When Jan. 1st came along, we thought back and LOTS has happened in our lives this last yr. Time to Blog. We made our humungous move from our ministries in the Philippines. Our home for over 27yrs and not only leaving all our Filipino friends, co-workers and ministries we love, but also family. Our son Matt and family are now serving there also. Adjustment to new ministries here in the US, out of our comfort zones in many ways and we moved 11 times in 10 mo. That does a number on a person trying to find things. A nightmare for an unorganized person such as myself. Ha.
I thought it appropriate to write down 10 things I’m thankful for this last yr.
1. Laughter– Laughter is such a blessing. It is good for the soul, a stress releaser and sometimes it is better to laugh than to cry. 😀 We found in the Philippines it is good if you can laugh at yourself. (It is better to point out that you are a bad a language learner before they do.) In the Mts learning Ibaloi for instance. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said, “Tim talks good Ibaloi but you still sound like a little kid.” 😀 A fellow Missionary of ours died this past yr. in Asia at only 36. The last thing he did was to laugh really hard with his wife. I thought, that is the way I want to go. But for that to happen you have to have your mind on the right things.
2. My Savior– Who has provided every thing I need and solved my biggest problem. He paid for my sin on the cross. I thank my Lord for the grace He has shown me and for His unfailing love. He is my Rock when everything else is falling apart.
3. My wonderful husband– God knew just who I needed and hopefully I am just who he needed. 😀 He helps me stay on track. He exhorts me when necessary. Sometimes it is hard to accept criticism from your spouse, but how many other people do it with love?
4. God’s Word– In a world where everything else is changing His Word remains the same. Sharper than a two edged sword. You can never get to the bottom of it. You can read a verse 100 times and still get something new from it. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. One I hang on, He will never leave me or forsake me.
5. Our boys– The biggest gift we ever received next to Salvation. And a close 2nd, our 6 grand kids. 😀
6. My sister- That I still have a sister. Our brother and sister died prematurely. Gussie had 2 major surgeries this past yr. I’m thankful that we were home when she needed us the most. We were able to help her come back from Open Heart surgery. It was harder than all of us thought.
7. Our daughter in laws- We are so thankful for the women God has brought into our son’s lives. Jessi and Erin are both very talented and great moms. They bring balance to Mike and Matt 😀
8. Our grand kids- They have been such a blessing to us. God’s little treasures for when we miss those times when our own kids were small. They are healthy, their parents make sure that they learn about Jesus, and they bring a lot of joy to our hearts.
9. Being Near Tim’s Parents – It has been a real blessing to be able to be near Tim’s parents at this time in their lives. It has been very rewarding. Tim’s mom often tells us how much she enjoys having us near by. We live across from the NTM Retirement Homes where they live. It has also been a blessing to be around the other folks at NTM Homes as well.
10. Adjusting to winter in the States… in Florida– I don’t know if most people can truly appreciate how hard it is on a body that is used to living in the tropics, to hit the States during cold season. Especially for someone like me with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. It has been so nice to be in one of the warmest States in American, during this brutal winter that a lot of our States have been having to endure. We had the warmest fall and December that people here can remember in a long time. And yes, Fl. got snow as well. Just in the pan handle though. The Lord cares even about the little things.
Well, that is my Top 10. I am reminded of the line from the song, “count your many blessings, name them one by one”. I think I am only getting started 😀