Grat No. 12: God's Promises

I am grateful for God's promises. I am so glad that when trouble strikes and panic wants to set in; I am never alone through these challenges. I am thankful that God helps me to patiently endure frustrating and difficult situations. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Grat no 11: "See you at The House Grandpa"

Yesterday I officially said my final goodbye to my Grandpa. It was a beautiful service and I was so proud of my own Dad who had organised the service, written the eulogy and then delivered it with such composure, love and respect for his Dad.

I am grateful for my Grandpa and the life and love that he shared with us. Grandpa has really been the only one of my grandparents whom I can recall sharing such a strong faith and love of God with me. I loved how interested he was when I used to call him up for a random chat and I will always remember these times with a lot of fondness. The last time I saw my Grandpa was last Saturday night. Mum, Dad and I went in to visit him at the hospital. This was a really difficult time - I thought I would not be as emotional as I was, but watching my own Dad say his last goodbye to his Dad really hit me hard. But it was just so precious seeing how excited Grandpa was to be finally going home. "See you at The House son" he said with a cheeky smile to Dad.

My Mum described this visit with Grandpa well, she said He has one foot on earth and one in heaven already" and it was so true. All of his senses were heightened and he could see and hear us without even using his glasses or hearing aids.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to give my Grandpa one last kiss, tell him that I loved him and wish him a 'great trip'. P'haps even more precious was when he told me he loved me and gave me the most beautiful wave as I left the room. No-one else saw that child-like wave that he gave me...I will treasure this beautiful memory forever.

Today I am grateful for my Grandpa. "See you at The House Grandpa"

Love Melinda

xx

Grat No:10 Having coffee with the Sun on my face

Another airport grat from Tammy...I find that the time I sit waiting for the flights give me a chance to reflect on the day; the week; the month...year....that's been. I often do a combination of computer work (yawn) thinking; or people watching- the latter two are much more enjoyable!

This morning Im flying out of Launceston,Tasmania back home. I'm grateful for finding some yummy gluten free toast at a cafe this morning (believe me it can be a challenge!) and enjoying possibily the best coffee I've had! Those of you who know me well, know my love of coffee, so this is a BIG call calling it the best, but...Ahhhh, each mouthful I just savoured. Whatever the girl making it put in it I dont know but man oh man I enjoyed it. Thanks God for having the money to buy a coffee. You provide everything- all our resources and lately I am reminded of that in so many different circumstances. I find it is a lesson that God is teaching me at the moment- Jehovah - my provider- I find its one I forget sometimes as I focus on the customers that give me business and pay my mortgage/rent. I forget that it all comes from God, my provider, and merely comes through their hands...and then mine...and others. Im reminded to be deligent with the funds that come through my hands and be kingdom focused. You rock God!

Number: 9 The Big Red Ripe Strawberry

Well today my little girl just got bigger! She is now officially 4 years old - wow!

This morning we celebrated her beautiful life with a Strawberry Party. If you had wandered through our house today you could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into a real strawberry patch...our house has officially been strawberryfied!!

And what a wonderful day it was!! I was so grateful to have had 5 of my closest girlfriends and their kidlets there to make the day really special and memorable. I was also really grateful that I had had the opportunity to do so much party planning with my sister in Thailand...it really helped me feel like part of her was there when I looked at all the things we had hunted out and bought together for the party. Kind of made me feel like she wasn't missing out so much as well. I liked that. This party was also the first time I had really included my Mum in the planning and I really enjoyed sharing this with her, and seeing her get really involved. I am so extremely grateful that my amazing hubby was able to take the time off work and be apart of the day even though it was on a weekday (ahhh the perks of being the boss)!

Finally I am grateful for my beautiful Bella. I am so grateful for the soft hearted, generous, loving, funny, strong willed, determined, self sufficient, fashion conscious, friendly and nurturing little person she has become over the past 4 years. Her inner strength continually amazes me. I am in awe at how her confidence has increased... how her love and understanding of God is growing and deepening. How her ability to seek and show love is blossoming. How her capacity to overcome, learn new skills and excel is developing at such a rapid and exciting rate. Her loving and nurturing spirit for animals and young children brings a tear to my eye. I feel so blessed to have been given this very special child by God to watch over and care for. Words cannot express how much love this precious child.

