It's that time again. The time of month that I post my list of praises that I've been keeping track of for the month. I started this in August because of something I had read on another blog and have found it to be a very beneficial practice, drawing me ever closer to God, while also being able to look back on the ways He's provided and blessed us.

     When we go through trials, it's so easy to forget the blessings and benefits He's bestowed upon us. However, keeping a daily journal of what He's done and doing in my life, gives me something to look back on when I start to doubt or lose hope. He is so good all the time.

Jan 1 ~ Fresh Maine Shrimp $1.00 per pound, college son showed up for supper
               unexpectedly
Jan 2 ~ lots of learning done, no fussing, great to be "unschooling," found book on
               vegsource for less than 1/2 price
Jan 3 ~ mild winter day, feels like spring, Christmas is packed up for another year,
               sorted through and discarded unneeded Christmas items
Jan 4 ~ cordless phones - new batteries, Good News Club teachers that are faithful to
               show up and teach even when there are no kids to teach
Jan 5 ~ three small areas organized, ds15's reading score went up 200 points,
Jan 6 ~ 60 degrees midwinter, date with hubby, fabulous romantic comedy, no fights at
               home while we were out
Jan 7 ~ news of large financial gifts to two ministries CEF and CareNet
Jan 8 ~ afternoon nap despite the chaos
Jan 9 ~ little one woke up dry two nights in a row, several cluttered areas cleaned
Jan 10 ~ exuberant phone call from a young 7 year old friend, unexpected check in the
                 mail
Jan 11 ~ permission granted by Superintendent to advertise Good News Club in school
                 newsletter
Jan 12 ~ DS15 got a 96 on his final exam in hospitality for the semester and is now
                 ServeSafe certified, promise of raise and extra hours for hubby, DS19 made
                 the dean's  list at school
Jan 13 ~ birthday party for DS15, the ability for all ages including grown ups to chat
                 comfortably
Jan 14 ~ at home with ds4 and several small areas cleaned and organized
Jan 15 ~ beautiful walk in the snow with dd7, visit with ds19 before he returns to
                 school
Jan 16 ~ fabulous walk to check out a beaver dam, some good sledding with friends
Jan 17 ~ busy, busy schedule but able to stay one step ahead of the dishes
Jan 18 ~ party to send a missionary off to the Ukraine
Jan 19 ~ game night and fellowship at church
Jan 20 ~ slide show at mil's, good visit with ds19,
Jan 21 ~ cold water pipe froze but we noticed it soon enough to thaw it out in just five
                 minutes
Jan 22 ~ sisters in Christ who feel free to express their honest opinions
Jan 23 ~ scholarship money is available so ds16 can participate in Teenpact in April,
                 special gift for my husband, Charlotte's web with 3 kiddos
Jan 24 ~ chance to stay home, friend gave dd7 a ride to Good News Club,
Jan 25 ~ ds16's birthday, holding a prayer meeting in a public school
Jan 26 ~ discovery of the "neti pot", I haven't breathed this well in a long time
Jan 27 ~ three kiddos at camp for the weekend, date with hubby, special time with ds4
Jan 28 ~ husband's gift delivered - nice addition to home decor
Jan 29 ~ playground with friends, ds4 got to attend a birthday party
Jan 30 ~ ds16 and ds19 are going on a mission trip in July
Jan 31 ~ no frozen pipes, dh has decided to go on the mission trip with our two oldest boys