Rebekah's Insights

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As part of our Worship time this morning, the children went through magazines to find photos of things for which they are thankful. With scissors, they cut out the items, then placed them in a cornucopia. What began as a ten-minute activity, grew into over an hour of Liam and Aine scouring every old magazine they could find and cutting "Thankful Pictures." :)

Aside from how amusing the items sometimes were to their Daddy and I, (i.e., Nutella and Pop Tarts--LOL) it was so interesting and touching to see how many little things for which our little loves are grateful. Equally interesting, was the fact that once they began to think about being thankful, they couldn't seem to stop thinking of things for which they are grateful.

Some time ago, I had intended to record my "Thankful Pictures" (in words) here on the blog, as a record to remember. As the "To Do" list became unwieldy and the hours of sleep became few, that intention slipped from my mind. It was good to be reminded of it again, as I often find that in my life, it can be so encouraging to recount the Lord's blessings--even in times of sadness or discouragement. So, I'll give it another try. :)

I am reminded also of an old hymn from my childhood...

Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1897

"When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

* Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high."

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1. Grandparents and the richness they bring to our lives, when they give of themselves and share in our lives. Particularly, thirty-five wonderful years of knowing my Gram and having the privilege of spending so much time with her.
2. The hope found in knowing I will see her again one day in heaven, through Jesus' sacrifice--though we are sinners, Christ died for us.
3. God's Word, from which all meaning and purpose and comfort come.
4. Family members and friends whose love is demonstrated in action, not merely in word.
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Five years ago today, I had the joy of wrapping my arms around the tiny boy my heart had already been loving for nine months...or longer!

Today, I watch while he spells words and comforts his sister.

Tomorrow, I will try to slow the moments, and drink more deeply of the remaining time I have to train him, love him, and enjoy him as my little boy.

The yesterdays are gone forever.

I know that every moment is so precious...so fleeting...so important that I should never tire of filling each with all the love, and purpose, and Truth that I can.

And I know I have been given a great, undeserved gift.

Thank you, Father, for entrusting this amazing child to us these past five years.

Thank You for my Liam, on his fifth birthday...and for the grace to raise him in Your nurture and admonition.

My cup overflows.

Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

We have a new addition to our family! No, Baby Boy is still due to arrive late February/early March, but we have ANOTHER new boy!

On Friday, Bruno, our new yellow labrador puppy came home to live with us! :) We are delighted with him and are going through the "adjustment period" of working on house-training, crate-training, and adding his care and needs into our already full schedule!

I don't like to often use canned soups, due to the use of MSG and high-fructose corn syrup, but for a quick lunch, this is one of our favorites. This is one of those meals the children and I all enjoy eating equally well.

1 can Campbell's Reduced Salt Tomato soup
basil--fresh or dried

Prepare with water as directed, but add fresh or dried basil to taste, prior to heating through.

1-2 baguettes
shredded cheddar cheese
dijon mustard
garlic clove or garlic powder

Slice baguette lengthwise. If using a fresh clove of garlic, cut clove and rub on cut sides of bread. Spread on desired amount of dijon mustard. (If using garlic powder, sprinkle on top of mustard.) Top bread halves with cheddar cheese and toast in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.

We like to inhale dill pickles along with this meal and add in veggie sticks/applesauce/apples slices, whatever we have around for the day.

Mmmmm...enjoy!

Me: "Aine, why are you unbuttoning your dress?" (One half hour after getting dressed for the day.)

Aine: "So you can fix it, Momma!

And herein lies the reason I am NEVER bored and NEVER suffer from a lack of tasks to attend to!

Fine motor skills--check!