Thursday, August 30, 2007

Thankful Thursday

Is it really Thursday??? How did this happen? Where did the week go?

As I write, I'm sitting in our study, our "school room." The sun is just peaking out over the houses, and outside the french doors of our study I can see school children with their backpacks in tow, making their way to the corner where the school bus stops. Oh, how I pray they've had a good week! Each morning this week I have been working in our school room and three times each morning the bus rumbles by. Back to school! What an exciting time! For us, that will be next week, after Labor Day. (That was my birthday present to myself: T-I-M-E. I needed more time to get our school all together!)

As I'm sitting here planning school, sipping my La Madeleine coffee (SO good!) and listening to the neighbor kids chat on the way to the bus stop, my heart is naturally very thankful. Not just for a beautiful morning and great coffee, but for so much more! And it's Thursday! Time to write it down. Thank you Iris!

Today I'm thankful for....

  • God's lovingkindness. That word has been recurring over and over in my quiet times for the past couple of weeks. It seems as though God is trying to impress that on my heart. "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness." Psalm 103:8 Abounding in lovingkindness. Oh, how I don't want to forget that. How I need that!

  • God-honoring curriculum for my kids. As I've been planning our school, I have been gripped with gratitude for textbooks and materials, such as my daughter's Geography book which says: "Bible verses such as the one above (Prov. 3:19) remind us that God created our world. Every mountain and valley is exactly where He wanted it to be. This planet did not "just happen." As we behold the earth's amazing design and provisions for life, our hearts should praise the Creator." Wow! I just do not think we can hear or read statements like that enough, even as adults. That awareness should permeate every aspect of our lives, but especially our kids' as they are learning. There is no neutral ground in any area, school subjects included.

  • My sweet sister-in-law Mary, and what God is doing in her life. Many of you stopped by to offer her prayer support back in December. She has gone through an unspeakable time of grief in the months following the death of her boyfriend, and she has allowed it to lead her straight into the arms of her Heavenly Father who loves her. She is a set-apart young woman, and I've known it since I met her. God is doing a mighty work in her life, and it is a privilege to see it and be a small part of it. She, along with my sweet mother-in-law, myself, and my daughter all started attending Beth Moore's "Jesus the One and Only" study this week, and Mary is going to volunteer in our Awana Club this year with our jr. high girls. It's so awesome to see her responding to God's love for her by wanting to go deeper in His Word and to serve in a ministry. God is good. All the time.

  • A new mission opportunity. We are looking at a trip as a family in November. I'll post more about it (including the location!) soon. God is so faithful to bring about these opportunities to serve Him as a family.

There is oh-so-much more I could write about. (For instance, I'm still thankful for my "maidservants" who will be hard at work for me today and tomorrow as we end our week and head into the weekend!) I've been giving them their portions this morning already. :)


I hope this day finds you experiencing God's lovingkindness like never before. Have a terrific Thursday, and thank you so much for stopping by!


To read more Thankful Thursday posts or to add your own, please head on over to Sting My Heart.

16 comments:

Lori said...

Thanks for the update on Mary, enjoyed reading your thankful list. A new trip? How exciting!!

Susanne said...

Really enjoyed this list!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

cracking me up on your maidservants...I have told my husband that exact thing

"of course she could do it all, she had servant girls!"

loved your post today..you always inspire me to be a better woman!

much love,

Lisa

Denise said...

Such a nice list, be sweetly blessed.

Christy. said...

I loved your take on Proverbs 31. It is a great task to live up to the jobs of this woman but putting it into the here and now helps! Very insightful!

Linda said...

This is a wonderful list Cyndi. I think I love the most about homeschooling is seeing things like the quote you shared. I know not everyone can do it (I really don't think I could have), but what a blessing it is to be able to use books like that.
I'm so glad to hear about Mary. It is encouraging to know that when we choose to run to God rather than from during the worst times in our lives - He is always, always there with outstretched arms. She sounds like a very special young woman.
Have a great day Cyndi. I can't wait to hear about the trip!

Susanne said...

I just began the Jesus The One and Only study this week as well!! Thanks for sharing your list, and grateful heart. Blessings!

Deidre said...

I love that bible study, Cyndi. I pray you are blessed by it.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful list Cyndi! I hope the first week of school goes smoothly for you!

Terri | Sugar Free Glow said...

LOL about the maidservants!

Inspiring post, as always!

Alycia said...

Such a nice TT list Cyndi. I am eager to learn more about your possible mission trip. And, I would be so blessed if at some time, you could share with me what organization your family serves with on your mission trips? Is it through your church, or another group? Just curious as my heart wants to seek out more information. Blessings to you and your family!

Sandy said...

Cyndi, I had to go see what/who the maidservants were. LOL!!!

I like the idea of remembering to be grateful. And I am so pleased that God knows my heart and sees my gratefulness even when I am my human self and forget to praise Him.

Blessings,
Sandy

Mary said...

Thanks for sharing. Love the maidservants! A mission trip coming...how exciting! Blessings on your weekend.

Jennefer said...

Cyndi,

I love your blog's new look; it's beautiful! I noticed that under your "People Who Inspire Me" was JR Vassar's blog from Apostle's Church. JR is a friend of ours, too. Small world, isn't it. He stayed with us back in May when he flew down to preach at my husband's church!

I loved your Thankful Thursday post, as well and while I don't know the story of your sil I am glad that she is healing and growing in the Lord!

Blessings,
Jennefer

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

I can't wait to hear where God is taking you next!

eph2810 said...

You know, God works in mysterious ways to call His people into His flock. Sometimes it takes a tragedy. I am praising Him with you as your sister-in-law turner her life over to Him. It could have gone the other way.

The verse you quoted at the top of your post was on my calendar for the months of August - beautiful Psalm.

Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.

Have a blessed Labor Day weekend, my friend.