Entry #19

#201 - My bed...it is an air bed, but I keep the air low and "fill" it with a feather "bed." Then I have two fluffy feather comforters. Feathers are incredible to sleep on and in and nestled in with! I LOVE my bed! (I see my last entry was for my feather pillows! LOL!)

#202 - When God opens a door clearly, what a blessing it is. To know that I am walking in His will, His ways...doing that which he prepared for me to do from before time began. What a blessing that is!

#203 - For Neighborhood Fellowship Group last night. It was nice to be with friends, sharing a meal...and the home we were in was so cozy and festive with holiday decorations laid out in such a lovely way.

#204 - For Jordan, my dog from the Sacramento Animal Shelter. He is a HUGE blessing to our family.

He takes on the energy of our crazy golden retriever, Daisy, and deals with it so much better than we ever did. He "smiles" this big funny toothy grin when he sees us. He is so well-mannered (most of the time) and is the best animal thing we have done in a long time.

#205 - A wonderful friend's little Arab mare, Tani, that I got to ride yesterday. She is so willing and eager and calm and reliable and just THE best.

#206 - For a horse back ride with my daughter yesterday. It was a bit warmer than it had been, but with the sun out and it was cool, crisp, beautiful...and the horses were dialed in and on our page. I loved having time with my daughter.

#207 - Twice this last week, my two kids and I did a three way group hug...This is HUGE! Daniel doesn't ordinarily want to show any physical affection for Michaela...but twice he did. Oh, how it makes my heart sing when that happens!

#208 - Daniel confessed his concern about a new computer game that he had bought..I guess it affected his conscience. I praise God that this is the case...his tender heart and willingness to confess his need not to play it.

#209 - For my husband's diligence...he has faithfully worked at getting our horse trailer screened as required by the property owners association. Yesterday we completed one big part of it and I am thankful for that and thankful for him.

#210 - I have loved all the rainless days we have had. I know that is about to end with the storm system coming in. I have enjoyed getting to ride four times this past week...three with friends...what a blessing! I have so loved getting to know one friend from church better as we have ridden this fall together 1 to 3 times each week together as the weather has allowed. We have similar hearts for our horses and training and we pray together before we go out...Thank you, Lord.

Entry #18

#190 - The wind whispering through the leaves of the trees.

#191 - The warmth of the sun's rays--even in mid-November!

#192 - A wonderfully soft pony nose -- Doc Tari's -- that is so kissable and the sweet smell of the hay that he enjoys on his breath.

#193 - For a husband who is so willing and eager to serve the Lord, serve His family, and love me through service.

#194 - For the smell of bacon wafting through the house...hubby made breakfast for the kids...bless him!

#195 - Warm feet, wrapped in my fuzzy furry slippers!

#196 - Good morning kisses from my 13 and 15 year olds.

#197 - Jesus has won the victory...it isn't a "maybe," but is a "DONE DEAL!"

#198 - For freedom in Christ that allows me to follow His leading personally and uniquely.

#199 - The way I get lifted up so totally when I praise and lift HIM up!

#200 - Feather pillows...all three of them! :-D

Entry #17

#171 For new trash cans (I know that sounds silly and I won't explain it, but God knows!)...
#172 For the cedar chest now snuggled into the bay window near our dining table (another one that God understands...LOL!)
#173 For my pony, Breezy, who continues to give me wonderful rides during which I can fellowship with friends with whom I wouldn't otherwise spend time.
#174 For lunches out with my Mom--that she is fun to be with and still in good health at 82 years of age.
#175 That God has removed the extra weight from my body, lowered my blood pressure, and that I no longer fear keeling over from a heart attack...
#176 For the privilege of leading a Thin Within class at my church.
#177 For the joy that the ladies in my TW class give me. Oh! How I LOVE them so! Lord, don't you just love them so? :-)
#178 For Jordan, the dog we got at the shelter about 6 weeks ago...God has used him to help heal our hearts, we missed Samson and Bo so much...and still do, though Jordan helps so much. He is such a blessing!
#179 That I can nap with my arms around "psycho-dog" Daisy...she is crazy much of the time, but does a good imitation of a stuffed animal when I snooze with her and cuddle with her.
#180 For my mustang, Dodger's, huge try...
#181 For Harley, my Morab horse, and his incredible beauty and the joy he gives me.
#182 For Doc, my big baby (another horse) ...who has the most kissable nose on the planet! He is just so incredibly sweet, even though he is in such pain all the time.
#183 For a husband who loves you, Lord.
#184 For a family time last night of watching the movie, Amazing Grace, and even how it tied in with some of the things the kids have been learning about in our history class in homeschool! That was an unplanned blessing! (Thank you that Daniel CHOSE to join us!)
#185 For the privilege of participating in the writing of the Thin Within book with Judy and Dr. Arthur...I still shake my head at how atonishing that was...is...and the continued blessings that come from that.
#186 For the pre-release copy of "Raising Fit Kids in a Fat World" that Judy sent me! Oh, Lord! I can't wait to see what you DO with this! It is sooooo reflective of your wisdom, your fun-loving nature, and joy in your Children! Thank you for the privilege of letting me participate in that project as well.
#187 That my two teenagers still cuddle me, hold my hands, put their arms around me--even in public!!!
#188 For the privilege of homeschooling another year...
#189 For my retreat time with you, Lord, where you helped me to see YOUR priorities for my life...I have your peace as a result, even if there seems to be so much to do in the time I have.
#190 For a church that preaches and teaches your Word...thank you.

