Friday, November 2, 2012

{thanks-living}

I cannot even believe it's now November.  Looking back over October...it's kinda a blur...but I know I have SO much to be thankful for.

First of all, I am so thankful for my Dad.  He has truly taught me the importance of being missions minded and has always had a HUGE heart for the lost.  He's been in Ethiopia for all of October...he comes home next Saturday.  While he's been there, he's been traveling to villages telling people about the GOOD NEWS of Jesus.  Here's part of an email he sent after the first week of being gone:

I'm lying here in bed at 3:00 in the morning...can't sleep because I'm
so pickin' excited about what's happened this last week.  You have no
idea what a difficult area this is to minister in because people's
hearts are so cold, hard and resistant to the gospel.  We've NEVER in 5 years of
working here been able to go personally
into peoples homes and share the gospel with them...until NOW!  The
eyeglass clinics are good, helpful
and give us favor with the government and local people, but the
chickens are like the goose that laid the
golden egg...or should I say chicken!  We've exclusively gone into
poor widows and divorcees homes and
the response has been overwhelming!  My heart is so full.

Yes...you read it right...chickens...they are giving people chickens in hopes of the door being open to share the gospel.  People use the chickens for eggs and to eat, to provide food for their families.  What an awesome and tangible way to share the love of Jesus!!  I'm thankful that my Dad (and Mom) have such a heart to love people...because of their hearts for Jesus.  

I am thankful for new friends.  I met Stacy through an instagram pen pal/gift exchange and she is truly an amazing lady.  Her love for Jesus shines so brightly...she has amazing sewing skills and is also an awesome wife and momma to two adorable kiddos.  It has been so fun getting to know her through her blog, instagram, and twitter.  And she sent an amazing batch of gifts to me!  I love how God brings people into our lives...so thankful to know Stacy!


I'm thankful for old friends.  My sweet friends, Amy, and her adorable family were visiting from Maui and I got to get in a short, but perfect visit for a couple of hours.  While I was there, our other friend, Tylene, stopped by with her adorable family!  I love these girls like sisters.  We went to college together, and although we've all grown and changed a lot since then (Thank You Jesus!!), our hearts are still so connected.  They're the kind of friends I know I'll have for life...I love that.


I am so thankful for time off work!  I was able to take a 5 day stay-cation last week and it seriously was a mental health break for me.  I was able to spend time with some friends, catch up on projects, watch my new favorite show, spend LOTS of fun time with Claire, and just feel refreshed!  I think this should be a mandatory thing for every momma out there!


I am thankful for our church...and thankful that I get to be a big part of the ministry that happens with kids and families there.  On Halloween, we hosted Royal Nite...a free carnival, open to the public.  Although it was a super long work day, it was such a fun night of ministry.  I'm thankful for all the ministry opportunities I get to be a part of...a lot of times it doesn't even feel like work!



My sister brought Claire...I didn't take any pics of her...oh my...but I did get a video of her doing her favorite thing...going on the bouncies.

My heart is so full looking back and remembering all I have to be thankful for! 
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3 comments:

  1. Amy, what a great month you've had. I loved the note from your dad. Bless that guy and his labor for the gospel overseas!! SO inspiring. And I am ALL ABOUT mommy breaks so that I can be a better mommy. Great job taking the time for yourself for refreshment and encouragement. It is so important. Have a great weekend and thanks for linking up!!

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  2. i love it amy! i can't believe how big claire is! i know that if we lived closer she would get along fabulously with my girls :)

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  3. I loved to hear about the chickens! Its amazing what will open doors!

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