Multitude Monday #1911 - #1947....

"Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks in all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who cares for us: Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen"

The Divine Hours...Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle

Giving thanks with the Gratitude Community for His unending gifts ...

1911...looking for him because it was "way too quiet" and finding him like this...




1912...boys giggling in the backseat over things like underwear and farts

1913...surprising them with a mystery ride to see their cousins

1914...cousins bowling and cheering one another on

1915...slowing to spend time before bed snuggling with Micaiah

1916...an early morning run as the sun rose in the sky

1917...Wills face pressed tight against the glass looking for me

1918...the sound of the water moving

1919...hearing these words..."I want you to play outside with me Mama"

1920...playing soccer with Eli

1921...Beth Moore on James 5:7-11 and Job 1:8-12 from her study on the book of James...
"He permits and sometimes even dictates difficulty for those in whom He boasts so that they will prove what He already knows is true. The Lord does not allow tests that He knows in advance we don't have the wherewithal to pass. He boasts in His faithful followers then lets them prove Him right. Sometimes the person most shocked by the proof is the human put to the test. How will we ever know what He's accomplished in us if He doesn't show us? And how will Satan otherwise be proved a liar in our eyes?...God knows how everything will turn out. And, for every single person who belongs to Him, it turns out well. We are not the exceptions. Neither our sins nor our sufferings are big enough to offset the ordered outcome."

1922...how he just snuggled in and let me hold him when he woke up with a belly ache

1923..."Shout your praise"...the first words he says in the morning upon waking...a reminder to worship

1924...Micaiah exclaiming..."Wow, Mom it feels like spring out here."

1925..."Look, Mom those birds are flying in a number 7" as he points to geese flying high in the sky

1926...outside alive with the sounds of spring

1927...how this is one of Will's favorite places to be...the musical heritage that my husband is passing to our kids...thank you Lord for his talents and how he shares them so others may draw closer to you...



1928... a morning text that changed the day...authentic conversation with a friend while the kids played

1929...seeing him pet "Dexter" the hedgehog

1930...the beginning of Lent and the reminder of my need for Him

1931..Wes and Will worshiping in the morning




1932...beautiful clouds in the sky

1933...walking by at just the right time to see the orangutans up in the sky swinging on the ropes...




1934...catching up with an old friend that God brought to my mind and hearing of their upcoming adoption

1935...a gentle rain that is a reminder to SLOW

1936..."Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

1937...reciting James 1: 1-16 in an attempt to plant his word in my heart

1938...a morning where things are out of my control...the gentle reminder of my need for Him

1939...cousins snuggled close over a book at bedtime




1940...quiet conversation with my husband in the early morning

1941...the stirring in his heart and how he is seeking the Lord for wisdom

1942...a double dose of worship that soaks into a needy soul

1943...hearing the "r" word and my heart sinking a little and then His reminder to move toward prayer

1944...seeing this...



1945...a Sunday afternoon nap

1946...how a walk to the trains with two of them changed the day for me

1947...Sundaes with Lenten Lights

"Look Up in the Sky"...

The Orangutangs are moving from the Ape House to the Think Tank...on the suspended wires right above you!

They were close enough for Will to be captivated...

the boys think that this one needs a haircut...

they waited patiently for one another before proceeding to the next point...

such an incredible thing to witness on a warm sunny spring like day!

Oh...here is the other thing that got the boys full attention today...

President's Day Mystery Ride...

I called my sister in law to see if she was willing to take part in a "mystery ride" with us on Monday. The cousins don't get together very often so I thought it would be fun ...we met half way at Duckpin bowling lanes and spent the afternoon together...

Multitude Monday #1878 - #1910...

"Trust is a bridge built with the planks of thanks."
Ann Voskamp

Yes, yes, I agree...when I was in a dark place doubting God's existence...the Lord challenged me to open my eyes so that I could see His goodness...as I took the first steps in obedience...I had no idea how He would transform my life in the process...the bridge that I felt like had fallen after Kelsey's death was being rebuilt by giving Him thanks...

So I continue to join with the Gratitude Community and give thanks for his endless gifts because He continues to transform my life/shift my perspective in the process...

1878...my husband coming in the door from work

1879...a little one saying "Mommy, Mommy"

1880...the warm sun shining

1881...family that reminds me of the love of God

1882...hearing Make the Most of Me by Marie Miller and thinking on these lines...
"I can feel your mystery moving in my hands and feet
Leading me through disbelief, finding strength when I feel weak.
You make the most of me. You make the most of me."