Entry #16

#161 - Thank you for safety on the trail, Lord! So many things going on during yesterday's short ride, but you kept others of us safe. Please be with the woman who was life flighted out...heal her injuries and be her sustainer and her satisfaction.

#162 - That Harley is recovering from an overuse injury.

#163 - That I get to homeschool my kids this year after all!

#164 - For the beauty of the deep cerulean blue sky living here in the foothills...wow.

#165 - For the gift of music that you have clearly bestowed on my daughter. The way she can make the flute sing and never been given real instruction...it is astonishing to me and evidence that you are a Miracle Maker and Music Bringer. Thank you.

#166 - For reconciliation with a friend I have missed being close with. THANK YOU.

#167 - That a dear friend has such a godly spirit in the face of very challenging news. I see Jesus in you, my dear friend!

#168 - For BREEZY! He is MINE ALL MINE! (Well, no, I am just a steward of him as long as the Lord allows...LOL!)

#169 - THAT I GET TO HOMESCHOOL MY BABIES!!!!! (I know I said that already!)

#170 - For my riding buddy and dear friend who speaks truth to me...

Entry #15

#151 - For safety on the trail today with my daughter, Breezy, and Harley, even though there was a runaway horse (someone else's), a mountain biker, a scary oak branch that wanted to eat pony for breakfast, three pedestrians with ski poles (scary!) and various and sundry star thistle plants that planned to dine on horse hocks! Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful morning and that we were safe!

#152 - Bob home safely after being gone (again).

#153 - That Bob has a job, even if it *does* send him off a lot.

#154 - Safety from fire for another day. Thank you, Lord.

#155 - That I live in a place where I can do so many things in a day from snow skiing (in the winter), to water skiing (in the summer), to hiking the beautiful Sierras (even going to Yosemite!), to the ocean, horsebackriding on glorious trails (right off my property, too) and on and on. California *is* overpopulated and overpriced, but it is also BEAUTIFUL with access to everything!

#156 - For friends in women's biblestudy last Thursday night that allowed me to be authentic and honest about some of my biggest fears and biggest dreams...and that they felt safe enough to share there, too.

#157 - For my renewed friendship with "Susan," a friend from church with horses. She is one of only two people I feel I can totally focus on Harley when I ride with. Susan is a special lady with a lot of depth. I feel privileged to know her.

#158 - Daniel's newly emerging sense of humor. He has always had a sense of humor, but it is now officially "maturing" a bit. Instead of finding humor in making up jokes like : What do you call a Wal with a Mart? WALMART! (followed by dorky laughter, God bless him! LOL!), he is now able to bring humor into normal conversations in a very clever way. I am impressed!

#159 - Michaela's love for music and that she has fallen in love with yet another musical instrument she wants to teach herself to play. This time, it is the oboe! Goodness! Thank you, Lord, for placing in her a love of music and the skills to be able to learn so easily. WOW!

#160 - For my physical exam today with my doctor. Everything looks really good and since my last physical exam, my weight is down SEVENTY EIGHT POUNDS since June 6, 2006 on the doctor's scale. YOU ALONE, Lord! You alone! THANK YOU!

