One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

"Don't worry about nothing, pray about everything"- those are the words from one of the songs on Guy Penrod's new CD. So fitting, as we've been very anxious as we continue to wait for our baby girl's facilitation Visa. A great reminder.

my list of thanks continues...
#876-#895

-new Guy Penrod CD!


-my co-captain, and great friend

-my 3 favourite sailors

-willingness to try new things

-enjoying yummy snacks and fun games at the same time!

-a week of praise and worship, and learning more about the mighty love of God

-a great week of V.B.S.

-50-60 children singing and learning the truths of God's Word

-summer entertainment (lots of building and constructing)

-helpers cleaning rooms

-my handy man hubby (and patient handy man)

-supportive adoptive friends (even those I don't even know)

-stay home day today

-excited children when their older cousins come over

-game night with my nephews (and Laura)

-rocking a baby to sleep in the church nursery (I can't wait to hold our baby girl!)

-a hubby to make me laugh even when I'm feeling really bummed

-all three children playing together all day

-sleeping in

-good night kisses

A giving heart

"The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor"

(Proverbs 22:9 TNIV).

Our daughter is a generous girl, with a very giving heart. As I was beginning this post, she came upstairs with a paper dove craft that she made for me (it's now sitting right by my computer). How appropriate as I was just about to write about the generosity that spills from her heart. This week, she eagerly and selflessly donated her hair for the second time to cancer. She said she didn't care how short it would be, she was just happy to do it.
Somebody else will be wearing her beautiful blond hair and hopefully be touched by her generosity.

*** BEFORE

***Is it long enough???

***Here it goes...

***the best part...the sucker!

***AFTER

Nicole, we're so proud of you and we love how your beauty shines outwardly from within! Keep shining brightly!

Preparations

"Direct me in the paths of your commands...turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word" (Psalm 119:35 a, 37).

Our theme for tomorrow's Vacation Bible School is based on this text. The Bible point is "God's Word is life-changing". Just like a steering wheel on a ship directs the boat, so the Bible gives direction in our lives. God's Word has definitely been life-changing in our marriage and in our personal lives.

We have been trying to prepare for our trip to Ethiopia to bring home our baby girl. Will we ever be ready? We've had 2 and a half years to prepare for this, yet it seems like we'll never be prepared. What about in a marriage, are we prepared for the storms that will come our way? We were hit with some pretty big storms, but God and His Word helped us through them. God's word is life changing- especially in a marriage!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

I am thankful for these words, as I need to be reminded not to be anxious. Disappointment is weighing heavy over me right now. We were very disappointed that we did not receive the good news regarding our daughter's facilitation Visa today. Now, we need to wait another week to wait and see what the news will be next Monday. I am praying for peace and am thankful that God's Word is true (our V.B.S. theme for today)!

My list of thanksgiving continues...
#858-#875

-God's glorious artwork in the fields near our house

-affectionate cats and animal lovers

-the many children at our Vacation Bible School

-a successful first morning

-children memorizing Bible verses

-amazing volunteers

-last minute supply helpers (thanks, Mom)

-God's word is true!

-amazing group of friends/adoption mommies and a late night out as ladies

-loving church friends and another fun evening out as ladies

-marvelling at God's amazing animals at the Safari

-fun day out with friends

-support and prayers for Deborah's Visa to come in (keep those prayers going)!

-a day of reading and relaxing

-jumping on the trampoline with the children

-shooting soccer balls at my son (even though I can't score on him)

-daughter not needing glasses

-eye doctors and medical technology

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him" (Psalm 32:10 TNIV).

I am so thankful for the Lord's unfailing love and His many, many blessings.
My list of thanks continues...
#841-#857

-fun day out with my mom, her friend from Holland and my sister

-my fun, generous sister


-my window cleaner (at least someone likes to clean windows- thanks Nicole)!

-good times, family bowling

-siblings playing games outside

-innovative brother-in-law who created a rather huge slip and slide!

-hours of entertainment and thrills

-summer fun

-adoption T-shirt purchased for me from my brother-in-law (so thoughtful)

-delicious lunch today provided by my sister

-having lunch with my aunt (and Mom and sister)

-rain

-God's unfailing love

-the prayers of our children eagerly awaiting Deborah's Visa

-VBS preparations are coming along

-awesome VBS volunteers

-great VBS co-director

"Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"

(1 Thessalonians 5:11).

I try not to take advantage of my hubby's generosity, but I do appreciate his support. Today, I had a fabulous outing with my sister, my mom and her friend from Holland. We did lots of shopping and walking! Paul encourages me with my hobbies, and supports me when I need my "girl" time. I am truly blessed with a husband who is supportive to me with my everyday activities, but more importantly, someone who encourages me with my walk with Christ.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"You shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands," declares the LORD"

(Isaiah 55:12).

#813- #840 my joy overflows and my list of thanks continues...

-birthday boy!

-glorious sunsets

-rock jumping

-fun in the waves

-fun times camping with cousins

-collecting rocks

-hours molding and playing with clay

-a new hobby

-another new hobby

-great fun playing many rounds of mini-golf

-girl time playing real golf!

-boating (is this safe???)

-my brother's big 40 celebration

-group hugs

-eating pizza on the beach

-birthday parties

-camp fires

-lots of cousin time

-lots of outdoor activities

-creative made up basketball game- Way to go, Jesse!

-humming birds on our deck

-the challenge from our pastor to meet God, not on our terms, but His

-God's accessibility

-the honour being asked to be a couple's mentors

-healthy babies being born in our congregation

-lemonade

-safe arrival of our tenant- Welcome back, Mom!

-anticipation to traveling to Africa (getting closer)!