Seeing Grace

      This year I am so thankful for :
      A reminder of God's unmerited kindness  in the form of this secure marriage. My husband is a man I deeply enjoy, who loves the Lord and has his priorities right, which is not at all what I deserve.
      These children -- the visible picture of our one-flesh union, uniquely themselves and following Him faithfully on the paths you have set for them.
        The addition of our most precious Elizabeth as John's wife, our daughter, and Leah's sister, and the sanctification that comes with marriage and laying down one's life.
        For the renewed realization that the Lord is over every detail of Leah's life. He will give  my daughter what she needs and He will take away what she doesn't. I have a deeper understanding of His protection of her, and that she is His in a very special way.
       A fuller appreciation for both my parents and John's parents and for all they have done for us with each year that passes.      
       God giving Leah such a delightful job exactly when she needed it and her great attitude and work ethic in it. I love seeing her demonstrate Christian principles by working with all her heart as for the Lord, not for men, and by treating others as she would like to be treated. And I am thankful for the Lord's kindness in blessing her by giving her favor with her boss -- nothing makes me happier than to see my children walking with the Lord and to see His blessing because of that
     As a corollary, I find it very comforting that Leah works with dogs now after having loved them for so long. I know her heart is happy in her work.      
      All John's diligence and discipline rewarded in  the form of full scholarship and money for living expenses. This is another example of the Lord building faith by blessing obedience to biblical principles
     Elizabeth's quiet patience in weighing her job offers, God's goodness in giving her a choice between two such great options and His faithfulness to guide her to return to King's. So thankful for the day-to-day schedules that work better for the two of them, for coinciding school vacations and for a job that seems particularly suited to Elizabeth's gifts.      
     Getting to see John at work this summer as an intern for a federal magistrate judge in Brooklyn -- oh my -- in a suit, knowing his way around the courthouse, explaining all of it to me, standing at the courthouse window with an amazing view and an American flag -- one of the golden moments of my life.
       The way that God gave John the summer associateship position for next summer -- making it so clear that this is directly from His hand.
      The way that God gave Leah her apartment -- better than we had hoped for, our price -- and the same landlord!! Again, He is kind to make it unmistakable that she is right where He wants her to be.
      God moving so many of our dearest friends from our immediate circle through the church plant and other means  -- growing in love for the new people He is giving us and teaching us that He will put His church together as He sees fit, choosing who He will and that our unity depends only on our mutual reliance on Him, nothing else.
     Seeing Emma grow in maturity and grace -- encouraged that God is at work in her and that His word does its work, realizing that the bond with her is stronger than I knew
     Time with Michelle R and seeing God give her the grace to face Stage 4 cancer. God has given me an overwhelming, authentic love for her.    
      This  refuge  tucked away in New York City, a suite of rooms in a brownstone for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. This life that He has given me Every minute that I have -- to enjoy Him, to please Him to grow in knowing Him.