I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (1-15)

I have had the book 1,000 gifts (by Ann VosKamp) rolling around in my head and heart for some time now. This morning as I ran, it really resonated with me. I have a choice every day, to be thankful and joy-filled or not to. I Choose Joy! It is not possible to have feelings of joy and gratitude at the same time feeling discontentment. One way to keep the feeling of joy is to journal all the things we are thankful for on a daily (even minute by minute) basis. I am going to attempt to work my way to 1,000 gifts.

1. Crisp early morning runs.

2. Ponds that look like a giant mirror, reflecting Gods beauty.

3. Christmas lights to guide my run.

4. Snuggling under the down comforter with my boys in the early morning hours.

5. Crumb-free floors.

6. Warm winter days when we can still ride our bike to the park.

7. The surprise of my husband coming home from work early!

8. Our middle sons natural scent as he snuggles in with me for a hug and kiss.

9. Piano music filling the house first thing in the morning.

10. Our youngest fulfilled "flute" music.

11. The dogs happy dance as she sees you coming.

12. Memory work on Character Qualities recited and put into action by our oldest.

13. The chance to build the Great Wall of China out of FloraCraft Styrofoam with our 1st grader. I love homeschooling!

14. The happy sounds of tent builders in the next room.

15.The generosity of those supporting mission work.

How has God blessed you today?

Family Camp = Family Fun!

The anticipation has been building all summer for our first annual trip to Trout Lake Family Camp. We just returned from several days of fun and excitement. Trout Lake did not disappoint. Who could ask for more than family worship, rock climbing, zip line, archery, swimming, flying squirrel, rockets, leap of faith, carnival, sharking, black light dodge-ball, and the list goes on.... Family camp was awesome.

Here is a peak into the last few days of awesome. I should warn you in advance. It was very hard to narrow the pictures to a few favorites from a couple hundred. There were just to many things to be able to include them all, but here is a few highlights.

Rocket Building...

 Rocket Launching....

LOVE THIS PART .... Is this right up our alley or what?!

 And the overall winner, with a launch of about 100 yards is..... Jacob!

And this was just some of the fun. We also had archery,

zip line,

Chris is 2nd from the right.

Loves it!

and flying squirrel, which involves 9 people in a harness.

8 are hooked up as the "horses" running in 1 direction 
9th person runs in the opposite direction.

 

the effect is the single person is lifted 40 feet in the air, an adrenaline rush, and lots of giggles!

 Chris really liked this one!

Leap of faith is a climb to the top of a 20 foot pole, balance on top and jump to the bar. Much harder than it looks, but lots of fun! This is a favorite of mine. I am pretty sure Chris enjoyed it as well.

Ready, Set

Jump!

The kids had plenty to do as well. Family rock climb which is a big hit with Noah and Jacob!

 

Water Sports

Our guys are the first couple on the left (their left). Great friends are the first couple on the right. This equals fun!

Tango!

We left feeling closer to God, to each other, and yep a little sore. All in all it was totally awesome and we cannot wait to return!

Of course it would not be a family photo without some silly faces!

I Am Extreme!

About a year ago I was in a discussion with a couple people when the bomb was dropped. They told me that I am extreme. WHAT? ME? I did not take it as a compliment, and I am sure that they did not mean it as one. I will not go into the details of why it came up but the words, "you are so extreme" have been rolling around in my head on and off since.  Today, for the first time I have a sense of peace about it and even an excitement. So friends, I tell you with a smile on my face, the cat is out of the bag, I am extreme and great with it!

I read the definition and find that extreme is 1. beyond the ordinary or average 2. farthest from the center or middle. Some of the synonyms are words like greatest, highest; ultimate, extravagant, uncompromising. Wow! Wish I would have looked at it in this light a year ago.

Let me bare my heart and tell you you some things that I am extreme about....

I am extremely greatful when I think about the fact that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

I am extremely humbled that Jesus died on the cross for a sinner like me.

I am extremely in love with my husband/best friend and thankful for all that he does and for our marriage.

I am extremely in in awe of our wonderful kids. I am thankful that God has trusted us to raise them and teach them. I am extreme about their education and feel so blessed that I get to teach them again this coming year.

I am extremely picky about what our kids eat. Especially after dealing with the trials of what food can do for our behavior, learning, fitness, energy level and general health.

I am extremely blessed to have such amazing sisters, parents, and family.

I am extremely thankful for dear friends. There are some amazing people in our lives and I am great full for each and every one of them.

I am extreme black and white or uncompromising with things like faith and human life. The farthest from center or middle.

I have extremely high standards.

My heart is extremely compassionate for orphans and children in need.

When I reflect on this I am not sure that I am extreme enough in the areas of life that really matter for eternity. You see it is a complement to be passionate and unwavering about things that really matter.

Are you extreme?

 

Cannonball Dive!

The boys cannot get enough of summer! Swimming, boating, biking, baseball, anything outside. I am so thankful for kids that love the outdoors and activity as much as Chris and I do.

The Great Outdoors!

Our family loves many things, but one of our favorites is time outside. Add together time outside with great friends, fishing, bike rides, the nature center, and swimming and you have the perfect weekend!  Although we camped pretty close to home the adventure was wonderful.

The boys were excited to have all weekend to spend time with their friends.

 Time to go fishing! Don't go without me!

Bike ride with the crew to the nature center.

  Caleb and Noah with antlers.

Jonah wanted to try antlers as well, but all he could find was hooves. Silly Guy!

 Time to head back to camp for an evening of games and a campfire.

It was a little crazy with 3 kids, 2 adults, and 2 dogs in our tent! We would not have it any other way. I wish we would have thought to get a family photo as it was Chocos last camping trip. But we have lots of memories to reflect on. Thanks Jeff, Amy and family for such a great weekend. Looking forward to many more outings like this!