One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). 

Saying good-bye to summer.
Good-bye to our pool.
Good-bye to lazy summer days.
Good-bye to summer soccer.
Good-bye to camping.
Good-bye to summer fun. (and we had lots of that!!)

Saying hello to fall.
A new season.

I'm also entering a new season in my life. I am so excited about the journeys that God has put me on. I could never have imagined the paths that God has called me to take.

I have signed up for two online courses.  I didn't think that I would ever be "formally" furthering my education.  A new season.

Also, we are awaiting the arrival of our precious son from Ethiopia.  Another new season.  With that will come many new joys and challenges.

We are entering a new season and a new journey that I'm excited to take!   I know that I do not enter this journey on my own.  I am so thankful that God promises to stay with me, every step of the way!

Continuing to give thanks...
  -for new seasons
  -the journeys that God has taken and is taking me on
  -how He never leaves us

-his skill and love for soccer

-his effort and wonderful sportsman like attitude

-a great season (champions)!

-her first season of soccer and how she tried her best (especially when we cheered for her)!

-her pleasure of receiving a medal (and a donut!!)

-his great attitude and effort

-the awesome coaches who volunteered their time to coach our children and write out their awards

-her joy for the sport

-making new friends 

-another beautiful sky during soccer, painted by our amazing creator

-fun times as a family at Jellystone park

-how playing min golf makes him so happy!

-her excitement when going on the wagon rides

-his love for water, even when it wasn't very warm outside

-the smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the water activities

-activities for everyone to enjoy

-his patience as he embraces his daughter's desire for independence

-how he/they kept busy with the many different activities

-enjoying the beach and the water park right beside it

-reading and sleeping on the beach

-how we never tire of having campfires and roasting marshmallows

-how they went on all the rides together

-so much fun at the C.N.E.

-how his face lit up in the place of magic

-enjoying all the rides, including the more relaxing rides

-our therapeutic night out

-the fun that we always have together

-making an outing when we had to go to the airport

-Mom's safe travels and the fun trip that she had

-how she misses her cat/playmate after a long day at school

-how his sister took such good care of him with her stuffies when he wasn't feeling well

-the fun that he had at grade 9 day
-making new friends
-spending time with old friends too

-how she helped contribute to her sister's newly decorated room

-how she likes to play peek a boo and be silly!

New Beginnings and Old Roots

"The LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

 I sat in this very gymnasium.  I walked the same halls.  I sat in the same classrooms.

Our son has entered high school and our daughter has begun junior kindergarten! New beginnings. 

 As our children boarded the bus yesterday for the first time (and today for Deborah), I was overwhelmed with gratitude.  We are now privileged to be directly involved in two amazing Christian institutions.  As I drove to the high school, I passed by another amazing Christian institution, where I obtained my teaching degree and where I grew in my appreciation for the beautiful world that God created.
I am so thankful for the many individuals who have committed their time and energy to start these wonderful Christian schools where our children are given a Christ-centered, quality education, encouraged to develop their God given talents, and where they are prepared for Christian service.  I am so thankful too for the many individuals who continue to commit their time and energy to our schools as teachers, or supporters of Christian Education.
God is good!
All the time!
Great is His faithfulness!
I am grateful for new beginnings and old roots.