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Monday, February 14, 2011

Continuing to find One Thousand Gifts. . .

Ann Voskamp continues to encourage us all to keep on counting our gifts daily. You can find a host of "gift-counters" by clicking the banner below. I'm warning you, though, you will come away with your heart warmed, a smile on your face, and a desire to start counting. . . . .



8. Warm rays of sun that turn the chill of my bones back to normal again. After several dark, damp cold days, the bright blue of the sunny skies is so welcoming and embracing.

9. An old wooden rocking chair on my back porch. A place where memories join me every time I sit there -- memories of watching a little brown puppy I named "Buster" explore and run and chase balls and butterflies. Memories of deep, anxious thoughts when the battle for life was being fought with chemo, radiation and surgery. Memories of weakness --- when it took everything within me (and the help of a pole) to get up out of that rocker. Memories of strength when the battle was over, health returned full and renewed and flowers bloomed once again.

10. A pair of titmice who seem to know better than I do that God is faithful and that Spring always follows Winter. With the first hints of longer days, warmer suns and budding trees, these two are arguing as to which is the better of the birdhouses. One has a bigger doorway. One is higher than the other. One has a wooden roof, the other a tin roof. One is bigger. One is on a pole and the other on a tree. Does any of it matter??? It does to titmice!

11. A note from a friend I never knew I had! We blog, we share our lives, our thoughts, our prayers, our fears. Some leave comments and we appreciate them so much. Some become friends and pray for us, and we thank God for the encouragement and faithfulness of their walk iwth us. Then comes a "delayed gift." I find out I've been on someone's prayer list these past few years. Someone who found my blog and whispered my name before the Throne of Grace as I tried to find my way down the unknown paths of Cancer. Thank you, Penni!

12. A box from my sister-in-law containing some books that were special to my brother, Tony, along with many hand-written notes -- things he wanted to remember, things he deemed very important, things that only make me wish I had known him better, things that cause my heart to yearn for deeper things - gifts I have to dig for.

13. A Hershey's Kiss from a smiling gal at the drive up window at the bank. It made me smile and it tasted soooooo good!

My prayer today is that you, too, will look for the gifts left for you, take the time to unwrap each one carefully and treasure them with a thankful heart!

14 comments:

ByLightOfMoon said...

Hi Cora,
It is SO WOnDerFul to see you online again. I think of you so often. Give Buster a nose kiss for me!
I adore your new pink chair! I am Love'in it! So special!

I pray you are doing well.
Blessings, Cyndi

Annesta said...

Cora,
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog to read my post today and make a comment. You are so right, when we stop to count all that God has given us, we are changed from the inside out!
It is so nice to make friends from the blogs that we read.
I truly enjoyed reading your post.
blessings
~a

Southern Comfort said...

I enjoyed looking at your blog today. Thank you for the nice comments you left for me to read on by blog. You asked about the little hats I've been crocheting, and if I have a pattern. I'm sorry to say that I don't do well with patterns. I have a few basic stitches that I know, so I just make up the hats as I go! Check here for patterns, they have millions.http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/baby_hats.php

Jane D. said...

Hello Cora, thank you for dropping by my blog, grief is a strange beast and you are in my prayers now I know you! So pleased you have started to count your blessings with a community, it certainly has deepened my relationship with God x x x x

Kathleen said...

Cora, just reading your post was a gift! So heart warming and touching! Blessings,Kathleen

His girl said...

I loved reading of the precious ways God has blessed you this week! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your sweet comment. Blessings!

Donna said...

Hi Cora,
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am so encouraged by your story, your journey, your ability to receive Love.

In joy...

Paula said...

Wonderful post, Cora!! Each one of those "gifts" are so incredibly special and sweet!!

The Urban Chic said...

Cora, thanks for visiting my blog. I do appreciate the prayers and the prayer you posted today is beautiful and will help get me through this day. Hugs, Pat

Craig said...

I know it’s Friday and Ann’s “Multitude Monday” was ages ago – but there are so many lists to get through. I’m really glad I made down to yours.
Before I tell you may favorite one I have to say amen – that reading these lists does warm the heart – so true (and good of you to issue the warning :)

And my faves?? ~ 13. A Hershey's Kiss from a smiling gal at the drive up window at the bank. It made me smile and it tasted soooooo good! (I loved them all – and the fact that you explained them – not just a list – but how could I resist the one that involved chocolate ?)

God Bless and Keep You and yours

KathyB. said...

I love your posts, really! I forwarded a link to your blog on to a dear friend struggling with cancer. Your love for Jesus and daily appreciation of the joys He gives are always uplifting to me, and your past posts of struggle with cancer ( even when you were down-hearted but still trusting Him )left me cheering and praying for you, and still encouraged. Thank-you Cora.Give Buster an extra scratch under the chin for me.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

We all, no matter what, have many blessings. Its the little ones that mean so much.

God Bless you for getting the word out. I orded 3 books for some friends.

Praying your day is full of peace and the lords grace.

Leaon Mary said...

I'm smiling.....
and thanking God with you and for you.....
holykisses xoxoxo
~^~

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Thank you for stopping by and your sweet words - they are a gift to me and I appreciate them very much!! Take care - HUGS!!