I was reflecting this morning about family, what an amazing gift from God.  I was thinking of how thankful I am for each one of my children.  As I have seen them grow in their relationship with God, as I have seen them go through some hard stuff and still they keep their eyes on our Heavenly Father.

 





I think of Rachel, what an amazing Godly woman and mother.  As she works alongside her husband David, in both ministry and as they parent their four precious kids.  I love to talk with her, as she shares what God is teaching her, and how she shares what she has learned in a natural and loving way with others.  I praise Jesus for her giftedness in writing and music.





I remember Sarah and I am thankful for the 7 1/2 years that she was with us.  How she loved on those around her, and even as she battled leukemia her smile encouraged all those who came in contact with her.







I think of Timothy as he is involved with VORP and bringing peace to broken lives through restoration and mediation.  I see how God is using his passion for others, for those who have no hope and giving them hope for a better future.  I am so thankful that God has brought him  Noelle a beautiful Godly woman.  I am excited to see what all God has for them in the future.






I think of Joshua, and his love for horses, reading and studying God's word. I have enjoyed listening to him preach when he visits, and seeing how God is working and moving in his heart and his passion for the Word, writing poetry and playing his ukulele, and guitar and writing songs from his heart.  God has his hand on him, and it is exciting to see what the future holds for him.





I think of Zechariah, as he is now alone with his parents, and missing his older siblings to hang out with.  Yet he hangs out with us watching NCIS in the evening, mowing lawns and gardening with his dad,  playing music with his mom, and helping out so much in the church with a glad and willing heart.  I enjoy listening to his sincere prayers as he prays for family.  And how proud he is that he is now taller than both mom and dad!

And I am thankful for a Godly husband, one who loves our children deeply, and has strived to be a loving father to each one.  Who has gone to volleyball games and practices in Lisbon, who travelled many Saturdays to soccer games and practices in Brazil, Portugal, BC and SK, who rode a horse for the first time to experience what his Wrangler son loves to do, and had done all summer,  who has spent time with his youngest harvesting the garden, and mowing lawns.  Watching how he spends time praying for each of his children, and puts into practice the Word of God.

I am so thankful for our family.  Even though we are not near each other physically we are close to each other in our hearts.  And it makes my heart glad to receive the "I Love You" notes.  Thank you God for each one in our family.  Thank you for your love, grace and protection over each one.