Day 26

I read Psalm 145 last week and I really loved it, but after reading and thinking on it for a day I moved on to something else. Well God brought me back to it yesterday.  So I read it again and this time a few words really stood out.  When I read them I had to stop and say them out loud to myself a few times, as I was doing that I heard in my spirit God say, “this is your verse for the year.”

Psalm 145:6 Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, And I will declare your greatness.

I will declare your greatness.  That was the part God wanted me to see.  That was the part He wanted me to know was for me.  So I decided to pick it apart word for word and I found out that the word “declare” in the original Hebrew means “to count.”

As soon as I saw that I started to smile.  Seriously, He’s so cool!!  And I will COUNT your greatness.. I’ll count it all the way to 10,000 and then I’ll keep counting!

It’s really amazing when people prophecy over you or someone has a word of knowledge for you, but it’s just as amazing when God speaks to you so personally when you are reading the Bible.  By the time I finish today’s list I’ll have counted 725 things that I am thankful for.

1. God brought me back to Psalm 145.
2. My concordance for showing me that the word declare was the same as the word count.
3. God speaks to us through the Bible.
4. God wants us to know He knows where we are and what we need in every season of our lives.
5. Went to “meet the teacher” morning at preschool and I’m very excited about Gus’ teacher this year!
6. 2 years ago Josh got up at 3:30 a.m. to wait in line at Gus’ preschool to assure him a spot in the 3 year old class!
7. Picnic style breakfast this morning on the pallet left over from movie night.
8. My new water bottle.  I’ve had twice as much water today than I usually do.  Trying to get better at that.
9. Got to hold Beau for 20 minutes or so in her dark room this morning.
10. The softness of Beau’s skin.
11. Restful afternoon.
12. Josh made the kids lunch.
13. My friend Briana’s little girl is in the same class. So nice to have a friend to sit by at preschool events.
14. God helps me figure out what to say when someone who doesn’t know what happened asks when I had the baby.  I dreaded those situations at first, but they get easier every time.
15. Disneyland tickets arrived safely in the mail today!!
16. Gus and Beau are complete opposites, yet they are both so awesome!
17. Gus took a nap this afternoon.
18. I got to shop for school supplies today!  One of my favorite things to do when I was little.
19. Playing with Beau in her closet floor today.
20. Josh’s day off.
21. BBQ chicken and corn on the cob for dinner courtesy of Chef Josh.
22. “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin.  Such awesome, vivid words.
23. Filling out a little about me paper for Gus’ school and I asked him what makes him special and he said “I’m a gift from God.”
24. Gus’ little slicked back hair after a bath.  So very dapper.
25. Josh is very hands on when it comes to picking out the kids clothes and shoes.  I like an involved dad!
26. Watched Forrest Gump tonight with my “best good friend.”
27. Gus was fever free all day today!
28. Josh and I always get in bed together.  Even if he’s not tired.

Day 25

Today I had to go back to the doctor for my post natal check up.  I have to admit, I wasn’t really looking forward to it.  Memories of the last time I was there are still so fresh in my mind.  I can still see the ultrasound monitor with no flashing light.. no heartbeat.

But, I got some tears out last night and thanks to the advice of my friend J.J. I decided to “stick it to the devil and let him know that not only am I going to this appointment in peace, but that one day I will go to multiple OB appointments when I am pregnant with the next Baby Blount who is healthy and thriving, who goes full term, and fulfills all the plans God has for him/her ON THE EARTH.”  Yeah, she’s an awesome friend!

So I get there and I’m feeling good, thinking of things I’m thankful for for my list, and waiting…. and waiting… and waiting some more.  After 45 minutes I was starting to get a little irritated by all the waiting, and then I looked up and saw a girl who was all alone, leaving the lobby in tears.  I’ve been in that office at least 25 times and I’ve never seen anyone walk out in tears.  I got up and followed her out the door and caught her before she got on the elevator.  I asked her if she was okay.  She said she just found out she had miscarried.  I told her how sorry I was and about what had happened to me just 7 weeks ago and how God has helped me every step of the way since then.  She was a Christian.  She let me pray with her and hug her for a while.

It was not a coincidence that I made my appointment for today. Or that my doctor was even slower than usual at seeing me.  I know God wanted me to be there to comfort Paige.  Her husband was at work.  She had no one to hold her and tell her it was going to be okay.  I’m so glad God used me to do that for her.

