The Common- Three Sixty-Six thru Three Eighty-Eight

"No one is like you, O Lord;

you are great, and your name is mighty in power. 

Who should not revere you, O King of the nations?

This is your due.

Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms,

there is no one else like you."

Jeremiah 10:6-7

Wednesday, July 6th

366) Pictures- I was looking through photos of the past two years today as I worked some on our daughter's scrapbook. Often a picture would remind me of one of her special quirks that has faded with age and thus is no longer in the forefront of my memory. It was so much fun to look back and see what a silly, truly unique child she is. Pictures are just things and without them I would still have my memories, but it's still nice to have them to flip through once in a while.


Thursday, July 7th

367) Hotel points- Traveling can be a daunting event, made even more so when you factor in the cost for gas, food and lodging. As we drive to Texas, I am thankful that one of those items has been covered through hotel points. We have been able to break up the drive without adding to our budget and that is pretty incredible.


Friday, July 8th

368) Luggage carts- I never really thought much about luggage carts at hotels. My only connection to them was that they are often shown in movies out front of your nicer hotels, but now that I am a woman alone with a toddler and all our bags and all the assortment, I think about them so much more. A luggage cart turns a two to four trip event into one trip. It also allows me to hold my daughter's hand so she doesn't head off in the wrong direction. All around, it's a huge benefit and blessing.


Saturday, July 9th

369) Choices- We have a lot of choices in life and depending on what and how we choose, they can be both positive and negative. However, no matter what my choice or the resulting outcome, I am grateful that I have been given the freedom of choice. Especially when I consider my faith, I am blessed to know the relationship I have with the Lord comes from free will. God did not force his love or grace on me and that makes his love and grace all the more amazing. I know He has the might and ability to require all humanity to love Him, and if He did, we wouldn't know any other way. However that was not His way. To let us choose is an amazing gift.


Sunday, July 10th

370) Playing in the rain- Albuquerque isn't exactly known for its wealth of precipitation and for our daughter who moved here before her first birthday, she has few memories of rain at all. As with most of the middle portion of our country, we have been experiencing a drought and have gone months without rain. Our daughter had a chance to see rain a few months back, but it was only today that she first had the chance to experience the joy of playing in the rain. I am so glad I was able to be there, splashing, dancing and jumping with her. What a treasured memory!


Monday, July 11th

371) Water- Water is another one of those items in our lives that it is probably quite easy to overlook and take for granted. Just consider all the ways we use and rely on water in our lives: drinking, washing, cooking, feeding plants, staving off illness, recovering from illness, cooling off in heat. Those are just the benefits and uses that immediately came to mind in a minute or so. Water is such a simple, basic substance and one, that for us in particular, is easily accessible in many forms, yet oh, what an amazing gift that not only aids in life itself but also adds to and augments life.


Tuesday, July 12th

372) Sharp knives- My grandmother has always commented on the sharpness of individuals' knives when she is helping out in their kitchen. She never means it in a bad way; she just has a true appreciation for a good sharp knife. Some of her thinking must have rubbed off on me because I see the benefits, ease and safety that is provided through using the correct, sharp knife.


Wednesday, July 13th

373) Great grandparents- I have always felt blessed that I had the chance to know four of my great grandparents. Not only did I know of them, but I had actually spent time with them. Now our daughter has that same opportunity and I think it is wonderful. Our daughter is blessed to not only have five great grandparents but one great, great grandma. She has spent time with them all and I pray she will have many more opportunities for they are truly great and wonderful people to know.


Thursday, July 14th

374) A break-Traveling for me doesn't necessarily equal a vacation as my job has always come with me. :) I'm pretty sure that was in the job description, but still it is nice to get a little break- in one way or another at least every now and then. When I visit family I have been blessed with people who want to help in a variety of ways, from watching our daughter to relieving me of my cooking and laundry duties and so much more. It's a nice little break and something I neither require nor expect- which makes it all the nicer.

