One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Colossians 3:23-24 TNIV).

"All of us would like to believe that we could accomplish one brave, selfless act for God and for His kingdom. But it takes greater courage to faithfully accomplish the daily, thankless tasks of everyday life for Him- being a father [or mother] to our children, a good husband [or wife] to our wives [or husbands], building His temple one laborious block at a time" (Lynn Austin, "Among the Gods" Book 5).

Being thankful for "one laborious block at a time".

Continuing to give thanks...

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-my job at home

-scrap booking with my sister in law

-when he lays on the ground laughing and tears roll down his cheeks

-the thrill and excitement of celebrating Sinterklaas

-the boys club caroling at an old age home

-his excitement as he gets closer to solving the Rubik cube

-giggling with my daughter in the hall way

-another successful shipping season
-his patience with me when I'm so moody

-playing games at Mom's
-Christmas shopping is completed

-my fabulous "helper"

-Paul's goofy sense of humour

-her desire to eat blue or purple things so that she can "show mirror"

-a chef in the making

-entertainment for a few minutes

-her playmate

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made" (Psalm 145:13).

I am so thankful for all of God's promises and His faithfulness. He is good, He is truth, and He is faithful no matter the circumstance.

 When I am so tired and slump into a corner, close to tears, I hear His promise: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and by burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). 

 When I feel down for failing again and again, I hear His promise: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). 

 When I feel like my job as a stay at home mom is pointless and meaningless, I hear His promise: "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands" (Psalm 138:8). 

 When I question God's timing, I hear His promise: "[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

 When I think some of the battles are hopeless, I hear His promise, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard fro me?" (Jeremiah 32:27) 

 Continuing to give thanks for my many blessings and His many promises:
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 -God's unfailing promises
-how He speaks to us through His Word
-the testimony of His goodness and mercy through the baptism of one His precious children
-how the young couple is able to still praise Him in the storm
-our kind, loving elder and his dedication to the congregation
-that our elders are purposeful in making home visits
-the assembly this morning encouraging the children to choose music with a discerning heart
-the many different, awesome choices of Christian music that is available (my list of favourites is endless)!
-the awesome concert at Redeemer last week (City Harmonic)
-17 more children sponsored through Compassion

-our annual tradition of going to the tree lot to pick the "perfect" tree

-how she takes on the role of big sister so well and comforts her when she's scared

-a whole family affair

-finding new things to do with snowballs

-fun with the first snowfall of the year

-showing love in different ways

-how the oldest two seem to bonding more

-that they play hockey together in the morning while waiting for the bus

-her fun loving spirit as she gets ready for her seniors dinner