Multitude Monday

601. I'm thankful for my breast pump! I'm thankful that I don't have to endure too much pain and discomfort when Shiphrah doesn't eat as much as I have. Or when she sleeps a long time and my milk supply needs to adjust.

602. I'm thankful and surprised that Shiphrah slept all night long without a feeding last night. It was so unexpected! I laid her down at 9:45p.m. and she didn't wake to feed until 8:30a.m.!

603. I'm thankful that I got a full night's sleep without interruption! It's so rare these days.

604. I'm thankful for my in-laws who were able to come up and visit us this past weekend.

605. I'm thankful for an excuse to run in beautiful, shady, historic Norcross.

606. I'm thankful that there was plenty of help to watch my babies while I could run in my first race.

607. I'm thankful that my first Studio Recital went so well! I've had students perform in recitals before, but this was the first time I've hosted one and I'm so pleased with everything.

608. I'm thankful that Lily didn't seriously injure herself while climbing on the church pews and bit her lip. When I saw the blood, I was concerned that she might have lost some teeth, but she only bit and bruised her lip.

609. I'm thankful that after more than 2 years, we've got only one child who is in diapers full-time. Lily is potty-trained! She and Moriah still wear something while sleeping, but I can't complain about that.

610. I'm thankful that we can now save up to buy a more serious violin.

611. I'm thankful that I didn't injure myself during the race while coasting down the hills.

What are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

591. Today I am thankful for my home, that God spared us when He had no reason to do so.

592. I am thankful for my salvation, that God chose to save me, the worst of sinners, and enlighten me to understand and desire the Truth who is Christ Jesus.

593. I am thankful that I don't have to go work outside my home with worldly people as I did waiting tables.

594. I am thankful for God, through my husband, providing for me all the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter.

595. I am thankful for the freedom to remain home as other women are compelled to work based on various circumstances.

596. I am thankful for Lily, who survived a scary fall and is still blessing us with her presence.

597. I am thankful for the promotion of a beloved Professor who went to be with Christ yesterday evening. He was a joy to know and worship with. I learned so much from him.

598. I am thankful for true friends and the ability, with God's Word, to comfort and encourage them in Christ.

599. I am thankful that my Mom lives close by that we can go to her house and be comfortable while Jeramy paints ours.

600. I am thankful that God, through grace and time, gives the ability to forget those things we regret most, at least some of the time.

What are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;

I will tell of all Your wonders.

I will be glad and exult in You;

I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Psalm 9:1-2

581. I am thankful that I didn't cut my finger too badly today and that the bleeding eventually stopped.

582. I am thankful that I didn't gain weight this past weekend, even though I definitely ate too much.

583. I am thankful for promises in God's Word, 1 John 1:9, that I can repent of my gluttony and know that I am forgiven.

584. I am thankful for the honor of meeting some visitors at our church who will soon become our neighbors. What a small world . . .

585. I am thankful to see my pretty girls in pretty dresses on a beautifully sunny Resurrection Sunday morning. See pix tomorrow.

586. I am thankful for a visit from my Father-in-law this weekend.

587. I am very thankful that my Father-in-law's health is much better now than it has been these past several years.

588. I am thankful that my Mom only works 4 miles from my home and could tell me that I didn't need stitches for my finger.

589. I am thankful that my Mom is a nurse, OR RN.

590. I am thankful for friends with whom there is mutual self-disclosure, prayer and concern.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

576. I am thankful for how both Moriah and Lily are progressing with their catechism questions.

577. I am thankful to see them run up and down the church isle with excitement upon doing well with their catechism.

578. I am thankful for Lily's progress with potty training. She appears to become more aware of her functions and make it to the toilet in time.

579. I am thankful that my Mom lives in Suwanee and we can go see her and have a comfortable place to stay while Jeramy does some house projects.

580. I am thankful for the sunny days that have come and being able to enjoy them more because of Jeramy's new work schedule.

