Truthfully, the title of this post should probably be Happy Holi-daze. I have been sick for what feels like most of December. It’s mainly a head cold, but it’s moved into my chest now. It’s wearing me out.
But I want to finish 2015 on a strong note. It’s been such a busy crazy brave year. So today and tomorrow and Thursday, I’m going to be working on my Joy Dare, my gratitude list, my #1000Gifts and the reason behind this blog. I’m also hoping to make a book list of all the books I would like to read during 2016.
Without further ado, the rest of my Joy Dare.
Nov. 16: 3 gifts hard eucharisteo
- Holidays without extended family. 1059
- I miss my mom and dad. 1060
- Being what amounts to a foster parent for Princess. 1061
Nov. 17: 3 gifts of laughter
- Little Bit is full of joy and humor. 1062
- Princess makes me laugh as well. 1063
- Giggle fests and giggle fits. 1064
Nov. 18: a gift made, shared, passed on
- Little Bit’s pictures and stories and coupons. 1065
- Amber’s piano 1066
- Piano cover from Turkey 1067
Nov. 19: 3 gifts autumn
- Cool, but not cold 1068
- All the colors 1069
- Soup season. 1070
Nov. 20: 3 gifts of traditions
- Strawberry Salad 1071
- The Pilgrim dolls 1072
- Christmas crackers, or poppers. This is a new tradition for us, but it’s quite fun. 1073
Nov. 21: 3 gifts family
- Hugs 1074
- More love than “typical families today” (Thanks Boo.) 1075
- Fun and togetherness. 1076
- Princess has been more than grateful for every little thing we help her with or give to her. May I remember to be this grateful in all things. 1077
- A dog with a new bone. Silly I know. 1078
- Time with Dale, even playing on a silly game. 1079
Nov. 23: 3 gifts only in Christ
- Salvation 1080
- Nearness to God 1081
- An adjusted point of view. 1082
Nov. 24: 3 gifts humble
- Dale is one of the most humble people I know. 1083
- My mother’s role as a secretary. I don’t think she was ever fully aware of how important and valuable she was. 1084
- Our house. It’s not a great big, rich and fancy house. But it’s ours. It’s home. 1085
Nov. 25: 3 gifts ugly-beautiful
- Boundaries 1086
- Foster homes. The need for them is very ugly. The sacrifice of those who run them is beautiful. 1087
- Scratches on the wood. On the floor, on the table, on the piano. Every one has a story. They aren’t pretty. But they are valuable reminders. 1088
Nov. 26: 3 gifts preparing
- Preparing my children’s schoolwork for the week. 1089
- Preparing my children for college. 1090
- Preparing supper for my family 1091
Nov. 27: A gift handmade, held, happy
- The quilt we made for Dale. Lots of memories in that quilt. 1092
- The new born babies at church. 1093
- Every time I can walk outside and take beautiful pictures, I feel happy. It’s such a precious gift. 1094
Nov. 28: 3 gifts in community
- Family 1095
- Friends 1096
- A feeling of home 1097
Nov. 29: 3 gifts red
- A red scarf 1098
- Red mittens 1099
- The Cardinal quilt 1100 (This is the quilt pictured in the header for this post.)
Nov. 30: 3 gifts astonishing
- My grandfather’s preparations. 1101
- My camera. 1102
- The fact that my sister and I are talking, and value a relationship above being “right.” We came to a good spot this weekend and it feels astonishing. 1103
That’s it for today. I’ll have to see if I can do this crazy amount again tomorrow. Have a good night, and remember to be grateful.
Hugs,
Melinda