Blessings!

With all of the thankfulness and gratitude floating around Facebook these days, I figured it was a good idea to focus on things to be thankful for around the Children's Ministry here as well. God has blessed us richly, and it's unfortunate how quickly we can lose sight of that in the light of our temporary and passing struggles, frustrations, or even simple fatigue. I know really have a hard time being thankful when I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open!

Support: I can hardly believe the number of people who have come alongside to pray with me, encourage me, or give me a timely-yet-motivating kick in the backside to get me moving. God has truly blessed this church with strong leadership, and I feel honoured to be working among them.


Volunteers: Everyone said the hardest part about working in Children's Ministry was going to be finding volunteers. I admit, it takes a LOT of willing people to run the programs here at the church, but so far we have been incredibly blessed with people offering to help this fall. God has been at work in the hearts of our church, and more and more people are answering the call to serve. It's truly beautiful to see the family of God at work for his glory.

Children: One of the most rewarding aspects of Children's ministry is the children themselves! There is so much joy and delight in spending time with a child and teaching them about God's love and promises. Their candid responses often catch me off-guard, and their pure sincerity is certainly refreshing. I love cuddling the babies in our nursery, crawling on the floor with our toddlers, playing games with our older children, and most of all, sharing the gospel with them all. They are truly a precious gift from God.


God's Word: I was reminded yet again last night (and trust me, I need the reminder often!) of the guarantee we have that God's plans will always succeed. There is no question or doubt that what God has willed He will see to completion, and we are released from both the burden of success and the fear of failure. What an awesome and mighty God we serve. I am humbled again with the knowledge that though I have nothing in me that could add to God's plan, he still reached down and chose me to help achieve his glorious purpose here on earth. What a staggering thought! The God of the universe doesn't need me, and yet he chooses to let me -- faulted and insecure as I am -- to be part of furthering of his kingdom. There are not words to proclaim how glorious he is. It's moments like this when the lyrics to many a hymn and praise chorus are floating through my head that Psalm 63:7 are the words seared across my heart: "You have been my help, and I sing in the shadow of your wings".


I have much to be thankful for. We all have much to be thankful for. Each breath I continue to take is a gift from God, and I pray that I might be able to use each one to further the glory of His name.

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