I know we’re not even past Halloween yet, but I seem to be fast forwarding to Thanksgiving in my mind. Why, you ask? As I sit here thinking about my week, I can’t help but pray “Thank you, Lord.” I have so much to be thankful for. Here’s what I mean….
Monday I took a walk with my neighbor and her baby. And I was thankful. For not being too busy to spend time with her.
Tuesday I spent the evening with the Apples of Gold gang. And I was thankful. For a home cooked meal (by someone else) and a beautiful home to eat it in (not mine).
Wednesday I had a teacher conference regarding one of my kids. And I was thankful. Not for the reason we were there, but for a teacher in the public school who is committed to praying for my child and seeing God do a work in that one’s life.
Thursday I was home alone almost all day. In spite of the projects I had going I stopped and went outside. And I was grateful. Grateful for blue skies, warm temperatures and leaves so beautiful they take your breath away. And a God who is with me wherever I go, even sitting on a swing in the park.
Yesterday I went out to lunch with my husband and then we hung around a bookstore together reading magazines we’re too cheap to buy and drinking coffee that’s too expensive. And I was so thankful. For a man who likes to be with me, and shares my same interests.
Earlier today my living room was filled with girlfriends praying and planning for the women of our church. And I was grateful. For prayer and laughter and purpose.
Tonight I’m sitting here listening to my son’s 17 or so friends from the 10th grade class playing a game together in my living room. And although it’s loud, I’m grateful to have them all here. Grateful to see how he acts with his friends…and I still like him.
Have you noticed the common thread in my pre-Thanksgiving list? People. Friends. Family. God. Fellowship! When I think of the things I’m thankful for – it’s almost always about people. I’m so glad that God gave us each other. Time spent with others can be so fulfilling. He never meant for us to try and live this life alone. I’m sure it’s not even possible. It certainly wouldn’t be any fun. And I’m all about fun!
People add the richness and diversity to life. They bring support, laughter and comfort. Yeah, sometimes they bring pain, conflict and hurt feelings but that’s part of life that grows us. And when no one is around and you feel lonely, you can count on the presence of God to be there with you.
If you’re reading this, I’m thankful for you, too. And I hope when you start working on your Thanksgiving List (you do make a list every year, don’t you?) that it’s full of people you simply couldn’t do life without! And if it isn’t….thank God in advance for the friends He’s going to give you because you’ve asked.
Thank you, Father, for giving us a piece of yourself with skin on. I believe it’s never too early to start celebrating….Happy Thanksgiving!!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
See what I mean?
Nothing like good home hospitality. Enjoy these photos from a luncheon I hosted for 3 of our missionary women and 8 friends. It was a blast. Highly recommend it. For those of you who attended, I hope you had as much fun as I did. You're the best!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Happy
It's 8:15 and the kids are in bed reading. We've had quite a week. Missions Conference at church. This means getting the kids home from school, homework done, throw food at them (not usually the healthy kind), rush off to church for a meeting and late bedtimes. Every night for a week. We all love it! A different missionary(ies) speaks and presents what they are doing for God somewhere in the world.
It's a rewarding time for meeting wonderful servants of Christ. Today was a highlight - which is fitting since it was the last day. Friday night I was given the opportunity of having 3 missionaries for dinner after church. Not usually a big deal except that Sundays are a little tricky for us as we have many responsibilities. Still, I won't turn a missionary down.
Add to the meal preparation - extra guests. My boys two special friends from nearby were here for a visit. And we invited a favorite couple from church. Along with my 5 - that makes twelve. I was a little stressed about having enough food, making sure it was ready within a reasonable time of their arrival, etc. etc.
Surprisingly, I was at ease as soon as the house was full. We stood around the island in the kitchen. Everyone had a glass in their hands and we decided to go around introducing ourselves so everyone knew everyone. As I listened to each one (especially all the kids), a certain happiness came over me. I gazed at each one and found myself thankful. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the two boys I'd love to adopt. Thankful for the couple we looooove so dearly. And thankful for three missionaries I was beginning to know. Thankful we were all together in my kitchen. Yup. This is what it's all about.
I'm glad I said yes to the opportunity. I'm glad I didn't give in to the fear of "too many people not enough food". Or the stress of the end of a long week, kids who had to do homework and the daydream of a Sunday nap. We enjoyed the conversation and company immensely. I thank God for the body of Christ and for good old fashioned home hospitality. I'm happy!
It's a rewarding time for meeting wonderful servants of Christ. Today was a highlight - which is fitting since it was the last day. Friday night I was given the opportunity of having 3 missionaries for dinner after church. Not usually a big deal except that Sundays are a little tricky for us as we have many responsibilities. Still, I won't turn a missionary down.
Add to the meal preparation - extra guests. My boys two special friends from nearby were here for a visit. And we invited a favorite couple from church. Along with my 5 - that makes twelve. I was a little stressed about having enough food, making sure it was ready within a reasonable time of their arrival, etc. etc.
