Lisa Notes: Dare to find joy in February

It’s a shame, but sometimes counting your blessings can become mechanical. Family, health, home, etc.

A fresh approach to capturing three gifts a day in February is here: February’s Joy Dare. It takes the routine out of the numbering. (Thank you, Ann.)

I sought God in these ways. I found Him in many places.

He’s a delight to have along for a scavenger hunt. Come play with Him!

Continuing my count to 1,000 of gifts of grace...

FEBRUARY 1, Wednesday
Gifts at 11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.
     # 487 Skyping with my niece Danielle in NY about matters great and small—important to us, to God
     # 488 ideas for a Salvadorian VBS popping into my head as I blow dry my hair
     # 489 finishing an hour of praise with my spiritual siblings

FEBRUARY 2, Thursday
Things overheard, all gifts
     #490 laughter between Jenna and Becca as they come home from Student Council
     #491 polite but authoritative talk from Jeff to a co-worker while I’m on on the phone waiting for him to finish
     #492 sweet interchanges between the post office worker and the lady in front of me, despite miscommunication over her stamps

FEBRUARY 3, Friday
Gifts found in writing
     #493 clarifying my thoughts about God as my shelter
     #494 preaching to myself as I word comments to others
     #495 community of replies leaving a trail for later

FEBRUARY 4, Saturday
Blessings when bent down
     #496 rubbing on my very favorite foot lotion to keep my barefooted heels soft
     #497 bending over my sick daughter in bed to put a cold washcloth on her forehead
     #498 unzipping my boots at the end of the day—freedom

FEBRUARY 5, Sunday
One gift stitched; one woven; one hammered
     #499 waking up on soft sheets at the Embassy Suites after a refreshing night of sleep (praise God!)
     #500 staying toasty on the ride home from Montgomery under my Amazing Grace blanket, a gift from Daddy’s funeral almost two years ago
     #501 propping my feet up on my new wooden foot stool from Jeff, watching the Giants win the Super Bowl (I hope—go Eli! Gotta stay true to my Ole Miss roots)

* * *

Care to join in the fun?
Find these gifts this week:

February 6, Monday: 3 gifts found outside
February 7, Tuesday: 3 gifts red
February 8, Wednesday: a gift broken, a gift fixed, a gift thrifted
February 9, Thursday: 3 gifts that were surprises—unexpected grace!
February 10, Friday: 3 times you heard laughter today
February 11, Saturday: 3 gifts found in working
February 12, Sunday: 3 hard eucharisteos

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Barbara H. 65p · 692 weeks ago

I'm smiling at the VBS idea coming to mind while blow-drying your hair. It's neat how the Lord brings ideas to us. So often I've wished for something to write on while in the shower to capture an idea. Maybe I ought to invest in those washable bath crayons, LOL!

Enjoyed reading through your thoughtful thankful list.

1 reply · active 692 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 692 weeks ago

I think my absolute best ideas come to me around 2 or 3 a.m. Ha. Sometimes I'll actually turn on a light and try to record them; other times I think, "I'll remember this!" Sometimes I do; sometimes I don't. I try to rest in the notion that if God really wants me to remember, he'll remind me again in the daylight hours.

And I should invest in washable bath crayons too. And maybe some glow-in-the-dark ones by my bed. :-)
My recent post Dare to find joy in February

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Julie · 692 weeks ago

Thank you for sharing Lisa. I WOULD like to join in...It is another INTENTIONAL to accomplish. Thank you for the framework to do it! HUGS to you. xoxo
My recent post Merry Monday

Glad you'll be joining in, Julie. There was a January calendar for this too, but I was slow to join in. It's never too late though, right?

So today we look for three gifts outside. That's an easy one! Hope you find even more than three. :-)
My recent post Dare to find joy in February

bluecottonmemory 55p · 692 weeks ago

I am reading "He and I" - and it reminds me of Ann's 1,000 gifts in many ways - but so many years before all of this. Hearing God, seeing God in the blessings he leaves us daily:) Your list encourages me onward in this quest to see God in each moment.
My recent post Milk Box Blessings

I would hate to count the number of blessings that he's left me that I have NOT noticed. Sigh. He is such a patient Father with us. I'm glad we're on this quest together to find his gifts.
My recent post Dare to find joy in February

laura · 692 weeks ago

I love reading your list of blessings, Lisa. Love the way Ann has broken it down this year. Love, love love!
Thank you for your words of comfort at the Wellspring today. Clinging to them and to His words.
My recent post Playdates with God: Rugged Landscape

I think Ann's breakdown will be a great way to help us find original blessings-of-the-day. So thankful for creative people. :-)
My recent post Dare to find joy in February

tinuviel · 692 weeks ago

So glad for the good sleep! Your back pain and sleep have been in my prayers. I'm using the Joy Dare guide too; it was fun to read your list. Grace to you in Jesus, Lisa.
My recent post Worlds to Conquer

Oh, thank you for praying for my pain and sleep issues. I go back and forth between asking for healing (always my first choice) but also for acceptance for things as they are. God will provide, either way. I need to trust him more...
My recent post Dare to find joy in February

Jen · 692 weeks ago

I often have amazing thoughts pop into my head in the shower. What is it about these mundane times that allow God to swoop in?
My recent post when your daughter gives you art lessons...

Maybe those moments are when we've let our guard down? Leaves open space for him to fill? Hmm...I should probably open up a few more spots like that...
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