Thanksgiving 2011

Here in Canada, today is Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be thankful for in a year, that to be honest, has been a brutally tough one.

I don’t know what you make of spiritual warfare, but believe me it’s real. We’ve been in the middle of it this year and I am thankful that we are still standing. Sometimes we sing the song I’m Trading my Sorrows, by Darrell Evans, at church. A verse from it, based on 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, really resonates with me right now:

I’m pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I’m blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy’s gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

We are seeing glimpses of his joy and I feel very hopeful about the future.

I am thankful for the new direction the Lord is leading us in.

I am thankful for the church family that choose to stand with us.

I am thankful that God has given me the strength to endure.

I am thankful for the air I breathe and for the wonder and beauty I see and hear around me.

I am thankful for the moments in my life when I stop long enough to appreciate this amazing world that we live in.

I am thankful for clear nights when the stars stretch far and wide into the night sky, putting into perspective how small I am.

I am thankful for grace and mercy, for the love of an amazing Father in heaven who wants to know me deeply and intimately.

I am thankful that I have food in my cupboards and don’t want for anything. The famine in the Horn of Africa really puts want into perspective, eh?

I am thankful for our cat. She is loving and placid and brings real joy to my daughter.

I am thankful for our dog (or stupid dog as he is affectionately known as in our house). He was an animal shelter dog and he has, let’s say, some issues! Living with him has actually helped us to understand other things this year. He is so docile and has really helped my son to overcome his fear of dogs.

I am thankful for these guys:

copyright Lyn Hallewell

I am thankful for the love and joy they bring into my life each day. I couldn’t imagine doing this thing called life without them. When I am with them I am home.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Multitudes on Mondays

copyright Lyn Hallewell

Eucharisteo! My thankful list is full of nature this week:

41) For trees that the kids can climb, hide in and shelter under.

42) For the birds who visit our bird feeder each day and for the squirrel who tries to break into it.

43) For the buzzing of the hummingbirds at their feeder and the delight their brief summer presence brings to us all.

44) For amazing thunder storms that shake the house

copyright Lyn Hallewell

45) For being able to walk to the river and paddle in it.

46) For living in an area that has rivers running through it and is also close to the ocean.

47) For the powerful noise of the waves and the restful feeling of sitting on the beach.

48) For boat trips.

49) For beautiful island getaways.

50) For a friend who survived a heart scare and surgery.

One Thousand Gifts

I’m being very slack with my One Thousand Gifts list, just got to number 30! Some things I am thankful for today:

31) For being able to laze at a beach and read while the kids play.

32) For the sound of waves, I find these so soothing and relaxing.

33) For women who speak into my life through their words, even though I have never met them.

34) For generous friends who help house my family and take care of my pets so that we can have a vacation.

35) Thankful that we CAN have a vacation.

36) For brave ladies who travel half way around the world so that others can learn about the plight of people who live in Kenya #ONEMoms.

37) Thankful that I can do something, however small, and it makes a change to the world.

38) That I have food on my table and food in my cupboards.

39) Thankful for waiting, rest, reflecting and restoration.

40) For a God who does not give up on me as quick as I give up on Him.

Thanks

I haven’t written for a while. It’s been a difficult few months where it has taken my whole being just to breathe and exist. I just haven’t been able to write anything. This happens in ministry. What seems like one attack after another and it takes it out of you. You question and doubt yourself way. too. much. Exactly what the devil wants, eh?

I just wanted to start back by writing some thanks:

27) I am thankful for being challenged through people’s words and actions. You see, even though I struggle, God is stretching me in another season of growth and trust in him. It also keeps me humble.

28) I am thankful for feeling hurt and wounded, it reminds me to think about how I treat and care for other people.

29) I am so thankful that my children are blossoming.

30) I am thankful that my husband’s fractured hand has now healed

1000 Gifts

17) A crescent moon on a crisp, clear night. The moon’s light from the crescent was so bright that the circular shape of the full moon could be seen.

18) Walking through decisions that will be tough on all involved.

19) Friends who love and trust you that much that they can be brutally honest with you.

copyright Lyn Hallewell

20) Snow Days! Nice and warm inside whilst the wind is howling and snow is falling outside.

21) A friends last chemotherapy session. She did it! This was one of the worst experiences of her life, but she was brimming with joy today.

22) Freedom. I am blessed to live in a free and democratic society, others around the world are fighting for freedom. How sweet it will taste when they get it.

copyright Lyn Hallewell

23) This girls feet – finally planter free too!

24) Blood work checked, PAP screen, breast exam. I’m healthy. I’m thankful.

25) The sound of happiness in my children and in others around me.

copyright Lyn Hallewell

26) A lazy Saturday morning breakfast – waffles, eggs, hash browns and sausages.