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UpLIFTing GIFTing ~ I Double-Dog {Joy} Dare Ya…

I once though a dare was just a dare.  Then, I met the “double-dog dare”.  A double-dog dare is an intensified form of the aforementioned dare.

In other words, I when you double-dog dare, this is how it can be interpreted:

With great energy and strength, I vehemently dare you.

So, with our definition clarified, I double-dog dare you to accept the JOY DARE challenge put forth by my sweet sister friend, Ann.

With that said, my Joy Dare continues…

3 gifts found in Christ:

  • 482.  Mercy…
  • 483.  Grace…
  • 484.  Unconditional Love…

3 things blue:

  • 485.  My couch which welcomes and comfortably seats guests.
  • 486.  The left end of my couch which also serves as my office and quiet time place.
  • 487.   Pinterest photos of the “Bluegrass State” (Kentucky), my birthplace, my heart.  I’ll always “Bleed Blue”.

Repinned from ALL THINGS KENTUCKY by Tracy Nassida

1 grace borrowed, 1 grace found, 1 grace inherited:

  • 488.  The time of a friend…
  • 489.  Salvation…
  • 490.  Compassionate heart…

A gift before nine am, gift before noon, a gift after dark:

  • 491.  Attending the 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Honor Roll Chapel where my son was awarded an All “A” Honor Roll certificate, a ribbon for being a Math Olympics finalist and recognition for coming in 2nd in the Spelling Bee.
  • 492.  Having the opportunity to go before the throne on behalf of my husband, only to have my prayer answered WAY beyond anything I expected.
  • 493.  Leading a BOOMING Ladies Bible Study at church where we are seeing lives affected and changed.

3 Gifts that might never have been:

  • 494.  My son (if God hadn’t miraculously intervened)…

  • 495.  Our home (if my husband hadn’t taken a “wrong turn” down the street where we now live)…
  • 496.  Our ministry (if HE hadn’t chosen to bless, multiply and move)…

3 graces found in my friends:

  • 497.  Genuine love for my family…
  • 498.  Faithful service to HIM, the local church and its ministries…
  • 499.  Surrender and support of their children as they pursue HIM and HIS will for their lives…

A song heard, a soft word, where you saw light:

  • 500.  Not Guilty by Mandissa

  • 501.  “Mommy, I love you more than I did last night.”
  • 502.  In the face of 3 men out of our homeless ministry miraculously saved and publicly baptized.

Linking with Multitudes on Monday

  • Anonymous

    I haven’t transitioned to the Joy Dare yet.  I’ll be at one thousand gifts this week and then I think I’ll use the new approach.  I love yours.  

    • Anonymous

      When I began the Joy Dare, I was pursuing my original 1,000 Gifts.  I incorporated the Joy Dare challenge into what I was already doing.  It worked for me:))

      Thank you!!

  • Heather Goodwill

    I have not started the Joy Dare yet! But am inspired because of your post! Oh yes and I “bleed blue” too! 

    • Anonymous

      WooHoo!  Go Big Blue!  Are you still in KY or has God moved you on like he has us?

      I love connecting with Bleeding Blue Fans via social networking:)))

  • http://www.mommyonfire.com Natalie Snapp

    Oh, girl – I love this.  Wish I had seen her post on this so I could have joined in – agree with you on the first one.  Grace. Mercy. Unconditional love.  Nothing better.  It’s why I chose to follow in the first place and I love Him more and more the better I get to know Him.  Even when I’m mad at  Him. :)   Blessings, sister.

    • Anonymous

      Thank you, Natalie! 

      How true, even when we don’t understand or are mad, our love for him still trumps!

  • http://journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com/ kd sullivan

    Glad you took the dare…it will lead to truth.

    • Anonymous

      Absolutely, kd, absolutely!

  • http://toshowthemjesus.com/ Christina

    I am enjoying the dare this year:) Such a great list, especially #501. Made me tear up:)

    • Anonymous

      I so agree, Christina!  I’m loving the challenge.

      Yes, #501 made me tear up, too.

      Thank you!

  • Amy Sullivan

    Ahh, double dog dares…yep, those are the serious kinds.

    • Anonymous

      Yes, they are, Amy! {wink}

  • Photographing Mom

    Enjoyed reading your list! Thank you for visiting my blog!

    • Anonymous

      Thank you and you’re welcome.

  • s faust

    Loved reading your list today :)

    • Anonymous

      Thank you…

  • denisejeanine

    “I double-dog dare you.” That’s really funny. Very creative. Love it. And, yes, I will join you in The Dare. :)

    • Anonymous

      Haha!  Thank you…

      GREAT! So glad you’re joining…