It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation….I Peter 1:3
Is this the way I have chosen to live?
Am I peeking around the corner with great expectation?
or am I waiting, crouched, arms over head, for the next blow?
I want to unfold the paper of life like Charlie unwrapped the silver from his Wonka Bar…
slowly…
carefully…
fully expecting to see that bit of gold.
I want to believe against hope like Abraham and Sarah,
and when hope seems bankrupt, I want to use my resources for others
like Charlie.
To buy someone else a candy bar.
And then when hope is replaced with a gift of giving
anticipation arises for what God can do.
and will do.
and has done.
And what I’ve got is much better than a golden ticket.
Because… I temporarily gave up on my list.
and the picture of beautiful expectation I had experienced dribbled cloudy like a watercolor painting being rained upon.
So I begin again,
a little more humble,
a lot more wise.
Expectation comes in that
His beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
Now to pen these moments
with expectation in community with dearest Ann: 
91. For the always thought provoking writing of Madeleine L’Engle. “How marvelous is the ritual of the Holy Mysteries, the Eucharist, where we joyfully eat love.”
92. Flourescent ribbons unfurled across the sky.
93. Giant crunch hamburgers.
94. Laughing birds.
95. Chocolate pudding treat, unexpected in my bag.
96. A novel in my heart…
97. A daughter who says that everything is more fun with her brother around.
98. Neighborhood mysteries. 
99. Big answers to small prayers.
100. New job opportunities.
101. Sand between my toes…in January…in the Chicago area! 
102. A magical day of mystical findings for my book! Pioneer Chapel. 
103. A packet of goodies from a stranger!
104. Hearing sandhill cranes a mile high in the sky.
105. Glitter in an old woman’s hair.
106. Buying a brand new $200 sportscoat at Penney’s for my husband for only $10!
107. Writer’s Calendar and day planner at the Dollar Store. 
108. Daughter gets the coveted part of Elizabeth Bennett at Youth Theater!
109. Guest posting at my dear friend Renee’s!
Sharing with Michelle: 
…sharing a playdate with Laura: 
….finding heaven with Jen: 
…hanging out with L.L.: 
journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com 
Ooooooh! That is golden! Thank you for being at my place last week! What a treat you were for readers! I hope you had fun moderating comments! 😉
I did Renee! I only wish I would have brought you more traffic. Thanks again for having me!
Ahhh….don’t give up! Keep pushing on until the overflow of your heart flows into a habit of counting your blessings. Glad that you are counting again. Love #99, His plans are always greater than our own!!! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Amy! I realized that I really didn’t quit counting, only chronicalling. But there is something in writing (or typing) the things we are thankful for, isn’t there?
Oh, I had such delight unwrapping and reading your words…Thank you K.D. and Congrats to your daughter on getting the role of Elizabeth!
What a lovely picture. Unwrapping words. Thanks about the congrats! As I previously stated, I’m not sure who is more excited me or her!
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing from your heart 🙂
Thank you June! I really enjoyed your post about Noah as well.
Beautiful list! Pride and Prejudice is my favorite–oh such fun your daughter will have! And blessings on your writing:)
Thanks! I don’t know who is more excited about her role in P & P, me or her!
We must never be afraid to begin again…that’s where the gold it, right? Lovely gifts you count here. Just lovely.
Thank you Laura. I’m always honored by your presence here.
My favorite movie! And so glad you’re back at counting! I too slowed in my counting and my spirit suffered. I stopped noticing life. I rushed through days without a drop of wonder or expectation. Thanks for these lovely words. It is rather like a treasure hunt, isn’t it?
About 8 years ago, I was writing a devotional called Simple Pleasures, Hidden Treasures. It was much like 1000 Gifts, but not near as deep and beautiful. I am glad to be back to counting. We always have something to be thankful about. ALWAYS.
So glad that I could write about your favorite movie! I visited your place. The sweetness of your family breathes beauty into my day. Thank you. (btw I couldn’t leave a message at your place…the security wouldn’t allow for some reason.)
Nicely written.
Thank you Patti! I pray all is well with you!
I love Charlie. With $1.00, he truly feels as if the golden ticket is within his reach. Great encouragement for me to live the same way.
$1 was a very small seed to sow for such a large prize, wasn’t it?
My favorite part of your post was “Expectation comes in that His beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” It’s easy to forget that God is here with us all the time, eagerly inviting us to spend time with Him. Wonderful thought!
Thanks…most of the thought is from the 23 Psalm in the Message Bible..I’m so glad you stopped by today!
I think you do buy other people candy bars a lot! You’re one of the most generous bloggers I have met.
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I love this example!! Anticipation to me is like enthusiasm – which I love the definition: mean filled with God. Anticipation to me is hope – something better/new is coming. Anticipation gives me patience and courage – to wait and keep hoping that next one will be the golden wrapper. You have expressed this so well!! Thanks for lifting my spirit.
I’m glad this lifted your spirit. May your spirit soar closer to Him today.
you had me at P&P and Willy Wonka … beautiful, this list and visual of yours. 🙂
Pride and Prejudice and Willy Wonka, romance and chocolate. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Love this line “when hope is replaced with a gift of giving.” Thanks for this heartfelt post. Blessings!
Thank you for visiting Renee! I appreciate your visit and your response.
Really enjoyed reading your lovely list. And this: “when hope is replaced with a gift of giving anticipation arises for what God can do. and will do. and has done. And what I’ve got is much better than a golden ticket.” Great thought to take away. The intentionality of giving walks us through hope’s open door. Thank you for this whole post!
You are so welcome. Thank you for stopping by!
What a treat! I love the beloved in the unexpected !!
Me too! He’s always surprising me.
What an impressive list! 😉
I have an impressive God!
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Hey Kim, just so you know Scribbling Spiritual Sand is a prompt link. Next week’s verse is: Feb 20:”Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.” Proverbs 8:2 We accept pics, poems or short stories. Thanks
Yes I know, I loosely used the scripture saying that the heavens declare His glory…not sure if that counts though.
Thanks for the head’s up!