Friday, November 18, 2016

A Thankful Heart


Honestly, this is our favorite time of the year.  We both LOVE Thanksgiving, and try to make sure Christmas doesn't infringe on November.  Perhaps it's because Thanksgiving isn't over-commercialized.  Maybe it's because Thanksgiving is a "pure" holiday, without presents and things.  Or, it might be because Fall colors are the prettiest.  Who knows.

No matter the reason, I think we can all agree, that having an attitude, and a heart of thanksgiving is the best.  There are numerous verses in the Bible on thanksgiving, most notably in the Psalms.  

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. 
Psalm 111:1

I will praise the name of God with song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1

So, in the spirit of that last verse, we would like to share with you all what we are thankful for.

1. A Home
This past year, we have been living with a friend.  This has helped us keep our costs down while raising support, have someone to "come home" to, as well as someone to be there with Abigail while Dan travels alone.  We are thankful for our home.

2. Safety
As we have been traveling so much this year, we have unfortunately seen many accidents on the road.  We are so blessed and thankful that God has kept us, and our car safe as we itinerate.  We are thankful for traveling mercies.

3. Health
We have been blessed this year.  None of us have been majorly sick, we have not been in the hospital, or had any major injuries (toddler bumps and bruises aside).  We are thankful for good health.

4. Family
Although we have had losses this year, on both sides of our family, we have been able to spend more time with family, than originally expected, and we have been thankful for every moment of it.  We are thankful for quality family time.

5. Partners
We have been overwhelmed by people's generosity this year!  Thank you to all of our ministry partners, both churches and individuals.  Thank you to those who pray for us on a daily basis.  The earlier mentioned things would not be possible without the power of prayer.  We are thankful for our supporters.

6. Hope
We are thankful for the hope that we have in Christ; that we know our Father in heaven loves us, cares for us and supports us.  It is his same hope that we are so longing to share with the people of Slovenia.

Thank you, to everyone who reads our blogs, posts, likes our pictures, etc.  You help us stay excited and keep our spirits up!

We appreciate all of you.  Thank you.  Thank you for lifting us up in prayer, writing us and loving on us.  Thank you.