A few minutes later I finally got called back to see the doctor, and I was fired up!  I was bursting with excitement and felt like I was glowing as I was talking to him about what God has been doing in our lives since the last time he saw us.  God heard my prayer and this appointment was not sad, but wonderful.  So first on my list tonight..

1. God’s perfect timing!  Being in the right place at the right time to be Jesus to someone.
2. The boldness that came over me.  I’m not usually the type to talk to crying strangers.
3. My doctor’s encouragement about future pregnancies.
4. J.J.’s message.
5. That God heard me singing out last night “I wanna be used by you”
6. Anna Hall for praying for me during my doctors appointment.
7. The 45 minutes I had to wait.. got to read my Bible and write some of this list.
8. Saw a post from a friend on FB yesterday- she was praying her son would get to take his cast off early and he got it off today, 12 weeks early!!  Thank you Lord for going above and beyond.
9. Grocery shopping with my favorite girl.
10. My sister Mindy bought me the song “Speak Life”  Love the words!!
11. Bought our tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parade!!
12. Bills are paid!
13. The great sound system in Josh’s car that helped me welcome God with praise this morning on the way to the doctor.
14. Josh mowed the grass!  We can play outside again!
15. I’ve got 3 pairs of blue eyes I get to see everyday.
16. Marry Poppins movie night!  It was “practically perfect in every way!”
17. Gus kept telling me how much Bert reminded him of Twist from the Fresh Beat Band.  Good observation!
18. Beau trying to tap dance like the penguins in the movie.
19. Vanilla Sleepy Time Tea.
20. My mom’s pink terry cloth robe.  I remember getting it and covering up with it anytime I didn’t feel good.
21. Gus wasn’t feeling good tonight and I let him snuggle with my robe.
22. Gus’ Darth Vader sleeping bag.  He thinks it’s so cool to sleep in our room every once in awhile.
23. Home made burritos.
24. Josh finished designing the new CD art for “I Believe In Jesus” and added a special note from his heart for Felix.
25. Gus is feeling better!
26. Great study time this morning.
27. I noticed I booked a very important Breakfast at Disney World with Pooh Bear for Beau on the wrong day.  I thought it might be too late to find any other openings, but thankfully Beau & Pooh will get to have lunch together!
28. Josh changed Beau’s crib sheets for me.

Day 24

My daughter Beau is 17 months and she’s still pretty little.  She measures 32 inches tall, which makes her 40 inches shorter than her dad.  Much of her day is spent walking around looking at everyone else’s legs, so she loves it when someone bends down to her level.  When I read this verse I thought of Beau and the way Josh will bend down to listen to her little jibber-jabber.

Psalm 116:2 Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath.

What a sweet verse.  Just like Josh bends down to listen to Beau, our heavenly father bends down to listen to us.  God gives us His undivided attention.  Sometimes when I pray it seems like I am just jibber-jabbering, but He knows the secrets of my hearts and He’s there listening attentively, getting it all down.

That melts and stirs my heart all at the same time.  Because He listens, because it’s not a waste of time, because He answers us, I will pray as long as I have breath!

1. YouVersion for making that the scripture of the day the other day.
2. My sister Mindy, for posting it on her wall.
3. The way He speaks to us in such personal ways.
4. The way He listens to me when I pray.. totally focused on what I’m saying.
5. Anointed time of prayer today with some really amazing ladies.
6. Free childcare at Gateway during small groups.
7. Gus loved his class and asked if he could go back tomorrow.
8. The childcare is more than just playing and watching movies they actually take time to teach them a lesson.
9. Kids were fed and ready for nap time when I picked them up.
10. Beau is never in a rush.  She always takes time to stop and smell the roses.. literally.
11. Someone said something that reminded me of something important I was supposed to do tonight!  So thankful I did not forget about it.
12. Quiet afternoon with the kids and play-doh.
13. I left my journal at a friend’s house and she made a special trip to bring it back to me.
14. I found Beau before she had time to get the toothpaste she found all over the house.
15. Cereal or sandwich night!
16. Chopsticks.  This book made me laugh out loud as I was reading it to Gus.  Very cute!
17. I finally got all 1,460 pictures off of my iPhone and onto my computer so I can take new pictures again.
18. How easy it is to capture cuteness with a camera phone.
19. He has delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.  Ps 116:8
20. He delivers us from tears but understands when we still shed a few.
21. Spent the whole evening talking with my husband.
22. Gus’ C3P-0 voice.
23. My extra thick hair takes a while to blow dry & straighten, so on hair washing nights I get lots of time to spend with God.
24. “I Want To Be Used By You”  A great song by Deluge.
25. A game of name that tune at dinner.
26. I had time to update the music on my iPhone.  I have had the same play list for the last 3 years.. so happy to have some new songs to listen to.
27. Beau cried when we had to get her out of the bathtub because she wasn’t done playing with her new Pooh Bear from Grammy.
28. I didn’t want to play black eyed monster and police robot with Gus this afternoon, but I did and I could tell it made his day!

