Multitude Monday, Take 196

"Whoever enjoys any worldly pleasure without benediction commits a theft against God."
~Kelton Cobb, "Table Blessings," from The Spirit of Food

Thanking God this week for...

1410. the exciting (and stretching) ways He is at work in and through our church
1411. a visit from my parents
1412. my dad's hard work painting yet another part of my house
1413. my mom's help with the boys
1414. Elijah's strong, healthy teeth

1415. dental insurance
1416. only having to take him to the dentist twice a year
1417. tiny leaf buds on a weeping willow
1418. public displays of humility
1419. bloggers who are bold in defending truth

1420. balsamic vinegar
1421. the new novel I'm adding to my all-time favorites list
1422. reminders to cherish my boys
1423. Elijah scratching my back
1424. majestic giraffes, including the new baby giraffe

1425. flexible, bright, delightfully odd flamingos
1426. the one who got close enough to us that he tried to eat Elijah's hair
1427. screeching, climbing monkeys
1428. a zoo membership to enjoy His creation
1429. vulnerability and honesty from and with other women

1430. Steve home after a week-long business trip
1431. Steve's compassion, gentleness, touch
1432. Steve's preaching the gospel to me
1433. Elijah's cough not keeping him and us up all night like we feared
1434. the beautiful adoption story I read online yesterday

1435. a friend's reminder that gratitude has to go beyond worldly pleasures to thanking God for who He is and what He has done for us in Christ
1436. so loving the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life
1437. the fact that there is now no condemnation for me because I am in Christ
1438. being more patient with me than I am with my children