Entry #14

#141 - God speaks to His people, guiding, directing, convicting, encouraging, instructing. I am so thankful that He won't let me stay put, but continues to walk with me personally.

#142 - That Jesus is FULL of grace AND truth. Too much grace and holiness would be tossed aside, perhaps. Too much truth without grace and I would be pummeled without ever experiencing the encouragement that Jesus is so masterful at giving.

#143 - For Joe and Pam Donaldson - two amazing servants of God, dynamos, gifted servant-leaders to lead Thin Within into the next adventure or chapter!

#144 - For Judy Halliday, a precious mentor, friend, sister in the Lord who God has used profoundly in my life.

#145 - For a safe return home without any real problems...a totally safe and trouble free trip, in fact.

#146 - For Karla, a new friend who is also a Wycliffe bible translator to Papua New Guinea. Jan introduced us and wow...I was so blown away by the authentic walk this lady has with the Lord and that she shared with me. God is good. Not only that, but after hearing some of Michaela's story (my daughter who wanted to be a bible translator when she was four years old) about spiritual warfare, shared some encouragement that I could, in turn, pass on to Michaela.

#147 That Daniel loves tennis...I am praying it will be something God uses to help him connect at Forest Lake Christian School. He is taking lessons from the man who also happens to be the athletic director at the school.

#148 For Michaela's love for drama and music. I know God is using her even now and has plans for her life as well.

#149 That Bob did SUCH a great job caring for all the critters and kids while I was gone.

#150 That even when my weight vacillates, it doesn't have to spell disaster. I have a good attitude about it. I know God is freeing me from everything.

Entry #13

#131 For Jan, my friend in Tulsa, who God has used over the past 6 years to point me to Him repeatedly. Where would I be without Jan in my life? I am thankful I don't have to know!

#132 That a conference where we will share about the Lord and all He is doing in the lives of Thin Within participants is happening this weekend! THANK YOU, LORD!

#133 That He doesn't EVER give up on me. The Lord keeps working all the time, doing one new thing after another. He WILL perfect me until the day of Christ!

#134 For the beauty caused by rain in the summer here in Oklahoma (where I am on a trip). It is so verdant and lush, green and gorgeous! I hadn't counted on it raining the whole time I am here, but it is soooo green, it is hard not to be thankful for the rain at the same time!

#135 That Harley is home now (two weeks ago) and every day he has been home (until I left on this trip yesterday) he and I worked together and *rode* including trail rides. God has done an amazing work in this. I am soooooo thankful.

#136 God uses Harley to teach me about parenting. The thought "WHO is afraid of water crossings?" and the answer "ME, not Harley!" has made me realize that I have been projecting my fears of the kids going to school in the fall all over them...and if I do that (as I often do with Harley) they will take in *my* fear and have their own *as* a *result* of MY fear! God has shown me to believe Him for what HE wants to do in these things. We don't need to be afraid. When God is on the side of me or my kids, whom then shall we fear? :-)

#137 A slip off the path doesn't equate to quitting life. God grabs me and brings me back to the true course time and again.

#138 That I didn't gain weight through the ulcer...or the subsequent sucking on mints around the clock to negate the horrid taste left in my mouth from the antibiotic I was on. I am feeling much better, though not totally healed of it yet, but thankfully the antibiotic course is done! YAY!

#139 That Bo seems to have allergies caused by feeding him Kellogs Frosted Flakes (yes, you read that right...a wolfdog eating sugary breakfast cereal). My husband no longer gives Bo some of his cereal and Bo is coughing much less. He doesn't have heartworm and seems quite happy and healthy except now for an occasional cough!

#140 My kids have been HUGE blessings to me in the past two weeks. Going to volleyball camp without fussing, hanging out a long time with the other is in camp, enrolling in VBS class, going to tennis without fussing about it...wow...so many things and I have to go, but had to include this. I miss my babies while I am on this trip (Michaela turned 13 on Tuesday!!!).

Entry #12

#121 For email friends on IncrediWILD (and elsewhere) who pray for me and my pets when we need it!

#122 That Bo did REALLY well at the vet's yesterday. Yes, he was fearful, yes, he was uncertain, but he was a trooper.

#123 For the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind when friends pray for me. THANK YOU!!!

#124 For Melissa Pelletier, a most amazing woman who is training Harley. She has come SO far with him and is now going beyond the extra mile to be sure that he gets to our veterinarian to be checked about his colic problem. She is a wonderful Christian lady and I just can't express enough gratitude to God for her.

