Count It All Joy.

A couple years ago I joined blog friend, Sarah Markley (who happens to be hosting a Lisa Leonard giveaway today), during Christmas and counted 100 Joys. 

That ended up being the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER (with exception of course to the very first OFF-THE-CHARTS Christmas)!

And I know why it was the BEST, because I was looking for the best.
While counting 100 Christmas joys:
My eyes were open in the mundane and as a result saw extraordinary. 
My desire became to be intentional and to create joy-filled memories.
I was more respective to the Spirit, and felt Him stirring the joy-pot inside me.

Yep, that was a great Christmas. 

That's why I'm giving it a go again this Advent season and counting 100 joys this Christmas.
I've got nothing to lose and every joy to gain.

**********************************************************************

#1. Day 1 of Advent= Coming, Expecting.  Chewing on these lyrics, "Rob our sin and make us holy, perfect son of God." 

#2. Kicking off the advent season with Gingerbread Rudolf pancakes served on Christmas plates, AND the first Christmas song we listen to every year, "Sleigh Ride," by Amy Grant. 

#3. During day 1 of operation "Deck the Halls,"  Josie collected 2 old nativities, a child's Christmas story book, and the mom from the dollhouse to play with on the dining room table.  For a short moment I thought a lot of myself because she had selected the mom to join this holy scene... until the mom began barking orders at the nativity "cast members" of a Christmas play. 

 (The before and after of Noah's Gingerbread Reindeer Pancakes- boys!)

#4. Making a yarn ball wreath with Emilie with recycled items. 
 
#5. 24 sales in the Kiss the Sky shop last week! Very thankful for God's provision, and that He teaches me that He is God whatever our circumstances. 
 
#6. Michael, who is hardworking and never complaining (between his full time job, KTS, and other odd jobs, he has been working loonnngg days). 

#7. For an invitation to a Christmas open house from new friends. 

  **********************************************************************  

Gingerbread pancake recipe here: 

For Rudolf: eyes-large marshmallow cut in half and chocolate chip for pupil, antlers- bacon, nose- strawberry. 

Wreath materials and brief how to: cardboard cut in desired wreath pattern. Cover with Strips of burlap- use glue gun. Cover old round ornaments with desired colors of yarn, and use glue-gun them to attach them to your burlap wreath.  I added colorful twigs with Christmas balls that I had on hand. 

Believe banner materials: Burlap, drop cloth (equals a lot of material in one $10 cloth), $1 ribbon, scanned letters from computer, and paint.   

 Live in Peace!