Multitude Monday, Take 187

Though I've not managed to put up a Multitude Monday post for a couple of weeks now, I've been continuing to scribble lists of gifts in my journal. There are far too many to copy here, so this morning as I get back into the gratitude groove, I'll narrow my focus. After quite a bit of time away these last couple of months (between Jude's birth and extended visits to Ohio for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I think we've missed more Sundays than we've been there), I was especially glad to be worshipping with our church yesterday. This morning I find myself thanking God for...

1156. ugly moments in motherhood on Sunday mornings, reminding me how desperately I need the gospel
1157. songs of the saints--the ones that are my style and the ones that aren't, all filled with rich gospel truths
1158. men who read Scripture to us and speak passionately about it
1159. covenant membership
1160. a fantastic mothers' room, and the people who continue to work hard to make it comfortable and helpful

1161. the way our pastor preached Christ so beautifully from the story of Gideon in Judges 6--made me "wow" out loud
1162. broken crackers, a vivid representation of Christ's broken body
1163. tiny cups of juice, reminding me that I don't have to drink even that tiny a sip of the cup of His wrath, because Christ drained that cup to the dregs
1164. zuppa toscana and mac & cheese and meatballs and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting, and other foods that make up a love feast each week
1165. filling and sweet fellowship with brothers and sisters around the lunch table

1166. the question "How are you doing?" asked with a look and a tone that said, "No, how are you REALLY doing--I've prayed for you and I want an honest answer; I care."
1167. chocolate birthday cake, made by one of the fabulous cooks in our church for every.single.member's birthday
1168. babies, babies everywhere--the last baby of "hurricane season" arriving safely last week
1169. hospitality offered and received
1170. the knowledge that all this is a dim, dim reflection of the fellowship I will enjoy with my brothers and sisters worldwide when we are face to face with Him