One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.... We urge you, ...encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5:11,14).

"May our LORD Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

"You can do it!"

"You're doing great!"

"You're almost there!"

"Keep going!"

"We've got ya!"

"Way to go!"  

These are the words that were heard on our grade 7 and 8 overnight trip.  The students were very purposeful to encourage each other with their words.  Words are very powerful.  They can build up or they can tear down.  They can push you to climb just that little bit further when you think that you can climb no higher.  

God too encourages us.  His encouragement also allows us to climb higher and to not give up.  Through Him we have eternal encouragement which gives us hope and strength in all things.  

Continuing to give thanks...

#2920-#2946

-God's encouragement

-hope

-strength

-a day of worship and a day of rest

-a husband who wins "Dad of the Year" award for holding down the fort and taking care of the children for 2 nights

-flowers from an appreciative husband 

-Deborah's arm is not broken (after going for x-rays)

-perseverance to climb higher

-trust
-working together

-encouraging each other

-trying new adventures
-safety

-fabulous, Christian counsellors/ coaches

-conquering fears

-helping each other

-relying on each other

-a very happy camper

-water fun even in September

-keeping up with the students (and being uninjured)
-great instructors who gave us all much encouragement

-spiritual leaders/teachers

-a talented band of two

-beginning each morning and ending each evening with devotions

-a time to have fun

-wonderful, well-behaved, polite students

-a beautiful lake; God's beautiful creation

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" 

(Romans12:2).  

He folds and he folds and he folds some more.
He folds, he twists, and he gently pulls.
His wreath has transformed into a star.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God, we too are transformed.  Through the work of the Spirit, our lives take on many different "folds, twists and pulls".  As it says in 1 Corinthians 6:11, "You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

Continuing to give thanks...
#2 900- #2 919

-being transformed because of His grace
-sanctification
-justification
-the power of the Holy Spirit, who is eternal and always with us
-the many twists and folds in my life

-Curtis' first class trip and his great photography skills!
-our country's RCMP

-opportunity to host another Christian movie
-the work of Beginnings Family Services
-a fun, successful fundraiser (golf tournament) for our local Christian High School
-many volunteers who helped with the fundraiser
-getting together with other adoptive moms
-exciting news of another adoption for our friends
-a fun social with the school board and staff
-gracious hosts
-Curtis' excitement and the good time that he had at Cadets for the first time
-beginning of a new year of programs and taking time off of certain programs
-the many volunteers who help with our church programs
-our passionate, open, honest, and talented preacher
-our loving, dedicated church community and family

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" 

(Proverbs 31:30)

She hangs her head in embarrassment.
She feels unworthy to be praised by so many people.
Woman speak to the crowd about her godly character, inspiration, contagious enthusiasm, confidence in prayer, being a spiritual mentor and a non-judgemental, loving friend.
She is a woman "who fears the LORD" and I am honoured and blessed to call, Heather my friend.
I love you!
Happy 40th on the 13th!

Continuing to give thanks...
#2874-#2899

-her inspiring, talented writing

-a successful surprise party
-a nice gathering with great fellowship and great Christian music
-a fabulous party planner and host

-a godly, loving friend and her husband who adores her

-a nice night out celebrating a dear friend's birthday
-my supportive, strong, loving husband
-his commitment and dedication to his work, family and Christian Education

-a desire to cook and bake (when he's not skateboarding)
-yummy homemade pizza

-school routines and a new school year
-our school and the many volunteers and great staff
-dedicated, cautious bus drivers

-early morning risers (at least two of them), just like their father

-reusing back packs (a little cleaning in the wash machine and a few sewing stitches, and they're as good as new)!

-a good first week of school
-spending lots of time with Deborah
-Mom spending lots of time with Deborah
-picking leaves for school with Nicole
-the beauty and uniqueness of the leaves that God has created
-spending time as a family at the park
-an Iranian pastor's release from prison
-good news about a friend's mom
-fellowship and dining with friends at home on a Sunday afternoon
-the Holy Spirit- our comforter/ advocate and his eternal presence
-exciting news of our niece expecting her first baby!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son"

 (John 3:16).

Downhere - How Many Kings lyrics

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected, 
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause... 

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

All for me... 
All for you...



Lyrics | Downhere lyrics - How Many Kings lyrics

Giving thanks for such a loving God who "stepped down from His throne, abandoned His home, became the least for me, poured out His heart to romance a world that is torn all apart and a Father who gave up His son for me".  Thank-you, Father.

Continuing to give thanks...

#2858-#2873

-an amazing Canadian Christian  band, "Downhere"

-talented singers and inspiring, fun, uplifting songs
-other Christian concert lovers

-awesome fellowship and fun while sailing

-roasting hot dogs in the backyard

-our final summer camp out (in the backyard)
-traditions
-fun, easy going husband

-one last summer campfire

-more to eat than ribs at Ribfest
-listening to our friend sing at Ribfest

-playing with dolls

-cousins that get along and love having fun together

-the many hours that we spent at my inlaws' pool
-Oma's ice cream cones
-their gracious hospitality and open home