Gratitude for a Winter Wonderland

  "It is the living who give thanks to Thee, as I do today;

A father tells his sons about Thy faithfulness."

Isaiah 38:19

We have been having fun lately spending a little more time outside. This post's pictures reflect that. I am so glad that God has given us different seasons with different activities to enjoy! Here are a few of the things that I am thanking God for:

#394 Frost on the trees. We have been waking up many mornings lately to see that. It is so beautiful! I love seeing what God can do! (The picture above doesn't begin to do it justice!)

#395 Creative Children.

#396 Fun times watching the Olympics together.

#397 Inspiration that we get from the Olympics.

#398 Children that really love and enjoy each other.

#399 Older siblings that offer to help their younger siblings.

#400 Sunny days!

#401 A little warmer weather that draws us outside.

#402 Determination and perserverance.

#403 Health that God provides. Each muscle that moves and works because He made it too.

#404 Courage to try new things- even little ski jumps. :-)

#405 Fun times getting to know poeple from other countries.

#406 Mara's quick healing after a crash. A God's eye watching out for every single person going down the hills.

#407 Lots of fun together times with Ken lately.

#408 Enjoying a happy marriage!

#409 My "baby" sister who I love being able to spend time with.

#410 My very silly boy!

#411 Smiles that light up my days.

#412 A God who loves me even though I am not perfect!

#413 Forgiveness of sin.

What are you thankful for this week?

Serving

I thought I would share another idea for loving your husband that Alysia sent.

"Serve in the little things (that feel big at the time) Like...he forgot to check to locks and we are already in bed, I can hop out and do it if he's tired.....or be the one to make the tea and bring it to him...or put his stuff away instead of waiting for him to do it...etc. etc. these little opportunities to serve really add up!"

I think this is a wonderful tip. I can really relate to the locks one. I know that has happened with us to and I do remember offering to go check them but I don't think I actually jumped up to do it and he went ahead and did it. One of the ways that has worked for us is bringing him his "bedtime snack" or a glass of water especially when he is hot and sweaty and working outside. I know Ken appreciates being served especially when I do it with a special smile just for him.

RUN!

As I have mentioned before we have been enjoying watching the Winter Olympics lately.  It is so cool to see the atheletes perserverance and skill.

  Tonight I heard a verse at church that made me think of the Olympics again. The verse is:
 "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perserverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnessess. " 1 Timothy 6:11-12

This verse isn't talking about things being easy. It talks of Fleeing, pursueing and fighting. Living the christian life takes work, sometimes it will be harder than we think we are capable of. But just like we see the atheletes in the Olympics do we need to be willing to push ourselves, to work and run harder than we ever thought possible. The prize in this race is far more important than any gold medal!

First Dentist Appointment

Jackson waiting in the lobby to go for 'his turn' to the dentist. This is his FIRST time there. Charlotte and Christopher went in ahead of him...they came out with 'gifts' so he's thinking this is a good deal....

The dentist walked in and her comment was "Oh! he is soooo cute"

"Open wide...we have to count your teeth"...no problem!

He just did as he was told....then we went to Denny's for

brunch as it was his Mommy's birthday and birthday people get

a free meal at Denny's right on their birth date!!

All done his meal and is ready to 'go'....

Aunty Karyn joined us for brunch...then she took Janis and Jackson shopping

and I took Charlotte and Christopher to my place and we swam for hours...

then played board games...then it was time to head home! A very good day.

Imperfect Stars

I adore imperfections! Made some colourful 4-patch and white blocks. Asked if A could please draw something on the white blocks :-)

She drew some 'wonky' stars in similar colurs to the 4 patch. 2" white fabric was the first border, followed by another 2" marbled red and finished it off with 5" colourful striped fabric.

Went back to the same marbled red for binding and backing fabric was reds & pinks on white.

I just love the wonky stars!

Measurement : 42" W X 48" L

Made out of 100% American cotton + Jo Sonja's fabric paint

Price : RM160

Status : SOLD!