Multitude Monday, Take 215

"...gratitude truly is my life preserver. Even in the most turbulent waters, choosing gratitude rescues me from myself and my runaway emotions. It buoys me on the grace of God and keeps me from drowning in what otherwise would be my natural bent toward doubt, negativity, discouragement, and anxiety. Over time, choosing gratitude means choosing joy. But that choice doesn't come without effort and intentionality."

--Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Gratitude

Thanking God this week for...

1993. new salmon recipes

1994. lemonade

1995. unprompted kisses and hugs

1996. a foam sword at Target's Dollar Spot

1997. friends' coming over to play in the kiddy pool with us

1998. "Two Elijahs in the pool!"

1999. splashing and laughter

2000. Elijah's interest in sitting through a chapter book--our first!

2001. a phone conversation with my oldest friend

2002. a walk around the block, in spite of the heat

2003. a friend's humility in expressing her fear and need

2004. the opportunity to go help her

2005. friends' patient and gentle care for my boys

2006. a peach milkshake from Chick-Fil-A

2007. date night in

2008. new cloth diapers in the mail

2009. Elijah's asking to make bread with me

2010. friends who help me see things from a different perspective

2011. adopting me as His child

2012. the riches of His glorious inheritance

2013. fresh, local, wholesome produce from the farmers' market

2014. Steve's spending Saturday fixing various things

2015. lime lip balm finally found after months missing

2016. friends' anniversary, and God's preservation of their marriage through tough times

2017. friends here for dinner

2018. first bruschetta chicken of the summer

2019. kids giggling and loud

2020. the glorious truths of Romans, especially chapters 5 and 8