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Robins and Sunny Afternoons

Pale green blades of grass poked a half inch tall out of black pavement on the street beneath our feet. Determined to make healthy choices, my man and I alternated between jogging and walking on a hot Sunday afternoon. Walking was definitely more frequent than jogging, my rythmic breathing embarrassingly loud in the sunny suburban streets. Husband nobly paced his long-legged strides to my shorter frame and made one-sided conversation. I responded in short one-word answers and focused on breathing and stubborn perseverance. The beauty distracted me and I soaked it in.

Microsoft clip art.



Thank you, God, for: 
-wind-chimes in a five-toned melody
-dangling foot-long pods from a mysterious tree
-the scuffling of blowing leaves on a sunny street
-fabulous, record-breaking warmth for a Minnesota March
-health, strength, stubbornness, laughter
-robins, chicadees
-blushing red buds appearing on trees
-the lilac bushes in gentle new green leaves
-children’s laughter on the breeze
-neighbors asking about God, and conversations that stretch long
-praying while panting
-Your glory and mercies new every morning

Linking with Ann and Michelle today, counting God’s gifts.

Hello, dear friend. Count three gifts with me today, will you? Name them below and rejoice with me. 

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15 Comments

  1. Michelle @ Changed By The Maker on March 19, 2012 at 2:44 am

    Thank you God for unseasonably warm and beautiful March weather, a wonderful church family, and freedom to homeschool! Thanks for your post and for linking-up with me!

  2. Jennifer Dougan on March 19, 2012 at 2:49 am

    Amen!

    Have a great week, Michelle. How fun that you and your son get to run together.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  3. Lisa Boyle on March 19, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    What a beautiful thankful list! It is so nice to "meet" you, as well! Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments. I am grateful for my husband, who works so hard to provide for us, the blessing and freedom to be able to homeschool our children and for a church family that is vibrant and alive.

  4. tandemingtroll on March 19, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Thank you God for unseasonably cold weather putting off the AZ heat for one more day. Thank you for rain and for Your provision of time and money that allows our kids to take part in different sports.

  5. Houseofmills on March 19, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Can I say the same thing as Michelle…Love the weather, love our church and love that I can homeschool and even more that I am enjoying it. hahhaa

  6. Erika @ Slowly Natural on March 19, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Thank you God for being able to do many things together with my family, for having beautiful weather, and for discovering how awesome a western meadowlark sounds!

  7. AmyAlves on March 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Hi Jennifer!
    Love your list of thanks and sharing! Keep it up girl! You're a blessing! -Blessings out to you, Amy

  8. Unknown on March 19, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    I so love running with my sweetie. It is so romantic to be together doing something for our health and future, building our marriage one step at a time.

  9. Jennifer Dougan on March 20, 2012 at 12:21 am

    Lisa,

    Being thankful for a husband who provides is a gift to him and to our Maker. Thanks.

    Tandemingtroll,

    How funny that you are thanking God for unseasonably cooler weather there and I was saying the opposite here. Yes, provision of time and rain too!

    HouseofMills,

    Yes, freedom to homeschool and for the enjoyment. 🙂

    Erika@SlowlyNatural,

    Nice to "meet" you. Thank you for stopping by. I can't picture how a meadowlark sings, but the artistic nature of our Creator charms my heart, and I'm curious to hear that bird now.

    Thank you, friends, for rejoicing with me.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  10. Jennifer Dougan on March 20, 2012 at 12:21 am

    Amy,

    Thank you for your encouraging heart.

    Jennifer
    jennhiferdougan.com

  11. Jennifer Dougan on March 20, 2012 at 12:22 am

    Shannon,

    How long have you and your man been running together? That's great.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  12. shari on March 20, 2012 at 7:18 pm

    I praise and thank God that…

    1. He sees me, not in my flesh, but as a new creature IN CHRIST!
    2. He gives us His Word and His Spirit thru which we can be filled to the full measure with Jesus.
    3. He has His hand in every aspect of our lives and that He gives us Holy Spirit eyes so that we can see Him!

  13. Jennifer Dougan on March 20, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    Amen, Shari! And "He gives us Holy Spirit eyes…." –yes.

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

  14. cabinart on March 21, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Thank you God for the big wet storm last weekend, for my warm house and the man who keeps the fire going, and thank you for the internet where I can meet and learn from someone as special as Jennifer!

  15. Jennifer Dougan on March 21, 2012 at 5:08 pm

    Hi Cabinart/Jana,

    I've missed you! Is your blog still hacked? I couldn't access it several days ago.

    I miss "talking" with you.

    Jennifer
    jenniferdougan.com

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