Friday, July 15th

375) Timer- In recent months,  I have found that I am using timers for a multitude of reasons, but I have found them to be a particular blessing when it comes to our daughter. Although she doesn't understand segments of time, she does recognize that if we set the timer (for one reason or another), there is a definite end to an activity. This realization has helped to eliminate tantrums and frustrations and made for a more pleasant home.


Saturday, July 16th

376) Surprises- Today I was surprised with a birthday in July (instead of December). I really do not know exactly how or when the thought first arose, but some of Drew's family recognized how close my birthday is to Christmas and how easily it gets overshadowed by the holiday and decided to have a special celebration while I was in town. What a surprise! All along I was looking forward to some time with Drew's family and I ended up having a birthday celebration. It was completely unexpected and something I never would have considered asking for myself and that made it all the more special.


Sunday, July 17th

377) Answered prayers- There are lots of times when we need to pray. In fact there is really no time when we shouldn't pray, but I don't believe most of us recognize that need a good portion of the time. I am thankful for those times when I recognize my need for prayer and also see how God has worked in my life and answered my requests, whether as I would hope or otherwise.


Monday, July 18th

378) Anti-itch cream- I don't know exactly what it is, but insects in Texas seem to think I am especially tasty. I have been bit several times and have had some minor allergic reactions to the bites. In the past, I have been bit by plenty of fire ants, but the itch from those bites was nothing compared to what I have been dealing with as of late. I am so thankful that someone thought to figure out a topical method to help alleviate the itch. It could seem a little mundane, but oh- what a pleasant difference it has made for my past few days.


Tuesday, July 19th

379) Step stool- While at Nana's house, our daughter got to use a step stool while she brushed her teeth. I knew it would be a fun, new experience for her, but I never would have guessed it would have improved her interest and concentration in brushing her teeth. She has never done such a good job and I am certain it is because she got to watch herself in the mirror.


Wednesday, July 20th

380) "Jesus Loves Me"- Our daughter has started to repeat familiar phrases from songs that she hears. In the past few days, she has randomly begun to sing (using her own wording, of course) the chorus of "Jesus Loves Me." It has to be one of the sweetest things to hear. I love listening to her sing, no matter what the song, but when I hear her singing such a profound truth that I pray will come to mean the world to her, I can't help but feel blessed.


Thursday, July 21st

381) Automatic Transmission- Our Hyundai is the first automatic transmission vehicle I have ever owned or really driven. I decided that I wanted at least one car to be an automatic as I figured it would make things a little easier when it was just me and our daughter in the car. At least that way, I had one hand that was more free to assist her without an incredible feat of juggling. During our long Texas road trip, I gained another appreciation for automatics. Construction zones and inner-city driving is much easier and it's just one less thing to worry about when you have a tired, fussy girl in the backseat.


Friday, July 22nd

382) Long driving hours- Our trip home from Texas spanned two days, around 900 miles and approximately 16 hours on the road. I found that during all of those miles I had lots of time to think and pray. Filling that time with praises to our Lord, prayers and counting my blessings not only helped make the time go faster, but it also helped me emotionally and spiritually. Nothing like being trapped with your own thoughts to bring out the best, or worst, in you.


Saturday, July 23rd

383) The smell of rain- There is something refreshing about the smell of rain, isn't there? And now that we, along with so many others, have been experiencing an extreme drought the smell offers something even more- hope for some relief and some nourishment for the earth.


Sunday, July 24th

384) My own stubbornness- Usually I would not see this as a beneficial quality. It has often placed me at odds with others and under more stressed than I need to be. However, right now it is truly a blessing. Our little girl has a strong will and a good dose of determination and sometimes, downright stubbornness. As I am the adult (and authority figure) she is around the most, she seems to try to test my authority more, but no matter how determined she may be, she has met her match and finds that obedience is the best choice.


