Last week I found myself barganing for blessings.  "Heavenly Father please just make my hair work and the children's church clothes to just magically appear and have them get dressed on their own without help.  I won't ask for anything else."  Then I realized that what I was wishing for was so trivial that it I truely needed to appologize for the barganing.  When I actually sat down and acknowledged His hand in my life and the blessings that I have been given on a daily basis I was amazed at how many were just dropping into my lap.  I just needed to acknowledge them.  I'm going to make a short list, not to brag, but so that I can remember them if I need them later.

• my children were protected in the car accident 
• my husband was not seriously hurt
• we were in our SUV rather than the family car that we use on a regular basis and can't do without
• my arm should not require surgery 
• I could have been injured so much more and I won't even go there
• I still have the use of my hand and am beginning to get some movement back with this soft cast rather than a huge, heavy, hard traditional cast.
• I can still take a bath even with a broken arm
• My boys (all of them-especially the big one) are treating me like spun glass
• My beautiful son is healing from his surgery amazingly
• He seems so much more comfortable and seems to be reponding to us more
• I have the cutest and best kids in the world who race to help mom with only the promise of a hug and a kiss as bribery.
• My youngest tells me on a daily basis that he "will always take care of me."
• My middle son delights in learning new skills that I just can't seem to do with one hand like grating cheese, emptying the dishwasher (don't tell him I can do this), folding clothes, picking up around the house (again don't mention the one handed thing)
• My neighbors have been so helpful and wonderful to bring food and help watch my children regularly so that I can rest and heal
• My friends are there and so quick to help take care of me - physically and emotionally

etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc.....

This list could go on for days and might actually as I notice more in my daily life.  I highly recommend taking a moment to take stock and count you blessings.  Once you do, it is hard not to acknowledge where and who is responsible for those blessings.  I then am able to realize that I am a cherished daughter who is never to far from her Fathers thoughts and hands.