#125 That my husband returned home safely again.

#126 For confidence that the Christian school we are enrolling the kids in for the fall *is* in fact God's will. I know He will provide. He who promised is faithful.

#127 Judy Halliday and her constant example of the grace and tender mercy of God in my life. Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful friend and mentor.

#128 Clarity in decision making.

#129 My husband who speaks truth into my life and helps me be aware of mistakes *before* I make them!

#130 Hope...beyond the here and now. That I can fix my eyes on the finish line, knowing that the God I serve has made it as good as done...IT IS DONE...and I need not keep my eyes on the hurdles that seem to stand in the way. I need not fear. HE IS AT WORK, doing a NEW THING.

Entry #11

#101 For the people in my life who are contributing to making me a better horsewoman and that in doing so, they are making me a better person. Horses have a way of bringing to the surface a lot of the very character traits that the Lord wants to deal with. It is a challenging journey, but a wonderful vehicle for the Lord's work.

#102 Yesterday Harley responded so well to me. Yes there were moments of deep concern for him and that saddens me, but over all, it was a HUGE step forward for us. Melissa is awesome and has given me such hope. I am blessed that she is a Christian, too.

#103 I am thankful today for my babies, Lord. THANK YOU that I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

#104 A nurturing husband who is the best father anyone could ask for for her children.

#105 For Bo, my wolfdog. He came to us as a stray six years ago and has become so precious to all of us. I am grateful to the Lord, too, that Bo is warming to my husband after all this time.

#106 For a tender moment this morning with Crazy Daisy Pirahna Puppy. Instead of being bonkers, she cuddled with me as I laid in bed a bit this morning. It was almost like I having a *real* dog again! I have missed Samson so much lately...I guess because I am sick.

#107 For the beauty of living here in the foothills.

#108 GOD has removed 62 pounds from my body since November. 10 of those were during April when I thought we might be "all done!" It floors me what an adventure this is.

#109 For the freedom from shame...I am just sure I have said this before.

#110 Freedom from captivity to food and lots of it without engaging a brain cell.

#111 For being able to enjoy the wonders and delights of a variety of foods, from my husband's fresh salsa, to an Oreo Cookie Milkshake (probably only about a third of one of those as they are pretty filling) to a barbeque burger at Main Street Pizza...But also that I have the freedom to choose foods that are beneficial and wholesome for me, too. I am SO thankful to be set free from dieting!

#112 For the way the Lord leads me personally and specifically through this life, guiding me and directing me by His Spirit--that He provides everything I need for life and godliness.

#113 For a dear friend who clings to the Lord in confidence that this time of waiting and unknowing will be for His glory and in due time she will know the answers to her questions.

#114 For optimism about the future for my children as we turn a new corner in our lives in considering what options are the Lord's will for them for the Fall.

#115 That I can sign up for things like "Bible Horsemanship Camp" and have the best of two worlds to look forward to...studying God's Word with other believers while enjoying our horses together. I can hardly wait!

#116 For Gail Ivey who gave me a wonderful foundation for understanding my horses and myself...and what a blessing that she is a Christian, too. Lord, please bless her to FEEL GOOD today!

#117 For lots of internet friends who are always so willing to encourage me and route me on.

#118 For the Thin Within conference coming up in the end of June and that I get to see my dear friend from Tulsa! YIPPEE!!!

#119 For sunshine. I LOVE sunshine!

#120 That God's mercies are new every morning...every minute even...

Entry #11

#101 For the people in my life who are contributing to making me a better horsewoman and that in doing so, they are making me a better person. Horses have a way of bringing to the surface a lot of the very character traits that the Lord wants to deal with. It is a challenging journey, but a wonderful vehicle for the Lord's work.

#102 Yesterday Harley responded so well to me. Yes there were moments of deep concern for him and that saddens me, but over all, it was a HUGE step forward for us. Melissa is awesome and has given me such hope. I am blessed that she is a Christian, too.

#103 I am thankful today for my babies, Lord. THANK YOU that I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!

#104 A nurturing husband who is the best father anyone could ask for for her children.

#105 For Bo, my wolfdog. He came to us as a stray six years ago and has become so precious to all of us. I am grateful to the Lord, too, that Bo is warming to my husband after all this time.

