This BLOG was written a week or so ago. I hope it’s one that we can all relate to on a regular basis.

Today’s gifts! It’s not my birthday or anniversary. It’s not mother’s day, or any other special occasion, but I want you to stay with me for a moment today and think on these things. Gifts that is – what are they and where do we get them?

In my circumstance I have to admit I can often be feeling alone on an island and wondering if anyone cares or even knows. Just think about it for a moment – we are here in a foreign land, where they speak a foreign language, the culture is foreign, we are senior citizens. But imagine this, too! The Christians are wonderful, accepting and loving people. We just don’t get to ‘live life’ with them like we would with you since there are barriers and limitations facing us. But where is God in this whole deal? He’s here! He’s walking with us, sometimes picking me up and carrying me, maybe not because I am physically tired, but I’m in need of His strength, His arms about me and the closeness of His heartbeat so that I can continue. So, what did God do for me today? He bestowed gifts upon me AGAIN! That’s so cool. He cares about ME!

I woke up fully rested, to a beautiful sunny day!
Great for laundry and for eating an ice cream bar with Don on the curbside.
We had some choices of what we wanted to eat. One of those choices was the dinner we enjoyed -- enhanced leftovers!
I had a phone call from one of my daughters with some good news about one of the grandchildren.
My computer has been very user-friendly today and hasn’t locked up or acted up!
God provided me with some emails from friends, not only ministry oriented, but some from a friend sharing her day with me.
I saw pictures on F/B of another granddaughter.
I received a high school graduation announcement in snail mail (that was really special, since mail delivery comes so seldom our way!)

Gifts – they are showered upon us daily! And where to they come from? Our good health, continued strength, money to meet our expenses, a friend taking care of things stateside, another friend bringing Don some prescriptions, and friends who bring us peanut butter. From this side of the world, there are friends who help us with translating, others who check in on us, and still others who invite us to join their family for special times. The abundance of gifts from my Father, the gifts of forgiveness or grace, of healing, and of mercy each and every day!

Our friend Laura and her daughter dropped by. Laura cleans our house so I’m very thankful for that provision and in turn we can provide her a small opportunity to earn an income. Better than that is the relationship we are building with her family. Diana, what can I say? She’s not yet 3 years old, but is a bundle of joy and provides us with so much fun. She tickles our fancy! Walking to the Mercado for bananas & carrots, she just holds our hands, has such trust in us, and skips and jumps along! What a blessing it is to have these friends.

I have a choice to make – I can look at the island I’m on, all alone, and feel discouraged, or I can look at the gifts being sent my way, every day! Personally, I like gifts, so that is my decision! And…

I have a hubby who still loves me, protects me, prays with me, eats whatever it is I prepare and even pulls up the sheets and blankets to assist in helping me make the bed! He is my constant companion. What more could a gal ask for? Ahh…the recipient of gifts from my Father.