One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" 

(1 Timothy 6:17).

On Saturday night, we were purposeful in enjoying some simple pleasures, such as skipping rocks in Lake Ontario. Who would have known that that would be so much fun, right?  God provides us with ample opportunities to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  These are gifts from God.  We never lack the amount of simple pleasures all around us, however we often lack open eyes to see them and to enjoy them.  God created these simple pleasures for us to enjoy.  Thank-you, God for the many, many simple pleasures!

Continuing to give thanks...(and enjoying the simple pleasures)

-enjoying skipping rocks in Lake Ontario

-teaching his children how it's done

-enjoying throwing rocks in Lake Ontario!

-how surprised they were at how fun it was to just hang out at the beach

-the sun glowing on the sail boats

-enjoying the lake, even if we couldn't go swimming in it

-the ducks, scattered across the water

-dipping feet in the lake

-his persistence, trying to skip rocks (which he did succeed at)

-how our girls are such characters!

-his arms wrapped around me

-Jesse, a budding photographer

-enjoying the new pier

-her effort and enjoyment with her Terry Fox project
-the legacy that Terry Fox left behind
-how the whole school was excited and participated in the Terry Fox run

-dedicated, skilled, and patient soccer coaches

-a beautiful day to watch soccer

-the girls' positive attitudes and sportsmanship

-a grand opportunity, meeting the Prime Minister!

-for his support toward International adoption

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

Unity.

Oneness.

Integration.

Harmony.

Solidarity.

"A rehearsal of what heaven will be like", is what one of the pastors from a Toronto church said when referring to the multicultural Festival of Hope.  

I had tears welling up in my eyes as we gathered with 13 000 other Christians and raised our hands, giving praise to our heavenly Father.  

Denominational barriers were broken.  We worshiped with thousands of other Christians from many different races,  backgrounds, and ages.  The Holy Spirit was definitely present in that arena last night, especially as thousands dedicated their lives to Christ.  What an honour and privilege to be part of such an amazing event. 

Continuing to give thanks...

-hearing Franklin Graham proclaim the Gospel message of hope to thousands of people

-worshiping with thousands of other Christians from different denominations and backgrounds

 -being inspired and uplifted with the music from the talented, Michael W.Smith
-enjoying concerts with our daughter

-how she loves to have tea parties with her cat, Percy and her stuffies

 -a new interest in colouring (since going to school)

 -enjoying a stay home day with her best buddy

 -her love for all animals

 -how she's so easily amused and entertained (having lunch in her friend's trunk was a high light for her!)

 -his origami talents and how he likes to make things for his classmates

 -a beautiful day for a class trip

 -Christian camp

 -being taught and encouraged to work as a team

 -team building and class bonding

 -facing new heights

-classmates encouraging each other

 -a fun day of golf with fun-loving ladies

 -a fun, successful fundraiser for our Christian high school
-enjoying friends' birthday parties
-enjoying school (so far)
-walking the halls of school in the morning and hearing my son's grade 5 class singing songs during opening devotions
-enjoying dinner with a dear friend

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

Saying good-bye to summer.
Good-bye to our pool.
Good-bye to lazy summer days.
Good-bye to summer soccer.
Good-bye to camping.
Good-bye to summer fun. (and we had lots of that!!)

Saying hello to fall.
A new season.

I'm also entering a new season in my life. I am so excited about the journeys that God has put me on. I could never have imagined the paths that God has called me to take.

I have signed up for two online courses.  I didn't think that I would ever be "formally" furthering my education.  A new season.

Also, we are awaiting the arrival of our precious son from Ethiopia.  Another new season.  With that will come many new joys and challenges.

We are entering a new season and a new journey that I'm excited to take!   I know that I do not enter this journey on my own.  I am so thankful that God promises to stay with me, every step of the way!

Continuing to give thanks...
  -for new seasons
  -the journeys that God has taken and is taking me on
  -how He never leaves us

-his skill and love for soccer

-his effort and wonderful sportsman like attitude

-a great season (champions)!

-her first season of soccer and how she tried her best (especially when we cheered for her)!

-her pleasure of receiving a medal (and a donut!!)

-his great attitude and effort

-the awesome coaches who volunteered their time to coach our children and write out their awards

-her joy for the sport

-making new friends 

-another beautiful sky during soccer, painted by our amazing creator

-fun times as a family at Jellystone park

-how playing min golf makes him so happy!

-her excitement when going on the wagon rides

-his love for water, even when it wasn't very warm outside

-the smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the water activities

-activities for everyone to enjoy

-his patience as he embraces his daughter's desire for independence

-how he/they kept busy with the many different activities

-enjoying the beach and the water park right beside it

-reading and sleeping on the beach

-how we never tire of having campfires and roasting marshmallows

-how they went on all the rides together

-so much fun at the C.N.E.

-how his face lit up in the place of magic

-enjoying all the rides, including the more relaxing rides

-our therapeutic night out

-the fun that we always have together

-making an outing when we had to go to the airport

-Mom's safe travels and the fun trip that she had

-how she misses her cat/playmate after a long day at school

-how his sister took such good care of him with her stuffies when he wasn't feeling well

-the fun that he had at grade 9 day
-making new friends
-spending time with old friends too

-how she helped contribute to her sister's newly decorated room

-how she likes to play peek a boo and be silly!