Just like a tree...

I shall not,

I shall not be moved.
I shall not,

I shall not be moved.
Just like a tree planted by the water,
I shall not be moved.

One thousand gifts

I am now on a  journey with the Gratitude Community over at Holy Experience.  I am already feeling more at peace and refreshed as I begin to notice the large and small things that I am indeed thankful for.




 If you want to join in here are a few of the rules:

1. Pray that He may open the eyes of our hearts
2. Begin giving thanks for the daily washing in His fountain of Gifts--just on a scrap piece of paper or in a journal. Notice and write down from the obvious to little. And begin to feel more joy, less stress, better health, more connected in your relationships, and more delight in your everyday life. Praise is what we are made for!


My 1000 Gifts List #1-30

1. finding the 125th anniversary copy of Good housekeeping Magazine with First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover at a bookstore here in Istanbul.
2. the sounds of children laughing while playing in the street below
3. the calming beauty of the Bosphorus Strait
 4. warm cinnamon rolls
5. juicy strawberries eaten with the cinnamon rolls
6. Gabriel saying “hold me harder!” when we were out walking
7. watching Brianna crochet
8. Sophia watching me crochet and telling me how beautiful it is
9. watching Megan plan her parents coming home party
10. sharing all of this with Tom and Spencer
11. finding Christian books in unexpected places
12. Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s Chicken, camembert and cranberry sauce burger.

13. holding hands with Tom at the movies
14. worshiping in English at Union Church
15. restoration with God through His son Jesus Christ
16. feeling a cool breeze on my skin during the time of silent prayer at church.
17. meeting Sheryl and Terry and going out to lunch with them and the gang after church.
18. feeling better physically
19. Krispy Kreme donuts! original and raspberry filled
20. patient sales people
21. the kindness of strangers
22. fresh lemonade

23. the sense of feeling at home when I see a Pizza Hut or a McDonalds
24. American TV shows
25. Books in English
26. ice cubes
27. my Christian heritage
28. the changes that I feel taking place in me from our 6 weeks here in Istanbul
29. times of quiet

30. having history come alive for us here in the churches, mosques, palaces and museums we have visited

making memories

sipping hot tea from crystal cups with my husband on a short cruise to Prince’s Island in Turkey was surreal.

spending the day contemplating creation and enjoying the handiwork of God revived my soul.

i am grateful that we had that opportunity. it is a memory i will always cherish.

getting started

today i had the chance to spend some time alone in thought... that led me to start this blog.

so here goes.