Abundance of Blessings

26. The gift of a beautiful piano
27. Tomatoes ripening from the garden
28. Discussing with my children the Nativity Movie
29. Watching two little boys sword fight
30. Vacation Bible School
31. Teaching my kids to play Uno
32. Playing uno with a two year old -- Gives you plenty of laughs
33. Four children crammed into a toddler pool jumping and splashing
34. The ability to water my garden with a hose instead of hauling water by the bucket full
35. Precious time spent with distant family
36. Baking with my oldest
37. Rainchecks!
38. A special date with my husband
39. Listening to my daughter practice music
40. A running air conditioner during the heat of summer

God gives us so many blessings and gifts.  Everyday I am thankful for the precious blessings He has placed in my hands.

Thank you Father for teaching me to love.

Contentment

We have been discussing contentment frequently in our home.  Amongst my children, the discussion revolves around being content with what is served during mealtime, contentment and gratitude for the toys and books that we already have, and contentment with the activities that we are able to do as a family. 

As a reminder to myself, I have been working on having a spirit of contentment with what God has given us, and the ministry we have been placed into.  This afternoon as I was scrolling through the blogs I follow, I came upon A Holy Experience.  Ann Voskamp published a post today entitled

How to {help} Raise Grateful Kids

I love the wonderful ideas she posts about how to instill gratefulness in our children.  She included several ideas I plan to begin implementing into our daily routine.  I especially appreciate the idea of having the children each write out what they are thankful for each day on a post it note and placing it on the window (although I might use the wall instead).

I would love to hear your ideas about teaching gratefulness to children (and to yourself).

Today I am grateful for:

1. The sunshine so I can get out and weed my flowerbeds.

2. The beautiful blossoms on the fruit trees giving hope for delicious fruit later this year.

3. My adoring husband who gives his adoration freely when I am so undeserving.

4. The amazing technology that can bring people together (when used properly).

5. The daily encouragement and joy I find in the presence of my Lord each day.

6. Five beautiful and healthy children

7. The blessing of spiritual mentors both nearby and far away.

8. Godly parents who support our family in our journey of parenthood and ministry.

9. The daffodills that grace my kitchen table (with thanks to my neighbor for allowing my daughter to pick them).

10. For nap time which gives me a few minutes to sit down and refresh before heading to the next task on the list.

11. For the ability to work and care for my amazing family.

I could go on, but I will continue this list another day.  Now, please share below what you are thankful for today.