"Thanks be to God for His indescrible gift" 2 Corinthians 9:15
God gave us the GREATEST gift of all, His Son Jesus who by
His blood freed us from the bondage of our sin. This Thanksgiving week let's focus and give God the glory and praise He deserves. So Captains, Crew Members, stop and think... What are you thankful for?
I'll let you in on mine...I lived in such darkness never knowing there was a God who loved and a Savior that died for me. Then 3 years ago on Thanksgiving day I woke up and something inside of me was different. I called out to whomever, whatever could hear me and asked to please help me ... and HE did. Later that spring I was led to Flamingo Road by a friend and in June 2005 I accepted Christ into my heart forever changing my life and those whose lives were going on around me. That moment of clarity and 2nd chance that God graced me with 3 years ago is the thing I am most grateful about. It's like Troy said this weekend that one decision 3 years ago has impacted me and the people around me more than I ever could've imagined at that moment.
SO tell me yours what are you most grateful for... Can't wait to hear yours!!
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for ALL YOU DO here at Treasure Island Preschool. WE LOVE YOU.
2 comments:
I am thankful...
1. That God loves me enough to give up is one and only Son so that I could have eternal life.
2. For my awesome husband and son.
3. For my sisters who have provided me with more love and support than I ever imagined possible.
4. For my parents and my brothers (can't leave them out now, could I?)
5. For the opportunity to every once in awhile due the most amazing things with my law degrees, like represent Iraqi refugees who served with our US military and whose lives are now endangered because of that service.
6. For the opportunity to have my "big son" from Korea and my mother-in-law live with us here in the United States where I know they are safe and well-taken care of.
7. For the most awesome church as it provides me with a place to grow and develop in my faith, to serve Him, and to reach out to others to make a Kingdom difference.
8. For Pastor Troy and his family who give so unselfishly of themselves.
9. For the PreSchool Team -- They ROCK!
10. For Orange drink and goldfish (you that was coming, didn't you?)
Dana Choi
Hey Friends,
I wanted to take a few minutes to wish you all a Thanksgiving filled with great memories, love, laughter, and most importantly, gratitude. As I sat quietly for a while this evening after all relatives had left, I reflected on how much God has blessed my life, and just how grateful I am for all that He makes possible.
Sometimes life takes us through a certain path that leaves us wondering "why"? We pray for certain things that don't come soon enough and again we wonder and ask Him "why"? When? We make decisions and take action, sometimes expecting one result only to get another and again we ask "why"? Many times all we have to do is trust in Him, and know that He has a plan. A master plan that although we may not see the end of the road or know why we are going that way, He does.
Over five years ago we stumbled into one of the services at FRC after struggling every weekend to make it to service at our Catholic church. Tommy & Danny were 4 & 2 at the time and for some reason, we always ran late. One Sunday, determined to make it to ANY service, we drove to a different catholic church and missed their service as well. We drove by FRC and were surprised to see we were just in time for their service. I must say that after attending catholic churches on and off throughout our lives, Leo and I did not know what to expect, but we somehow felt driven to attend the service at FRC. We were pleasantly surprised. We commited to try FRC a few more weeks and after three weeks there was no turning back. FRC, with the teachings by pastor Troy was like nothing we had ever experienced. We attended EVERY weekend, and were always on time. It's amazing how things work out when you're on the right track. As my life grew spiritually, I felt there was something missing.
I continued to feel knudged to take the next step, but felt pulled in so many directions I did not know how I could do it. I finally made a decision, accepted Christ into my life for good, and got baptized at the first beach baptism over two years ago. That same month I joined the preschool ministry. My life was blessed with a new loving family of Christ followers.
Early this year, I asked Leo to join the preschool ministry as my partner with the two year olds for just a few weeks. He agreed to do it, knowing it was just temporary. He was hooked, and as you all know, we now serve together as a family with our two boys. Serving every week is one of the most rewarding things we have ever done. Knowing that parents trust us to lovingly care for their precious little ones so that they can grow spiritually is priceless. Having those kids hugging us when they come in and truly looking forward to spending time with us is more rewarding than words can say.
Leo was baptized on first Wednesday in October, on his actual birthday. How amazing is that? And now, what's truly more amazing is that our two boys will be baptized this Thanksgiving weekend. Talk about blessings! If you are able to make it, I know they would really love the support of their church family as they rise out of the water on Saturday after the 6:30pm service.
So..., my friends, as we reflect on what we are thankful for, let's remember to have a spirit of gratitude and to trust that God has a plan. When, where, what, when, and how, is up to Him. We just have to believe, trust, follow and take action. As God told Hermie the caterpillar when he felt common, "Don't worry Hermie, I'm not finished with you yet... I'm giving you a heart like Mine... I love you..." When God was finished with Hermie, he was a beautiful, wondrous, glorious butterfly. It was then that he understood what God meant.
Let's remember my friends, God's not finished with us yet...He loves us, and He's giving us a heart like his.
I love you all, and I am honored to serve with you in this awesome preschool ministry.
Josie.
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