Annual Traditions...

The ABC's of 2014
I am so Thankful for:

ATW and the experience of taking a team of 7 to so many different places and seeing God's hand on the whole trip- watching Him minister to people's hearts all along the way.
Books- right now it's been the audio versions. They have given me hours of provoking thought, lulled me to sleep at night, and drew creative pictures in my mind as stories weave to together.
Clean clothes. A washing machine gets taken for granted so quickly until we go for seasons without. 
Doing life God's way. Sometimes its the way of suffering, sorrow, and seemingly unclear paths-but He has always promised to light the path, particularly around our feet that we would know where to walk and how to step. I would not have it any other way.
Every moment where physically I feel good, and learning to lean on Jesus more in the moments that I don't. 
Faithful provision, every need being met, sometimes in the strangest ways, but He is always faithful to come through. 
Grandma's box of wisdom that I received last Christmas. Many quotes and poems and scriptures that I realized were worked into the fabric of my upbringing. A gift that will be treasured forever!
Hot water bottles...handy as all get out. Well used since picking it up in South Africa. 
iPads! Such a blessing on outreach, small enough to tote around, but bigger than a phone screen, making updating and communication just that much easier. It's a book, a game board, a notepad, a Bible, and more :). 
James, my favorite book of the Bible. He puts an exclamation mark on the teachings of Jesus, causes you to look at the depths of your own heart seeing where it's out of alignment and cheers you on to draw near to God that it may come into alignment once again.
Kids! I love my nieces and nephews so much. The sweet little notes, hugs, skyping, fun moments playing games or building puzzles. 
Librivox...haha. Seriously, I enjoy being able to listen to old classics. What a fun app. Louisa May Alcott, George MacDonald...
Mom cooking me food day after day and dad giving random hugs (and bringing me home.)
New mercies every morning! 
Opportunities to learn, grow and be stretched constantly. 
Prayer-a constant companionship with the Father.
Quiet walks with Jesus. Sometimes it's the sound of silence that stills my heart the most. Today I stepped in a mud puddle on purpose with my rubber boots, just because I could...and it made me smile! 
Renewing friendships with old friends. Are you aware of who is in your life? Some of them you may go through the rockiest seasons with and it's with them that friendships are the sweetest. 
Sarah and her sweetness. I have an excellent roommate who exemplifies the love of the Lord and seeks to honor Him in every way. We have a lot of fun together and also get to challenge one another in our walks with Jesus.
Thai pants- seriously my favorite clothes now. Comfortable and wearable in all weather. 
Unexpected season of rest back at home.
Vacation- experienced my first "real" one ever when I celebrated our 30th anniversary of our base this year with 76 other people on a cruise! Wow. What an experience. 
Water, clean water. We are so blessed and we don't even know it. Well water at mom and dads especially. 
Xylitol, making life a little sweeter. 
Yummy food. Curry, Sweet potato fries, almond butter, bean chips, almond and rice crackers, hummus...it's been a year of learning to eat in a whole new way and I am grateful for yummy foods I have discovered along the way!
Zzzzz- beds, pillows, blankets, mattresses and my hippo.