Thankfulness

Thankfulness: 
conscious of benefit received; expressive of thanks; well pleased


This Thanksgiving I have much to be thankful for.  God has blessed me and poured out His loving kindness.  Praying this morning, I began to write down things that I am thankful to God for.  Some are major growing things that God is doing inside of me and other things are the simple joys in life.  {In no particular order}

1. Shown Yourself faithful
2. Grown in my trust & faith in You
3. Given me strength & perseverance
4. Taught me where my value comes from
5. Provided for me to pay my bills
6. Given me a roof over my head & food
7. Revealing a community here in this place
8. Opened opportunities to serve
9. Blessed with good health
10. Given me hope for the future
11. Teaching me Your ways
12. My 23 beautiful children
13. The courage to listen to Your will and obey
14. Memories
15. The ability to forgive and forget
16. A family that loves me
17. The chance to encourage others
18. A future in You
19. Beauty all around me
20. Your creation and the lessons it teaches me
21. Travel
22. That I am a reflection of You
23. You are my Father in Heaven
24. I am redeemed
25. There is no condemnation in You
26. For the dreams You have given to me
27. Creativity
28. An education
29. The experiences I've had
30. Friends and kindred spirits
31. Peace of the mind & spirit
32. Coffee
33. Joy in any circumstance
34. Tears
35. Your guiding hand that never leaves me
36. Plans to go to Africa (soon!)
37. A church that is seeking You
38. Living out who You have called me to be
39. A heart of compassion
40. That You have good plans for me
41. Salvation
42. Hope for a husband someday
43. Abundant life
44. My needs are met
45. Grace & mercy
46. Your Word that guides me
47. Answered prayers
48. Patience
49. Family
50. I am Yours

I have a great deal to be thankful for.  This week especially I am thankful for good reports about my kids back in Africa.  They are growing in the Lord and doing so well in school.  They are growing up quickly.  Here is a video of some of the girls from last Thanksgiving while we were at Mirembe House:

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789:

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, 

to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor."