One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the restul is eternal life" 

 (Romans 6:22).

"God keep our land, glorious and free" 

Celebrating our nation's birthday day, I am so grateful for our freedom.  However, more importantly, I am so grateful for being set free from sin because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Continuing to give thanks...

#3673-#3701

-our beautiful country, Canada
-impromptu fireworks celebrations
-the boys' fun day at the baseball game
-a fun, thoughtful uncle taking Nicole to the zoo
-the girls' conversations when they are playing on their own
-having a nice visit with a beautiful young woman, passionate about children and international missions

-a fun, early birthday party

-how he is such a wonderful playmate to Deborah's little friends
-my awesome friend, fellow adoptive mommy and great hostess
-meeting new adoptive families and enjoying their fellowship

-my twin (and it wasn't even planned)!

-the benefits of being married to a flower grower

-our relaxing haven

-last art coming home
-celebrating the end of the school year
-amazing report cards

-a beautiful wedding and cute couple

-being married into such a lovely family

-her independence as she sets up her tent on her own

-bonding with her brother

-celebrating 19 years of marriage!

-our "romantic" anniversary day

-how I am able to impress my children

-celebrating our big wins

-relaxing and truly enjoying the break from school

-spending our first holiday with cousins/ best friends

-a relaxing, lazy, and fun holiday all in one

-overcoming another fear

-taking a break from the rides

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

“Sing to the LORD, you saints of His; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” 

 (Psalm 30:5).

 We gathered together for Father’s Day yesterday. The day looked like it was going to be a gloomy, dark, wet day. However, it wasn’t long (after we settled inside), that we moved outside and enjoyed the beautiful day. There is so much pain and sorrow in this life. There is no exception to this on Father’s Day. There are children who do not have a father figure present in their life for various reasons. There are those who have lost their fathers. There are those who do not or did not have a positive relationship with their fathers. With the gloomy day turning into such a glorious day, I was reminded of Psalm 30:5. The sorrow and pain that we experience in life does not last. God takes our pain away and one day when we live with Him in glory, there will be no more tears or pain. Joy comes in the morning!

Continuing to give thanks...
#3652-#3672

-for our Heavenly Father, who is perfect!
-the many fond memories of my father
-for the many dads who have chosen to be a father to the fatherless

-fresh flowers from the garden

-love notes from my loving husband

-studious children
-surviving and completing exams

-the times when she is so gentle with him
-when she says, "OOOH, look at Percy" "He's so cute"

-how she loves certain books to be read by certain siblings

-celebrating the best father in the world!!

-his homemade card/tie/top hat that he made at school

-how he eagerly wore his hat and tie (with the help of some tape)

-for teachers that still have their students make homemade cards for their dads

-a loving, patient, fun father-in-law
-how his son is much like him!

-being able to relax (a bit) on Father's Day
-his patience, love, wisdom, sense of humour and Godly role model that he is to his children

-older cousins playing with younger cousins
-enjoying the outdoors

-her crazy, wild dance moves!!  and how she gets us all laughing!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"...for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness"

 (Lamentations 3:22b-23)

We stepped back into time.  The war of 1812.

We wrote letters with our quill pens.  We wrote letters, imagining what it would have been like to be living during the war of 1812.  It certainly would not have been easy.  I am extremely grateful for the many conveniences of modern day living.  I am also very thankful for history, and that we have the opportunity to reflect on the making of history.  It's amazing how everything is in God's hands and that everything is part of His great plan.  When we look back at our past, we are reminded of God's great faithfulness, just as He was faithful and kept His promises to His chosen people throughout the Old Testament.  God continues to be faithful to us and keep His promises.  As I look back at the past, I am able to look to the future with the hope and trust in Christ alone.

Continuing to give thanks...
#3625-#3651

-our modern day conveniences
-stepping back into time
-the war of 1812 which was so significant to the making of where we live today- Ontario
-remembering God's promises and faithfulness

-for those who have defended their country

-my fun group of students

-preserving history

-lots of hands-on activities

-modern day plumbing

-a fun, educational class trip

-great instructors who are passionate about sharing our country's history

-another inspiring concert with friends

-enjoying many classic hymns (with a country flare)

-that Paul Brandt's  wife is his back up singer!

-one of the most talented musicians and song writers of our time

-how he never let his impairment hinder him from developing the gifts God has given Him

-how he uses God's gifts for His glory
-His passion for serving the Lord

-the excitement and honour to meet and talk with the most talented, Gordon Mote

-all creatures great and small

-enjoying our nephew's company for dinner
-how he hangs out with his little cousins
-celebrating God's faithfulness for 60 years at the church from my youth
-a relaxing stay home day today with my little girl
-roasting marshmallows around the campfire in the backyard
-our afternoon out on a date
-cozying up under the gazebo, watching a movie