Day 23

The night we were in the hospital to deliver our son Felix (who was still born) my mother in law, Trudi woke up to pray for us around 4 a.m.  She did not like that we were alone in the hospital going through such a dark, dark time.  She wanted to be there with us, but she was staying with our kids.  As she was praying God showed her something amazing- me in the hospital bed, Josh next to me, and Jesus right there in the room with us.  He wanted her to see that we weren’t alone.

When she told us that a verse came to me.  Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

The Lord inhabits (dwells, remains, abides) the praises (songs or hymn of praise) of His people.  When Trudi woke up to pray and saw Jesus there with us was right when we decided that we were going to praise God!  We turned on some worship music and began to sing praises to Him in the midst of our pain and heartbreak.  I believe our praises welcomed Jesus into that room with us.  I know He was there.  I know what she saw was real.

I can’t help but think about that now when I’m worshipping at church, in the car, the shower or wherever.  Jesus shows up in really special ways when we praise Him.

He is surrounded with the praises of angels, yet he is pleased to live in our praises!  Oh, how He loves us!

1. To borrow a line from another Matt Redman song… Never Once Did We Ever Walk Alone!
2. God woke more than one person up that night to pray for us.. all at the same time.
3. God doesn’t mind that I don’t sing like an angel.. He still lives in my praises.
4. A few weeks ago Gus’ pediatrician screened his eyes and said he may need glasses.  We didn’t want him to have to mess with that as a 4 year old.  We have been speaking the word over his eyes and today we went to a child Ophthalmologist and he said Gus’ eyes were great and he will not need glasses!  Praise God!
5. 42 years ago Trudi Burk & Ken Blount became Mr & Mrs Blount.
6. They got saved the first year of their marriage.
7. They got filled with the Holy Spirit shortly after they were saved.
8. They believed God would make the barren woman to keep house and be a joyful mother of children and God healed Trudi and they had my sister in law Brooke.
9. They believed God again and had my husband Joshua.
10. They have always obeyed God!  Even if it meant moving to a new state, leaving behind a successful business to start a Christian cowboy show for kids.
11. They have modeled a Godly marriage to us and to countless others.  They are the real deal!
12. They prayed me into Josh’s life.
13. They welcomed me in as their daughter and they truly feel like a second set of parents to me.
14. They have walked us through some of the hardest times in our lives.
15. They love my kids and my kids love them.  They are such wonderful grandparents.
16. They started Ken Blount Ministries and now I’m blessed to work there!
17. Thank you God for bringing together those 2 farm kids in the tiny town of Kress Texas.  For saving them and for forever changing my life!
18. 21 new books from the library and got to spend at least an hour reading them with Gus this afternoon.
19. Gus is not ashamed to do puppet shows at the library and sing songs about Jesus very loudly so everyone can hear!
20. My house is clean again!
21. Beau said “thank you” today!!
22. Gus got to play with his friend Connor tonight.
23. I got to have some one on one time with Beau while the boys played.
24. I made a meal for my family tonight that my mom used to make for our family growing up.
25. “Don’t worry we are almost home sugar plum” – Gus to Beau on the way home this afternoon.
26. I got to talk to my nephew for a little while today.
27. Purchased our park hoppers for Disney World!!
28. Saved $104 through Orlando Ticket Club.

