Thankful

I breath in the crisp fall air. It's a cool foggy morning and the leaves on the trees are changing to brilliant yellows, oranges and reds. Overhead a Canadian goose breaks the stillness with its mournful honk. It's been 12 weeks since we left Port au Prince, Haiti and after a flurry of traveling, speaking engagements, visits, and all the work it took to set up our home, things are finally settling down. With Thanksgiving just around the corner I can't help but reflect on all the things I'm thankful for:  

I'm thankful for fall, the pretty colours, crisp air, and foggy mornings.

It's been seven years since we experienced it and we're soaking it in!

I'm thankful for my husband, with his endless energy, positive attitude, and quick wit;

 and that we had the privilege of celebrating our nine year anniversary this past month!

I'm thankful that the kids are adjusting well and getting reconnected with family and friends.

And for the week break we had thanks to the generosity of friends who allowed us to enjoy their lake house.

I'm thankful that the kids had the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors,

soak in the warm sunshine,

 and cool lake breezes.

I'm thankful for the beautiful scenery we saw on our fundraising trip to Alberta..

And for our first snowfall of the year traveling through the Rocky Mountains.

I'm thankful for the beauty of the prairies.

And the sunsets; of course!

I'm thankful for how well our presentations have gone, and for those who came to show their interest and support.

And I'm thankful for God. I'm thankful that He is loving and patient, kind and forgiving and that He never leaves us or forsakes us and continues to teach us day by day through his Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 103 

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.