Monday, July 25th

385) A good report- For the first several months of this year, I found myself quite stressed over our daughter's diet. Her pediatrician was concerned about her minimal daily weight gain and decided to more closely monitor it. Although her average daily weight gain did increase early on, it was only slightly. However for the past three months or so, I have not worried about her diet. We have continued to feed her as we have always done and relied on our knowledge that she is healthy. She looks healthy, eats healthy, acts healthy and has been developing normally. We just went in for her 2 year check up and got a glowing report. Her doctor was so impressed with her growth. It was nice to hear and confirmed what we knew all along.


Tuesday, July 26th

386) UV protective clothing- Let me state the obvious by stating that Drew, our daughter and myself are all pale. My tans are lighter than most people's starting point. Sadly, this also means we all burn fairly easily, and this is especially true for Drew and our daughter. This fact has probably been one of the biggest concerns since we moved more than a mile above sea level. People who already burn easily toast at super speeds when they are closer to the sun and the air is thinner. We have been able to find some very light-weight, UV protective shirts for both Drew and our daughter and already we see the difference. Not only does this cut down on every day pain, but it is also protecting them for the long run. There isn't much that beats that!


Wednesday, July 27th

387) Kayak.com- Drew and I are looking at taking a trip for our 5th anniversary and so I have been doing lots of online research- looking for locations, lodging, plane tickets etc. Kayak.com has been most helpful in searching several travel sites at once and providing me with all the information. Saves me time, energy and probably a little bit of sanity.


Thursday, July 28th

388) Walking distance- This morning I had quite a To-Do list that I knew I probably wouldn't be able to completely finish, but I would try my best. The day started with some errands, just a quick trip to the Walmart and grocery store down and around the corner from us, and that is when our whole day changed. On my way out the door, I went to put a pen away in a drawer and grabbed my keys off the counter. As usual, I locked the door knob before heading out then prepared to lock the deadbolt from outside. However when I looked down, I was holding a pen not my keys and my keys were no where on my person. Oh no! I had locked my daughter and I out of the house and Drew wasn't likely to get home for a good 7 hours or so. I pulled out my cell phone to call Drew but before I could leave him a voice message, my phone went dead. So now I was outside with a two year old on a day that was bound to be in the mid to high 90's with no immediate way to contact my husband, who has the only other house key. I tried knocking on a neighbor's door but she wasn't home. And that is when our location in and around many businesses became such a huge blessing. We walked down to the library and I was able to use their phone to leave a message for Drew explaining the situation. A little later, we walked down and around the corner to a McDonald's where we were able to eat, drink lots of fluids and enjoy some cool air. As much as I have always loved the country and living in a place where you have a little more space, I am ever so thankful that today we were in the middle of town, within a reasonable walk to so many places.

How 365 Blessings Has Changed Me

When I started this blog, I did so because I knew I was allowing minor irritations and temporary situations to affect and ruin my day. All it took was one thing that frustrated or bothered me and I found the entire day was clouded with those feelings. I knew there was more to this life; I knew God had called me to something better and had given me all that I needed. The problem was me. I was focused on the negative and failed to recognize all the amazing and good things I have. So 9 months and 365 blessings later, how have I changed?

(Since I am so good with lists, I guess will just continue the trend.)

Better outlook- 9 months ago I was pretty down. I was frustrated with nearly every aspect of my life and I really did not see any relief in my future. Then I decided to change my focus and intentionally count the blessings in my life. Since then I have seen my outlook improve drastically. I still have those times when things weigh me down, but they are only passing moods instead of the prevailing wind. When I look to the future, I am eager with anticipation because I have great hope for what is yet to come- both in this world and at the end of this world.

Improved mindset and attitude in general- Besides just having a better outlook when it comes to my future, I can see how my overall mindset and attitude has improved. I have to admit that before I began this count, I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity and perceived injustices, and both of those things muddied my thoughts, feelings, attitude and relationships with others. I have learned that my attitude does not have to be dictated by my emotions but is a matter of my will. In the end, it is my choice. I can enjoy the life I have or I can always look for something "greener." Today, I choose to not only enjoy but thank the Lord above for my life.

