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Showing posts with label Ann Voskamp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ann Voskamp. Show all posts

Monday, August 16, 2010

Pickled Gratitude



This weekend was very tiring.  We had a small group meeting that lasted well into the night/morning at my friend's house. Then that morning I went to a friend's garage sale at 7:00 (am)!! (I know crazy!) At 9:00 I went to a learn how to pickle pickles!  Lots of crazy fun.  Even though I am too tired to even remember the crazy fun I had, and I smell of vinegar, garlic and dill- I am one happy chick  turtle!

My mom always said that it was very easy to please me as a child.  I never asked for toys or expensive things.  Whether it was a plain comb or a walking doll, I had the same reaction.  I was grateful.  I often wonder how I developed such a deep gratitude for the ordinary.  I look back to my childhood (especially when I was 6) and recall one tragedy after another: the death of my father, my mother's move to Canada (without me), and a hurricane that devastated our lives.  Somewhere in my life as a child I realized that people trump things.  Instead of things I clung to memories of my father (starting at age 2), wishes of being with my mother (which came true a year later), and the everyday with the people that loved me.

Today, in the midst of my exhaustion, I am reminded again to give thanks for the people that love me in my everyday ordinary life.

My Mom- she is the life of the party and the party in my life
Libby - the younger sister I wish I had, and mother extraordinaire
Angel - a woman that is coming to know her strength and has limitless compassion flowing through her
Missy - she has taught me that judgement does not belong in friendships
Miss Pa - the Northerner who really belongs in the south
CC - a woman who came out of my prayers and into my life
Mille - our precious fitness guru

I thank God for the power house of friends he placed purposefully in my life.    Who are you grateful for today?

Join Ann Voskamp as she reminds us to be grateful.
holy experience

Monday, August 9, 2010

Gratitude on the Range



Our visit was cut short by the rain!  We will be back for the corn.



On Friday, my family joined another family on a farm visit in Zephyr, Ontario.  We saw the most beautiful chickens, white young turkeys and lazy pigs. In every direction we were met with a reminder of God's love for us.  Fields lined with sweet red strawberries, limitless skies, and children chattering in the background.  I just wanted to whisper "how great is our God?" As we walked around we also saw dirt, mud and unattractiveness.  This unpleasantness is where our nourishment comes from.  This is where we get the energy to grow and heal.   They partner with God to bring to our bodies what we turn away from.  I am filled with an overwhelming gratitude to the farmers and the workers that rise before the sun and cover themselves in dirt for our nourishment.  The rest of my gratitude list will be expressed in photos of our farm visit.  Bon appetite!

Nothing like the colour red on a farm!

The prettiest copper coloured chickens I have ever seen!



Can you tell how much we loved the chickens?




Pure White Young Turkeys



Three Billy Goats
The reason for our early departure.















Join Ann Voskamp as she encourages us to give thanks!

holy experience