Around the house.....

Our summer has been full of all kinds of new experiences - well, maybe the experiences aren't new, but the fact that we can enjoy them on our own property sure is! I don't know why God has blessed us with such gorgeous surroundings, but since He did, I know He desires us to use it all to His glory and to praise Him!

So, here are a few of the things we're thanking the Lord for these days.......

1. Evidence of our greatest blessings - our kids :) Above is sidewalk chalk that graces much more than our sidewalks.....

2. A kid-sized rake that brings a smile when it's seen there, tossed aside when something new catches an ever-roving eye :)

3. Floaties. Splashes of bright colours revealing who swims in our pool...

4. Lots of outdoor seating, for young and old, to make comfortable around the firepit, on the deck or on the front porch with a cup of coffee.

5. Lifejackets, b/c they're so very precious to us. Our kids, not the lifejackets.

6. A field full of these beauties - reminding us that "the firmament shows His handiwork"

7. A little bird house. A fleeting "home" of sorts to the many birds that make their way through our yard. "The heavens declare the glory of God" - and that includes the winged creatures that make it their pathway.

8. Our brave little boy who conquered his great fears, got off the ladder and started enjoying the pool. Took some prying off of hands and a leap of faith. A picture of what can happen when we surrender in trust to Someone much more powerful that we are - Someone who knows what is best for us and through trust leads us to joy......

9. A ladder. A simple ladder which guides little feet to a simple slide. Simple pleasures.

10. Room to run!

11. A great country. A place of diversity and beauty. A good place to grow up.

Open your eyes. In the small things are big reasons to give thanks. And in giving thanks God can restore joy to a tired soul. In taking the time to sit back and just enjoy what the Lord has given we can see a little more of the character of our loving Father - who gives beauty and colour and laughter and smiles just b/c He can. And b/c He delights in His children. Don't forget to delight in Him, and use the fast moving moments of summer to know Him better.