Thankful For...
Before 1994 and my marriage to Terry I had never been part of a Thanksgiving ritual. Thanksgiving, the way it is celebrated in North America is truly a unique tradition. South Africa used to have 'Day of the Vow' that was celebrated on December 16th, but it was abolished a while back; and anyway, it was nothing like Thanksgiving here!
However this is one holiday I have unashamedly and wholeheartedly embraced. Every year I anticipate it and look forward to the cooking and preparing of the meal. This year was no different, although it was just the seven of us. We had planned on going to Carrollton to see Richard and Star (and G-Grandma Marie) but several things came up that prevented the trip. I planned on getting a turkey for our family, but Terry asked me to buy a ham instead. I was glad, I am not a huge fan of turkey anyway, so purchasing a ham was definitely better. One item I do not like, but get for the rest of the family is pumpkin pie. I even sometimes bake them for the family - but this year I just bought one as I was not in the mood to bake something I don't care for!
This afternoon as we sat at our beautifully decorated table (Terry set it and it looked lovely) and went around the table asking everyone what they were thankful for I was reminded again how wonderful it is to live here in the United States; and how thankful I am to have my husband, my kids, my extended family, our church. Most of all though, I am eternally grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ for all that he has done for me, and for all he means to me.
Labels: Jesus, Thanksgiving, turkey
Tag! I'm It!
Earlier on this week a friend of ours,
Bob 'tagged' me. Generally the 'taggee' has to answer a series of questions (in this case there was just one) and then tag someone else. Thanks Bob! Actually I enjoyed the experience as the question did make me think about my answers and why I truly feel the way I do.
So here are my answers to "Five Things I Dig About Jesus".
1. I dig that Jesus always keeps His Word. Psalm 138:2 in the NKJV says, “You have magnified your Word above all your name.” I dig that He will ALWAYS keep His Word – both written and spoken. That fact alone brings the Word of God into a new perspective for me – His Word is alive. There truly is power in the Word.
2. I dig that Jesus is ever-faithful. Even though my world may collapse around me; even though I face challenges that seem too much to bear; even though I cannot rely on the love of those around me, I know He is there. I am comforted in knowing that if and when I face those times and I react in a less than stellar fashion and allow doubts to creep in that He will remain faithful to me according to 2 Timothy 2:13.
3. I dig that Jesus left the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit I have the power to overcome sin, to witness, to preach, to intercede for others and myself. I dig that He leads me into all truth, and that He will tell me what is yet to come (John 16:13). I dig how the Holy Spirit is there to bring glory to Jesus, and therefore is my example in all things.
4. I dig that Jesus treated all earnest seekers with love, compassion and respect. In a time when women were not well regarded, Jesus treated women better than anyone else. Jesus spoke to people who were considered unclean. He talked to a foreign woman and gave her the ‘crumbs’ she asked for. It is comforting to this woman to know that in Christ there is neither “male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.” Gal 3:28.
5. I dig that in Jesus I am a child of God. Because I am a child of the Most High I have His favour, His Blessings, and everything that Jesus has. I am most grateful for the absolute sacrifice He made to give me that. I know I will probably never know the full extent of that sacrifice with my finite human comprehension. It’s like falling in love on a daily basis – always something new to learn and appreciate about my redemption.
So, now I have to pass this favour onto other people. Well,
Jen and
Sue consider yourselves tagged!
Labels: Bible, Bob Mitton, Holy Spirit, Jesus
Who Sat Where?
Last night our church was privileged to have Lisa Bevere come and speak to our ladies (Women of Worth) as a guest speaker. Once a month, Pastor Beverly hosts this event and she sets it up as a television interview. Lisa spoke about two of her books, "The True Measure of a Woman", and "You Are Not What Weigh".
I had never heard Lisa speak before, and she was awesome! Funny, quick-witted and above all beautiful! Bold too. I was lucky enough to sit in the front row (I was an official helper) and at one point she got up to demonstrate a point. Next thing I know she is strolling towards me, and then sat on my lap! She was talking about her youngest son and his freedom to sit on her lap every morning, and I was her guinea pig.
The one thing I appreciated more than anything was her uncompromising attitude when it comes to the Word of God. She spoke the Word, and can recite scripture so naturally, you know that the Word is lodged in her heart, and not just her head - she is living the Word, not just speaking it.
If you have never heard her speak, or read one of her books, I would highly recommend you get to listen or read. She is filled with wisdom and is entertaining besides!
Labels: Christian Family Church, God, Jesus, Lisa Bevere
Miracles DO Happen
Ok, in order for people to get the full impact of this story, I need to give some background.
When our youngest son Carson was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with Autism. At the time he showed all the classic symptoms including no language, living for long periods of time in his own world, getting upset when his schedule was changed even a bit. It was a hard time for our family, but Terry and I resolved that he would get better, and we signed up for several programmes offered through the school districts, and we prayed over him daily.
Jump ahead to this school year. Carson is in a regular Kindergarten classs, he has no special interventions, he gets no special help and although he still gets speech therapy, you would never know this child had received a devastating diagnosis three years ago this week. You'd think this would be enough - right? And don't get me wrong, Terry and I are thrilled, we weren't sure he'd ever get to this stage.
But, it gets even better! Carson has shown little interest in books, if I read to the other kids he sits on the periphery playing. He would bypass the books on the shelves to play with trains. I noticed this summer though that he pulled books from the shelves, mostly to count the page numbers. However, this afternoon I realised that he was reading a book, and not just an easy primer either! Carson taught himself to read! Terry and I have not sat down with him to teach him, his teachers have not got to the point of teaching the kids - he did this all by himself!
I can only come to the obvious conclusion that prayer works! Granted, Terry and I worked hard with him, but I don't believe Carson would be where he is today without the prayers of our family and many friends. And to those who have prayed for our son, we say 'Thank you'.
Labels: Carson, Jesus
