A Fork

My Maria and Hajaiti :)

Last week, I was putting clean dishes away. As I reached down to pick up a fork, I instantly thought of my Maria, one of my sponsored girls in Rwanda, Africa.

I was able to sit with her at lunch one day.  She had disappeared quickly, and quietly for a few minutes.  When she returned, she was carrying a fork. I asked her if she went to get a fork, and she smiled with a, "yes." I don't know where she had retrieved the fork.  Her home would have been too far away.  She was very happy to have it though.  I looked next to me, and there were 3 girls sharing the same fork.  They were smiling big, and each of them were waiting their turn as one would take a bite, and the fork would be passed.  

As I put my own fork in the drawer, I thanked God for a fork.  

It's not about if I have a fork or not.  It's am I thankful for all the amazing gifts God has and does give me daily? That includes a fork.  

How about being able to walk, read, breathe? How about the first of the beautiful fall leaves on a tree I saw today? I could go on and on. So much to be grateful for. 

Grateful, very grateful. 

What are you grateful for today?

"Thank you-er"

:) While reading the post below, my heart was smiling big for many reasons...

How can you be a "thank you-er" today?

Who can you thank?

What can you thank God for?

Can you thank Him for that "challenge" in your world-whatever it may be? I've gotten to do that this past week. As I chose to see the challenge as a gift, I then saw all the many gifts that are coming from the challenge. The challenge has become a joy. Yes-a joy! :)  I thank God for the challenge.

I also see God at work in BIG ways in my heart and life.

Great post below from Ann Voskamp:

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/08/how-to-make-sure-your-kids-you-have-the-best-job-in-the-world/

Gifts & Joy :)

James 1:2
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides."
(Message version)

James 1:2
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."
(New Living Translation)

James 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds."
(New International Version)