Running the Race: July 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"But now, this is what the LORD says- He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel; 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass throughout the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass throughout he rivers, they will not sweep over you....you are precious and honoured in my sight.'" (Isaiah 43:1,2,4)

I love it how things are not just coincidental, rather they are orchestrated by God. This morning, after reading these verses, I went to my computer and read the Compassion Canada prayer of the day and these were the very same verses that I had read only moments before. God really wanted to speak to me through this passage, and He has. He has reminded me that He is always with me, that I belong to Him, and that He is merciful. When I e-mailed these verses to my hubby, he reminded me that through our adoption journey, which has had its challenges, God will not allow the rivers of that journey to "sweep over us". I am so grateful for His never ending love!

Continuing to give thanks...

(not counting anymore- less pressure, thanks to my friend for the good idea)
-that I am "precious and honoured in God's sight"
-for God's never ending love
-that God is always with us and helps us through all of our challenges
-for a husband that I can share Bible verses with
-a great visit with a friend and the fun that the children had together
-going out with friends and how we could spend the whole night enjoying each other's company

-enjoying the fruits (or veggies) of our labour

-how she loves to help

-our frequent little visitor on our deck

-having tons of fun with her friends at a BBQ with fellow adoptive families

-how she was so excited to go to her friend's house, as she counted down the days!

-the fun (and the trouble) they have together

-friendships with other children from Ethiopia

-how the older children played so well with the younger children

-a fun BBQ with great food, and great company
-that the rain didn't come until on our way home from the BBQ!

-our last minute little day trip to NOTL

-my sister, my best friend and the fun that we always have when we're together

-how Mom enjoyed just walking around, especially to see the lake

-his love for reading

-her excitement about buying a new onesie

-witnessing a beautiful, modest, Christ-centered marriage

-the love for her students, as she so proudly invited them to be part of her wedding
-proud to have been her teacher (even if it was a rather long time ago)!
-the reminder, from her dad who preached the sermon, of the importance of centring our lives around Christ, but also the importance of being part of a loving, Christian community
-the blessing of being part of an amazing community of believers!

Monday, July 21, 2014

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendour of His holiness" (Psalm 29:2).

This was the view out of my front window the other day! It was so gorgeous, I just had to take a picture. We've been caught up in so much summer fun, that I almost took this beautiful view for granted. I've been so preoccupied with fun summer activities such as World Cup parties, and camping, that I haven't slowed down to enjoy the beauty that is all around me. I am so thankful for the beauty everywhere and that God's presence is with me all the time, and how He reminds me of His nearness! I am also grateful for all the fun that we've been having this summer!!

Continuing to give thanks...
#4688-#4728

-soccer party preparations (getting our Dutch shirts ready)

-enthusiastic soccer fans of all ages

-seeing old friends

-a successful concession stand, raising over $500 for Compassion Canada's sports mentorship program in Honduras
-my sister's and sister-in-law's willingness to help sell lots of yummy goodies
-my brother-in-law's willingness to cook lots of croquettes!