I want to share an excerpt from the Book - 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp which has really touched and spoken to my heart. I know that it is so true, gratitude and thanksgiving are necessary in all that we do. In every step taken, there is the need to know and acknowledge thankfulness for all God has done. I do pray as I travel this road, which has branched off from the one I planned, I will learn and grow -- being open and willing for God to take my hand in His.
Each of you, as you have reached out to me, has been such a blessing. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you! Phil. 1:3
Ch. 2 -" The act of sacrificing thank offerings to God--even for the bread and cup of cost, for cancer and crucifixion--this prepares the way for God to show us His fullest salvation from bitter, angry, resentful lives and from all sin that estranges us from Him. At the Eucharist, Christ breaks His heart to heal ours--Christ, the complete accomplishment of our salvation. And the miracle of eucharisteo never ends: thanksgiving is what precedes the miracle of that salvation being fully worked out in our lives. Thanksgiving--giving thanks in everything--is what prepares the way for salvation's whole restoration. Our salvation in Christ is real, yet the completeness of that salvation is not fully realized in a life until the life realizes the need to give thanks. In everything? "
YES! It is in every moment of every day, every breath, breathed. In my going in and my going out. It is life and mind changing and it is my prayer to be saturated in gratitude!
Colleen,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I am not at all surprised that you are using this to again be an inspiration to those of us who know you and to bring glory to God for all the world to see. I love Ann Voskamp's book, 1000 Gifts! It has ministered to me go much during the past 18 months. I have read it twice and plan to re-read it again and again. "Eucharisteo always proceeds the miracle" has become my mantra and I try to be always looking for those "gifts of grace". Your blog post this morning is one of those!!
I am so excited about returning to Kampala in May/June and I am so aware of the sacrifice you and Tim are making in order for that to happen. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers!
Love to all of the Stevensons,
Donna
Colleen, our speaker at spring convention this weekend also shared from this book. It was very inspiring, I think I need to acquire this book. Just wanted you to know I think of you often and pray always. I am so grateful for you, as a person, a sister, a missionary, and on and on... I hope today is a good day for you. Love, Janice B
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Colleen,
ReplyDeleteEven as you journey this road to victory you continue to encourage others. This is so much of who you are. I continue to pray for you daily. Love you my friend and look forward to future opportunities to share with you in ministry. Love you, Arnetta