Graditude

We celebrated Josh's 15th birthday this last month -- literally all month long! Josh injured his left knee just before his birthday and was on crutches for about 3 weeks, which meant he could not have the action-packed birthday party for which he had hoped. So we pretty much celebrated his birthday all month long, having TWO gatherings in his honor! The picture you see here is of him and his brother enjoying his FIRST cake! Happy 15th, Josh! Can't believe my baby's growing up into such an awesome young man! I love you, buddy!

I always learn so much about myself and my relationship with my heavenly Father through the relationship with my kids! One of the things I have really been pondering this last month is the virtue of graditude. This is not a virtue that occupies my thoughts that often, not because I don't appreciate things, but because I am a task-oriented person and have a tendancy to simply move from one task to the other, not taking time to celebrate or reflect. What brought it to my attention was what I felt appeared as a lack of appreciate from my 15th year old in regards to the effort Randy and I put into making sure he had a good birthday despite the fact that he couldn't go skateboarding or paintballing with his friends. I was really feeling taken for granted, until God helped me realize I act the same way towards Him -- A LOT! He has given me so much that I simply take for granted. So, as a means of repentance and reflection, here are some things I want to stop taking for granted and want to celebrate with graditude to The One who provides so generously:

1. A body that functions really well -- THANK YOU GOD FOR MY HEALTH! Forgive me for not taking better care of it!



2. A husband who has been and continues to be committed to me and his family even through tough times and many disappointments -- I love you Randy! Forgive me for taking you for granted!



3. Two very healthy boys who, despite driving my crazy on many days, bring me such great joy and hope! Josh -- you amaze me! Nick -- you are such a pleasure! I love you both more than you can know!



4. A "soul sister" and BFF who has shared more times of joy and tears than I can recall ... as well as some really good times of laughter -- Lisa, I appreciate you so much!



5. A sister who, inspite of living about 1000+ miles away, stays in touch and accepts me just the way I am! Love you Ruth!



6. In-laws who have taken me in and accepted me as their own -- I love you Mom, Bill and Sonya!



7. A church family and staff, who has given me not only a place to invest my life, but has provided me the opportunity to pursue God's calling on my life -- I appreicate your faith in me!



8. All of our incredible volunteers in our Kids ministry who work so hard right alongside me and who are willing to do whatever it takes -- YOU ALL AMAZE ME WITH YOUR SACRAFICIAL SERVICE! God's blessing to you all! Remember you are making a KINGDOM DIFFERENCE in the lives of His kids each week ... stay the course!



9. An incredible Children's Ministry Staff -- I'm so glad God has joined us together to run after His kids! I appreciate you all!



10. Families who need God, who want God, and who are looking to the church to fill an incredible void in their lives that can only be filled by God! Help us keep pushing on for YOU, God, and for THEM!

Father, thank you so much! I appreciate and love You! -- Your GRATEFUL child, Charlotte.