One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

Our pastor preached about Nehemiah yesterday (my Bible hero)!  When the people were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, they were receiving a lot of criticism from others.  It was easy to focus on all the rubble around them, rather than their task at hand and their many blessings (and the fact that the wall was built in an incredible short span of 52 days)! Nehemiah was a man of encouragement and he was a strong, wise, Godly leader.  He always prayed first, and then took action.  He was like a motivational speaker as he encouraged all of the workers!  

Our pastor reminded us how easy it is to focus on the all the "rubble" in our lives, rather than the many blessings all around us.  We need to hear the words of encouragment from our heavenly Father in His Word, and be encouraged.

"There is something good in every day"!!  

Continuing to give thanks...

-our view from our back yard this evening

-how he puts all his effort into all that he does

-her amazing althetic abilities

-when the whole school does activities together with all the grades

-staff support and encouragement

-how our friend challenged her to a race!

-freezies to cool off

-that her dad could cheer for her and her brother
-that he's not as busy and is home much more now!
-another great spring shipping season

-how she's learning to ride a two wheeler on her own

-that he'll join us for Sunday afternoon walks (even though he just likes to act silly at the park, but that's ok!)

-Sunday afternoon naps

-playing games together (even though they were strongly encouraged by their mother) and having fun!

-still doing tricks and enjoying the beautiful weather

-how amazing it is to watch/listen to her learn new words and learn how to read

-God's beautiful creation

-how she teaches him how to play and how well she plays with him

-her concentration as she tries to capture beautiful sunsets

-the fun that she had at spring formal
-great, loving friends

-his excitement to go on rides for the first time

-how he is such a patient, supportive big brother!

-having so much fun together

-a super, fun day in Toronto at Centerville

-how he was able to take a day off and take us to Toronto!
-being able to spend more time with him
-taking walks together
-date night/ movie night!
-that the boys could babysit

-how excited she was to go to Toronto and see the CN tower

-enjoying the rides and the beautiful creation all around us

-enjoying the ferry ride (definitely a high light)

-bright flowers and how they brighten my day!
-a few nights out with my hubby!
-his help around the house and with the children
-being encouraged by women with older children who have "been there"
-that there is something good in every day!

One Thousand Gifts (continued)

"[God] will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help" (Psalm 72:12)

Because of the cross, we are healed.

Because of the cross, there is deliverance.

Because of the cross, we experience freedom.  

Hundreds of young people were prayed upon at the All Ontario Youth Convention as they spoke the words, "I need help".  God desires to bring healing, restoration and deliverance, we just need to call out to him, that we need His help.  It was a beautiful sight to witness so many young people going to the front of the auditorium receiving prayer and experiencing freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Continuing to give thanks...

-that she had such a wonderful weekend at the AOYC

-so many dedicated, Godly volunteers

-the cross

-healing, and deliverance

-the opportunity to volunteer for a few hours for Compassion Canada

-so many young people's desire to sponsor a child

-record breaking numbers of children sponsored at the AOYC!!

-celebrating his birthday and being able to go out for dinner in the middle of May!

-his fun loving personality

-his love for his children

-the joy he brings to our home

-being reminded of the promises made at their  baptism 

-two of our precious children publicly expressing their desire to seek and follow the LORD

-the sign, and seal of God's covenant promises through baptism

-how he is a constant source of joy and entertainment as he decided to "baptize" himself after the pastor already baptized him!

-triple celebration with two profession of faiths and one baptism

-older cousins

-the love and support of such amazing friends and family

-special friends and family who celebrate special occasions with us

-the gift of family

-our tolerant dog

-how he smiles so big that his eyes disappear

-that may lap is big enough for both of them

-practicing his sing words ("friends")

-celebrating the many gifts and talents at our school

-support from grandparents

-the many different, beautiful paintings that God makes in the sky and our view from our driveway

-reminder of God's faithfulness

-loving her new pink highlights

-how he puts his arm around those he loves

-getting ready to swim at Oma and Opa's pool for the first time this year

-how he has adapted so amazingly well at some many new things such as swimming

-my little goodies

-cousins working side by side

-beauty

-how she received a gift from two very thoughtful aunts

-celebrating this amazing, fun -loving sister's birthday

-my "helpers"

-how getting tests done at McMaster isn't so bad after all (fun outdoor play areas)

-good results from his ECG and echogram!

-how well he sleeps

-outdoor snuggles with Dad

-curiosity and new things (blowing dandelions)!