One Thousand GIfts (continued)

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted, and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and over-flowing with thankfulness" 

(Colossians 2:6-7).

These words were read at our niece's wedding.  The minister spoke on the importance of roots for a plant and the importance of us being rooted in Christ- both in our personal lives and in our marriages!
"Over-flowing with thankfulness"...
 #2630-#2657

-hand picked flowers from my hubby  -the beautiful, intense smell of peonies

-a beautiful, fun loving couple

-memories  -our school's 50th anniversary

-the perfect date; topped off with popcorn that I ran into the movie theatre to buy and take home!

-great in-laws  -a lovely breakfast with the ladies (and Opa) before the upcoming wedding

-happy tears  -a surprise visit from her daughter!

-our entertainer

-a perfect hop, step and jump

-great effort

-good jumping  -good sportsmanship  -perfect weather

-great weather for the school's open house and our niece's wedding
-celebrating God's goodness and faithfulness for 50 years
-the many supporters, volunteers, teachers, committed parents, dedicated staff and hard working principals that help run our school
-a beautiful, celebratory service
-children's choir (chocks me up, every time)
-shipping season coming to an end
-boerenkool dinner with nephews and nieces
-Deborah remembering before breakfast, "pray?"
-prayer requests around the dinner table (even if they're repeats, because not everyone is listening!!)
-playing recorder duets with my children
-enjoying the pool already
-siblings who took our children for a night

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"I the LORD do not change", says the LORD Almighty" (Malachi 3:6)

Over 1 000 youth, praising and worshiping God. Over 1 000 youth, hearing the message that we need to change from the inside and be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" which is made possible through the help of the Holy Spirit and God's grace. Over 1 000 youth having a great time together, and I was privileged to part of that, even if it was for a short while.
Continuing to give thanks...
#2607-#2629
 -God's grace enabling us to change from the inside out
-that God never changes

-being a voice for the voiceless
-30 children being sponsored (mostly by young people)

-spontaneous get together with family

-fire works enjoyed by young and old

-delivered from another fear

-classic, sparkler fun

-lots of planting    -free annuals!  -a fantastic shipping season    -safety in the truck   -adrenaline   -lots of time spent outside

-our church    -resting on Sundays

-bonding

-a (church) educational milestone (Sunday School graduation)

-giggle goggles (the name suits the product)!!  -goofy children

-setting up the pool

-getting ready for summer!  -beautiful spring weather 

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time" (2 Timothy 1:9).

I have been taking pictures of our house which will be sent to Ethiopia for our second adoption and I ask myself... Is it tidy enough?  Is it clean enough?  Is it big enough?  Is it good enough? 

I think of how often I struggle with that question for myself. Am I a good enough Mom?  Am I a good enough friend? Am I a good enough daughter, wife, daughter of the King, etc? Although I do not want to be just good enough, I am reassured that God has it all covered. He loves me and has called me to be His daughter, not because of what I have done or have not done, but because of who He is and because of His grace! I have failed over and over, but God's mercies are new every morning, and He has it covered because of His grace! 

 Continuing to give thanks... 

#2590- #2606

-God's mercy 

-grace 

-saying "sorry" 

-Deborah saying "sorry" when someone is supposed to say it to her!

 -successful shipping season so far 

-worshiping with Michael W. Smith 

-singing "Agnes Die" with 3 000 other Christians! -over 100 children sponsored through Compassion Canada! Praise the LORD!

-Jesse's family tree project -our family history -our family -God's faithfulness from generation to generation

-my spy guy

-my duster helper

-how she loves to snuggle up to drink her milk (for a short period of time)

-a proud big sister

 

-how she loves to watch her grandchildren from her deck