God has done amazing things this year. I have much to be thankful for. Though it’s had hard moments, it’s been refreshing to be able to celebrate so many things.
We got our sweet pup in March of this year. Mac has been a blessing to us. We prayed that the Lord would use him to minister to others and provide a way to connect with our neighbours. It’s funny how we can go for a walk by ourselves and very few people say hello. Bring a dog along though, and you’ll talk to half of the street. Mac’s a stinker for sure and keeps us on our feet, but he’s been a gift in a lot of ways. He’s brought life to our house again and laughter often.
The trip I took to Alberta, Canada to visit my brother, Trevor, and his family held so many rich blessings. It was the first time I had flown in six years. The last time had been a couple of months before my concussion. I was nervous, but the Lord helped me through and the door to travel has been thrown wide open again. I knew in my heart I’d eventually be able to do it again, I just didn’t know when. I was so thankful Michael challenged and encouraged me to go. Now we can dream again.
The visit out west was also a treasure because it gave me time to connect with my family. My niece is four. She was eight months old the last time I saw them all. It was fun to get to know her and see her spunky, strong personality in person. I was able to reconnect and make more memories with my two handsome nephews, Trevor, and my sister-in-law, Rachel. Trevor and I picked up where we left off many years ago. It was wonderful.
Stepping away from all responsibilities for a bit was great for the Lord and my relationship as well. I wasn’t planning on anything profound to happen. In fact, I kind of planned to turn my brain off from most things, which actually made space for the Lord to clearly speak. I was rested, relaxed, and soaking in the precious memories we were making. I had excellent conversations with Trevor and Rachel about life and ministry as well. God challenged me in a few areas, and showed me other special things in my time alone as well.
The Perth Night Market happened later in May. It was the first market I’ve been a vendor at for Hope Through Hard Times. It was refreshing to have conversations with people in person. I was very thankful to hear the stories of why people were choosing the products they bought and how it impacted them. I was able to listen, pray, and encourage people that stepped into my booth. I was so blessed by that time with everyone, and being able to do it alongside my mom.
The summer was a blur this year for me, but again, God blessed me with so many gifts of encouragement from Him. It was an honour to share on the Why Me Project with Johnny Rocket and Hollie Taylor. The Lord presented an idea through friends that I am praying about and excited to hopefully start next year! I was also finally able to see the Bible study come together that I’ve been planning for a couple of years now, which is also launching in 2023!
Now, next week, I have the honour of speaking at the Ladies of Grace conference at New Brunswick Bible Institute! The fact that they invited me to do this is a story of grace and love. I am so thankful for this opportunity and look forward to sharing with everyone what the Lord has been writing on my heart these last few months.
Sure, there have been difficult moments this year, but overall, I have SO much to be thankful for and praise Jesus for. He is a gracious, kind, generous, patient, loving, and faithful God. After such heavy years of suffering, I will soak up this year of celebration as much as humanly possible because suffering makes you appreciate these moments so much more.
As you get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family, friends, and/or church, I encourage you to look back through this year and think of special moments, large and small, that the Lord did in, for, and through you. What are you thankful for this year?
