must keep counting

With such a blessed and even privileged life, I don't know how I can be so annoyed by little things going wrong. I need to list the good, thank God for all of this and more, meditate on what is right and let the wrong go unaccounted for. 

Thank You, Father for

* such an incredible little boy who continues to grow bigger and stronger in size, heart, and prayers

* that white dog, who can't replace the last but does an amazing job of replacing what was once daily tears with new joy 

* the washer and dryer, the dishwasher, disposable disinfectant wipes, the robot vacuum, the self cleaning cat box... all of these convinces that make it possible for me to find time to enjoy life with my family and take care of myself

* the abundance of beautiful surroundings both inside and outside of my home

* a warm winter

* Mark Gungor's sermon about "I don't care", which the mere thought of can put me right back where I belong

* clothes, shoes, jackets, heat, food and water, supplies, cars, gas, homeschool, toys...

* God's love, jealousy, and faithful continuous pursuance

* the picture of my deep failure next to His much greater Grace and Forgiveness

* such love

Counting what Counts

I haven't found it from taking a pill. Not after a girls' night out or a deep house cleaning. I don't find it in a bottle or at the end of a fork. Not even in escaping far away in a good book or a morning massage. 

The only way I've been able to center myself with what is right and move forward with a better perspective has been to read God's Word and count what counts.  

Anytime that I stop and make an account of what is Good, I am changed for the better immediately. 

At the fresh starting place of this new year I am beginning again, to everyday live in gratitude to God for all that I have, in all things. 

Each week on Monday I'm going to sit down and type one of these lists here:

* aeropostale pajamas all day

* toys from one end of the house to the other

* the voices of my only child, his best friend, and our foreign exchange student all playing together

* fresh scentsy scents

* homeschool freedom and flexibility

* freshly purged and washed cabinets and fridge

* a happier, healthier, grain-free pug

* homemade cookies and ice cream

* laundry day and shows to watch for ironing

* pink cleated soft paws and no kitty surgery

* someone wonderful to dream with

* beautiful white snow covering dormant brown in waiting

* new and exciting beginnings

* God's provisions in ALL seasons of life