Day 22

I’ve always heard about how David was “a man after God’s own heart.”  That ‘s a pretty popular verse from the Bible.  It’s on greeting cards, Father’s Day Face Book posts, read at funerals, men’s retreats, and so on.  Sometimes when you hear things so frequently they can become familiar and lose some of their value.  But when I read those words this morning, they really stood out to me.

King Saul believed in God.  He even knew about making sacrifices.  In 1 Samuel 13 he made a sacrifice to the Lord, but He didn’t do it like God had commanded Him to.  He did it on his own terms.  And He lost His kingdom because of it.

1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”

It wasn’t that God was looking for someone perfect.  Saul’s replacement was King David who definitely was not perfect, but he was a man after God’s own heart.  He was after God’s mind, will, and understanding.

What was the difference between Saul’s relationship with God and David’s?

Saul was more concerned with his will than God’s will.  David knew God’s will was most important.

For Saul, Saul was king.  For David, the Lord was King.

Saul made excuses for sin.  David repented.

Saul thought God would help him achieve goals.  For David, God was the goal.

God knows what we are after in our relationship with Him.  I want to be after his heart- his will, his mind, his understanding.  I want my motives to be pure, because I know he never stops searching.

1. For David Guzik’s really great commentary on 1 Sam 13:14.
2. That God is still searching for those after His heart.
3. The reminder to keep my relationship with God about Him.  It’s not about what He can do for me.
4. My niece and nephew got prophesied over last night.  I’m so glad they got to experience such an amazing gift of the Spirit.
5. Nice morning for a walk and bike ride with the kids.
6. My parents did a god job documenting things in my life like the first day of school.  I loved seeing all of my friend’s pictures of their kids on their first day today and it made me think of my first day pictures.
7. My 3rd grade teacher.  Mrs. Day.  My favorite teacher by far.  She saw the gift of writing in me and encouraged me to pursue it even at such a young age.
8. My parents for taking me to Young Authors Conferences when I was in elementary school.  They always let me try out things I was interested in.
9. Memories of walking to school every day with my little brother after watching Rugrats.
10. That same little brother is now a school teacher!  Thankful God has placed him somewhere where he can make a difference in his student’s lives.
11. I got to stay in the same school district from kindergarden until I graduated.
12. I got to graduate from high school a year early.
13. Found a new snack Beau absolutely loves.  Sun Snack Mix Ups Berry Crunch.
14. Fun play date this morning!
15. My friends don’t mind a messy house.
16. Watching the sun come up with Beau through the upstairs windows.  I could tell she really thought it was beautiful.
17. Filled out a new patient form for Gus and was able to mark “no” next to all of the past medical issue questions.
18. My sister Mindy takes so many pictures at family events.  I miss not being able to go to all the birthday parties, but when I see her pictures they make me feel like I was there.
19. My parents were just on a mini vacation and spent their first night helping a lady who had been beat up by her boyfriend get to a safe place and shared Jesus with her.
20. My mom takes after her dad!
21. Beau gets so excited about nap time everyday.  What a good baby!
22. When I opened a package of receipts I got in the mail from Ken Blount Ministries there was a surprise new make up brush!
23. Beau took a 3 hour nap this afternoon!  I think she’s still recovering from her trip to Tulsa.
24. Gus told me he missed Beau and asked if he could wake her up from her nap.
25. My friend Anna brought over all of her girls size 6 shoes for Beau to borrow.
26. I put 5 things on Ebay last night and 3 were already sold this morning!
27. ‎537 precious people were born again this weekend at Gateway!
28. Cabins booked at Robbers Cave for Newsom/Haggard family reunion next June!

Day 21

What does the Lord take pleasure in?  What makes Him delight?

I’ll give you a hint.  It’s the same thing I wrote about yesterday that brings us inexpressible joy.  Remember?

It’s Trust!  When we trust in Him it not only brings us joy, but it brings Him joy too!

Psalm 147:11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

When we fear (revere, stand in awe of, reverence, honor, respect) the Lord, it’s pleasing to Him because that fear turns into trust and honorable men love to be trusted!

In the verse before we find out He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.  

Seabiscuit, Michael Phelps.. not impressed.  Someone standing on the word and trusting God for healing.. now that’s what He’s talking about!

