August 7, 2012: Peace from His Word

3 gifts in His Word:

• from my morning devotions: Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.   2 Thessalonians 3:16
• from a email: Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:5
• from a friend's Facebook post: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

August 6, 2012: Watery Joy

3 gifts in water:

• an Earl Grey teabag as a mid-morning pick-me-up at work
• fresh corn on the cob from a local farm stand
• a pitcher of ice water on the dinner table, my daughter and her boyfriend joining us to make an ordinary weeknight meal special

August 5, 2012: Upside-down Joy

A gift outside, inside, upside down:

• the beauty of the lake in the morning, smooth as glass
• an impromptu visit from my son
• the upside-down economy of God.  That we give away blessings to multiply them.  That we are cleansed by blood.  That the least become the greatest.

August 4, 2012: The Joy of Paddling and Playing

3 gifts sitting:

• a slow and gentle kayak tour of the lake
• an afternoon spent relaxing on the raft we call "the party barge"
• a group of friends around the table playing board game

August 3, 2012: Joy in a Pie Plate

gifts at 10am, 1pm, 10pm:

• a fresh blueberry pie waiting on the kitchen counter
• lunch out with my mom
• a beautifully clear starry night

August 2, 2012: The Gift of Plenty

3 gifts eaten:

• the last of the season's fresh blueberries
• pizza, after my husband answered my what to make for dinner dilemma with this answer
• plenty.  I have no want, no need; God has richly blessed me with daily bread and so much much more.

August 1, 2012: White Can Be the Color of Joy

3 gifts white:

• a fresh, new page on the calendar
• a bottle of kiwi pear wine from a local winery opened for tonight's birthday dinner 
• simple, yet delicious recipe for peach crumble shared by a friend