for the struggles.

49. A husband who "takes over" when I am so exhausted that all I can handle is throwing myself into bed.

50.  The blessing of a food processor...and the wonders of pineapple and its benefits for relieving inflammation.  Try it sometime!

What are you thankful for today?

multitudes on monday (41-45)

Today I am thankful for:

41. Quality time with my daughter and husband.

42. The way God uses times of distress and trial to draw me deeper into faith.

43. Friends!  What joy to spend time talking and just doing life with friends.

44. So much sunshine this summer that a little bit of rain and clouds is welcome.

45. That God's mercies are new every morning and that every day is a new day!

What are YOU thankful for today?