"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms"

(Deuteronomy 33:27).

My gratitude list continues with #1166-1189

-God's protection over Deborah as we waited to bring her home
-God- our refuge
-His everlasting arms
-His covenant promises
-Deborah's baptism
-overwhelming love and support from family and friends
-gifted Pastor and amazing service/sermon
-a reminder that we are all adopted into God's family
-proud older siblings
-sibling contribution- Jesse carried Deborah into church, Nicole picked up all the toys that Deborah kept throwing, and Curtis was the spokesperson for the family answering the questions that the Pastor asked!
-church and family contribution to Deborah's special evening last night
-Paul working so hard on Deborah's slide show presentation
-Jesse surviving a busy week of school with lots of tests!
-visit with a long-time friend
-candles burning during reading time
-Paul's successful shipping season
-congregation members being led to sponsor a child through Compassion
-forgiveness- from God and others (especially those we love the most)
-siblings dancing together in the kitchen
-unexpected hugs from hubby

-the courage to present in front of three classes

-playmates

-our new "pet"


-celebrating Christmas early (just the stockings)

The Message of Hope

We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10 TNIV)

Ok, so my goal was to be finished Christmas shopping before December 1. Well, I succeeded in meeting my goal! Now, I can sit back and enjoy the Christmas season and Christmas music! I LOVE Christmas music, sitting by the fireplace, curling up and reading a book, snow storms (unless I'm driving in it), hunting for the perfect Christmas tree, and focusing on the meaning of the season. Shopping was easy this year as I had a little bit of help from http://www.christianbook.com/, http://www.sears.ca/, http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/, Avon, and shopping locally. I totally avoided the mall!

I look forward to this exciting month of December and remembering the Christmas message of Hope!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"The LORD is good, a stronghold int eh day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7 NKJV).

So much to be thankful for.
My list of gratitude continues...
#1135- 1165

-a successful movie fundraiser at our school

-great concession stand helpers at our movie

-everyone pitching in cleaning up

-an amazing movie and an indescribable, powerful lesson on forgiveness


-our first snowfall!!! Look at it all!!!

-building a snowman together as siblings

-so much love

-first snowman of the year!!

-Deborah's first snowfall

-a ride in the shovel from her big sister

-eager to wear boots

-play dates

-everyone laughing at dinner

-my sister who helped promote our fundraiser movie

-my mom who cleans out the vacuum bag in the garage (a messy, neglected job)

-Nicole's passion for writing stories on the computer


-emptying lunch bags without being told


-proud siblings showing off their little sister at school today

-wonderful learning dialogues with teachers

-great, Christian teachers and role models


-wispy clouds in the sky this morning


-help leading Bible Study


-safety on the slippery roads (it was a quiet ride with lots of praying)

-ladies/girls night out enjoying a fiddle concert


-Nicole's headache went away


-shopping with Nicole (she's very efficient)


-almost done my Christmas shopping (my goal is by Dec.1)


-borrowing flour from Mom to make pancakes


-children delivering dinner to their Beppe


-planning meals with Mom for the next few nights


-Jesse's interest in the guitar (even though it's electric)

Confessions of a Lousy Wife

"Encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

It's good to confess our many mistakes out loud. This helps us realize we need to change and how blessed we are to have a loving, forgiving God.

I was reminded of this last night as I was confessing to a dear friend, what a lousy wife I am (that was after complaining about things my husband does which led me to more confession for complaining). I received a gentle swat in my arm with a reprimand, "ANNN NNNA". Hey, that's what friends are for, right? I realized I really need to let things slide a bit more. I then started bragging about Paul that he's super-Dad, and my friend said, "Well, that makes him super-husband too". She's absolutely right.

When I came home, Paul and I read devotions together and the theme was about encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). More confession. I'm thankful that not only do I have a forgiving Father, but also a forgiving husband!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful"

(Psalm 68:3).

my list of thanks continues...
#1116-1134

-our dedicated case worker from our agency

-our understanding case worker

-our patient case worker as she had to put up with our many calls and e-mails!

-all the hard work (often behind the scenes and unnoticed) from all the workers at our agency


-the bathing suit made by my very talented, strong woman of faith, fun-loving hairdresser


-great visits from my nieces!




-my enthusiastic cowboys/cowgirl! Yee Haw!


-my princess wearing her crown made out of love by my gifted, giving sister
-AMAZING report cards from our 3 oldests. Could I be any prouder? Absolutely not.
-going out with my mom and sister and Deborah
-meeting/celebrating with fellow adoptive mommies
-fun sleep over with cousins
-Curtis eager to hold and feed Deborah
-eager son and daughter to do a presentation on our trip to Ethiopia to their class (again, so proud- well done, you guys).
-Jesse, wanting to do the talking during his presentation
-hearing Deborah laugh in the morning before I even opened her door!
-lots of poinsettia orders for Paul
-helpers at meal time
-Nicole, our cheese disperser
-diligent workers in the mornings getting snacks and lunches ready

Generosity

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God"

(2 Corinthians 9:11).

Today I was reminded from my friend's blog (Heather- www.heathershomewardjourney.blogspot.com) about giving to others selflessly -even those (especially those) who are not so easy to be generous to. I wish I could be less selfish and more giving to others. I especially wish I could be more generous and less selfish with my husband. Rather than asking him to do things for me (the minute he walks in the door), I need to serve him and focus less on myself. I pray that the Lord will grant me wisdom and the ability to be more generous to my hard working, loving, patient, selfless husband.

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave..." (1 Kings 8:56)

My list of thanks #1100-#1115

-cousins

-KFC tradition

-celebrating with family

-photogenic baby


-fun photos in the poinsettias
-serious family photos in the poinsettias as well
-niece who's a great photographer!
-friend/neighbour home from the hospital
-kids running off the bus to see their baby sister
-thoughtful neighbours
-each child trying to make their baby sister laugh in their own unique way
-smiles from Deborah when she sees her siblings
-an effort made by our 10 year old son to peel potatoes
-a successful school bazaar
-many, many volunteers
-already many new milestones made by Deborah