#106 For a tender moment this morning with Crazy Daisy Pirahna Puppy. Instead of being bonkers, she cuddled with me as I laid in bed a bit this morning. It was almost like I having a *real* dog again! I have missed Samson so much lately...I guess because I am sick.

#107 For the beauty of living here in the foothills.

#108 GOD has removed 62 pounds from my body since November. 10 of those were during April when I thought we might be "all done!" It floors me what an adventure this is.

#109 For the freedom from shame...I am just sure I have said this before.

#110 Freedom from captivity to food and lots of it without engaging a brain cell.

#111 For being able to enjoy the wonders and delights of a variety of foods, from my husband's fresh salsa, to an Oreo Cookie Milkshake (probably only about a third of one of those as they are pretty filling) to a barbeque burger at Main Street Pizza...But also that I have the freedom to choose foods that are beneficial and wholesome for me, too. I am SO thankful to be set free from dieting!

#112 For the way the Lord leads me personally and specifically through this life, guiding me and directing me by His Spirit--that He provides everything I need for life and godliness.

#113 For a dear friend who clings to the Lord in confidence that this time of waiting and unknowing will be for His glory and in due time she will know the answers to her questions.

#114 For optimism about the future for my children as we turn a new corner in our lives in considering what options are the Lord's will for them for the Fall.

#115 That I can sign up for things like "Bible Horsemanship Camp" and have the best of two worlds to look forward to...studying God's Word with other believers while enjoying our horses together. I can hardly wait!

#116 For Gail Ivey who gave me a wonderful foundation for understanding my horses and myself...and what a blessing that she is a Christian, too. Lord, please bless her to FEEL GOOD today!

#117 For lots of internet friends who are always so willing to encourage me and route me on.

#118 For the Thin Within conference coming up in the end of June and that I get to see my dear friend from Tulsa! YIPPEE!!!

#119 For sunshine. I LOVE sunshine!

#120 That God's mercies are new every morning...every minute even...

Entry #10

#91 As Ken Gire says, thank you Lord that you are more persistant in your pursuit of me than I am in my hiding from you. I praise you, Lord!

#92 That the joy of the Lord is greater than the wonderful flavors and textures of an Oreo milkshake from Carl's Junior, even if it is smothered in whipped cream!

#93 For the amazing way the clouds parted yesterday and Daniel's interview at the Christian school went SO well. PRAISE YOU LORD!

#94 The mountain is moving--my husband is willing to consider the private school for the kids in spite of the extreme expense (in light of my daughter's upcoming dental bill and orthodontist, this is HUGE!).

#95 For the privilege of growing in my horsemanship and that it grows me in life as well. God takes all of it and doesn't waste a bit of it.

#96 For blogs where I can be inspired as I read about the spiritual journies of others.

#97 Thank you, GOD, that I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin for so many reasons.

#98 For the three amazing people sleeping in my home right now...that I get to share my life with two wonderful kids and a terrific man.

#99 For a new tennis friend who also "happens" to be a Christian!

#100 The privilege of walking beside godly Christian ladies on this Thin Within journey. God uses the technology of the internet to weave hearts together even long distance! Glory to His Name!

Entry #9

#81 For a godly, Christian, gentle horse trainer who is working with my precious Harley and that God gave them their first RIDE yesterday after only a week! PRAISE you, Lord! :-)

#82 For a long ride on Ricky, the ranch horse, who has given me back a lot of confidence I had lost.

#83 For the taste of Orowheat Winter Wheat bread (just half of one slice is all it takes), with Skippy p-nut butter and granola (with almonds) sprinkled on top chased with a half a mug of milk. THE PERFECT breakfast! I am floored at the creativity of God in the flavors in food and that humans through the ages have combined flavors and textures to make things like winter wheat bread or granola! YUM!

# 84 For the peace my dear friend seems to have as she faces a needle biospy tomorrow...Lord, it stuns me that you can impart peace in moments like these!

#85 For the Thin Within online support group I co-lead...I love those ladies already!

#86 That God helped me to recover from my waywardness on Sunday. Yesterday and Monday were focused and I was able to say no to food outside of the parameters he set. This is proof that God is at work!

#87 While it isn't the most important thing in the world, I am so thankful for the comments made by the ranch horse owner regarding my apparent physical condition. Oh what an amazing difference God has made in the past 5 months! GOD, how did you DO this!!!??? :-)

#88 The private school reassured us that Daniel might have a place there--that his initial paperwork doesn't disqualify him (he doesn't test well and he admitted he wasn't eager to attend school, given he likes being homeschooled if he has to school at all). We have our interview at the private school today. Michaela's was on Monday.

