tulips what is gratitude, I asked our trusted  friend Google…”Gratitude  is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

I was meant to keep a gratitude jar to save all my gratitude notes that I would have had to review and talk through today but for all sorts of reasons that did not happen. My initial jar which was well thought of, with good design and a personality had an accident and broke in front of my eyes. I then tried a second jar with less of a personality but a bright lid (red). My red lidded jar was definitely not the most inspiring and so I found a new role for it and successfully used it as a sweet jar for my son’s potty training reward…a story for another day:-)

That said though, I cannot possibly forget God’s hand in my life this year. 2016 was a year of new things, it was the foundation year.  I broke away from a few old things in 2015 and started afresh just as the year began…

” ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than him. With his is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said” 2 Chronicle 32:7-8

This scripture pretty much sums up how I went into 2016, physically unarmed with fear yes but much courage. Like the people of Jerusalem I did not have much expectations but remembering who God is allowed me to exercise faith and find strength in Him.  I did not do all the things I had hoped to do but the foundation has been laid, the vision continues to take shape at a pace unfamiliar to me but very concise in God’s time.

Lord I am grateful for a lot of things, some will make this note and some will remain in my heart waiting for your timing to birth. I am forever grateful for:

  1. Your lessons of patience, I am a slow learner but I am starting to recognize the patterns and I see your timing is different from mine. the bible says in the book of Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway“.
  2. A few months separation from my boy gave me real perspective on the treasure placed in my custody and the vocation of parenthood. Something in me changed, everyday I see how it influences many decisions I make.
  3. Travelling to China was magical and eye opening, but doing a trip like  this at such a time in my life was simply Your hand.  Lord you say ” with man this is impossible but not with God; all things are truly possible with God“.
  4. The spiritual muscle was really challenged through discipline and the opportunity of choices, I don’t think you are done with me just yet. I look forward to 2017 and marvel at your works within me.  I cant wait to meet the woman you are making of me. A woman with the heart of spirit, not a heart of stone but a heart of flesh.
  5. Lord, thank you for the God given authority. You truly are my rod and my comforter. This year I had a different bounce in my step because I recognized I was not walking alone. I cant wait to see our journey in 2017!

No jar for me in 2017, I will be reviewing my old ways and start my weekly gratitude journal again every Sunday!

As we cross over, To God Be The Glory!

PS. Father G, thank you for giving me work that is this way. Its been intense but I’ve absolutely enjoyed it! I await the building blocks in 2017.

ChurchGirlHuman

LM