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Multitude Monday

We are still adjusting to the wonderful schedule change associated with Jeramy's new job. I didn't realize how much stress and temptation to become bitter his old schedule provided until God graciously granted us relief!

566. I am so very thankful for a bitter-free Sunday morning. I'm thankful that we could all be ready for church and get to church on time without it being a 'one-parent show,' i.e. getting everyone together by myself. It was kind of odd for me not having so much stress present.

567. I am so thankful that slipping into a new weekday routine has been sweeter than a piece of triple chocolate cake! There is so much less stress to begin the day with when Jeramy is already at work and the girls and I can just go with the flow and still get a lot done before he gets home. Jeramy coming home in the afternoons is a key motivation to get things done before he arrives.

568. I am so thankful that Jeramy has nights and weekends off. He comes home around 3 or 4 p.m. and we have the whole evening together as a family. It is quality time without the constant anxiety of clock watching: in 2 hours he has to go to work; when will lunch be ready? In 1 hour he has to go to work. Okay, now he needs to get ready for work. He needs to leave in 10 minutes. . .

569. I am so thankful that because Jeramy was home at night this past week, we were able to worship together as a family two nights, fellowship with a family from church, attend Wednesday night prayer meeting, go shopping, and plant garden vegetables!

570. I am so thankful for the grace God has given me (I suppose aided greatly by the general gratitude for the new schedule) to be able to respond righteously to temptations to get angry and be bitter. The grace came to change my thinking into truthful, Biblical, grateful thoughts when unspoken expectations were not met and to voice the gratitude aloud.

God has done great things for us.

571. I am so thankful that God has preserved the life of my friend and sister in Christ during her labor and childbirth.

572. I am very thankful that God has also preserved the life of her beautiful baby girl and that she continues to improve.

573. I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit them and pray with them during days filled with anxiety, uncertainty, ignorance, hope, stress, and submissive trust in the Lord's sovereignty.

574. I am thankful that my friend and sister in Christ was supposed to be discharged from the hospital this weekend and that I might see and talk to her soon.

575. I am thankful for God speaking to me in His Word - that He continues to open my eyes to see how closely He relates to me and understand all my concerns.

Multitude Monday

In light of Jeramy's new job change, I have a lot to be thankful for as I look forward to the days, weeks, months and maybe years ahead.

556. I'm so thankful for the change in Jeramy's schedule - that he will be home nights, weekends and even holidays, most likely.

557. I'm very thankful that I won't be alone in the evenings anymore, on a regular basis. I have gotten used to being alone at nights, but a woman's sense of security builds up when there is a man present after the sun goes down.

558. I'm so thankful that we can all go to bed at the same time, especially Jeramy and me. I have been going to bed hours before him in order to get up early to get to the gym, but now all of us will be getting better sleep, Lord willing, especially Jeramy.

559. With Jeramy's new schedule we'll be able to fellowship with other families a lot more and have opportunities for date nights too. Most people have nights and weekends off and before we were only able to fellowship with other families one night every week, which left no other opportunities for date nights or anything else, really.

560. I'm thankful that today is the last day that Jeramy will be working dispatch and

561. I'm thankful that Jeramy is excited about the new job and what he'll be doing, at least as much as he anticipates doing. This job is associated more closely with the justice system, condemning offenders, and is therefore more interesting and respectful. So it boosts his morale quite a bit.

562. I'm thankful that Lily pooped in the toilet this morning before we left for church. She's been potty training this week with average success.

563. I'm thankful that I've been consistently losing weight and today wore pre-pregnancy (before Moriah and Lily) dress pants to church using the original button and hooks. :-)

564. I'm thankful that I can enjoy and savor Triple Chocolate Cake and still lose weight. My Mom's recipe is only 87 calories per ounce.

565. I'm thankful for winning Callie's giveaway (for a CSN gift card) to get a kitchen scale to help me count my calories, especially in foods I prepare, more quickly, efficiently and accurately.

