MARCH Joy Dare

I continue to copy gifts, gratitudes and thanksgivings from my personal journal
on the way toward one thousand gifts: #181 - #273.

#181-183:: Gifts at 3pm: Exploring with my husband, a visit with an owner of a tiny diner, inhaling foggy air.
184-186:: Gifts Green: Crocus leaves, green fields, thyme sprouts in pots.

187-189:: Gifts worn: A Norwegian sweater, my purple hat, my finished Bunad.
190-192:: Gifts hard to say thanks: our move north, too quiet days, less work.
193-195:: Gifts found: new insights, simple pleasures, renewed energy.

196-198:: A gift . . . Bent: colors of refracted light;  Broken: a lie from a sly spirit;    Beautiful: God's forgiveness.
199-201:: Kitchen gifts: simmering soup, pungent onions, blue quartz counters.

202-204:: Gifts LOUD: honking geese, colors in my favorite quilt, God's voice when He wants me to hear.
205-207:: Gifts carved: A folk art bird, butter mold, time for myself.
208-210:: Gifts in Christ: Salvation, grace, eternal life.
211-213::  Gifts read: Blog notes from "A Holy Experience" by Ann Voskamp, the book of James, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

214-216:: A gift in . . . Wind: unusual warmth; Water: a light rain; White: sheets on the clothesline.
217-219:: Gifts Round: Car wheels, my head, tomatoes.

220-222:: Gifts found in silence: thinking time, contemplative prayer, faint sounds of nature.
223-225:: Gifts given away: Love, Encouragement, currency.
226-228:: Hard Eucharisteos: giving of self without a thank you, acting in love when I don't feel like it,  stepping back as a leader.
229-231:: A gift . . .  Turned: our mattress;  Folded: a linen napkin;    Hung:clean laundry.
232-234:: Gifts Red: Holly Berries, patches on a little pillow, couch pillows.
235-237:: Gifts Eaten: coffee yogurt, home made pasta, a banana.

238-240:: Gifts that made me laugh: conversing with hubby, a joy-filled email, sharing with a friend.
241-243:: A gift . . .  Salty: local pretzels; Sweet: desserts at church I gave up for Lent;   Just right: Apple chips.

244-246:: Gifts found in God's Word: Salvation (John 3:16) Trust (Prov.3:5-6)
Clear direction: (Luke 10:27).
247-249:: Gifts found in women today: Confidence, Leadership, Purpose.
250-252:: Gifts spoken: Encouragement, exhortation, THANKS.

253-255:: A gift . . .  Sung: "As the Deer Pants for the Water" written by my friend, Marty Nystrom;  Written: a sweet note from a family member;  Painted: My sister's botanical art.
256-258:: Gifts almost gone: harsh winter weather, dark days, Christmas potpourri.

259-261:: Gifts redeemed: My life redeemed by Jesus Christ, wasted time redeemed for study time, insights learned redeemed for gifts of teaching.
262-264:: Gifts entwined: My life with Christ, my husband and I, years of overgrown ivy.

265-267:: Gifts of His promises: "I will never leave you nor forsake you," "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest," "I am the resurrection and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me."
268-270:: Gifts uncovered: Tulip leaves piercing the dirt, a found red sock under white sheets, Sun rays peaking through dark clouds.
271-273:: A gift . . . Heard: singing Meadow Lark  Held: Delicious apple;  Hoped for: renewed JOY.