Thank You, LORD . . .

for the beauty in a pinecone -

5221.) for time in the mountains - enjoying the beauty You've created on our daily walks, morning games of Sequence in the sun-drenched kitchen, maple-apple-walnut sundaes at a maple syrup farm, an amazing Sunday school hour with great discussion and lots of interaction with like-minded believers, vintage stickers for my correspondence from an Amish dry goods store
5222.) that we came home to a wonderfully clean house, thanks to Eli's hard work
5223.) that another six-page letter from my friend, Terry, was waiting on my desk for me and the boys' amazement that anyone would choose to write that much long-hand!
5224.) that "my faith has found a resting place" in the work of Christ on the cross
5225.) that everything You do is good and fair, and all Your orders can be trusted (Psalm 111:7)
5226.) that "some of the king's officers respected the word of the LORD and hurried to bring their slaves and animals inside" (Exodus 9:20) - there is always a remnant of those who choose to trust Your Word - thank You for the encouragement of that reminder in this dark world
5227.) that Jesus "came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people" (Matthew 20:28)
5228.) for the reminder that charm can fool, beauty can trick, but a woman who respects You should be praised (Proverbs 31:30) - help me to remember that the beauty of the inside is of far more importance than the fleeting beauty of the outside