Multitude Monday

It's been a long time since I've expressed some open gratitude; I need to get back into the habit. Develop the habit of practicing righteousness and lawless deeds will fall by the wayside.

551. I'm thankful for the Word of God encouraging me and directing me to replace unbiblical thoughts with Biblical ones that glorify God and edify and sanctify my attitudes. Here are some examples from Martha Peace's book, The Excellent Wife. If it's been a while since you've read it (or haven't yet once) and this encourages you, re-read it. It's worth your time.

Unbiblical Thought: "I'm not going to live a lie and be a hypocrite . . . " [and use this as an excuse to sin].

Replace with the Biblical Thought: "I am never being a hypocrite when I obey God in spite of my feelings."

Unbiblical Thought: "He'll never change." (Or even, "This situation will never change.")

Replace with the Biblical Thought: "Only God can know whether he'll ever change or not. I commit to love him whether I feel like it or not." (Or, "God is sovereignly controlling and omniscient. Whether or not my situation gets any better, I commit to obey Him whether I feel like it or not.")

Unbiblical Thought: "This is more than I can bear. There is no hope."

Replace with the Biblical Thought: "There is nothing that has happened that God cannot forgive [or heal, or provide], that I cannot forgive [or wait patiently for], and that we can't work through."

552. I'm thankful for quiet moments alone when I'm awake. And they are few and far between.

553. I'm thankful for the joy my mother-in-law brings when she comes to visit us. Seeing her have joy over her grand babies lightens our home.

554. I'm thankful that sometimes (not often) Moriah whines less.

555. I'm thankful that we are able to host other families in our home, that our home is conducive to hosting large gatherings for fellowship.

Multitude Monday

Things I'm thankful for:

536. Evidence of an attitude adjustment.

537. Hearing less complaining.

538. Less stress.

539. Less conflict.

540. Less hours up at night.

541. A hubby who rocks our baby back to sleep at 4 a.m.

542. No more struggles with breastfeeding.

543. Help with the house work/chores.

544. More affection from my honey.

545. Winning Callie's giveaway. :-)

546. Regaining some sanity.

547. Catching up on much needed sleep.

548. Black cherry sorbet.

549. Smiling faces at church.

550. Any time that my children decide to obey without debate, delay or fuss.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

So much has happened since my last Multitude Monday post, I feel like I've got a lot to catch up on.

I'm thankful

511. For another healthy baby girl.

512. That I didn't have to have a C-section.

513. That the epidural was successful and that I could still have some labor sensation without the pain.

514. That the epidural eventually wore off.

515. That my water broke on its own - without medical intervention.

516. That my mothers were able to watch the children during my false alarm and real labor experiences and they didn't have to go to the LDR with us.

517. That there were no long-term complications from my labor - not for me nor Shiphrah.

518. That we were finally able to get out of the hospital.

519. Great tasting hospital meals that I didn't have to prepare or clean up after.

520. Shiphrah's jaundice subsided.

521. That breastfeeding sessions are generally going better.

522. That the swelling is gone and I can see and use my feet again like normal.

523. That I can bend down.

524. That I can walk normal.

525. That I'm not pregnant right now.

526. For all the help my mothers provided while in the hospital and recovering at home.

527. For all the wonderful meals our church family has provided these past three weeks.

528. My husband's job that provides sick time (which he used to stay home with me).

529. Encouragement to continue breastfeeding.

530. For any time that Shiphrah doesn't scream.

531. For any bit of sanity that is left to my wits at the end of the day.

532. That the girls were very, very well behaved during Jeramy's ordination.

533. To be a part of a like-minded church.

534. For any and every moment God gives grace to be a patient parent.

535. Mrs. Nancy's lemon pound cake.

What are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

I am thankful for

501. The recliner.

502. The recliner.

503. The recliner.

504. The glider/rocker.

505. Another day to prepare for the baby.

506. Whatever strength is given to care for my family.

507. Any number of hours of uninterrupted sleep, even if only 5.

508. To live only 4 miles from the hospital.

509. The grace for peace and patience to wait for God's timing for this next baby.

510. Godly feminine examples from whom we can choose names with meaning.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

