Thankful Thursday 3rd July 2008

I've had a very good but busy few days. I'm thankful for so much in my life today:

The girl who became a Christian on Sunday was at Cornerstone today. She looked fantastic and what struck me the most was that she seemed so at peace with herself. It never ceases to amaze me how God can transform lives; lives that some would just write off as being worthless. We just pray that she is supported well and that God will surround her with Christian people and that He will protect her.

I'm thankful for my husband and family. Rosie had her prize giving today at school and has now broken up for seven weeks. The boys break up tomorrow. We have our holiday to look forward to next week and I can't believe that this time next week we will be in the marvellous mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. I have so much to get ready for it beforehand though, including sorting out the house as friends will be staying here in our absence. They have to move out of their house for eight weeks for some structural repairs to take place so they are staying with various families from church. They will be here when we return for a few days and am hoping our builder will have finished his work before then as it might be a bit cosy!

I'm thankful for work ( even though I am leaving). I will miss my friends and colleagues and the families I work with. I do know it is time to move on and I'm so grateful for the fantastic opportunity that lies ahead for me.

I'm thankful for God's continual guidance and gentle rebuking and prodding in areas of my life where I need to change. I continue to pray for wisdom to do His will.

Just returned from fat club. I lost 1/2lb this week and 1lb last week so the weight is slowly coming off. I thank God for my health.

I'm thankful for my garden. The colours are looking more vibrant than ever at the moment- must be from all the rain we have had today.

It is the first anniversary of Alison's death this Saturday so haven't really made any plans as we don't know how we will feel. Graham intends to go to Cambridge with his parents on Saturday morning to meet Chris and put some flowers on her grave.

I'm thankful for Francine Rivers ( Christian author) and my recent discovery of her books. I really can't put them down and have almost finished Leota's Garden which is almost as good as Redeeming Love. I have another two to read of her's which I intend to take on holiday. I love her writing style, particurlary as it is from a Christian perspective. Her characters are such real people, flawed in every way and then they meet Jesus. I didn't ever think I would enjoy books such as these.