With the year coming to an end and as the last lines of my gratitude journal are filled, this space draws me close. Remembering the Lord's faithfulness depends on recounting those blessings. I just finished reading Nehemiah chapter 9 where, once again, the history of the children of Israel is recounted . . . so they could move forward. I tend to approach each new year with a sense of slight trepidation. Lots of "what if" questions fly at me like those fiery darts from the Enemy. But these gifts, each line in my journal, each post of thanksgiving, are the gold plating of my shield of faith. I wholeheartedly am in agreement with the Israelites when they delcared:
"Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; for You are God, gracious and merciful."
Nehemiah 9:31
Giving thanks for. . .
"Nevertheless in Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them; for You are God, gracious and merciful."
Nehemiah 9:31
Giving thanks for. . .
| 3693 our after Thanksgiving Day tradition 3694) time spent with my closest friends 3695) worship and reflecting on God's goodness around the fire 3696) to be part of the details of life with these friends 3697) a new game for the girls to win |
3698) Christmas decorating began
3699) all things yellow this first week of Advent
3700) my grandmother's homemade nativity set up
3701) our first Advent night as a family
3702) an evening Christmas movie
3703) a night around the table with friends
3699) all things yellow this first week of Advent
3700) my grandmother's homemade nativity set up
3701) our first Advent night as a family
3702) an evening Christmas movie
3703) a night around the table with friends
3704) the glow of Christmas lights and candles
3705) the season of Advent
3706) my pastor, on his birthday
3707) my friends Christmas letter to me
3708) and her gift
3709) an evening to read and relax
3710) for very warm coats in the cold
3711) for friends who go out of their way to help
3705) the season of Advent
3706) my pastor, on his birthday
3707) my friends Christmas letter to me
3708) and her gift
3709) an evening to read and relax
3710) for very warm coats in the cold
3711) for friends who go out of their way to help
3717) Christmas pictures in the last light of the day
3718) bad attitudes turned silly
3718) bad attitudes turned silly
3719) that the day has come - baptism Sunday - when her new life in Christ is celebrated
3720) the going down into the water at "death" and the rising into new life into the baptism of faith
3721) for all the babies we have prayed for
3721) for all the babies we have prayed for
3723) my new gratitude journal
Happy New Year!
Love, Rachael
Happy New Year!
Love, Rachael