I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showes in season; there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26
Blessings...gifts...thankfulness...any way you look at it, they all mean the same...God's love towards us, His children. Early this year, I was given a book, One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, which challenged me and our family to look for gifts, blessings in all situations. Sometimes this was easy and other times it was hard. It is a lifestyle...a way to keep perspective, so enjoy some of our blessings from 2011.
Mr. Tall still works at a local hospital 32 miles away 4 days a week from 2 pm to 12:30 pm. He really enjoys this shift and the interaction with people. Austin has completed preceptor training and lead training. He is enjoying the challenges these two aspects bring. In March, we were able to travel to Columbus, Ohio for a week. During this week, we worked with Touch Bionics and Austin got a new hand, a myoelectric one. This was a great time to be together as husband and wife and to accomplish getting a new hand ~ all in 1 weeks time! In July, Mr. Tall's dad had open-heart surgery in Rochester, MN. We spent another week together supporting them and reflecting on the blessings of health, life, family, and support.
I am still a stay-at-home mom and truly love it. Many times, my motto is "The days are long but the years are short!" Watching my children grow and teaching them is an amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world! Also, I have really started working as a music therapist for a local hospice. I am based out of my home which is wonderful. I have received so many gifts from my patients this year...the faith they have, the love married patients share, memories from 80 years ago...such gifts from God!
Blessing started piano lessons this summer and has started kindergarten this fall. She is doing very well with her math facts and is learning to read. She enjoys playing with her sister and brothers and is such a big help around the house with laundry, trash, dishes, vacuuming, etc. She is growing way too fast...It seems like yesterday she was born, but it has already been 5 years!
Joy has grown so much during this past year as well. The differences between her and her sister are amazing. Joy wants to do "school" every day and is learning about letters and numbers. She enjoys playing house with her sister. Joy is mommy's helper...she is always in the kitchen with me. Joy's cuddles are precious as well, especially when she falls asleep in my arms.
The twins are now 15 months old, almost 16! Where has the year gone. They are walking all over the place, well actually running, and usually in different directions. They are starting to talk saying cheese, please, more, thank-you, night-night, etc. It is such a blessing to have such healthy boys. They are active and love being outside!
So, our blessings...
~life, health, love, Jesus, family
~stored food, bountiful garden, canner, coupons, worms on roads
~church family, women and men of God in our lives
~accidents that save marriages, doctors, nurses, hospitals
~laughter, loss of life, animals, jobs, rain
The list can go on and on...my list is currently around 1250. How many blessings can you count in a year? Can you give all the credit to God's son, Jesus, who came to earth this time of year...Christmas!
It is our prayer that you will take time to reflect on your blessings from the past year and look at all you will experience in the year to come.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
