May. 28, 2007 - I'm Grateful
# 50. Today I am thankful for my freedom.
#51. I am thankful for each US service man and woman who has given their life for it. I am grateful to the ones who continue to serve today. I am praying for you.
I think of the wives & children who are mourning the loss of their husbands and dads this weekend. You are hero's as well. Thank you for your sacrifice. There are many who are grieving and no words to express how much it means to me.
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are his everlasting arms. "
Deuteronomy 33:27
#52. I am also reminded of another kind of soldier - the Christian soldier. Again, I am thankful for those who have went on before me, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing hope to the lost. I am thankful for the martyrs - they are an example to me of true devotion to our Lord and a biblical love for their enemies.
An estimated 165,000 Christians were martyred for their faith in the year 2000.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"
~ Jim Elliot - missionary speared by headhunters in Ecuador in 1956
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May. 4, 2007 - Blessings that "Grow"
I'm continuing my list of blessings with some pictures from our yard thrown in. These blessings are from God's beautiful handiwork shown in vegetation.
39. each unique flower - "thank you, Lord, for giving them colors and scents that we can enjoy"
40. the trees (besides there beauty, I think of all the uses we have for them)
41. vegetables (especially those he allows to grow in our garden!)
42. all those luscious fruits, from near and far
43. the wooded forest, full of life
44. the green herbs, given to aid our health & healing
45. the rolling plains that stretch for miles
46. the farmer's fields (amber waves of grain!)
47. the lush vegetation of the rain forest
48. my mother's garden (she has always had one)
49. the mosses, vines and grasses that cover and climb over the earth and
beautify our world.
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Apr. 3, 2007 - Blessed by modern appliances
You hear a lot of talk these days about living a "simple life". I suppose that means different things to different folks. Would any American agree to give up their stove or washing machine in order to live a more "simple life"? Today I'm thankful for my "servants". They bless me daily by freeing up my time to do more important things!
32. Vacuum Cleaner - things would be pretty "hairy" with out it.
33. Clothes Washer - it only takes a few days of one being out-of-order before you realize what a blessing this is!
34. Clothes Dryer - although I would occasionally like to dry clothes on the line!
35. Electric Stove/Oven - other than the occasional hot dog roast, they sure do come in handy!
36. Microwave - how long does it take to defrost hamburger without one?
37. Fridge - can't imagine life with out one.
38. Coffee maker - I guess "instant coffee" is quicker -but then, why bother?
What am I forgetting?
Our pastor recently showed video of their trip to Africa where they spent time ministering to churches in the poorest of nations. Not one of my African sisters-in-christ (that was filmed) had any of these modern appliances. Yet they happily cooked food over an open fire, smiling and preparing with a servants heart. They probably wouldn't know what a coffee maker is.
200 years ago in America, most woman would have done the same. What we have been blessed with in America is now what we take for granted. If just one of these items were taken from me, I probably would complain and then run to the nearest store and buy another. They have become "necessities" rather then gifts or blessings that are meant to help us in our daily tasks. How easily I forget that people all over the world live contently each day without these conveniences.
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Mar. 11, 2007 - Blessings
Having spent a day with my church family - today my blessing list will be related to my local body of believers.
24. Our pastor (for 20 years this year, he married us and is still shepherding our church)
25. My pastor's wife (continues to be an example to me)
26. Our new assistant pastor & his wife. ("retired" but continues in the ministry and now serves at my home church)
27. There are too many loved sister's and brothers in Christ to name. Many are closer to me than my own extended family.
28. Our Ladies, Sharing & Caring group. - This also includes a "Secret Sister" exchange that is used to pray for a fellow Christian sister.
29. The children - these are my own children's closest friends. They are fun to talk to. VBS is a summer highlight!
30. Our Fellowship Times - Each Sunday night after the service we have an opportunity to fellowship we other believers over coffee and dessert. Our Jr. and Sr. Youth groups meet for an hour during this time and anyone who wishes can visit with each other. Great way to get to know our fellow believers. We also have monthly Fellowship Dinners.
31. The Teaching - Don't attend a Sunday Class or Service without bringing your Bible and a notebook! You will definitely be in The Word!
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Feb. 21, 2007 - The Blessing of Family
Continuing my list of blessings, I am very blessed to have the wonderful family God has given me...
These people are not just my family but my life! They include my closest friends and they have shaped me into who I am today. I praise the Lord for his salvation in the most of their lives and especially the example my parents have been to me. 
11. My gem of a husband (17 years of treating me like a queen)
12. Daughter, 13
13. Son, 11
14. Son, 6
15. Son, 2 (His birthday was this week, see his picture here.)
16. My God honoring Mom
17. My God honoring Dad
16. brother, Jeff, his wife and my 3 nieces and 2 nephews
17. brother, Eric and my nephew
18. brother, Aaron, his wife and my 3 nieces and 1 nephew
19. sister, Pam, her husband and my 1 niece and 2 nephews!
20. Mom and Dad #2 (my husbands parents)
21. Sis-in-law, her husband and 2 nephews
22. Bro-in-law, his wife and 1 nephew, 1 niece
23. Our Grandparents (all in their 80's)
(Other than my husband, none (that I know of) read my blog and I don't have permission to plaster their photos all over the world-wide web so their names alone will have to do.)
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Feb. 11, 2007 - Blessing List
BLESSINGS: A special favor, mercy or benefit. , A favor bestowed by God. ,the invoking of God's favor on a person. , Approval or good wishes.
I am starting an on-going list of blessings. I'm not sure yet if I will continue to add to this list or keep posting new lists. I'm hoping to makes sets of 10 at a time and my desire is to continue for as long as I keep this blog. I have started a similar list in the past but I need to continue with this to keep a spirit of thankfulness and joy!
My 1st set of blessings are spiritual and are not in any particular order of importance.
THANK YOU, LORD, for:
1. My Salvation, forgiveness
2. The Word
3. Mercy & Grace
4. Your Son and the cross
5. The Holy Spirit, my comforter and intercessor
6. God, my Heavenly Father
7. letting me speak with you through Prayer
8. being the Almighty Creator of the Universe, in whom I put I my trust
9. your omniscience and omnipresence
10. Hope
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