"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him" (Luke 17:15,16).

When we're going through difficult times in our lives, it is so difficult to remember to say thanks or to feel thankful.  Yet, it is during those low moments in our lives that God is holding our hands and carrying us through our struggles.  He provides our every need through the good times and the bad times.  I need to be reminded to always give thanks for the many, many things that God has done for me and continues to do for me.  His love never fails and He promises to go with us wherever we may go.  Every day, He showers us with gifts and His never ending love.

Progress.
I love that word because it has such optimistic connotations.  I was reminded by a very sweet, compassionate adoption therapist, to focus more on progress.  We have seen so much progress in many things in our lives and in our children's lives.  I need to remember to say thank-you to God for the progress (in all areas of our lives) that is being made as we run this race and learn to live more Christ-like.

Continuing to give thanks...
-celebrating early Father's Day with my in-laws
-news from Ethiopia that our adoption is continuing to move forward, slowly, but it's moving!  Progress!!
-the love, support, and encouragement from my fellow adoptive mommies
-progress with some challenging behaviour
-progress as I gain renewed hope and encouragement
-progress with our children as they complete another year of school and grow academically, as well as spiritually

-learning the beatitudes throughout the school year at the monthly assemblies

-concluding the assemblies with a tribute to the graduating class
-the challenge from the principal to the graduates to be peace makers and to continue to be positive Christ-like examples to others

-his humours grade 8 slide show/description of the students and grade 8 skit
-how he is a godly example to his students

-having fun presenting their skit in front of the school

-the hard work and enjoyment Nicole had making the graduation slide show

-having a picnic outside, and enjoying a fun day in JK (although every day is a fun day with her awesome teacher)!!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"The LORD is my light and my salvation -whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1-2)

Conquering fear brings us to new heights.
We're so proud of the many fears that he has conquered and continues to conquer.  

We were told that the tether holds up to 4 000 pounds.
We felt pretty secure and safe.
Yet, I was still a bit nervous and fearful walking across the tight rope.
I didn't completely trust the tether.  

I am still learning to completely trust my heavenly Father.  He is my tether and has me safe and secure in the palm of His hand.  Despite that, I still have many fears.  Fears of the unknown.  Fears of parenting a child with special needs.  Fears of feeling incompetent in managing and handling our daughter's challenging behaviour resulting from early childhood trauma and loss.  Fears of the future.  ETC, ETC!!  These fears are unnecessary if I would trust my tether. God "is the stronghold of my life" and He will never let me go.  He is always with us through the fears, hurts, and difficulties in our lives.  I am so thankful for my tether!

Continuing to give thanks...
-Christ, my tether and stronghold
-the lessons that God keeps trying to teach me

-conquering new fears

-their bravery

-how they all enjoyed the ropes

-learning fascinating facts about owls

-learning about the amazing features and characteristics of some of the awesome creatures that God created

-a fun, family day at the Niagara Safari and the Niagara Falls

-enjoying all the different animals 

-how she loves to "read" all the signs

-appreciating the uniqueness and beauty of all of God's creatures

-a fun family dinner and a fun evening in Niagara Falls

-how they were being so silly with the selfie stick!

-breath taking views of the falls

-our precious, beautiful children

-the smell of fresh cut peonies!

-his musical abilities and talents
-his gifted teacher
-his supportive grand parents

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him" (Ephesians 3:17 NLT).

We are getting ready to welcome new residents to our home.  They have been busy preparing a nest/home.  We look forward to this home being occupied.

I am so grateful that Christ desires to "make His home in my heart".  Often, I let other things occupy my heart which pushes Christ out of my heart.  I am so thankful that He longs to make residency not only in my heart, but my whole being.  I want to make room for Christ to dwell in my heart and soul and to allow Him to be the source of my life!  Thank-you, Jesus!

Continuing to give thanks...

-Christ living in my heart and soul

-filling my barrel when my barrel is empty

-progress

-the excitement of an upcoming planned trip with the family

-the effort and research Nicole did for our family vacation

-lunch today with an old high school and university friend

-God's presence is everywhere

-enjoying their day at track and field

-enjoying helping with track and field
-beautiful weather for track and field
-volunteering with Nicole at the same event

-getting use of our 13 year old trains

-an enjoyable class trip as we stepped back in time

-so thankful for the freedom that we have in our country

-kind, respectful, fun loving girls enjoying time together

-how I love spending time with her at home and outside of home on class trips (and that she doesn't mind that I tag along!!)

-learning about the amazing plants the many uses of God's creation

-their creative/artistic talents and given the permission to leave that legacy at school (on the gym walls and doors)

-a serious game of shuffle board with some competitive scoring!