perfect storm

The clouds swell with expectation. Sonorous rumblings tremble through the air with heaviness. Heaven's forks of light sear their imprints on the charcoal backdrop.

A storm is brewing.

My brown eyes search the skies for the storm front. While others hastily prepare for the fallout, I stand motionless - awestruck by the wonders of our Creator. I turn my back on the diminishing blue patchwork and pour my whole self into the anticipation of the dark release.
Storms hypnotize me.

I am grounded by the strong winds, lit up by the darkness and energized by the thunder. I swallow the scent of rain and wrap my senses around the crisp, white sheets of lightening. My soul dances on the toes of the rain's patter.

The blusterous low pressure system piggybacks my own pressures onto their rolling fronts - angrily banging and crashing until their tantrums are dissipated into harmless white whisps that God's quill pen scrawled across the spherical canvas.

His cleansing signature displayed in a love note written just for me.

{photo credit: Ryan Shippelt @ http://www.shippelt.com/}

looking up with thanks

Today's list of thanks are the silver lining on cloudy days...

711. Kids running through sprinklers.
712. Chocolate chip mint ice cream.
713. Good friends.
714. Cleansing rain.
715. Chronicling my son's preschool year.
716. Driving without the radio on - enjoying the silence.
717. Husband barbecuing our supper.
718. Dads to love on Father's day.
719. Feeling my son's excitement as he watched my husband open the father's day present.
720. Nana to play with the grandkids.
721. Falling asleep to the rain falling.
723. Fresh, clean water.
724. Sleeping dog.
725. Sign up sheets for hockey.
726. Chocolate covered faces.
727. Being a mommy.

Just for one day

I had a wonderful day today. Not because of any particular thing happening, or place I went...it was because I felt an inner peace I haven't felt in....well, I can't really recall the last time I felt at peace. From the moment I woke up, my soul felt light and my outlook was carefree. I relished in the little moments, put the to-do list away, and was just 'here'.

For one day.

For a moment at a time, I wasn't held captive by my calendar, clock or concern. I let go of my rigid rules and let the kids feast on pickles, goldfish and homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I slipped out of dish duty and slipped on my runners for a crisp post-dinner 45 minute walk among the trees. Husband bathed our babies. I laid beside my son in his little boy bed as he listed over 30 of his favourite things. I watched my daughter sneak out of her bed to 'read' books to our dog.

And now I continue to count my blessings as I sip my green tea...

691. Grace-filled days: God's signature on my heart.
692. Watching my little man play baseball. My heart bursts with pride.
693. Watching husband coach our little boy on third base.
694. A tear-filled preschool graduation ceremony (how am I going to survive the kindergarten drop-off?!)695. The insistence of my son to draw a rocket ship for his Uncle Rob's birthday.
696. A hand-drawn birthday card for Auntie Kelsi (better late than never!)
697. The smell of homemade cookies baking in the oven.
698. New recipes.
699. Watching a tomato plant grow from seed and then being planted in the backyard by my boys.700. Family BBQs.
701. Bright blue skies.
702. Soothing music to fall asleep to.
703. Registering my daughter for dance lessons.
704. A husband who is honest.
705. Seeds of trust.
706. Watching daughter playing carefree in the field.707. Aprons wrapped around tiny bakers.
708. Sunset's warm rays casting a glow in my living room.
709. Contentment.
710. Children who want their mommy's cuddles.

Gifts

Yesterday my baby girl turned three. We celebrated in fun style with over 50 family and friends. Our daughter was beside herself with delight. We are so blessed to have so many kind-hearted souls in our daughter's life.

My list of thanksgivings continues...
673. My beautiful daughter. She is God's gift to me and my family.
674. Sun showers.
675. Bulk food buys :)
676. Kids' giggles.
677. Excited children as the candles are lit.
678. Swings.
679. Grandmas' baking and cooking.
680. Husband with a spark in his eyes.
681. Small slurpees.
682. Conversations on the step.
683. One on ones with my closest friends.
684. Cleansing rain.
685. The blessing of a bursting invite list.
686. A closet full of clothes that fit :)
687. Husband taking the kids on an errand adventure.
689. The smell of clean laundry.
690. Cozy, quiet moments.