One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"...we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" 

(Ephesians 2:10).

Suitcase in her hand. Smile on her face. She's ready for a week of camp. Her mom's not ready, though. It's been one day and I miss her already!

We arrive in time for the outdoor church service and we listen to the beautiful, young woman speak from her wheelchair about this year's theme "Handmade" based on Ephesians 2:8-10. She is unable to read the verses, but a counselor reads them for her. Her voice breaks up a bit, but her assistant feeds her some water. She briefly forgets the words that she was going to say, but she pauses to pray aloud and the Holy Spirit fills her mind with clarity and the words that God would like her to convey to us.

Because of this courageous, godly young woman, this text comes alive to me more than ever before... we are ALL His workmanship, created in HIS image to do good works!! Praise the Lord!

 Continuing to give thanks...

#2794- #2813

-young Christian, energetic counsellors
-Christian camp
-a godly young woman sharing her faith
-God's will is always done
-a smooth, good- bye to our camper

-still wanting big hugs from her Mom

-the thrill of picking out her own treats for the week

-a grandmother showing interest in her grandkids' camp and wanting to say "good bye" to the two campers

-our precious, goofy, fun loving daughter

-a close friend/cousin to go to camp with

-learning about trout and taking care of God's under water creatures

-making a fly fishing lure for her pastor

-learning about how to better take care of God's creation (particularly the water)

-an early birthday celebration   -a sister wanting to celebrate with her brother

-four Lego lovers

-how I find them sleeping sometimes when I check on them at night

-always in awe of this amazing  body of water, regardless of how often I have seen it

-the fun we have when we go out together

-lifelong friends

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Jesus said, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full'" (John 10:10).

Living life to the fullest... that's what we sure did as we basked in His presence with beautiful waters, hot sand, relaxation, fun activities, and family and friends.

Continuing to give thanks...
#2772-#2793

-the much needed rain
-staying cool in the heat
-safe travels
-friend's mom is home from the hospital
-Jesus- our champion
-camp chapel
-the huge amount of fun the children had while camping with their cousins

-beautiful waters    -gracious brother giving boat rides

-a fun pastime (countless hours of golfing)   -Deborah having fun following her cousins

-family vacation   -pizza at the beach with all 15 grandkids

-Curtis' big catch  (and trying new things)

-sleeping on the beach

-soothing sound of the waves

-excited about new adventures

-patient cousin driving the boat for a swarm of eager children

-76 years of health and happiness

-reading time with her cousin

-a love for sports

-brothers bonding

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"When all the people say this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The LORD-He is God! The LORD- He is God'" 

(1 Kings 18:39).

 Dictionary's definition of prostrate: to lay oneself flat on the ground face downward, especially in reverence or submission. 

 I stand in awe of all that God has made and what He has done for me. However, the other day, I fell prostrate before Him and cried to out to Him. I am so thankful for a loving Father who hears my cries, grants forgiveness, and continually shows His love. I am grateful that I can lay everything at the foot of the cross and that He will lavish me with grace, mercy and peace. Thank-you, Father.

 Continuing to give thanks...

#2753-#2771
 -God hears or prayers and answers our prayers
 -a loving and gracious Father
-forgiveness and peace
-the powerful testimonies of God's healing in the lives of many man from Teen Challenge
-Teen Challenge's choir- their fun, energetic songs
-younger brother teaching older brother
-fun play date with Deborah's friend
-freezies
-hide and seek
-ear drops
-friend's mom coming home from the hospital
-laughing expectantly and when it's so needed

-details of creation like pollinating flowers

-enjoying the beautiful flowers on my deck
-Paul's automatic watering system

-building together

-a girl of many talents

-memories of school work

-landing it!!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.'"

(Matthew 14:29-33)

 I love what our intern pastor said about this passage yesterday in church. Some highlights from yesterday's sermon are... Storms will come, and we too often doubt like Peter did. However, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We need to trust in Him and have faith in Him, not in what we are able to accomplish. Even in our times of doubt, Jesus has compassion and mercy and he "reaches out his hand". How comforting! And what does He do during our storms? He climbs into the boat with us!

 Continuing to give thanks... 

#2727-#2752

 -the Lord's compassion and mercy

 -He climbs into the boat with us 

-He calms our storms

 -Canada's birthday

 -freedom 

-beautiful sunsets

-anxiously awaiting his first sunset

-patiently waiting for the sun to go down

-"beach, summer, fun" (Deborah's favourite line)

-playing games while camping -grand parents visiting for the day
-our first camping trip of the summer -a great success!!

-celebrating 18 years of marriage with fun loving, devoted husband

-fun on the rocks

-games on the beach

-relaxing on the beach
 -sound of the waves
 -feel of the sand on the feet

-chasing sea gulls

-spending time with just the 6 of us
-playing with each other all week
-family
-siblings

 

-summer break!

-a break from work

-no more lunches to pack for awhile
-no more rushed mornings for awhile

-origami bowls