The temptation to become bitter grows as my belly grows and causes more pain and discomfort, as well as impatience as I wait for relief, and discontentment as I can not do as much physically as I could before. Sometimes thankfulness is an exercise. It is definitely a commandment.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

I am thankful for

486. Any day my feet are not swollen.

487. Blackout curtains in Moriah's room.

488. Inexpensive fruit.

489. Any time Moriah and Lily take the initiative to be helpers.

490. Free entertainment in Suwanee Town Center: Footloose.

491. Small stores, like ALDI, where I can get what I need, while saving money and avoid excessive walking.

492. SAM'S Club free Click n' Pull service.

493. A new job for Mom. She starts this Thursday.

494. Mom's Tuesday ER episode wasn't any worse than it could have been.

495. Lily's sweet, soft smile.

496. Any moment there's no whining, crying, or rebellious temper tantrums.

497. Every time Moriah and Lily eat their entire meal.

498. Horse shoe neck pillows.

499. Any time I can put my feet up.

500. Watching my girls dance.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

Bring my soul out of prison,

So that I may give thanks to Your name;

The righteous will surround me,

For You will deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 142:7

Reasons to be thankful:

476. Four more weeks of potentially uninterrupted nighttime sleep before the baby comes.

477. No pain or discomfort in my swollen feet/ankles.

478. The swelling has decreased over night.

479. Willing little people who pick up things off of the floor.

480. A husband who doesn't complain about bathing our children.

481. Complete contentment in the atoning sacrifice of Christ no matter the current life circumstances.

482. After 13 months my Mother FINALLY has a job!

483. The opportunity as a black woman to vote.

484. Mandates from God's Word that tell me what to think about. Ps 143:5, Ps 145:5, Phil 4:8

485. That I'm not the only parent with whining, disobedient toddlers.

What are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

I will bow down toward Thy holy temple, and give thanks to Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth; for Thou hast magnified Thy word according to all Thy name.

Psalm 138:2

I'm thankful for

466. The things I can know for certain by reading God's Word.

467. The conviction of the Holy Spirit.

468. The desire to repent, which is evidence of the grace of God unto salvation.

469. Witnessing the public baptism of Nepali refugees.

470. The days and weeks that pass by - bringing me closer to labor and birth.

471. Books rich with Nouthetic Counseling (like those of Martha Peace and lots of others).

472. Hot, relaxing showers.

473. The dense foam mat at the gym, so I don't have to exercise on the concrete floor.

474. God's promise in 1 Thessalonians 5:24

475. God's promise in 2 Thessalonians 3:3

What are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

I'm thankful for

451. Water bottles.

452. No increase in weight gain the past two weeks.

453. Our brown recliner without which I would get little to no sleep.

454. A new upright freezer.

455. Freedom for open, honest conversation among friends and sisters in Christ.

456. South Georgia watermelons!

457. South Georgia Silver Queen corn!

458. The hope that I will finish the hearth cover/seat this week.

459. Sewing my first zipper successfully!

460. Permission to shop for new clothes. :-)

461. That I've never been beaten or whipped even mildly (not even threatened physically) for my faith in Christ.

462. That there are pastors with backbones who boldly, faithfully stand against lawless injustice.

463. That I won't be pregnant forever.

464. The Spirit of Truth who causes me to recall passages of Scripture throughout the day.

465. Every promise of God's Word on which I can stand.

What are you thankful for today? (Really, I love to read what you write.)

