The Good List is a phrase I've seen a lot lately. It's a popular way to list all that someone is thankful for, focusing on the positive rather than the hard or the negative. It's also very biblical to give thanks And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chron. 16:34   Sometimes our circumstances don't leave us feeling full of thanks, but: give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18   Sometimes worry and anxiety eclipse all the good things and the good work God is doing. Sometimes we have to choose to thank God when we feel like we want to yell or scream or do anything  except say thank you. I know Philippians 4:6 by heart. I even have it painted on a wooden board and sitting on my dresser.   Back in March, when we wer...

  “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28   This week, in my devotional, I was asked the question, “What are some things in your life that are making you feel weary or burdened.” As I thought over each area of my life I laughed to myself. Is putting down “everything” an acceptable answer? But I knew that wasn’t exactly true. We have so many life-giving areas as well! So why do the burdens and things that make us weary always seem to come to mind first? Do you do that too?   We are fresh off furlough. A time that I used to assume was for rest. And in many ways it was! Time with people we care about, so many conveniences we haven’t had in a long time, and the chance to share about the incredible things God is doing on this precious island.   Even still, travel, and late nights, and illnesses took a toll on us. Not remembering basic directions in the town we grew up in and constantly thinking “r...

fur-lough n. leave of absence    The last 6 weeks in the US was a wonderful whirlwind of fun, love, rest, travel, sharing, hugging, experiences, tears, and (of course) eating all the food (yum!). We were confronted with things like; Are we going home or leaving home? Are we on a break or just working in a different way? Should we take it easy or cram everything in? Do we say yes or no? Do we eat chick fil a again? When we go back to St Kitts, is it leaving home or going home? The answer to every questions was "yes!"    We headed out the afternoon of Dean's 6th birthday! Thanks to some wonderful people, we had both a house to stay in and a car to drive for free while we were in the states! Aaron and I kicked off the trip with a get away, just the two of us, at White Stone Country Inn. They do a special rate for missionaries, pastors, or those who work for ministries. It also happens to be where Aaron and I got married almost 11 years ago! I...