#89 Michaela's cheerful nature that almost always makes me smile.

# 90 That I have a most wonderful family!

Entry #8

#71 The amazing sound of the birds singing.

#72 Homeschooling DVDs from Bob Jones University!

#73 God's gentle voice, guiding me to walk with Him.

#74 I never need fear that His Holy Spirit won't be IN me. Yes, I can grieve the Spirit, but He will never leave me. I am so thankful that this is true for us, while believers before Pentecost didn't have this assurance.

#75 Christian schools where in the hallway I can overhear teachers counseling students about the gifts God has given them.

#76 My Mom is healthy!

#77 My son finally reading for pleasure (maybe I have listed that before! I am grateful today for it as well!)

#78 That my body feels (and looks) so different. I know this is GOD's doing. I am so glad to FEEL so much better.

#79 My blood pressure is SO much lower than it has been in a number of years.

#80 For the opportunity to ride horses that are safe and even in my own saddle. What I can't do with my four, I get to do at a nearby ranch. I am thankful for that.

Entry #7

#61 For KLOVE, a Christian radio network that plays music that ministers to my heart, encourages my spirit, convicts my soul, and lifts me up to praise the Lord!

#62 Christian musicians who God has so clearly gifted to write music and words that can touch the deep hidden recesses of my heart--places I have tried to hide away. Thank you, Lord!

#63 The smell of Doc Tari Zebra's mane! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

#64 My son was a joy at the dentist's office today for a big treatment. This is huge. Thank you, Lord! The dentist praised him up one side and down the other. Thank you, Lord...thank you so much.

#65 My son giggled when we played tennis today.

#66 A husband who takes his 12 year old daughter on an overnight snow trip. THANK YOU so MUCH, Lord!

#67 That God speaks to me so clearly at times and woos me away from Oreos when I am not hungry!

#68 This is about so much more than food or weight! Thank you!

#69 My high blood pressure has come WAY down! When I go to see the doctor next month, I look forward to what she might say about reducing my HBP meds.

#70 That I FEEL so much better!

Entry #6

#51 The flavor of the wonderful barbeque sauce used at Main Street Pizza for their barbeque burger! YUMMMMMY!

#52 That a "small half" of the burger is more than enough food. I am so thankful that it takes so little food to sustain me. What a blessing. I am a "cheap date!" LOL!

#53 For a pastor who esteems the Word of God and exorts his flock to love the Word and be emersed in it.

#54 For a class at church today...first time...on studying the bible inductively. I get so much joy in seeing others discover God's Word this way! What a joyful thing!

#55 The promise of lessons astride a ranch horse on Tuesday. I hope to be "in training" while Harley is in Ione in training. I want to change and be what he needs when he returns. I am thankful for that opportunity so close to my house.

#56 That God has removed 55 pounds from my body. God has done it. That much is clear. Left to my own devices, I can pack it on again.

#57 My 14 year old son is reading! I mean...choosing to read! How bizarre is that! THANK YOU LORD!

#58 Daniel seemed to be positive and happy today in church. Another PRAISE to God for this.

#59 The smiles of friends and acquaintances at church.

#60 That it is true...better is one day doing what God *calls* me to do...no matter what it is...if I KNOW it is from Him...that is WAY better than a thousand days doing ANYthing--no matter how "wonderful," if HE isn't behind it!

Entry #5

#41 Ephesians. The book of Ephesians tells me that God chose me to be holy and blameless in his sight even before the foundation of the world. It tells me that in love, He predestined me to be adopted. ME! God chose ME! Even before I "impressed" Him! (Not that I ever do or could. LOL!) He knew all my sin and yet He chose me!

#42 God chose me according to his pleasure and will. Isn't that something to be grateful for? Wow. I mean it gave HIM joy to choose me! To choose you, if you are in Christ! For the praise of His glorious grace! Thank you, God, for your grace!

#43 For prayer. God is always there...and always ready and willing to converse with me. A thought, a breath, a sigh...an upward turning of my heart...He embraces, welcomes, delights in. Woah...powerful thought!

#44 Ok...I guess I have to be grateful for the rain! LOL! I know we need it and the ground is SO thirsty!

