The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

"Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,

And declare His works with rejoicing." Ps. 107:22

I've been "back" for five months now and things are indeed settling down, but it's really a miracle that they are. Out of that five months, I was gone for ten weeks, and this past month is the first time that I've been in one place four weeks in a row. These past five months have been: confusing, exciting, upsetting, encouraging, exhausting, worth-while, depressing, frustrating, joyful, tearful, a time of learning, a time of questioning, a time of answers, a time of doubts, a time of gaining supporters, a time of losing supporters. As I said upon first returning, I've been on a roller coaster of emotions, and a lot of them have been very overwhelming. And it's as I've put one foot in front of the other in making decisions and moving forward, that I've come to understand a bit more of what the sacrifice of thanksgiving is. Being thankful was never a challenge for me until I hit this past five months. And a little over a month ago when I was in Ukraine I came to the point of really admitting to myself, "I am not in a safe place spiritually, physically, or mentally. I am exhausted, bone dry, and wandering in the desert." And that morning I came to the above verse in my Bible reading, and I thought, "Now, when I'm so dry that I'm struggling to talk to God, this is when I need to work on my Thankfulness List. Because right now it's going to be a sacrifice for me- and I need to offer that sacrifice." And I did. I sat there and wrote a list of 109 things for which I was thankful. And I was looking back at that list this morning and reflecting on God's goodness and faithfulness when we're walking through the desert. He is always there, ready to quench that thirst and take us from that parched land into the place of running waters.

I am thankful for: 

*Quiet

*my kitchen/reading room

*the Holy Spirit, who never leaves or forsakes

*wounding, scarring, healing, molding

*Coconut milk

 

Sunflowers!

*water I can drink from the tap

*Georgie

*Christmas cactus blooming in May

*open windows

*sunshine

 

Kristie! So willing to try things out with me. A gallery crawl? Sure! Zumba? Let's go!

*AC

*the One Year Chronological Bible Read Through that I'm doing

*iced coffee

*polka dot pillows

*vacuums

Almond Meal tortillas. I cut out sugar, processed foods and dairy this month and it's been an adventure trying new things out. These are quite tasty and super easy to make!

*cleaning up clutter

*a cacophony of bird chirps outside

*walks with Georgie

*cute headbands

*laughter

 

 Beautiful colors in unexpected places

...and from my Poland/Ukraine travel list:

*GREAT staff conference!

*the main speaker

*safe travel with no problems

*bringing a smile to a stranger's face by speaking Russian with her(in Poland)

*great/sweet talks with those I spent time with

*friendship- so sweet

*phone call from a friend who was so excited I was there & couldn't wait a few more hrs. to hear my voice in person