Every child of God wants to please Him, many think it’s impossible.  But it’s not! He’s pleased every time we put our trust in Him.  So based on the scripture yesterday and the scripture today it seems to me like trusting God is a win-win!

1. That there is a way I can bring the creator of pleasure pleasure!
2. God’s not impressed with my own righteousness, but faith pleases God!  I can do that!
3. Making eggs for breakfast with Gus.  He cracked all 6 all by himself!
4. Me, my parents, brother, sisters, niece & nephew were all praying together last night and this morning.  I’m thankful that we will see the fruit of what we have all been praying for soon!
5. My sister’s husband got the job they were believing God for.
6. God spoke to my sister in a really cool way about when she should have her quiet time.
7. We had four first time visitors in my class at church this morning.
8. Gus in his v-neck shirt.
9. Linda Swanson.  One of the most faithful volunteers Gateway Frisco has.  Glad I got to work with her this morning in our packed classroom!
10. Gus was excited about going to “The Lord’s House” today!
11. I finally got my “Strengths Finder” book!
12. Cliff MoJo Chocolate Almond Coconut bar.
13. Josh got to take a well deserved nap this afternoon.
14. Hearing Gus scat sing around the house today.
15. Pastor Bill Sheer’s “Healed” message.
16. Jesus took stripes on His back for me personally.
17. Beau holding my fingers with her warm little hands before bed tonight.
18. Gus’ first response when anyone is not feeling good is prayer.
19. The sweet picture of Gus and his little buddy Nolan.
20. Early to bed night!
21. Hearing Gus laugh hysterically while Josh does his bed time routine.
22. Almost all of my siblings were at a church somewhere with their families this morning.
23. I’ve been redeemed from the curse of the law!  (Gal 3:13)
24. I found an all girl fantasy football team to be apart of this year!
25. Hot baths.
26. Cuddling and watching football.
27. A sweet family at church blessed us with a gift card to go out on a date and free babysitting!!
28. Josh is always the first to read my blog and tries to help me fix any typos.

Day 20

Only once do the words “Joy Inexpressible” occur in the New Testament.

You can find them in 1 Peter 1:8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

When we put our trust in God it brings us joy.  But not just any joy, a joy so profound it’s beyond the power of words.  That’s some serious joy!  When I read that verse it reminded me of these lyrics that my husband Josh wrote  for a kid’s song called “Love Out Loud”

I can’t see Him, I can’t touch Him, but I know He’s here with me.

I can’t hug Him, but I love Him and I show Him when I sing.

What a great picture of how children view their Savior.  They don’t need to see or feel something to believe He’s real.  They just trust.  And in return they are full of joy.  Most kids I know have way more joy than most adults that I know.  I think it comes from their ability to trust.

If you want some inexpressible joy (and who doesn’t?!) trust like a kid today!

1. The joy we receive in return for trusting God.
2. Even though I’ve never seen Jesus or touched Him, I just have to look around and can see Him in His creation.
3. Got the good two seats facing forward grocery cart at Target this morning.
4. Josh helped me put away groceries, put away dishes, and helped make the kids lunch.
5. Crock pots!  Love coming home Saturday night after church to a home cooked meal.
6. Fun afternoon at a birthday party for one of Gus & Beau’s sweet friends from church.
7. Got to see lots of gals from church today and visit while the kids partied!
8. The way Beau looks in blue.
9. Gus and I quote “wasn’t so sure” about the girly party today.  He’s getting so big!
10. Josh told me I was a good mom.
11. Josh has to dress up for church.  I like a guy in a tie.
12. The great new study my mother in law is doing on the accomplished woman.
13. Very satisfying tortilla soup for dinner.
14. Gus in his Peter Pan hat and Beau in her fairy wings.
15. We live in a country where we have the right to go to church.
16. Fridge and pantry are full once again.
17. My sister is coming to church again this weekend!!!
18. Even though it was a very busy Saturday I accomplished all that needed to be accomplished around here.
19. I remembered to grab my notebook before church!
20. Gus always goes into “If You’re Happy and You Know It” for Beau if she gets fussy in the car.. and it always makes her happy.
21. The volunteers that watched and ministered to Beau & Gus so I could go to church tonight.
22. The message about being born again Pastor Robert preached.  Everyone, everywhere should hear it.
23. For all of the people that made the decision to get born again tonight at church.
24. Got to take communion at church.  So thankful for His body that was broken for me and His blood that was shed for me.
25. I remembered to take back the movie we rented yesterday.
26. Gus’ bedtime prayer tonight was so sweet and sincere.  I agree, we have the best Lord ever.
27. The family picture Gus drew at church tonight.  His stick figures have improved!
28. He has won the victory!  He has won it all for me!

