One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"[God] will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help" (Psalm 72:12)

Because of the cross, we are healed.

Because of the cross, there is deliverance.

Because of the cross, we experience freedom.  

Hundreds of young people were prayed upon at the All Ontario Youth Convention as they spoke the words, "I need help".  God desires to bring healing, restoration and deliverance, we just need to call out to him, that we need His help.  It was a beautiful sight to witness so many young people going to the front of the auditorium receiving prayer and experiencing freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Continuing to give thanks...

-that she had such a wonderful weekend at the AOYC

-so many dedicated, Godly volunteers

-the cross

-healing, and deliverance

-the opportunity to volunteer for a few hours for Compassion Canada

-so many young people's desire to sponsor a child

-record breaking numbers of children sponsored at the AOYC!!

-celebrating his birthday and being able to go out for dinner in the middle of May!

-his fun loving personality

-his love for his children

-the joy he brings to our home

-being reminded of the promises made at their  baptism 

-two of our precious children publicly expressing their desire to seek and follow the LORD

-the sign, and seal of God's covenant promises through baptism

-how he is a constant source of joy and entertainment as he decided to "baptize" himself after the pastor already baptized him!

-triple celebration with two profession of faiths and one baptism

-older cousins

-the love and support of such amazing friends and family

-special friends and family who celebrate special occasions with us

-the gift of family

-our tolerant dog

-how he smiles so big that his eyes disappear

-that may lap is big enough for both of them

-practicing his sing words ("friends")

-celebrating the many gifts and talents at our school

-support from grandparents

-the many different, beautiful paintings that God makes in the sky and our view from our driveway

-reminder of God's faithfulness

-loving her new pink highlights

-how he puts his arm around those he loves

-getting ready to swim at Oma and Opa's pool for the first time this year

-how he has adapted so amazingly well at some many new things such as swimming

-my little goodies

-cousins working side by side

-beauty

-how she received a gift from two very thoughtful aunts

-celebrating this amazing, fun -loving sister's birthday

-my "helpers"

-how getting tests done at McMaster isn't so bad after all (fun outdoor play areas)

-good results from his ECG and echogram!

-how well he sleeps

-outdoor snuggles with Dad

-curiosity and new things (blowing dandelions)!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" 

(Colossians 3:14).

Celebrating Mother's Day.
Celebrating LOVE.
Celebrating being a mom.
Celebrating my mom and my mother-in-law.
Celebrating birth moms who chose life and showed such deep love.

Some days I just don't feel like celebrating.
We're dealing with teenage issues, toddler tantrums, RAD, and other various challenges.
BUT, it's LOVE that binds everything together.
It's love that can forgive.
It's love that can heal.
It's love that is patient.
It's love that calms.
It's love that brings joy.
It's love that brings smiles.
It's love that trumps everything else.
It's God's perfect love that makes all those things possible.  He loved us first, so that we are able to love others.
It's because of His love that I rejoice in Him and give thanks to Him for the love He has showed me and the immense love that I have for my precious children.
It's because of His love that I am able to celebrate Mother's Day, not just yesterday, but everyday of the year!!

Continuing to give thanks...

-the gift of my 5 precious children

-participating in the grade six's Poetry Cafe/Mother's Day tea

-how he was so pleased that I could attend the Cafe (and how understanding he would be if I couldn't attend)!

-my awesome mom who was able to babysit for an hour so I could attend the Cafe

-enjoying fellowship with other beautiful grade six moms

-his gift for public speaking

-his great group of school friends

-a sweet class who did a lot of work for us moms!

-celebrating the gift, joy, and privilege of being the mom of these precious children

-my youthful, fun loving mom

-her sweet, loving exemplary character

-homemade Mother's day cards/gifts (they're the best)!!

-practicing for track and field day (even though they don't do hurtles in SK!)

-her toothless grin

-how Deborah likes to "include" the dog during bath time

-shenanigans at the greenhouse

-how he loves the truck (and all things that move)!
-his super adorable smile and how his left eyebrow lifts up when he smiles
I'm feeling so blessed!  Thank-you, LORD!