finding joy in everyday – (friday) favorite things

by Rachel Marie Martin
Right now is a time where I need to write my list of joyful favorites for the week.
I need to write because my heart feels heavy.
I’m looking at me.
At my failures.
Losses.
Struggles.
Trials.
That’s not how the Lord sees me.
I am His child.
Fearfully and wonderfully made.
Beautiful in His sight.
Loved.
Blessed.
Thank you Jesus for these favorite moments of everyday joy.

friday favorite things | finding joy
***************
my son, Brennan, who is just mildly excited that it is actually spring

that same awesome seven year old son of mine showing me his martial art moves

trimming back the brush from the fall
laughing with my daughters
drinking in their beauty, their gifts to me as a mother

my first flowers of spring

deciding to let the kids run outside instead of doing math

walking around the block without a coat

shopping with Caleb at Costco

listening to Caleb sound out the word C-oooo-s-t-c-ooo

hearing Caleb (again) tell me this was the best day ever

outdoor toys spread out in the garage

seeing the mess of schoolbooks on the dining room floor and not caring

being broken and yet beautiful in Christ

this picture by Hannah which I believes shows that relationship

that Hannah lets me use her camera freely

family

my legacy bracelet with my kids around my wrist
(click ~here~ for a chance to win your own)

watching my little ones sleep at night
{is there anything sweeter?}

my piano

praying while I play the piano

seeing my grandmothers handwriting on my piano books
{do you see what she wrote? — that you may find joy — I just realized it. 
She prayed that for me 22 years ago — and it’s now my life.
 I am speechless and blown away by the love and realness of our Lord.}

friends

friends that not only listen but care deeply for my heart

and

sweet kisses from my Samuel

I’d love to have you link up as well.
It really is amazing the change in mindset when you intentionally look for those favorite moments and
  find joy
in your life.
Take some time to bloghop and visit some other favorites as well.

Have a glorious and restful and joyful Friday. 🙂

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18 comments

Our Family for His Glory April 8, 2011 - 12:12 pm

Oh Rachel, I always enjoy reading your list & seeing the precious pictures of your family! Thank-you for reminding all of us of all the joy there truly is to be found around us & through HIM!
Blessings,
Jessica

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Heart n Soul April 8, 2011 - 12:17 pm

ahh…Rachel your words are so heartfelt….beautiful to the core 🙂

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Krista April 8, 2011 - 1:46 pm

Beautiful post. I too get bogged down in the struggles of life and it’s great to remember all the blessings that are poured out on us each day that we so often take for granted. Thanks for the reminder.

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Jen April 8, 2011 - 1:55 pm

It’s easy to crumble under the weight of what is wrong, but it amazes me how finding the good slowly eases the burdens (that, and Jesus of course).

I have a friend who has just gone on a gluten free diet. I’m passing your blog to her. So glad you came to Finding Heaven so I could know about you!

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Janette@Janette's Sage April 8, 2011 - 2:21 pm

Just precious….mine would have to be my five year old playing in mud yesterday…as he has said since he was little, “I love Mud!”
I love that the Lord, just like I did with my son, washes away my mud.
Great post!

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Hines-Sight April 8, 2011 - 2:34 pm

What a beautiful post, and a lovely blog name.

Thanks for finding my blog today.

I’m going to follow you. Seven kids. I better not complain ever with just two.

Leigh
http://www.hinessightblog.com

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Kelli April 8, 2011 - 2:40 pm

My heart is heavy today too and it was so great to stop and make a list of things He has blessed me with. Signs of Spring are popping up all around me and I’m loving each minute. That note from your grandmother is priceless…definitely something to cherish. And that type is friend you mentioned is a true gift from God!

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BARBIE April 8, 2011 - 5:12 pm

Beautiful. Love the note from your grandmother. Love the pictures of your children. Love how you always inspire me.

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Jeanette April 8, 2011 - 5:12 pm

🙂 i love it all. thanks for the smiles and happy thoughts today. it really encouraged my heart.

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Caroline April 8, 2011 - 6:25 pm

What a lovely list of joys and blessings. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

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Anna of IHOD April 8, 2011 - 6:27 pm

Rachel,
So glad you stopped by. Your blog and family are beautiful!
I am from a family of 11 so I LOVE your story! 😀
Have a great weekend!
Anna

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Melissa_Rae April 8, 2011 - 8:22 pm

Beautiful photos!! I love the idea of intentionally seeking out the blessings and joys in our life. 🙂

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Masto Mama April 8, 2011 - 9:18 pm

So awesome! It gave me goosebumps and watery eyes looking at the piano book from your grandmother…the Lord really does use all things for His purpose in our life…..so sweet!

I want you to read mine this week because I included a devotional that I think you will love! I entered my post on your list.

Have a great weekend and thanks for the sweet comments!!

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Lindy April 8, 2011 - 10:35 pm

Thanks for the joyful post. It is sometimes hard to put things into perspective and this certainly helped me. Some much joy!

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Sara April 8, 2011 - 11:19 pm

It is such a blessing each week to read and participate in this. It helps remind me to slow down and look at the little picture instead of the big one. Yesterday my Mom was away, so I took care of my little siblings for the day. I remembered your post about saying yes instead of no. I said yes, instead of no to little things, like doing the grocery shopping with me and washing my car windows. It’s taking that little extra time to let them know you care. Thank you for being such an encouragement to me. 🙂 It’s amazing to see God work in different ways, like blogging!
Sara

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Chloe April 8, 2011 - 11:35 pm

I’m so glad you shared your Grandmother’s note! That is so amazing! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

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Lea also known as "CiCi" April 9, 2011 - 2:40 am

Thanks for stopping by and it’s always a blessing to read your “Favorites List.” Love the pictures too! May love and laughter fill your heart!

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carissa @ lowercase letters April 9, 2011 - 3:44 am

look at your handsome boys! and their beautiful mama! i do want to hear you play the piano. i know it must sound exquisite! and how special to see the legacy your grandma penned for you a reality. God is faithful! have a wonderful weekend full of more joy.

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