December Thanks

Six days into December, and pausing to list my thanks.  It has been a full week of ministry with Student Venture, with family.

~ thankful for a great annual Lock-In with Student Venture students Saturday night. Our smallest group in a number of years, but still, a great atmosphere

~for students responding to Tyler's very powerful, clear talk ... responding to Jesus, the most important thing to do

~ for nine staff and volunteers helping out

~ for doctor's orders that my husband not stay the whole night ... Lock-Ins are great, but staying up all night is for the younger crowd

~ a relaxing day at home after the Lock-In ... sleeping in, resting, after getting home at 3:30 am

~ earlier in the week, an All-Day Staff Meeting with our team of five ... and celebrating Andy's birthday

~ thankful for the time of sharing, prayer, and planning together 

~ being able to serve lunch to our team ... Cheesy Chicken Chowder, and a special birthday cake for Andy

~ a good start in putting up our Christmas decorations ... our tree will wait until next weekend. Hard to believe our Family Thanksgiving was just one week ago today.

~ so thankful for our wood stove downstairs in our Family Room ... we love to take our laptops down there ... so much warmth from the wood burning

~ blessed by the reading of our Jesse Tree readings together, the two of us ... love this season

~ thankful for grandkids living close by ... and having Cruz here on Friday while his mommy worked an extra day during this busy season for her workplace.

~ for 23 month-old Cruz ... posing and saying "cheese" when he saw me get out my camera

~ for God's help in getting out our annual ASK letter ... sharing opportunities for family and friends to partner in reaching students for Jesus; thankful for responses already coming in

~ and for a good start on our Christmas mailing ... hopefully, it will be mailed this week

~ being able to go to 8 year-old Levi's Elementary Christmas Concert on Friday evening ... early in the month; in a recent year it was postponed and then cancelled because of snow

~ sitting in the bleachers with 3 year-old Ali, and Amy & Joe

~ meeting Sara & Sean yesterday while they looked at a house and an acreage ... fun to help out with Jake & Cole; sweet boys

Thank You, loving Lord, for Your peace and Your strength amidst all that has gone on this week.

(One Thousand Gifts #84-101)