#524

524. Hope returning...again
525. Transformed lives--Joy marvelling at the difference in herself--now versus 3-4 years ago
526. Community being created for them
527. A clean house
528. The privilege of knowing these students!
529. God hears and answers prayer

#521

521. Things getting in order
522. Awareness to apologize
523. Weariness ... to sleep

#516

516. Good plans made for re-moving, re-organizing after the flood
517. Friends helping to carry
518. Student volunteers
519. Staff--good team-members
520. Not much else to do tonight...but go to bed!

#511

511. there is still a God who is my refuge and strength
512. this time will pass
513. we are not left without resource
514. hope will rise
515. people who love

Twenty Things I'm thankful for right now! (#485-504)

(Will later come and fill in what numbers these SHOULD be)

1. I get to be part of and responsible for some great events held for students.
2. This time will pass.
3. Parents that love and support to the end.
4. Fresh made cream of broccoli soup.
5. Smiley cousin.
6. Long-term relationships.
7. Long memories.
8. God's Word...always reminding, doesn't let me get away with...going astray.
9. Being taught how to live...I have so many options when trying to figure out where to go next.
10. Nice apartment.
11. Nice bed.
12. Sleep soon! :o)
13. People growing.
14. Good books! Many books!
15. Friends with whom to share thots & life.
16. Grace and mercy...after falling and failing again.
17. Medicated charcoal (if I need it tonight).
18. Three sharp and eager youth workers that want to do well, share the work.
19.  Blogs, and people who tell me to do stuff like this. Michael Hyatt said to write 20 things right now--so I did!
20. God...above all...God--whether I feel You or not, feel able to 'connect' or not...You are there...always loving, always guiding, always watching over. You will bring me safely home.

#454

454. The opportunity to embrace what is (and give up expectations of something else)--Thanks Auntie K!
455. New Administrative Assistant--he's getting into the groove of the role and there is hope for change
456. Mango-banana-strawberry yogurt smoothie
457. Quiet still morning
458. Peaceful heart

Guess I Stopped Counting

Haven't been here for a long time again. And I'm not counting...but I need to come back again and choose to be thankful.

It's another rough patch. Real rough. I'm thinking again of a rather odd "thankful list" I journalled another time. Thankful for all the things I do NOT have, have NOT experienced. It's a list of lots of other pains that would perhaps be much harder than those I face now.

Today

I'm thankful I still have a refuge in Jesus, in the God of this universe. Though I do not know what He is doing, or how He sees things, He promises to guide and protect. I can trust I'll see enough of the picture.

I'm thankful for strength enough for each day. I don't know how I'll make it through. Some days terrify me. But I am learning, as I work it through in prayer in the morning, getting to trust and faith...the day turns out okay.