One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 

(Colossians 2:6-7)

I continue to strive (and struggle) to "live in Him, rooted and built up in Him...and overflowing with thankfulness".  It is so easy to be ungrateful when we COMPARE.  We often compare our houses to other houses, or our relationships to others', our children, our jobs, our climate (it's been a rather lengthy winter, but I'm trying not to complain), etc.  When we use the word "IF" and when we compare our lives to what we might think of as something better, we become ungrateful.

Continuing to give thanks (even for our cold weather!)...
#4358-#4367

-our weather and the beautiful warm sunshine today

-the beautiful flowers that my husband grows, reminding me of spring

-his creative skills, making his own Rubik cube

-his persistence/patience when doing his projects

-the fun she has!
-the fun she had with her friends from church at an indoor play place
-her energy and excitement
-how the two boys laugh so hard, it brings them to tears
-watching a Disney movie with their older cousin
-our awesome sermon last night reminding us of the power and importance of prayer

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus" (Romans 15:5)

All denominational walls were broken down.
There was definitely a "spirit of unity" among ourselves.
Hundreds of voices were being raised to exalt the name of Jesus and bring praise to His Holy name!
Hands were being raised (even us traditional reformers!!) in honour and glory to Christ Jesus.
I truly think that I experienced a taste of heaven- complete unity and praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
It was a night to remember... the Gaither concert!!

Continuing to give thanks...
#4331-#4357

-amazing, talented singers

-meaningful, beautiful songs

-praises to the Lord Jesus Christ

-joining our voices 

-a spiritually uplifting night out
-a daughter who also loves Christian music and enjoyed the concert A LOT! (another Gaither fan- yeah!)

-an exceptionally powerful voice singing two particularly powerful songs proclaiming that "He's alive" and a prayer to our Father in heaven

-some humour and lots of laughs

-how he's still able to play the piano and sing with the other groups

-a truly gifted family

-unity

-exploring bugs, God's creation, and learning how they are high in protein

-sampling some beetle larvae!! (surprisingly, I was the only one to try it and it was good!)

-visiting and enjoying the many species of beautiful butterflies

-how he so willingly let them land on his shirt

-enjoying the March Break with a fun family outing

-enjoying favourite past times (bowling and mini golf)

-being crafty together and trying my niece, Elise's creative craft idea http://www.moretimetoplay.ca/gallery.php

-trying to enjoy the snow, even though it's March

-getting that one last (hopefully) snowman made

-using some of the March break to help in the greenhouse

-enjoying outdoor activities, despite the snow

-enjoying the warm weather while it lasted

-our magician, hard a work with more new tricks

-not having to go out anywhere during the snow storm

-enjoying fellowship as women, scrap booking together
-play dates over the March Break

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"Many are tent woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him" 

(Psalm 32: 10 TNIV)

Sometimes it's easy to give up on things - relationships, certain tasks, commitments, etc.
I am so thankful for God's love and that it never fails and never gives up on me!

One Thing Remains (Kristian Stanfill) Lyrics 

Chorus: Your love never fails 

It never gives up 

It never runs out on me (x3) 

Your love 

Verse 1: 

Higher than the mountains 

That I face 

Stronger than the power 

Of the grave 

Constant in the trial and the change 

One thing remains 

One thing remains 

Chorus 

Verse 2: 


Because on and on and 


On and on it goes 
 

It overwhelms 
And satisfies my soul 


And I never, ever, 
 

Have to be afraid 
 

One thing remains 
 

One thing remains
 

Chorus 


Bridge: 


In death, in life 
I'm confident and covered 
 

By the power of Your great love 
 

My debt is paid 


There's nothing that can separate 
 

My heart from Your great love

Continuing to give thanks...

#4320- #4330

-God's unfailing love

-how He never gives up on us
-restoration and healing

-how she is so easily entertained by him

-family bonding (broken dishwasher!)

-her commitment and effort toward her assignments
-fabulous report cards that came home today

-her bravery reciting her speech
-the mature topic that she chose and how well she handled her topic (euthanasia)

-God's faithfulness, knowing that spring WILL come!
-a very successful dinner/ fundraiser at the Christian high school