Multitude Monday

"Thank you" in Nepali: DAN ye bal

441. A taste of the ethnic diversity to come in heaven someday as our family worshipped at the Nepali church yesterday.

442. Every reminder of God's grace shown to me in salvation.

443. Unhurried moments of silence.

444. Sleep without pain, spasms or tossing in our wonderful brown recliner.

445. Shade.

446. Air conditioning.

447. Our house did not burn down when we left beans on the stove for four hours.

448. Checking off items to do before the baby comes.

449. Watching the girls play in their new inflatable pool.

450. Books of Biblical application like, Attitudes of a Transformed Heart by Martha Peace.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

I'm thankful for:

431. A husband who loves our children.

432. An affectionate father for our children.

433. A playful father for my children.

434. A father who disciplines my children.

435. A father who takes my children to the potty and changes cloth diapers.

436. That God answered my prayers for the father I wanted my children to have that I didn't.

437. A father who educates my children.

438. A father who is unashamed to be affectionate to this mother in front of the children.

439. A father who does not recluse away from my children.

440. My heavenly Father, from whom all blessings flow.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

I know it's a little late for Monday, but it's never too late to be thankful.

426. I'm so thankful for our ranch home with a basement. Everything important is on one level. I definitely appreciate it more as my pregnancy progresses. Our previous dwelling was a three-level townhouse. I am so thankful that I don't have to go up and down the stairs several times a day for laundry, naps, cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms, etc. It means less opportunities for pain and fatigue.

427. I'm grateful for the good fruits of our garden labor. Given most of the hard work was done by Jeramy, still I bought the seed packets and provided encouragement and weather updates. It's so great to be able to eat REAL tomatoes and green beans!

428. Along with that, I'm thankful that all the rain we had last week isn't forecasted for this week. Our green beans were beginning to drown.

429. The will to physically get up out of the bed every morning.

430. I'm thankful there is NO tingling numbness in my fingers - i.e. the carpal tunnel release surgery was a complete success.

Thank God! Call out His Name!

Tell the whole world who He is and what He's done!

1 Chronicles 16:8 (The Message)

What things are you thankful for?

Multitude Monday

Today I'm thankful for:

421. Shelter from the wind and rain.

422. Unexpected strawberries!

423. My husband's job.

424. Sweating in the gym.

425. New Teva flip-flops that make being on my pregnant feet way easier to bear.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

Today I'm thankful for

411. The grace God has shown me that I might believe and be saved from an eternity in Hell.

412. The faith and will to be obedient to the Word.

413. The energy to do what needs to be done in the home.

414. How efficiently time has been given and passed to complete all the work that gets done.

415. Distractions from unholy thoughts.

416. What faint hope I have for future rewards and recognition.

417. The will to get out of bed each morning.

418. The faithfulness of God even when I begin to lose faith.

419. The fact that nothing I do could cause God to forsake His grace shown me.

420. The hope that God will give me joy in His time.

What are you thankful for today?

Multitude Monday

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;

Let the many islands be glad.

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Fire goes before Him

And burns up His adversaries round about.

His lightnings lit up the world;

The earth saw and trembled.

The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD,

At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare His righteousness,

And all the peoples have seen His glory.

Let all those be ashamed who serve graven images,

Who boast themselves of idols;

Worship Him, all you gods.

Zion heard this and was glad,

And the daughters of Judah have rejoiced

Because of Your judgments, O LORD.

For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth;

You are exalted far above all gods.

Hate evil, you who love the LORD,

Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;

He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Light is sown like seed for the righteous

And gladness for the upright in heart.

Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones,

And give thanks to His holy name.

Psalm 97 NASB

Today I'm thankful for

401. God's promise never to flood the whole earth again.

402. Temporary relief from a pulled muscle.

403. Nightmares are just bad dreams.

404. Opportunities to save lots of money.

405. Encouragement from God's Word.

406. New members at our church.

407. Comfortable, good looking clothes.

408. Walking barefoot in my house.

409. Impromptu hugs around my legs.

410. Little curly heads I can pet.

What are you thankful for today?