“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
~Ecclesiastes 3:11
I tend to take moments for granted. Things for granted. And unfortunately people for granted as well. However, these last few days, God has reminded me to live in the moment. To live where He has me and the moments He gives me. As I prepare to move overseas in the next few months, there area lot of things about to change. And even though it’s a very exciting change, it’s also sad. Sad because there are moments that I don’t know when I will have them again.
This year has gone NOTHING like I expected it to and that is an understatement. But even though I’m still questioning and still wondering, I know that I’m going to look back on this period of my life and be thankful. And to be thankful now. Thankful for the amazing family God has given me. A family who loves the Lord and who will encourage me and support me in whatever crazy thing I do next. And friends who will love me through everything. You really learn who your friends are when you are going through a storm or a trial in life. And God has given me so many people who love me and pray for me and support me. It absolutely blows me away. And God has reminded me to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. I spent the evening with my Grandma, helping her prepare food for tomorrow’s feast. I’ve never really helped with much of the food prep but this is a Thanksgiving I’ll cherish. Especially since I don’t know when I will be home for another Thanksgiving. And rather than becoming sad over that fact, I can’t help but smile. Smile because of the moments and the memories God gives us. I couldn’t help but smile as I was peeling and cutting apples with my Grandma tonight. Because these are the moments I will cherish.
And I can’t help but be thankful to all that God has brought me through this 2011 year. Anticipating this year, I thought it would look very different than how it turned out. But what Satan meant for evil, God turned into good. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). I still have a ways to go, but God is healing. And because of that, I can’t help but be thankful. I think I have seen more miracles in my life this past year than in my whole life combined. To Him be the glory and the honor.
Anneli
Hi Anneli!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I was looking at the card you sent us with your China prep letter and I noticed you had a blog address on there. God is doing an amazing work in your life, and I am so excited for you! God has put China on my heart for a very long time and I have wondered for so long if Steve and I might actually adopt from there. I am still not clear about that. But recently, God placed a desire on my heart to partner with the Starfish Project in supporting their work and mission to rescue women from lifestyles of sexual exploitation on the streets of Asia. I cannot tell you how I thrilled I am to be promoting their work and mission there! I will be praying for your China preparations and as God provides I hope that Steve and I will be able to offer you financial support as well. God bless & feel free to check out my blog if you get a chance. It is www.motionlights.blogspot.com. Have a day full of God's blessings!
Jen Kilburn