Handle the ups and downs of life easier and with more grace- When controlled by your emotions, you feel as though you are on a never ending roller coaster, and not one of those kiddie rides, but the all out, lose your stomach rides. That is exactly where I was. I still have that initial knee-jerk reaction to drastic events or changes, but overall I recover quicker and can move forward with more ease.

Do not take my husband for granted- I would like to think that I have never taken Drew for granted, but I know that is not the case. When I was wrapped up in self-pity and despair, I found ways to mentally blame Drew and also failed to recognize his efforts and encouragement that might have lifted my spirits. That just isn't the case now. I know Drew is one of the greatest blessings God has given me, and he is right by my side no matter what may come or how I act.

Closer relationship with Drew- To me, this is just a natural extension and benefit from all the above. Not only did the above help our relationship because I had a better attitude and mindset, but as I was no longer weighed down with the burden of my responsibilities, I was freer to relax and enjoy the time we have together. I cannot speak for Drew, but I can say with all confidence that, for me, the past nine months have been the best months of our married life.

Calmed some of my perfectionism- Anyone who knows me very well knows that I struggle with a need to be perfect. I have been like that for as long as I can remember. It made for a fairly easy childhood as I always wanted my parents to be pleased with me, but as time has gone on, I have found it is more of a struggle to maintain and more detrimental to my well-being. Counting my blessings may be my cure because it is extremely difficult to claim that all you do is perfect when you can see that everything good has come from God.


So, now what? That is the question I have heard the most lately and that is the question I have been asking myself. Do I continue this journey? Do I need to make some changes as I proceed and find that some days the blessings I see are ones I have already counted? Honestly it has been quite a debate for me. Of course as I debated this yesterday, several new blessings came to mind and I knew I was not done yet. Not only do I have so many more blessings that can be counted, but I know that without the journaling, I would likely fall back into old ways. That is something I want to avoid at all costs.

 Looking back over my journey of writing about a year's worth of blessings, I can only think to leave it one way.... with a challenge. Whether individually, with a small group, Sunday School class, or group of friends- buy a journal and start writing about your own blessings. Do it for a month or two or perhaps continue for 100 or even 365 blessings, and I know that you will be as blessed by the process as I have been.

Every Day of The Year- Three Forty-Eight thru Three Sixty-Five

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1: 9-11


Monday, June 20th

348) An outdoor grill- First of all, don't you just love the taste and flavor of grilled food? Meat, vegetables, fruit, marshmallows... they all are so yummy straight off the grill, but I do have another reason for counting a grill as a blessing. The temperatures in Albuquerque are on the rise; the storm clouds are rolling in- bringing some additional humidity but, as of yet, no rain for this side of the mountain. It's getting hot and while our swamp cooler does a wonderful job taking the edge off, it just can't stand up to the outside heat plus heat from an oven/stove. So not only do I enjoy the tastiness of grilled food, but the grill also provides us with an excellent way to cook our food without heating up the house. Double blessings!


Tuesday, June 21st

349) Polite words- Please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry- such simple, little words and yet what a huge impact they can have.


Wednesday, June 22nd

350) A balloon catcher- Today was a morning of errand running. I knew it would be hard on our daughter, but there was no getting around it. Needless to say, it was a wonderful surprise when an employee gave our little girl a balloon at the first store we visited. That balloon kept her entertained for the next few hours as we continued our shopping. At the very last store, She lost hold of the balloon at the cash registers and we watched as it drifted up to the ceiling. The balloon had a long string on it, but it was just beyond my reach. A lady and her son noticed what happened and the next time I turned around, this little boy (probably around five years old) was handing the balloon back to our daughter. With the help of his mother, they had reached the string and retrieved the balloon. They didn't have to do that, and that is what made it so special and sweet.


Thursday, June 23rd

351) Fellow at-home cake decorators- As I really start the work on our daughter's birthday cake, I am so thankful for the guidance, encouragement and materials from other at-home cake decorators. Their insight and support has given me confidence that I can bring my vision to fruition.


