I've learned that thankfulness opens your heart, to see the blessings that you already have, and to receive more blessings, it also gives God the chance to work on the rubbish that we have hidden in the dusty corners. And it is a discipline - you don't always feel thankful, but once you start counting your blessings, you become thankful.
So as 2010 draws to a close, I've decided to make a list of 81 things which I have enjoyed in this amazing year, as my tribute to my heavenly Father, and his work in my life. SO here goes (in no particular order - as they pop into my head!)
Lord I am so thankful for:
1. My relationship with you. You are my life and my reason to live.
2. Jonathan, a wonderful husband who is my best friend, my warm place in a cold world
3. Special times together as a family - lots of laughter
4. Kenan, and the deep philosophical chats we so often have
5. Asher, our professor, who organises us all and keeps us in line, while at the same time providing lots of laughs
6. Shaylah, my princess, who sings her way thru life
7. Gabi, the cutest little blessing, who can always make me smile
8. Our trip to Manila and Kuala Lumpur, which was a complete miracle, and changed me forever, in so many ways.
9. My coffee machine :o)
10. Saturday nights with the extended family - which range from theological discussions, to chick flicks, to silliness and plumbing jokes.
11. My church family, so diverse and beautiful
12. Kick 2010 holiday club, we froze, but God was at work in children's lives
13. The world cup in SA, which was not the disaster some predicted, but brought us all closer together.
14. The jacaranda's in Jozi - they remind me that you are an artist.
15. My parents, and the legacy of their love for me, which has made me who I am.
16. Countless ideas, some of them far fetched, some doable.
17. The times I have thought I heard your voice, and then found that it definitely was you speaking.
18. The kids of Jozi Lights - so many amazing individuals - what a privelege to watch them becoming.
19. The Swazi Nevilles, who are so much more part of our lives now.
20. Spring, full of promises of new beginnings
21. My family's health - we've only had 1 trip to the doc this year.
22. Our home, which is a safe, cool place to escape to.
23. All the brilliant books I've read this year, and the people who wrote them.
24. Virgin active, an easy means to stay in shape.
25. Finances - you have never let us down.
26. Sunday mornings - in all the busyness and excitement, you always show up and work in kidz lives.
27. Gerda and the amazing team of Tots leaders - they minister your heartbeat.
28. Adding Letty to our team - she has been a HUGE blessing to Jozi Kidz, and a wonderful friend.
29. Mentorship group, which keeps me challenged and growing.
30. Our car
31. Friends who speak into my life
32. The ease with which Asher and Shaylah adjusted to school life
33. My precious new niece, Bethany
34. People all over the world who pray for our family
35. My Wednesday morning escapes.
36. Dates with Jonty
37. Unlimited (mostly) easy internet access
38. Praise and worship times at church, when I have felt God's presence
39. My pencils and sketch pad
40. The near misses you have saved us from
41. Your word, which leads and guides and inspires me every day
42. Our Wednesday night "garage drive-in" nights
43. Our trip to minister in Kimberly, and the new friends we made there.
44. 3 trips to Bulembu - a town that has crept into my heart.
45. The opportunities my kids have to play cricket, do art, ballet, band etc.
46. Tuesday morning 'chapel' meetings
47. Our connect group - Thursday night family!
48. Ladies' connect - what awesome ministry I've received there.
49. The brilliant sermons I have heard this year.
50. The privelege of parenting a teenager.
51. The children of Hope Street, with so much character and charm
52. The start of 'Jozi Roses' - a small group of future world changers
53. The music of Jesus Culture, Hillsong, HP Jozi and Passion, which has been the soundtrack of my life this year.
54. A lovely visit from Lynda and Donna, with amazing conversations.
55. Jesse Random Smith, who will add so much to our team next year.
56. Being part of the Every Nation Family, with its brilliant culture of discipleship.
57. The generosity of HP Jozi, which made our Christmas tree Project a reality.
58. Fresh dreams, vision and inspiration for next year.
59. Being part of the Rainbow Nation
60. The Jozi Kidz Christmas production, with all the fun and laughter it brought.
61. Music from the bandstand era, playing as I type this.
62. Fun times of watching You Tube clips with the family.
63. A dad who can fix almost anything.
64. My creative mom, who blesses us with precious homemade gifts.
65. Our brilliant, diverse team of Jozi Kidz leaders, who often sacrifice so much to serve.
66. The healthy body in which I reside.
67. The special family Christmas that we'll soon be having.
68. All the people who care enough, or are bored enough to read this blog!!! ;o)
69. Fruit and veg city (love our weekly trips to splurge on healthy food.)
70. Augustina who cleans our house so faithfully every Thursday, and often goes above and beyond the call of duty.
71. That we've managed to keep Talitha the bunny alive for a full year.
72. The joy and peace that passes understanding that I find whenever I come into your presence.
73. Your amazing grace, that saved a wretch like me.
74. Colours!
75. My cousin Warwick who blessed us with some wonderful kitchen stuff.
76. Sue and her boys
77. Cheesecake and biltong
78. The little details, which always fall into place.
79. The Jozi Kidz worship band.
80. Running water, electricity and indoor plumbing.
81. Coffee shops.
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