#45 For face to face encounters with my flesh that really make me realize just how awesome the Lord is and how amazing is His deliverance.

#46 God's Word. How precious it is to me.

#47 Quiet in the house so that I can have my prayer time, study God's Word and even type in my blogs without interruption. What a gift! :-)

#48 Even when I am irritable, my family loves me.

#49 Pony kisses :-)

#50 The amazing smell of Doc's (one of my horses) mane. It transports me in time back to some of the most wonderful, peaceful memories I have of long ago as a junior high kid living for the summer with friends in Washington State.

Entry #4

#31 For an amazing chat group session last night--our first--with my new TW online support group! PRAISE YOU, LORD!

#32 Freedom to give hubby the last two bites of the most delicious meal in the world!

#33 Dance Praise! I LOVE Dance Praise!

#34 A full hay shed

#35 Understanding in a fresh way that gratitude makes a radical difference in how I live my life and the permanence of the changes GOD has made and is making. As I share these gratitudes with the Lord (and anyone who happens to visit this blog), my heart is tendered all the more, softened, humbled...and it becomes inconceivable to me to resist His voice.

#36 God's ways are higher. They are beyond fathoming, but He is God, even when a friend's mammogram result indicates a change from the previous year...Lord, I choose to trust you. Thank you that you are trustworthy.

#37 Thin Within Conference at the end of June!

#38 The privilege of being able to be at home (and to homeschool) with my babies all these years. They are now almost 13 and almost 15.

#39 The sun coming through my window...

#40 Puppy kisses.

Entry #3

#21 The smell of the rain - how amazing is that? :-)

#22 Harley's nicker.

#23 That Harley will be "away at camp" for a month or two with a Christian trainer who I feel really good about. She will help him feel safe with a rider and work with me, as well.

#24 That my almost 13 year old daughter still tells me, "You're the best!"

#25 God is changing my heart...working on the deep stuff.

#26 God has shown me His goodness in a fresh way.

#27 Bo, a stray dog we adopted years ago, is finally warming up to Bob after all these years.

#28 The kids played tennis yesterday and got along, had fun, and have improved so much! What a delight to see them ENJOY time together!

#29 Sound of the rain on the leaves on all the trees....drink deeply, Earth! Thank you, Lord, for the much needed rain!

#30 Hoofboots in the right size available at the store yesterday--getting all of Harley's stuff ready for camp. Thank you, Lord, for making that so easy.

Entry #2

#11 For a 14 year old son who calls the dog "Marshmallow Girl."

#12 That a hawk has a nest near the tennis courts. How majestic!

#13 My kids still hold my hand at Sam's Club in front of the entire world!

#14 Daisy, the crazed golden retriever, is soft and wags her tail.

#15 For my online support group--we had our last meeting tonight. They are such a blessing to me...such encouragement.

#16 My daughter really thinks I am the best thing next to fresh salsa!

#17 That I will wear a swim suit this year and even go swimming in public! WHOA!

#18 For DAYLIGHT savings time!

#19 My LEVI's

#20 That Linda Cowles is coming this Friday in time to check Harley and fit him with hoof boots. Thank you Lord that you care about the little things...

Entry #1

I saw an online friend's 1000 Blessings blog and knew in my heart I was called to create the same. Each day I do journal on my laptop, my praises and prayers to God, but I do believe that I neeed a blog JUST for listing the things for which I am grateful to God. Gratitude makes all the difference in the world. So I will post them as they strike me!

#01. Online friends God uses to inspire me to chase Harder after Him.
#02. The privilege of leading a Thin Within online support group.
#03. For my sweet sisters in Christ.
#04. My children enjoyed playing tennis with eachother for an hour and a half yesterday! Talk about a MIRACLE! LOL!
#05. The beauty of the treetops as I look out my window from where I currently sit -- we live in a house that reminds me of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse at times!
#06. A wonderful meal yesterday for Resurrection Sunday with my Mom, my wonderful kids and terrific husband.
#07. God moved in me to eat just the right amount yesterday and it was delicious, too!
#08. For a new song going through my mind constantly: "For You are good, You are good and Your love endures..."
#09. For the sound of the blowdryer in the bathroom right now...it means my husband isn't out of town and is close by...I can KISS HIS FACE! :-)
#10. The joy of Easter vacation, while now past, I feel somewhat revitalized.