Five Talents More

Greta’s page #1

Greta’s page #2

Caleb’s Page #1

Last night the kids and I sat down at the table to begin our book of thanks for this year. The kids drew beautiful pictures and wrote a few things that they are grateful for. As I sat down to begin my page a flood of gratitude came to mind as I recalled the Lord’s hand of faithfulness woven through out the year. I long for my heart to be filled in that way everyday. So quick to be overflowing with praise of what the Lord has done and how He has provided for every need that I have. I never want to be one of those people who when asked, “What are you thankful for?” stutters and stammers to recount even one blessing. May it never be so!

This Thanksgiving is different from any we’ve had in a long time. We are not hosting. Mike’s sister and brother-in-law are having us all over. I have no 26lb turkey in the oven this year. I am not busy running around the house with a list for my husband of what needs to get done. There is much more time for reflection today and the time is sweet. It feels fuller than having a house full of people and running around with my list. I do love hosting and really enjoy cooking but I think this time far exceeds that. I know each year will be a little different with the plans of where we will be, but I hope to look back at this post and recall the sweetness of this time of reflection and make that a priority. A great lesson to be reminded of as Christmas draws near.

Here are a few things that I added to my page:

Hope of eternity. (The joy of knowing that glory with Jesus awaits us)

Romans 15:12

Our family at Bethlehem Baptist, the Body of Christ, coming along side of us whether in high joy or deep sorrow.

Our missionary friends, who are proclaiming the gospel in many countries.

A Bible study I am attending with homeschool mom’s

AP and MJK (the Lord faithfully sustaining the companies during these challenging economic times)

The Gospel of John series our Pastor is preaching on.

The precious gift of the Holy Spirit.

Our times of refreshment at Grandview Lodge with many fond memories.

The Power of Words and the Wonder of God conference and having my dear friend Erin with us again.

Last but not least precious family and friends who have surrounded us with great loving kindness.

“We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord out of fear for their safety. This is especially true when those treasures are loved relatives and friends. But we need have no such fear. Our Lord came not to destroy but to save. Everything is safe which we commit to Him, and nothing is really safe which is not so committed.” A.W. Tozer

A dear friend sent me this quote when her daughter, son-in-law and grandkids were heading to the mission field. I laminated the quote and tucked it away in my Bible, knowing my need to be reminded of that truth will be great through the years, being a parent myself. I wonder what the future holds for these 3 precious children the Lord has given me. I need to be entrusting them to the Lord every morning when I rise. Most of all, I pray that the Lord will keep them steadfast.

Committing our treasures and trusting the One who is able to keep each one safe, knowing that His ways are higher than ours and often reach beyond our understanding…

Thanksgiving 2007

As Thanksgiving approaches with less than two weeks away I am mindful of how we want this time to reflect and display the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives to our family and friends.

One favorite tradition of our family was adopted from our dear friends the Herzberg’s who are serving as missionaries in West Africa. It’s a thanksgiving banner. A banner that is made by highlighting the Lord’s love and faithfulness in our lives over the past year. I remember when they sent us a picture of their banner, it was a beautiful display of God’s faithfulness in their lives. I am not sure if they collect them over the years and get them out to reread and recount the Lord’s many blessings, but I think that’s the idea and I love it!

In addition to the banner we are going to make our own book of thanks. I’m not sure what we”ll call it yet. Maybe, Giving Thanks 2008. Each person in our family will get a page to write and draw on. I’ll have them laminated and save them so we can recall the Lord’s faithfulness to our family year after year.

GRACE!

I woke up early this morning and came out into the kitchen and was greeted by G-R-A-C-E!

I am not joking. This photo captures mores than meets the eye.

Last night when Mike came home, he came home to a grumpy wife. I suppose it was like that “dripping faucet” straight out of Proverbs for him. I was tired (lame excuse) and impatient and he didn’t deserve that. So, do you know what he did. He followed me. He hugged me. He said, “Honey, what can I do to bless you?” Can you believe that I still kept on being grumpy! (Foolish woman) He got the kids tucked in bed, picked up the house a bit and ran to the store to get some things I needed for morning lunches so I wouldn’t have to go out in the cold morning. I not only woke up this morning to grace but I also fell asleep last night to grace. What I really deserved was a messy house and some dried up weeds! But I got a clean house and roses instead.

And just look at that note with me: It should have said, “Honey, I love it when you’re NOT grumpy!” Or maybe, “Where did my sweet, loving wife go?” And just look at those OOO”s strung out in I am sooo blessed! He even added little hearts. Now that is pure love!

I am reminded of what our Pastor said a few weeks ago, “Everyday that we are not in Hell is a good day.” He said it three times and you know, no matter how bad our circumstances are he is right. God has withheld His righteous wrath from a sinful wicked people (a sinful woman like myself). So the fact that the sun rises in all it’s glory on this city every morning is astonishing!

Does anyone remember the phrase in the Newsboy’s song that goes, “When you don’t get what you deserve, it’s a real good thing?” Or maybe it’s, “When you get what you don’t deserve.” Either way it works.

What a lesson learned and what an incredible husband and what an amazing God! I think I got it loud and clear…GRACE!