Friday, June 24th

352) Two years- Two years ago, a little girl came into this world, and for two years, she has been a blessing to our little family and many others. Two years is a short time but in that time, she has made such an impact. She is smiles, laughter, joy, silliness, curiosity, spunk, sweetness, and love. How blessed we are to have her in our lives.  Happy birthday, darling girl!

353) Two years ago- It's hard to celebrate our daughter's birthday without thinking back to the day of her birth and all the events that led up to it. Those events and the timing of it all is a blessing I still carry with me. I lived with my parents from the fifth month of my pregnancy until two weeks after our daughter was born because of Drew's training schedule and the dilemmas it could pose for my delivery. Drew was scheduled to complete one training on the 13th of June and had to report to his next station by the morning of the 27th. I wasn't due until the 30th. All of that meant that Drew would only be with me for two weeks- week 38 and 39 of my pregnancy- and there weren't too many who expected I would naturally go into labor before my due date. We may not have expected it, but there were several who were praying for just that to happen. I am so thankful that Drew had the chance to be there for the labor, delivery and trip "home" with the newest member of our family. We had some time together as a family of three from the very beginning and that was and remains a blessing!


Saturday, June 25th

354) Celebrations- We had a little birthday party for our daughter tonight. Looking back on this party, I can say it was a perfect celebration, not because it went perfectly but because it's not the details of the party that make it special; it's the reason for the party and she is awfully special.  I may not have walked away from the party looking like the perfect planner or hostess. We may have had decor that couldn't withstand the withering heat or wind gusts. There may have been some undercooked- then overcooked- brats, some delays, some unexpected mishaps and some ice cream that more closely resembled a shake, but, in the end, that's not what I will remember. I will remember that we shared with friends and family in order to celebrate our daughter's second birthday. I will remember the fun and excitement our little girl had leading up to and during her party. I will remember the very blessing of these years with our daughter and this time with some of the people who love her and want to help us celebrate her life. No matter what comedy of errors may happen, I hope I always remember to cherish the celebrations in our life for they are a reminder of the good and many blessings God has given us.


Sunday, June 26th

355) Grass- Have you ever thought about all the things grass does? Grass is green and lush, bringing some of the first signs of spring and the renewing of our natural world. Grass carpets a harder surface, providing us with a soft place to land, sit and/or play, and grass holds down that earth thereby helping to eliminate erosion and dust storms. I have always appreciated grass for its greenness and all that represented, but now I also see what a common, everyday blessing it is.


Monday, June 27th

356) Vacuum attachments- While I have always liked having vacuum attachments to help clean the furniture and edges of the room, I have found a new appreciation. Vacuum attachments help me with my bug phobia. They have provided me with at least a little freedom from depending on Drew to clean up dead insects.  With their help, I can stay at arm's length and still take care of encroaching bugs.


Tuesday, June 28th

357) Swamp cooler- After living in houses with air conditioning (refrigerated air), last summer with only a swamp cooler seemed terrible. As the temperatures rose, it just didn't seem like the swamp cooler helped much at all. However this year, I am noticing just how much I appreciate our swamp cooler.  After spending a morning in 90+ degrees, It's wonderful to come home to a cooler house.


Wednesday, June 29th

358) Similarities- There are some moments and situations where I am just not looking for advice or answers; I just want someone who can empathize and understand. Best of all is when that person understands because they have "been there, done that" and are living proof that you will make it through as well. That's what I needed today and that is exactly what the Lord provided! Thank you, my friend, for listening, understanding and sharing your own similar experiences.


Thursday, June 30th

359) Collision of events-  As our daughter has gotten older and more independent, I have questioned myself more and more. Parenting is such a huge responsibility, and the thought of facing that challenge- in the years to come- alone and in an unfamiliar place because of our military life left me with lots of doubts. Could I really do the job of an Army wife and mother? Did I have the inner strength?

