Step by step

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(graphic from holy experience)

Another step along the journey with the Gratitude Community...

201.

(image from Focus on the Family)

Hearing my older son say

that he wanted to give extra copies

of his kids' Christian magazine

to friends at his school who do not go to church

and praying with him over them

before he walked into his school

sowing seed.

202.

A beautiful e-card

sent from a friend

just to let me know that she is praying for me.

203.

Once again, the Lord has provided tuition

for one of our children to attend

their classical, Christian school,

this time through the generosity of my mother-in-law,

even though the donation is not tax-deductible.

204.

(my picture)

Discovering "God is grate!"

chalked onto our garage floor

by my younger son

when I came home from running errands

205.

Seeing two brothers console and encourage each other

with hugs and kind words

when both finished 4th without a trophy

in each of their den's run-off races

during the Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby.

206.

(my picture)

Telling my children that this

is how we love our neighbors as ourselves

as I show them my husband taking the initiative

to help two Cub Scouts at the pinewood derby

just before it started,

two boys who are being raised

by their widowed Muslim mother

who immigrated here from Africa,

by using his power tools and fishing weights

to help them alter their race cars

and give them a chance to win this year,

rather than coming in last in their dens like last year,

even though they were competitors to our sons in the race.

207.

(my picture)

Catching the contagious joy

as I watch my sons and their friends

slide down the stairs together

on their home made indoor "sleds"

made of slick nylon sleeping bags and

ending up in a heap of smiles and chuckles

at the bottom of the steps.

(my picture)

208.

Using a coupon to have a one-on-one breakfast time

with my younger son at McDonald's

and having fun taking pictures together

of each other in the car's rear view mirror

to remember our special time.

209.

Choosing not go to the Coldwater Creek store

for their 70% off sale

when I received their sale post card in the mail,

even though I really like their clothing,

and instead deciding to go to the CHKD thrift store

to buy pants that I need

so I can use the money I would save to bless others instead...

And finding there a Coldwater Creek pair of pants

for $3! (And a J. Crew pair for $5!)

210.

Quiet on a Sunday morning

to recall to mind

the love that my heavenly Father

has lavished upon me

as I grow this gratitude list.

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