Author Archives: Deb

Deb is a wife, mom, "gram," and busy blogger. Visit Counting My Blessings, where she "gazes with gratitude at God's amazing grace." You can also find her at HomeGoods Design Happy Blog and pick up tips and ideas for decorating on a budget. In 2010, she shared her personal happiness project in Woman's Day Magazine and WD Happiness Blog. Deb loves serving in ministry beside her husband, Blake, and invites you to visit their internet prayer ministry - Pray for You.

Love the Giver

456027387

A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver. ~ Thomas á Kempis

I have a box full of cards, notes, and hand-made treasures from my children and grandchildren. There is nothing like those early drawings and words made by tiny hands to express their love. They would never sell at an artist boutique or become literary classics, but to me . . . they’re priceless.

I’ll bet you have similar items. Things precious to you simply because you love for the giver.

When you love the giver the smallest gift becomes a masterpiece.

Continue Reading »

How Do You See Him?

204390369_c1792f4b79

How do you see Him?

Pleading and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Broken and bleeding on the cross?
Preaching and teaching followers on a hillside?
Being baptized in the Jordan River?
As an almost teen, amazing teachers in the Temple?
Forgiving and giving hope to a Samaritan woman?
In the street triumphantly entering Jerusalem past cheering crowds?
Welcoming and blessing playful children?
Defending a women from stones aimed to kill?
Surrounded by hurting ill people waiting for miracles?
Toppling tables in the Temple courtyard?
Greeting Mary Magdeline as she weeps near the empty tomb?
Laughing with friends at the Wedding in Cana?

Continue Reading »

Hope for 2014 – Celebrate and Rejoice

Hope Journal

“Hope – Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”
~ Alfred Tennyson

My word for the year at Counting My Blessings is – Celebrate. 

Turn on the news and you’ll be bombarded with more negativity than a brain should have to process.

I’m still not sure that 24/7 information is good for our mental health.
I’d consider giving it all up and going back to much simpler times if I didn’t love:

heat
air conditioning
indoor plumbing
electric lights
and
refrigeration.

But, I’m sure you get what I mean.

I’m craving fun!
I don’t want to pack away the smiles with the Christmas decorations.

Continue Reading »

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 100

1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.[a]
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

May you and your families be
blessed with many reasons for
joy and thanksgiving.

Continue Reading »

Thankful for Miracles

Oak Tree in an Acorn

Miracles happen around us everyday and unfortunately they often pass by unnoticed, but every once in a while the miracle is so huge you just have to shout, “Glory!”

Today, I’m thankful for miracles . . . and I’m shouting, “Glory!”

1. Thankful for Creation – That a giant oak tree lives inside of a tiny acorn. That animals come in all shapes and sizes. That rainbows give a promise of hope.

2. Thankful for Faith – Amazed that our awesome God wants a personal relationship with people.

3. Thankful for Order – That we can count on the sun, moon, and stars to shine each day and night.

Continue Reading »

100+ Things for Which We’re Thankful

1-Give Thanks - 5MFF

November 1st – 30

5MFF writers are joining together to give thanks.

Six days a week – all month long we will:

Give Thanks for Everything!

We will share a favorite picture,
5 things for which we’re thankful,
and a favorite Scripture verse.

We want you to join us.

Comment on posts to tell us about your blessings.
Visit our Facebook Page to follow us,
share a photo, leave a comment, or share a verse.

Let’s raise our voices in praise and give thanks.

Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20

Photo Credit

Continue Reading »

The Giver Loves – Love the Giver

Heavens Declare
A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver. ~ Thomas á Kempis

You saved the hand-print ornament your son made in pre-school. It’s crazy colorful and doesn’t go with your other ornaments, but you proudly put it on the tree every year . . . and your son is 22.

You lingered this morning over the framed poem your daughter wrote for Mother’s Day in 2nd grade. It brings tears to your eyes every time. The letters are big and the words are misspelled but you cherish it . . .

Continue Reading »

Do You Have a Guest Post to Share

typing hands

Do you have a story to tell?

Did God get you through the day without losing it as the kids ran circles around your ankles?

Did He deliver you from a problem that’s bothered you for as long as you can remember?

Did you have an amazing God moment at the grocery store or while you were waiting for a doctor’s appointment?

Did He give you strength to fight a battle you were sure would be too difficult to handle?

We’re looking for guest writers. 

We want to hear your story.

We strengthen each other when we share what God is doing in our lives.

Continue Reading »