Day 19

Psalm 145:2 (amp) Every day (with it’s new reasons) will I bless You (affectionately and gratefully praise You); yes, I will praise your name forever and ever.

I love how the amplified reminds me that everyday brings new reasons to praise God.  Everyday!  Everyday we can get up and expect God to give us new reasons to be thankful.  New reasons to praise Him.  But, I think if we aren’t looking for them, it’s easy to miss them!  That’s why I am totally enjoying the mission God gave me: for my heart to find 10,000 reasons to praise the Lord over 365 days.

Today when we got home we got an unexpected bill in the mail.  We have the money for it, but it wasn’t something I wanted to spend money on.  I was tempted to gripe, complain, sigh, and groan about it a little, BUT I couldn’t!  I couldn’t let complaining come out of my mouth, because my heart was full of thankfulness.  And out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  (Luke 6:45)

My eyes have been opened to all of the wonderful things I have to be thankful for and for that.. I am thankful!

1. Everyday brings new reasons to give praise to my King!
2. My eyes have been opened to all that I have to be thankful for.
3. That we have the finances to be able to pay the unexpected bill.
4. We are home sweet home!
5. My sweet Beau missed her mamma!!!
6. Gus had a great time in Tulsa!  I loved hearing all about his little adventures there.
7. Josh & I got to pray together on the way to pick up the kids.
8. Chicken Biscuit from Chick Fil A for breakfast.
9. I realized the last time we made the drive to Tulsa was when we had just found out Felix was gone.  How different the drive felt this time.. just 7 weeks later.  SO thankful for all the healing that’s taken place in our lives.
10. Safe travels all weekend for us, the kids, and grandparents.
11. Got to have lunch with my mom and dad.
12. Hearing my kids voices in the back of the car.
13. Beau took a great nap on the way home.
14. We didn’t have to drive all the way to Tulsa and all the way back today.  Glad my parents could meet us half way.
15. Beau noticed my toes were painted and was very excited about it.
16. The grandmas made sure all of the kids clothes were washed.
17. Beau loved her Pooh book just like I imagined.
18. Gus spent at least an hour studying his new book on the way home.
19. We got to listen to the mastered version of “I Believe In Jesus” in the car.  Josh & his dad produced and wrote the songs.  They all sound great.  I’m so proud of them!
20. Josh always drives on road trips.
21. My dad sent Gus home with a wooden truck and blocks he made for him.
22. The box of diapers my mom sent home with us.
23. The swing set is completely assembled and the kids are loving it!
24. I got to spend 72 hours straight with my best friend in the whole world and loved every second of it.
25. Josh helped me finish folding letters for work tonight.
26. Continued our staycation with a great movie night at home.
27. My perfect pillow.
28. Beau’s new word.. “puppy”  I’m almost tempted to get one, just so I can hear her say it all the time.. almost.

Day 18

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, saviour, friend;
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.

“Tis’ so sweet” is one of my favorite songs.  The words build my faith every time I sing them out.  I had it stuck in my head earlier and was curious about the story behind the song.  Here is what I found.

Louisa M.R. Stead (1850-1917) married at the age of 25 and later had a baby girl named Lily.  Several years after Lily’s birth the family was having a picnic at the beach when they heard a boy crying out for help in the water.  Louisa’s husband went in to rescue the boy and he and the boy both ended up drowning.  Louisa and her daughter could only watch from the shore.

What a heart breaking tragedy.  She could have become angry or bitter towards God like so many people do when bad things happen.  But she understood how good God was.  She knew God wasn’t the reason behind this.  So instead she turned to His word and put her trust in Him.  And out of her spirit she penned the lyrics to one of the most popular hymns ever written.  Beautiful!

