This week was a double header.

No there wasn’t any baseball involved.

However, I did enjoy two celebrations in one week.

And a really big one too.

 

Seagull investigating for treats on the busy Lake Michigan beach. It was so fun to watch him bustle around, even walking across towels laying on the sand. It was just one highlight of our very special day and week. Inspiration from AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Tuesday was my birthday and then five days later we celebrated our anniversary.  It’s a big milestone kind of anniversary.  One for which you gather your friends for a party or take a cruise or celebrate by purchasing a new fun car.

 

Special moments at the beach - lovely Lake Michigan beach moments - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I’m sure you know our budget isn’t capable of  even thinking of such extravagances.  So we did little things… like split a yummy pretzel sandwich and soda at cute little bakery cafe downtown on my birthday, spend a few hours at the beach,  and enjoy an amazingly delicious Margherita pizza for our anniversary dinner. (Both meals were courtesy of an unexpected $25 appreciation gift certificate.)

 

Psalm 126:3 Scripture Quote on JOY - (And so we celebrated because the Lord had indeed worked miracles for us.) Inspiration from AnExtraordinaryDay.net

And so we celebrated because the Lord had indeed worked miracles for us.

Psalm 126:3

In times past we would have gone on a weekend getaway for our anniversary, but this year, we took advantage of what God so graciously provided…. including perfect weather and a glorious sunset.

We might not have a penny to our name anymore… but we are rich.  How grateful we are for good health, happiness, and 40 years of almost bliss. [wink]

So… today’s post is simply an expression of humble gratitude.

Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

Romans 11:36

All the images were taken during our time at the lake.  They are a bit random and yet express the joy of my heart.

 

Because God has done great things we are filled with JOY on JoyDay! - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s JoyDay!

And time to get our joy meters soaring!

Please join me in thinking back over the past week and counting seven things for which you are thankful.  This simple exercise of counting and giving thanks in community is something we do each week to reset our compasses and put our eyes back on the Lord.

I’ll start…

Thank you, God…

  1. for my husband and his loving faithfulness.
  2. for our beach and the way we forget our cares and relax when we’re there.
  3. for renewing our hope.
  4. another year of living and following you.
  5. my dear friends and their birthday blessings.
  6. for knowing YOU are at work, fighting for us.
  7. for future grace… keep us strong as we wait on You.

Now…it’s YOUR turn!

List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below.  You’ll be glad you did.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your sweet thoughts.

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Comments

  1. Debbi Saunders says

    Thank you God …
    1. So grateful, that we suffered no damage from T.S. Hermine and that the tornado missed us!!!
    2. A delightful “Tea Party” with 2 five year olds and a 3 yr. old!!!
    3. for an enjoyable meal with a friend on Friday and another with a Friend today, fellowshipping!
    4. for the wonderful beginning of a new school year!
    5. for the Godly, Christian women that you have brought into my Life!
    6. for your faithfulness and provision of my needs…
    7. for giving me Hope and encouragement….

  2. Debbie says

    Happy Birthday and Anniversary sweet Diane…I love your photos. I have many blessings but little time right now.
    xoxoxo

  3. Oh, Diane! A big hug to you and your wonderful husband and a very Happy Anniversary to you both. You are such a constant blessing to me – big hugs

  4. Betty Brown says

    Thank you God for 1.my bible study group.2.seeing my son walking in his sobriety. 3.giving me courage to pump my own gas.4.helping me learn how to use the GPS on my phone.5.grace that is beyond expression. 6.letting me know I’m not alone.7.helping me learn how to be a widow. Happy anniversary and birthday. 🙂

  5. Diane says

    Thanks for sharing. You are a constant reminder that we can be content without great riches. Your posts always lift me.

    Happy birthday and happy anniversary!

  6. Gwen says

    Joy Day
    Diane–I was sick but saved this post. Joy to you in the coming year. I have a print under some east coast beach photos that says “tidings of comfort and joy”
    My youngest thought I’d planned it that way!!! Ties, tiding…and I hadn’t but how amazing to recall when Jesus came the angel said ….tidings of comfort AND joy. And I often think. Am I showing others how Jesis comforts in tough times?? Brings me joy in the midst of sickness and pain? Isolation! I’ve gotten to where I think discouragi thoughts and lift my hands in praise and praise instead.
    1. I’m feeling a lot better
    2. My grandson likes to go to schoo
    3. My girls talk to me
    4. Be with Mom now. I cannot talk to her now that she’s had the stroke. I miss her and just miss her voice and chatting three times a day
    5. For nice weather and hummingbirds I see out my window

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