Gratitude

The lesson that I am preparing for tomorrow is about being grateful; expressions of thankfulness do not always come easily. Many people here do not teach their children to say the simple, ear-pleasing words, "Thank you."

I have read again the story of Hannah and her song of gratitude to God.

I reread Ps. 118:17, "To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord."

Also Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

One of the many reasons that I have to be thankful is that God has given us many friends. We have entertained a number of friends over the holiday season and been invited to join others.

Friends of friends who live in Regina, working here short term with Samaritan's Purse.

Friends from Alberta, one of whom used to work with us here in Brazil.

Our ample home became a meeting place for many of her acquaintances and former colleagues.

The lady who has been our hired helper over many years -
she helped Michael take his first steps by his first birthday.

We had a visit from a former student at AVA, a grad of 1982. He is from a Church of Christ missionary family. He and his wife, with their two youngest children are preparing to go to Mozambique as missionaries.

On Dec. 25th, this friend and team mate hosted our team for brunch. Yummy!A big family of friends we got to know when we went to church in Terra Firme district for 4 years. We were invited to the wedding of the youngest daughter - she is a friend of our girls. In fact our daughter who visited this summer took pictures for them and designed their invitation.

Their son-in-law on the left was the pastor at the church when we began to attend there.
How his family has grown up!

Praise God for friends!