So my main gratitude is all about you my little strawberry girl...I am so grateful to be your Mummy...to see you grow bigger every day...to show you how to love and nurture...to introduce you to an amazing God who created you and has a plan for your life...to enjoy you and all that is Bella Imogen Hynes.

I love you Boochie-coo, happy birthday sweet girl.

Number 8: Forgiveness

I am grateful for God's forgiveness. When I have to deal with forgiving others I am reminded about how extremely glad I am that he forgives me.

Number 7: Catch me if you can!

I am grateful for the opportunity to run out to the shops today on my own. Although it was only for about half an hour I managed to get about 5 jobs done in that time- yes my productivity was incredible!! I am very grateful for moments like these, when both my kiddies are asleep and my hubby is working from home which allows me to quickly dash out.... ahhhhh so nice:)

Number 6: Communication

I am grateful for the time spent talking on the phone to my mum and sister today. It was so wonderful to hear their voices and get up to date with their news.

I am so thankful for the technology available to me to email, send photos, call someone in another country, Skype and Facebook.

Number 5: Keep Focused

Certain people are put in our lives at particular times by God to help build us up, lift our spirits and keep us focused on living in a God-centered way.

I am grateful for the different people I can see that God has strategically placed in my life for this reason.

I love that he knows exactly what I need to hear and I love seeing the creative way he comes up with to communicate his point.

Sometimes he provides this encouragement or direction straight from the Bible, and other times he hides it in the beauty or complexity of nature.

But so often I find he uses these special friends in my life who have a similar faith to mine, to help empower, challenge and encourage me.I am grateful that I love a God who is bigger than me and my problems.

Number 4: A new friend!

I made a new friend today. A lovely, inspiring lady named Laura. Her and her husband and their 3 young children moved to Chiang Mai about 5 months ago and work in a children's home.

Today I am thankful that we could meet and have coffee. I am grateful for our similar experiences, sense of humor and the opportunity to share. Here's her blog. http://www.lauraleighparker.com/

Number 3: Psalm 65

I am so grateful for the new bible study group I started last week. Ironically this week's study is all about Psalm 65... a psalm of gratitude!

I am starting to feel the 'community' life now and making friends and venturing out... I am glad for these things!

Number 2: Shhhh

I am grateful for a chance to catch up on some jobs while my two little beauty's sleep peacefully.

Ahhhh it's so nice to do this without interruptions:)

O.k so I may be regretting this later on tonight when my eldest can't get to sleep at her normal bedtime LOL

Actually it is usually a lovely opportunity to spend some quality time alone with her, so it really will be a win-win situation I think!

Number 1: Real

Sometimes issues arise which make you laugh, cry, raise your eyebrows in utter confusion or make you a little hot under the collar. But isn't it amazing what you can learn about yourself and others, despite all that flurry of emotion. I feel grateful that I have the ability to learn from the experiences I have had in the past, to better deal with and cope with the more interesting scenarios life sometimes throws at me. I am grateful for a very level headed and wise husband and two very funny, cute girls to keep me real and sane.

1000 Gratitude Challenge

We're thinking about following the lead set by Ann Voskamp at Holy Experience.

But we're going to work together to make a list of 1000 Gratitudes!

Do you want to join us as we reach our goal and begin to feel more joy, less stress, better health and more connected? Email us at:

melhynes@mac.com

Spring Grat

I am grateful for the warm spring weather. I live by the river and with longer hours of daylight I have been really loving going walking and jogging along the river!

Friends Grat

I am very grateful for my friends - in particular today for the friends I have at uni. I often feel surrounded by support and care as I travel through my training and other life experiences. I think that I have grown and developed in my confidence over the years and feel really respected by the people who I go to uni with, despite the fact that we are a very diverse group of people and I am one of the youngest :)

A life worth living...