Surprisingly, I was at ease as soon as the house was full. We stood around the island in the kitchen. Everyone had a glass in their hands and we decided to go around introducing ourselves so everyone knew everyone. As I listened to each one (especially all the kids), a certain happiness came over me. I gazed at each one and found myself thankful. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the two boys I'd love to adopt. Thankful for the couple we looooove so dearly. And thankful for three missionaries I was beginning to know. Thankful we were all together in my kitchen. Yup. This is what it's all about.
I'm glad I said yes to the opportunity. I'm glad I didn't give in to the fear of "too many people not enough food". Or the stress of the end of a long week, kids who had to do homework and the daydream of a Sunday nap. We enjoyed the conversation and company immensely. I thank God for the body of Christ and for good old fashioned home hospitality. I'm happy!
Monday, October 1, 2007
It's The Little Things
Have you ever read through the Bible in a year? I've done it a few times now and there is no greater thrill than when you move from the Old Testament where you've been reading daily for 9 months and plunge into the New Testament where you'll finish out the year (except, of course, when you complete the goal!). Nothing says January more than Genesis to me and I love the new challenge each time I take it. This year our church decided to read it collectively in chronological order and each Sunday the daily readings for the week are posted in the bulletin.
Last Saturday while I was reading I noticed that Monday was October 1st. I also noticed I was to read the book of Malachi on the 30th. Hmmmmm.....I know Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, but is it chronologically too? I also know that the schedule is usually 9 months Old Testament, 3 months New Testament. It would make sense since October 1st marks the last 3 months of the year. Could it be time for the New Testament and some stories about Jesus? Did this milestone sneak up on me? I got so excited I could barely stand it. I nearly called the secretary because I couldn't wait to get to church and find out for myself the next day. Decisions!! What to do? It's like snooping to see your Christmas gifts ahead of time.
I decided to wait it out. But Sunday morning I charged into that building (like a kid on Christmas morning) and got myself a bulletin first thing and sure enough - the Gospels of the New Testament are all over this week's schedule. A goal accomplished...at least through the Old Testament. I’m almost there! (I'll let you know on Dec. 31st if I make it all the way!)
Why such a big deal? If you have ever committed to this particular goal, you know why. All year reading the Old Testament can seem long and sometimes boring. But the truth is that all these accounts are just a teaser for the coming of Christ. Waiting to see when God is going to break through and finally send the long awaited for Messiah. It is exciting! I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich in characters, history, tragedy, comedy, miracles and everything you wanted to know about God. But there’s something special about stepping into the time when Jesus was here on the Earth and in a way walking with Him while reading these sacred pages. It has been worth the wait. He never disappoints.
I hate to think about how much time I’ve wasted in my life on the pursuit of things that don’t matter, things that won’t point me to Christ, things that don’t open my eyes to what He’s doing in this world right now. But spending this year in His Word, tracing His fingerprints and sovereignty down through the ages from creation to today and getting to know the God who loves me and has a plan for my life – this is a worthy pursuit.
It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, don't you think?
Last Saturday while I was reading I noticed that Monday was October 1st. I also noticed I was to read the book of Malachi on the 30th. Hmmmmm.....I know Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, but is it chronologically too? I also know that the schedule is usually 9 months Old Testament, 3 months New Testament. It would make sense since October 1st marks the last 3 months of the year. Could it be time for the New Testament and some stories about Jesus? Did this milestone sneak up on me? I got so excited I could barely stand it. I nearly called the secretary because I couldn't wait to get to church and find out for myself the next day. Decisions!! What to do? It's like snooping to see your Christmas gifts ahead of time.
I decided to wait it out. But Sunday morning I charged into that building (like a kid on Christmas morning) and got myself a bulletin first thing and sure enough - the Gospels of the New Testament are all over this week's schedule. A goal accomplished...at least through the Old Testament. I’m almost there! (I'll let you know on Dec. 31st if I make it all the way!)
Why such a big deal? If you have ever committed to this particular goal, you know why. All year reading the Old Testament can seem long and sometimes boring. But the truth is that all these accounts are just a teaser for the coming of Christ. Waiting to see when God is going to break through and finally send the long awaited for Messiah. It is exciting! I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich in characters, history, tragedy, comedy, miracles and everything you wanted to know about God. But there’s something special about stepping into the time when Jesus was here on the Earth and in a way walking with Him while reading these sacred pages. It has been worth the wait. He never disappoints.
I hate to think about how much time I’ve wasted in my life on the pursuit of things that don’t matter, things that won’t point me to Christ, things that don’t open my eyes to what He’s doing in this world right now. But spending this year in His Word, tracing His fingerprints and sovereignty down through the ages from creation to today and getting to know the God who loves me and has a plan for my life – this is a worthy pursuit.
It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, don't you think?
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