So Many Reasons

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." ~James 1:17

This week I feel like the Father of lights has showered me with good gifts. I have so much to thank Him for!

• I'm thankful first of all for someone...my not-so-little sister Tatiana, who is turning 15 today! It makes me gasp to think how quickly she has grown up. And has she ever grown up this past year! She is such a beautiful young lady, but don't just look at her; get to know her creative, funny personality, and you won't soon forget her. She shares my love for books, and we can enjoy each other's company in quiet companionship just as easily as we can when we're chatting and laughing. Miss you, T!

 

~Precious time with Jesus as I prepared to lead the girl's high school Bible study this week. Funny how when you're the one teaching or leading, you always end up learning the most!

 

~Beautiful crisp fall mornings in which to walk to work; I find my best prayer times come when I am walking like that.

 

~Students who still enjoy school after the first six weeks. I'm thankful for their diligence!

 

 

~An adorable baby who grins and reaches his arms for me when he sees me. Love you, Will!

 

~Great books to read (The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink, Sense and Sensiblity by Jane Austen)

 

~Host sisters who say "I missed you today!" and "We just love you so much." I love them, too!

 

~A chance to have an hour long skype call with my family; I got to hear some of their voices for the first time in 56 days! Maybe it sounds corny or impossible in this day and age, but my siblings are really my best friends. I love their varied personalities, and am so thankful for each one of them.

 

~Getting to have video calls with my sister and her baby and my parents-in one week! Those who have lived with iffy internet understand just how big this is. It was so incredible to see those dear faces.

 

~I'm thankful for people who smile at me or talk to me on the marshutkas (public transportation). Their friendliness warms my day, and I've gotten to meet some wonderful ladies in those vans!

 

~I'm thankful for Wendy, who always has a smile for me. She sets a great example for me of joy in all circumstances.

 

~A hot chocolate package. Yes, really! Something so simple and mundane in the States, but unknown here. I introduced my host sisters to hot chocolate, and though it perhaps wasn't terribly strong (I split a package 5 ways due limited quantities), they loved it. We had a fun time "sipping chocolate" together.

 

~Patient friends who let me and my beloved violin be their accompaniment for worship time. I love praising Him with strings!

 

~Getting to act out II Chronicles 20 with those same friends. We had a blast, and learned a lot too, I think.  

 

~Voddie Baucham sermons.

 

~Last of all, I'm thankful for friends who read long blog posts. Yes, that's you!  

 

Lissie