I was at a training earlier this month and they were talking about the concept of creating a 'life worth living' the term really struck me and connected with some things I have been learning over the past few years about values. I am grateful that as I am 'growing up' I am starting to learn how to identify my own values and how these fit with me to create my own version of a life worth living (for me). I am also grateful that this allows me to respect and honor the values of others and their own version of a life worth living.

I have been really challenged lately with a lot of stuff being thrown my way (not to mention, just how busy life gets) and I think in the midst of that it is easy to lose sight of the things that really matter. I am grateful that I have had a few experiences and opportunities in the last week or two that have helped me to reconnect a bit with what is most important in my life.

Meke

Loss & Memories Grat

I have to say this week I have been rather reflective. One reason is that my grandmother (who passed away early this year) would have been turning 90 this week. I am grateful for happy memories and for all that having in her life taught me about myself, about patience, respect, caring for someone when they may not be able to care back and unconditional love. My grandma was someone who was very unwell for a long time, and I cared for her in various ways since I was 11. I am grateful that I was able to do that. Grateful that I am not left with regrets and grateful that she was able to come to my wedding - to share such a special day with me and to have an outing (her last I think) that I know brought her so much joy.

Punk Pigeoni

Well HI ya' all, It's been a LOOONNNGGG time since I gratted- not to say that I havent been grateful but just often dont make the time to touch on the old keys..

I find myself up early and sitting in one of my God spots with coffee in hand...ahhhh.. I'm struck by nature again this morning. God often speaks to me through it.

For the last few days I've been watching this pigeon build his nest in a tree in my backyard. I've nicknamed him "Punk" cause he's one of those types with the mohawk bit on the top of his head. Pigeoni- well thats my made up word from travelling in Italy some years ago, so when you say it, please do so with an italian accent!! Frankly he is kinda cute for a pigeon!

Anyway Punk is a hard worker. He's up early flying back and forth collecting twigs in his mouth and bringing them back to obviously build his nest. His nest-I can't see- but it is towards the top of the tree, and he's such a clever dude that he goes in through the top and out through the side- front and back door if you like. I marvel at his instinct.

I sit here, chilled with my coffee and think "Man, I'd love to help you and make it easier for you." I could just get some string and ball it up; or I could leave some twigs closer to his nest so he didn't have to fly and hunt for them. When I was thinking this this morning it suddenly dawned on me that I wonder if thats how God feels about me- or us?

Maybe He's watching us going 'Ah, I'd love to help you..but' Now don't get me wrong, He does step in- often- but often too He doesn't. You see, if I helped lil Punk put together his nest then it would have my scent on it, and from what I know of birds (whic frankly is very little!), I think he would either abandon his nest; the chicks (are pigeons babies chicks??) or both. So by helping- or what I think is helping- I'm actually hindering him.

We often talk about the refiner- God molding us and allowing our decisions and experiences to grow us. Just like me with this pigeon, Im sure God wants to intervene all the time, stop us from making mistakes, or help things move quicker- hand over a few twigs to make it easier and quicker..lead us to greener pastures an all that..

Perhaps if He stepped in ALL the time our 'nests' would never be complete?

Just a thought... Tam

Boy or Girl?

Today I wanted to reflect on my gratitude for the beautiful group of girls from my LifeGroup. They are 7 of the most funny, friendly and loving people and I am so appreciative of them. Last night we had a baby shower for three of the girls who are pregnant and due in the next few months. It was such a great night of laughs, yummy food and some funny baby shower games! I personally love new babies...I love the anticipation and celebration of the new life that is growing inside these beautiful women... and I love friends who I can share the ins and outs of life with. This past year has been full of a lot of highs and lows for me and several of these girls have been there with through it. My gratitude is for their love and support and for the inspiration and encouragement that they continue to be to me. I feel very blessed with this group of girls.

Baskets baskets baskets galore

I got the best bargain today. I have been waiting for over 2 years to find really cheap nice brown baskets to match my house and today FINALLY I went to Sam's warehouse and wallaaaah I got the most perfect baskets of various sizes for ultra CHEAP! They were basically giving them away LOL. I am grateful for this bargain that has now become my mothers day present - is it wrong that I am already using them?!

Mel