In the Now

"This is the day the Lord has made. 

We will rejoice and be glad in it." 

(Psalm 118:24)

"Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. 

Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it."

 (Jesus Calling)

Each day - a gift, and to be lived in and embraced. For those of us who are planners, we sometimes find ourselves living in the plans, thinking ahead to the next event, the next task - our minds always on the go. But God has been reminding me this past week to more fully embrace the now. To look for Him every day, all through each day - watching for His Gifts, tasting His Goodness, loving and being loved by Him and by those around me. Living as if today is the most important day.

Thanking Him for His gifts each day during this past week ~

~ beautiful fall weather and time for a walk through our little town.

~ phone calls from Lance over in Europe, and the news that he will be coming home soon!

~ for Amy and her two kids coming over one evening (for Ali begging and wanting to go see "grama") - sweet time together.

~ time for menu planning (for three months of menus!)

~ for this verse that keeps coming to our minds over and over again: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)

~ for a great half-day SV staff meeting on Wednesday - so thankful for our team.

~ sharing together with our larger staff team for a Day of Prayer one day this past week - so blessed to be part of this Omaha/Lincoln team.

~ for memories of our incredible, amazing 40th Anniversary Trip to Italy last month.

~ the many photos we took giving us so much joy as we remember and carry the memories with us, also sharing them with family & friends.

~ for blogging, an avenue to share our memories (posts about our trip now completed!)

~ time for some baking (Chocolate Chip Brownies, and Oatmeal Apple Raisin Muffins) - and the start up of plans for Christmas baking.

~ the fun of having Sara and boys come over last night - good times together, such happy boys.

~ phone call from Cristy in TX.

~ texts and calls from my husband, in Houston over the weekend.

~ live streaming from the "It's Time!" SV Prayer Event going on in Houston the past two days - so good to be able to hear parts of that powerful time for student leaders and staff.

~ time to put up our fall decorations - love this time of year!

~ some much-needed, extended time reading His Words, listening, and being filled up.

"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth."
(Psalm 46:10 NASB)

"Beloved, relax in My loving Presence. 

Let the Light of My Love soak into your entire being."

(Dear Jesus)

(Photo above was taken in beautiful, relaxing Cinque Terre, along the Mediterranean coast, on our recent trip to Italy.)

(One Thousand Gifts #668-684)

Linking up at Multitude Mondays