My Cup Runneth Over

I have been doing a study on simplicity, contentment, thanksgiving & joy.

We have finished watching all 10 seasons of "Little House on the Prairie". We've been reading the books as well. (It is our tradition - while reading these books, to read by an oil lamp while eating a "sour ball"- like Laura Ingalls loved.)

The ladies in that time period had so much work to do, but yet they had time to be hospitable, time to make big meals for their family and help others. Our lives have gotten so busy- just... being... busy. I noticed that they didn't have a lot of "stuff"- which is probably the reason they were able to do so much. They could work circles around us. We (as a society) have lost that - hospitality & simplicity. I want to claim some of that back for our family.

We went to the mountains back in July. We stayed in a 3 room - not 3 bedrooms, but a 3 room log cabin. The kids loved it. We didn't bring a lot of things - just some games that required playing together. We were living in very close quarters. The kids thought that was the best house ever. They have talked about trading our house in for that exact house. Simplicity.

Notice the Little House night gown & loft/ladder like the "Little House".

Contentment: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and rainment let us be therewith content." 1 Tim. 6: 6-8 Lord, help me to be content in what you have given me. The Lord has blessed us so much. He has always supplied our needs.

"Thankfulness is how you think, joy is the abundance it produces. Thanksgiving is good; thanks-living is better." ~ Debi Pearl "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15

"Live with thanksgiving, forgiveness, and joy, and enjoy all your moments as if they were you last. Thanksgiving produces joy. Open you mouth and begin to thank God for His grace towards you. Thank Him for every good thing that He has brought into your life." ~ Debi Pearl

I am thankful for the simple things:

1. A Lord who loved me enough to die for me.
2. My salvation.
3. A husband that enjoys playing with our children & making them laugh.
4. A husband who loves and encourages me.
   
5. For a tennis coach, whose love for the kids shine though.
6. The warm sunshine today with a cool crisp breeze.
7. For our sweet home that reminds me of a cottage.
8. A country where we are free to worship our Savior.
9. For the men and women who have and are fighting for our freedom.
   
10. For 31 precious children that sing in our children's choir.
11. For God allowing me, to be used of Him, to teach those 31 children as well as to raise my 3 babies.

As I sit here with tears spilling out of my eyes, I am amazed that despite my flaws, God still uses me. To God be the glory.

I can truly say~ My Cup Runneth Over.