After this week, I have more of an answer. Drew has been away for a training, something that if fairly rare for a platoon that is on secondary. Added to that is the fact that it would seem when our little daughter woke up on her second birthday, a "two year old" switch was flipped. Her strong-will, curiosity, independence and mischievousness has ramped up a good two or three notches from anything we have experienced thus far. I felt overwhelmed by some daunting challenges that all collided this week, and when put together, I found myself in uncharted, unfamiliar waters. However time has passed and as I look back on the week, I have an appreciation for all I have experienced and more confidence for all that lies ahead for me. This journey, as mother and Army wife, will be physically, emotionally and mentally challenging at times, but I have confidence that I can do it- not through my own strength but by relying on the Lord. That confidence is a blessing and the events that led to it are a gift from God.


Friday, July 1st

360) The big picture- Sometimes I get bogged down with the little details or the hard moments in my day and I can forget the bigger picture. Our little two year old is a sweet, loving, fairly obedient child; she also is very curious, quite independent and strong-willed. These days its this second set of traits that leads to trouble, particularly her strong will. Lately we have experienced a few times when our sweet little girl decides to "dig in her heels" and tries to exert her will over ours, no matter what the consequences. We have used a variety of disciplinary and corrective measures, but in these few situations, she seems unphased. In these moments, I can feel like I am failing as a mother, but it is also in these moments that I most need to remember the big picture. Our little girl has a very sweet, loving, obedient disposition more times than not and that didn't just happen by accident. We still have a long ways to go, but we are on a good path.


Saturday, July 2nd

361) Hugging Daddy- Drew came home today after being away for training for the past week. Our little girl was at the door to greet him as he walked inside. Seconds later, she was in his arms, hugging him with all her might. As I watched, I was nearly overcome with emotions; it was such a wonderful thing to behold.


Sunday, July 3rd

362) A little hand to hold- As our daughter and I walked along the sidewalk the other day, I looked down and saw her little hand nestled in mine. It was a beautiful and sweet sight. There may come a day when it's embarrassing for her to hold her mother's hand, but for now, she loves it and so do I.


Monday, July 4th

363) Freedom- On this Fourth of July, my thoughts are taken to a few summers past when I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania. On that trip, I saw a very different society and had the chance to hear first hand what it was like to be a Christian in a Communist country. Although Communism had fallen, many whom I served alongside were old enough to remember the ostracism, shame and hardships they faced during its reign. My eyes were opened then to what a privilege and blessing it is to live in a country where the freedoms and rights of an individual take precedence. I could merely list some of our freedoms: religion, speech, right to assembly, right to bear arms, but that doesn't really do justice to all the freedoms, and the subsequent side effects, we have been granted in this country. No matter how you look at it, we, who live in this country, are truly blessed with the freedoms and rights accounted to us in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

That is not the only freedom I celebrate on this date. Eighteen years ago, I received an even greater freedom- one that transcends this world and gave me a freedom I could never earn, achieve or otherwise possess. On this date, I was given the ultimate freedom, freedom from the guilt of my sins, the punishment for those sins and an eternity apart from God. "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed." John 8:36

Happy Independence Day!!


Tuesday, July 5th

364) Food varieties- I love trying new foods so when we move to a new location, I do look forward to tasting the local cuisine. New Mexico definitely has their own flair and today I found a new food favorite- calbacitas. Yum! This is one vegetable side dish that will be on our dinner table even after we have moved again. It's just another reminder of the blessings that can come from the Army life- not only do I meet lots of interesting, caring, amazing people, but I also get to learn about new foods and take the recipes with me!

365) Counting my blessings- I now have one blessing for every day of the year. I never thought I would make it this far as I have never been very faithful with journaling, etc. However as I look back, I can rightly proclaim that this process, this concerted effort to count and recognize the daily blessings in my life, has blessed me in incredible ways. I am thankful that I didn't give up or tire of the effort but have pushed on and seen so much of what the Lord has done for me, my family and this world. I am truly blessed beyond belief!