Monday, October 5, 2009

Teach us to number our days.... (and blessings too!)

Some days feel like several days crammed into one, don't they? Today, after a very full day of homeschooling, the boys sprinted home to tell me that one of our goats was having babies! Our little herd of Nubian Dairy goats are more like pets than livestock. We primarily have them as a source of hormone and antibiotic-free affordable milk for the children. (I also love having ways to keep the children "profitably occupied" and for us, the goats fit the bill.)

I had not planned on having kids (as in, baby goats!) yet, so I immediately began planning where we would put the babies, and wondering where the heat lamp was, etc. Before I could even get up to the barn, the sad news arrived that our doe had delivered three premature babies, and all died.

Soon after, I left to take Hannah and Abbie to teach at the Good News Club that they work at every Monday. While they were teaching I went for my bike ride. I love this time as a great workout, but mostly as a quiet time to pray and think.

After picking up the girls we returned home to news that the doe who had delivered the triplets didn't look very good. I rushed up to the barn and arrived only minutes before she died as well. We are guessing that she had preeclampsia. So, so sad. We have been raising Nubians for almost 9 years now and have never lost an adult goat.

The older boys dug a hole and buried her. And I contemplated~ our days are brief and the length of them unpredictable. Yea, I know, just a goat, not a person. But still, our days are brief. We do not know what tomorrow may bring.

Today, I choose to live thankfully, cognizant of many things that I might otherwise overlook. Certainly, life is not always happy, but I am endeavoring to live joyfully, fully engaged with all that the Lord has given me to do. here. now.

Here's this week's edition of my "thankfulness project"...

51. A daughter who is discovering the blessing of deliberately giving thanks... in all things.
52. A husband who will ask the hard questions... drawing others out in conversation.
53. A new book~ new challenging thoughts for me.
54. Chickens with fluffy bottoms...
55. A newly 13 year old daughter who loves flowers


56. little boys in fuzzy-footed sleepers. (Especially snuggly when on my lap for a book!)
57. a journal... a humble God-finding reminder and delight... a specific place to document my thankfulness


58. our ever-faithful and eternally happy Great Pyreneese, Lance (can you tell that he loves bread?)


59. early morning quiet~ before the (blessed with joy) fray begins.
60. for the incredible priviledge of being part of the Body of Christ. i'm humbled.
61. persistently blooming autumn flowers displayed in memory-laden antique pitcher and


62. the fluttering winged beauties who frequent them.


63. a pickup full of happy children, husband. Memories being made here....


64. a full moon, sailing clouds, created by God, admired by all here



Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He is gracious to us.
Psalm 123:2

And He is gracious, isn't He?

Rejoicing in gifts given, in overflowing abundance,
Susan




holy experience

15 comments:

  1. "And He is gracious, isn't He?"

    Yes, yes He is. Thank you for sharing.

    Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This made my heart sing!
    Your seeing eyes, your seeing heart, your praising life....

    That journal!
    Those children!
    These days, counted... blessings too.

    Susan?

    You bless and mentor me in countless ways....

    I send so much love...
    Alls grace,
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh Susan, what a beautiful post! I was encouraged and inspired.

    "Today, I choose to live thankfully, cognizant of many things that I might otherwise overlook. Certainly, life is not always happy, but I am endeavoring to live joyfully, fully engaged with all that the Lord has given me to do. here. now."

    This is where I choose to be, strive to be, struggle to be . . .

    What new book are you reading?
    My 13 year old daughter is my flower child!

    Your journal is absolutely beautiful.

    Thank you for sharing. Also, thank you for signing up for the 'party' I hope many younger (and older) moms find your blog, it is inspirational!

    BTW, sorry about your goats ;-(

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ann,

    Thank *you*, my friend. Your comment encourages me more than you can know~ *you* who encourage me to really choose to "see."

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Michelle!

    I'm reading Leslie Leyland Fields book "Parenting is Your Highest Calling and 8 other Myths that trap us in Worry and Guilt" and
    Lou Priolo's book, "Teach Them Diligently." Both excellent and thought-provoking as well.

    I've been asked to speak to a women's group on the topic of "Discipling and Loving Your Children." Humbling topic! Funny, in past years I would have thought that I actually had something to say.... now (fortunately!) I *know* that I need the Lord's direction and inspiration to have anything worthwhile to say. : )

    Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging comments.... I appreciate you!

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  6. A pleasure to "meet" you here in the world of blogging! Your post is so lovely. I am warming to the idea of joining in with the "gratitude community" and love the look of the journal you are keeping! Such a wonderful idea!!
    Have a blessed day!
    In Him,
    Camille

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow. I just "linked" up to your blog from "She Looketh Well" and what a blessing it has been to read your words of wisdom and your thankfulness to our gracious Savior. Thank you for taking the time to share. What an encouragement!

    We are praying about homeschooling our oldest for first grade and the Lord continues to lead us in that direction...(said I'd never do it!) and as I read your post about tossing the cap over the wall, my heart was spoken to once more...as was my husband's.

    I can't wait to read more! You have a beautiful family! And seeing a window into your heart is such a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just read for the first time through the blog party at She Looketh Well. I was truly blessed and caused to reflect. Thanks for such a great post.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a lovely blog and a wonderful family you have. I am visiting by way of "she looketh well."

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have been so encouraged at your blog. I found you from "she looketh well. I am saving you as a favorite and when I have some more time I will be back to look, learn and listen. Your family is so precious!! I was only able to have 7, I am 57 and wish the Lord would fill my womb. I love children. Now I am "lovin" on my 9 grandchildren and the two daughters that are still at home!!!!!!

    Your blog is lovely. I love the hat and basket. It says so much about you! Beautiful!!!!!
    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! To everyone who is visiting from "She Looketh Well," thanks *so* much for your kind and encouraging comments. What a blessing to be a part of the Body of Christ.

    i am humbled.

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've enjoyed catching up on your posts! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the pictures of this post! So very beautiful. Thanks for sharing a pic of your journal. I have never seen a journal so pretty ~ inspiring for me! And I'm so sorry about the goats ~ a very sad day for your family, I'm sure.
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi there, Gina and Kathy! Thanks *so* much for your kind comments! You encourage me more than you can know.

    Kathy, the journal is super-simple and has been an incredible blessing to me~ I plan to post more info about journaling in the next week... that's the plan, anyway! : )

    i appreciate you guys! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Immeasurably gracious. Thanks for sharing your moments and photos.

    Cathy

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to contribute by commenting! I read and value each comment and will do my best to reply promptly. Your thoughtful interaction here encourages me. :)