1883...making chicken taquitos with my "best helper"

1884...a neighbors help with carpool in the pouring rain

1885...His gentle reminder that He is in control

1886...watching Will play "hide and seek"

1887...a good report from his educational psychologist

1888...last minute errands to get them fun things for the weekend

1889...a long drive with a close friend

1890...a sea of women worshiping their Creator

1891...Ann V. hugging me long and saying that she has been praying for me and my seminar

1892...excitement over sharing the story that God has written for me

1893...prayer, prayer and more prayer

1894...hearing the same scripture prayed over me by different people and knowing God was speaking to my heart

1895...remembering how strongly I held onto the promise of 2 Timothy 2:13
during the dark days of distrust

1896...women weeping

1897...strongholds broken

1898...Compassion sponsorship forms turned in one after another...kids lives will be changed!

1899...a scripture written on a hand as a reminder that "our anguish is meant to lead to a birth"

1900...picture messages from home showing boys making memories with their Daddy

1901...meeting a dear sister in Christ that reminds me we are all kindred spirits when we have Him in common

1902...staying up way too late

1903...suitcases packed

1904...hard eucharisteo...hearing stories of brokenness

1905...God reminding me to trust in this promise...
"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

1906...baggage left behind (the kind He wants us to leave behind)

1907...authentic conversation on the way home

1908...Will screaming "Mommy, Mommy...Yeah!" over and over again when I walked in the door as he ran around the house

1909...the way Micaiah leaned into me for a hug

1910...my husband that not only cared for the 4 boys while I was away but made it so fun that when I asked Joshua his favorite part of the weekend...he replied "Everything!"

Happy Valentine's Day 2012...

If you are interested in seeing our message from previous years...just click on the links below...

Valentines Message 2009

Valentines Message 2010

Valentines Message 2011

Multitude Monday #1857 - #1877...

Joining with the Gratitude Community and giving thanks for his endless gifts...

February 6th...3 gifts found outside
...Will using the chalk holder as a microphone while he sings



...the contrast of frost covering the ground and the bright sun shining down...how everything shimmers
...the bright round moon while we look for stars in the dark

February 7th...
...a sweet text from my husband
...running in the field with Eli and Will
...sundae treats after homework

February 8th...
...a morning to stay in my jammies while he ran them to school
...snow gently falling outside

...worshipping to Kari Jobe while making dinner

February 9th...3 gifts that were surprises-unexpected grace!

...making Valentines with him
...a morning to share and pray with a special friend
...my husband pulling me close to look in my eyes and speak words of affirmation

February 10th...3 times you heard laughter today
...tickle fest with Eli
...Wes and Will in this video

...Micaiah's stuffed animal attack on Will that resulted in much laughter and "more please"

February 11th...3 gifts found in working
...sifting through a year worth of memories while working on a photo book
...snowflakes falling as I ran
...an incredible phone conversation with a friend as I cleaned up the kitchen

February 12th...3 hard eucharisteos
...change that causes pain...may I trust He is in this too!
....disobedience in my life...may I plant His word in my heart!

...temper tantrums from the one that's not quite 2...may I draw close to Christ!

Multitude Monday #1836 - #1856...

Joining with the Gratitude Community and giving thanks for his endless gifts...

January 30th...3 old things seen new
...old books passed down bringing excitement to the little ones
...an old blanket that brings comfort
...washcloths that soothe sick foreheads


January 31st...
a gift found on paper...his perfect spelling test
a gift in a person...Wes caring for 3 of us battling the stomach bug...he was the VP of buckets and blankets for a day and a half
a gift in a picture...her smiling face that shines so bright


February 1st...
a gift found at 11:30 am...all the sheets and bedding washed and clean
a gift found at 2:30 pm...a windy day to fly a kite



a gift found at 6:30 pm...a quiet drive home


February 2nd...3 things overheard today, all gifts
..."I will help you Mama." ~ Eli
..."I've got to tell you...you look fine." ~ Wes
..."You're the best mom in the world and I mean it." ~Micaiah (after I offered him a cookie...ha, ha)


February 3rd...3 gifts found in writing
...James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
..."God shines His light on you to make you fit for life's deserts, Gethsemanes, and Calvaries. He lifts you to new heights to strengthen you so that you may go deeper still."~ LB Cowman
...Exodus 33:11 "The Lord spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend."


February 4th...3 gifts found
...a long run with my dad
...the cross in the cemetery
...these boys getting together for the afternoon...it's been way too long




February 5th...
one gift stitched...James 1:1-10 memorized (with the hope of memorizing the book by the end of the year...just 2 verses per week)
one gift hammered....singing this over and over throughout the day after worship this morning "You are stronger...sin is broken...you have saved me!"



one gift woven...an important conversation with my husband that weaved in and out of numerous interruptions throughout the day

Will's Milestones...

Will after his first "big boy haircut"...

and his counting debut...with a little help from the family around the dinner table...

video: if you received this post via email...please visit www.ouradventurewithboys.com to view the video