Thankful Thursday: A Family Filled with Joy

Today’s verse: “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3

This summer was one that I think our family will always remember. We had 12 weeks of togetherness. We give God thanks for our church giving us time away from ministry to be renewed and refreshed, and make some family memories that will last a lifetime.

• We will remember our time sitting by the pool, swimming with dolphins, and visiting Chichen Itza, with Papa and Grammy in Mexico.
• We braved the bus system so we could visit Pike’s Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and watch the Seattle Mariners play ball.
• We watched Dad put a hole in the wall in the bonus room, and make us a beautiful new entertainment center.
• The kids went to church camp.
• We survived a hot day by floating in our inner tubes, and trying to catch minnows, at a nearby state park.
• Kyle won a State Championship in baseball.
• We enjoyed a trip to Salt Lake City where we braved the scary rides at Lagoon, and fell in love with the new baby giraffe at the Hogle Zoo.
• We soaked in God's creation in the mountains at a friends cabin. Pure bliss.
  

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Ps. 126:3

I'm praying for continued moments of joy with my family. The kids are getting older, and before we know it they will off to college, and having families of their own. I hope that they will look on the days of their childhood with a smile, believing that God has indeed done great things!

I know that I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart!

Lord, thank you for the great things you have done for our family! Thank you for the precious gift of family time this summer. So many memories that we will look back at and remember with joy. Lord, I ask for continued special moments with my children, especially as they grow older, that will bring abundant laughter, unity, and love. When they look on their lives in our home, may they find themselves filled with joy! You have given me a precious husband, and great kids, and together we find tremendous joy together. May we always reflect you, and be careful to give you praise for such a priceless gift. We are filled with abundant joy!