One Thousand Gifts (continued)

“Sing to the LORD, you saints of His; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” 

 (Psalm 30:5).

 We gathered together for Father’s Day yesterday. The day looked like it was going to be a gloomy, dark, wet day. However, it wasn’t long (after we settled inside), that we moved outside and enjoyed the beautiful day. There is so much pain and sorrow in this life. There is no exception to this on Father’s Day. There are children who do not have a father figure present in their life for various reasons. There are those who have lost their fathers. There are those who do not or did not have a positive relationship with their fathers. With the gloomy day turning into such a glorious day, I was reminded of Psalm 30:5. The sorrow and pain that we experience in life does not last. God takes our pain away and one day when we live with Him in glory, there will be no more tears or pain. Joy comes in the morning!

Continuing to give thanks...
#3652-#3672

-for our Heavenly Father, who is perfect!
-the many fond memories of my father
-for the many dads who have chosen to be a father to the fatherless

-fresh flowers from the garden

-love notes from my loving husband

-studious children
-surviving and completing exams

-the times when she is so gentle with him
-when she says, "OOOH, look at Percy" "He's so cute"

-how she loves certain books to be read by certain siblings

-celebrating the best father in the world!!

-his homemade card/tie/top hat that he made at school

-how he eagerly wore his hat and tie (with the help of some tape)

-for teachers that still have their students make homemade cards for their dads

-a loving, patient, fun father-in-law
-how his son is much like him!

-being able to relax (a bit) on Father's Day
-his patience, love, wisdom, sense of humour and Godly role model that he is to his children

-older cousins playing with younger cousins
-enjoying the outdoors

-her crazy, wild dance moves!!  and how she gets us all laughing!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"...for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness"

 (Lamentations 3:22b-23)

We stepped back into time.  The war of 1812.

We wrote letters with our quill pens.  We wrote letters, imagining what it would have been like to be living during the war of 1812.  It certainly would not have been easy.  I am extremely grateful for the many conveniences of modern day living.  I am also very thankful for history, and that we have the opportunity to reflect on the making of history.  It's amazing how everything is in God's hands and that everything is part of His great plan.  When we look back at our past, we are reminded of God's great faithfulness, just as He was faithful and kept His promises to His chosen people throughout the Old Testament.  God continues to be faithful to us and keep His promises.  As I look back at the past, I am able to look to the future with the hope and trust in Christ alone.

Continuing to give thanks...
#3625-#3651

-our modern day conveniences
-stepping back into time
-the war of 1812 which was so significant to the making of where we live today- Ontario
-remembering God's promises and faithfulness

-for those who have defended their country

-my fun group of students

-preserving history

-lots of hands-on activities

-modern day plumbing

-a fun, educational class trip

-great instructors who are passionate about sharing our country's history

-another inspiring concert with friends

-enjoying many classic hymns (with a country flare)

-that Paul Brandt's  wife is his back up singer!

-one of the most talented musicians and song writers of our time

-how he never let his impairment hinder him from developing the gifts God has given Him

-how he uses God's gifts for His glory
-His passion for serving the Lord

-the excitement and honour to meet and talk with the most talented, Gordon Mote

-all creatures great and small

-enjoying our nephew's company for dinner
-how he hangs out with his little cousins
-celebrating God's faithfulness for 60 years at the church from my youth
-a relaxing stay home day today with my little girl
-roasting marshmallows around the campfire in the backyard
-our afternoon out on a date
-cozying up under the gazebo, watching a movie

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yeild its valuable crop and how patient He is for the autumn and spring rains" (James5:7)

She shovels the dirt.  She gets on her knees.  She digs.  She plants, and now she must wait.  Patience.  We have to wait for so many things in life, and it is very difficult sometimes.  As difficult as it is to wait for the many things in life, and more importantly, for Christ's return, we are told be be patient just as the  "farmer waits for the land to yield its crop".

Continuing to give thanks...
#3615-#3624

-an inspiring and fun concert (the Booth Brothers) with friends
-Nicole enjoying babysitting and proving to be very capable!
-witnessing my niece's public profession of faith and her desire to follow Christ and become a member of the church
-Deborah "reading" the bookmark from the Bible (she says, "church"... "two church"..."three church"... "Johnny, etc.)

-how she loves to get dirty

-her excitement about "her" garden

-her perseverance and hard work to get the garden done, even in the rain!

-beautiful smelling flowers (and ones that attract butterflies) in our backyard

-our new shaded area in our backyard

-getting a taste of summer holidays!