1. I’m thankful someone found these words and put music to them.
2. I have personally proved him over and over!
3. We knew enough about the goodness of God that we never got mad of blamed Him when we lost Felix.
4. I had to borrow Josh’s phone for my quiet time this morning and the Psalm he had it opened to just so happened to be awesome.  145, good Psalm!
5. Josh reads and studies the Bible.
6. Got to do some serious sleeping in this morning.  9 am!
7. Tasty lunch at Pappasitas.
8. Afternoon movie.
9. Sour Patch Kids!  Had my first one in 6 weeks today.  If you know me you know that’s a long time to go without.
10. Walking around downtown Ft Worth hand and hand with my sweet husband.
11. Browsing around the book store together.
12. My new journal.
13. Piece of toffee I got at the German Chocolate Factory.  Yeah, I’m throwing all caution to the wind with my food choices on this little staycation.
14. Our hotel tonight is really nice and totally free thanks to some credit card reward points.
15. Gus & Beau got to go to the zoo with my parents (Grammy & Grampy) today.
16. Tastebuds.
17. Lonesome Dove Western Bistro.  Seriously Tim Love?!  What an amazing dinner.
18. Ancho chile chocolate cake!  The best dessert we’ve ever tasted, hands down!
19. Dark Knight Rises round 2 tonight.
20. Fun afternoon looking in all the leather smelling cowboy stores at the stockyards.
21. I get to see my kids tomorrow!!!
22. We found the cutest Pooh Bear book for Beau.  Can’t wait to give it to her.
23. Trees!  Enjoying the nice, mature trees here.
24. Josh & I like the same kind of movies.
25. Got to hear my little Peep talk about the “choo choo” she saw at the zoo.
26. Kisses
27. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness           (Ps 145:6 msg)  or a blog full of the details of your greatness.. Love that!
28. King size bed!

Day 17

Yesterday I wrote about how the praises of Paul & Silas not only loosed their chains, but also the chains of the prisoners around them who had heard them singing and praising God in the midnight hour.

The prisoners weren’t the only ones affected by the praise of Paul & Silas.

Acts 16:27-30 ²⁷ And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. ²⁸ But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” ²⁹ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

This jailer was about to kill himself and spend the rest of eternity in hell, but Paul had compassion for him and got him and his whole family saved!

The jailer heard Paul & Silas singing and praising God and then he experienced the love of Christ when Paul cared enough to stop him from taking his own life. The jailer was so impressed. He wanted the kind of life they had. He and his family were baptized that night! Verse 34 says, and he (the jailer) rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

This man went from being so fearful he was about to take his own life to REJOICING in just a matter of minutes. And all of it came from Paul & Silas’ decision to praise God in the midst of terrible adversity!

Let praise be on your lips today, no matter what! And impress people with the love of God!

1. Paul’s example of love in action.
2. That God never gives up on people and we shouldn’t either.
3. I got to wake up when I was finished sleeping.. no alarm clock set last night!
4. Extra time praying, studying, and reading this morning.
5. The really amazing burgers & onion rings we had at Chop House Burgers in Arlington. Thank you Triple D!
6. The hotel we booked through Priceline is right next to The Ballpark and we were able to walk to the game and saved $20 on parking.
7. That my husband likes to shop!
8. The cute, cheap shorts I found today.
9. New shoes!
10. That my first love, Jesus, is back in first place.
11. Our awesome seats at the game!
12. That we live close enough to big cities that staycations really feel like vacations!
13. GPS.  Turn by turn rules!
14. Sweet conversation with Gus on the phone.
15. The smell of baseball games. Takes me back to being a kid and going to watch the Drillers with my little brother.
16. Great weather tonight!
17. Free breakfast tomorrow thanks to Beltre’s home run in the 2nd!
18. Cute pictures Papa sent of Gus swimming today.
19. The impressive freshly brewed tea selection at Quiktrip.
20. Pastor Randy’s message on Ps 133.  Enjoyed studying it more this morning.  Unity brings the blessing of all blessings!
21. Dollar hot dog night!  We had 8 hotdogs between the two of us.. I had one.
22. Free wifi in the lobby.
23. The timing of this trip.  We planned it months ago and it came just when we needed it.
24. Josh laughs at my jokes.
25. House keeping!
26. Small beds in the hotel make cuddling a must!
27. I got to hear Beau say “mama, mama, mama” when she heard me on the phone.
28.  Josh hung out with me in the lobby so I could publish my list tonight.