Counting Gifts

Sometimes things just drop in my lap, beautiful things, and I have no choice but to share them.

As I woke up today pondering that it is Monday, which means for me here at New Nostalgia, it is the day to list the gifts, there was a feeling of heaviness in my heart.  In my personal life, right now there are so many gifts that I feel like my heart could burst.  It is a wonderful thing not taken for granted.  Pain in my own life is minimal right now, but in those surrounding me, those whom I love and even those whom I am just barely know, I see pain.  I hear need.

I tell my story, and it seems to free those up around me to tell theirs.  This is one of the best gifts given to me, that one would share deep.  I treasure these gifts.

~A lady at church, with fear and tears in her eyes, tells me of scans, tests and the hell of waiting for test result.  


~A story of a baby lost, the pain it wreaks in a heart and a marriage.


~Another story, one of depression, a dark hole that sucks the life out of a being and leaves those around feeling helpless.


~A beautiful friend, whose beauty can cause me to stumble, cannot see it.


~A mother, whose given love and her life to two precious foster girls, fears the very real idea of losing them. Court dates are coming, she asks for prayer.

I sit before my computer, feeling heavy.  I ask God for clarity as to what to write.  I start up my Spotify account, and before me is a recommended CD called “All Sons And Daughters.”  The album design and song title catch my eye.  I click on it.  It is exactly what I needed to hear today, what I must share.

This above video is the song in full, with lyrics below.

If you have Spotify, click this All Sons & Daughters – Reason To Sing to listen to song.  The sound is a bit better than the above video.

A link to their website to know more about them.

Reason To Sing

All Sons & Daughters

~my home decorated.  Home decor given to me from a dear friend.  Old to her, new to me.

~late night vulnerable chats with a friend

~music. A reason to sing.

~community.  Relationships.  Hearts shared.  Pain shared.

~great blood test results.  A healthy body.

~a full silverware drawer.  My dad who reads this post, chuckles to himself, then surprises me with a trip to the store to choose a new set.  I smile every time I open my drawer.  My girl exclaims “what are we gonna do with all of those forks, spoons and knives?!”

~a message for children from my Pastor.  Simple but powerful words.

~the example of Paul, the joy he found while in chains

~my new hat from a friend

~coconut milk vegan vanilla creamer

~lemon water served in a wine glass.  “Cheers” with a friend.

~hugs from so many I have not seen in a while, while at Sunday church

~introducing my friend from Cali to my friends, showing her where we worship

~a visit from my Cali friend.  We met on this blog.  We text, we FB, we chat, we telephone talk.  She flies to meet me.  We have 3 precious days together.

~her ability to “get it” for she is a fighter/survivor, too!

~her example of bravery, as she shares her heart. Her realness shows such courage.  Her heart matches and connects with mine.

~late-night kitchen beauty shop girl time. The sassy new cut/color I get to give her.

~sushi, sushi, sushi, SUSHI!

~my girls getting loved on, their tears when she had to leave.  Little hearts had connected, too.

~Reading Psalm 91 together.

~her last night here.  We sit cross-legged on the bed.  Heads bowed, hands clasped, sometimes unclasping to wipe tears.  We come before our God, thank Him for gifts and grace, and beg Him for healing and mercy.  Our heads lift and we are amazed at how good He is to give us each other.