with thanksgiving
I have the most generous friends. Seriously.
When I stop and think about all the ways God continues to love me through His people, I can’t help but cry tears of thankfulness. It’s overwhelming actually.
I’ve lived with friends since I’ve been Stateside (no small commitment on their end!). I drive a borrowed car. I’ve bought clothes and coffee with gift cards that arrive in the mail. I’ve paid for medical care, counseling, lawyers, and car repairs only because of others’ help. I’ve had free dental work, vacations, cell phone usage, meals. I’m typing on a computer that was paid for by countless friends.
I am blessed. To say the least.
It’s impossible not to see it. Not to humbled by it and grateful for it.
He has faithfully provided. Friends have faithfully loved. And I feel so undeserving of it all.
Undeserving, but appreciative.
The kind of appreciative that makes my voice catch in my throat and brings tears rushing to my eyes.
Thank you, friends, for loving me well. For showing me His incredible grace. For being His hands holding my heart.
I’m grateful for you.
@pa3cia says:
i know how you feel my friend.
i too am overwhelmed with the goodness of my friends. i have received 4 free cars from friends. as well as places to live when i was homeless. i’ve received a laoptop, ipod, 2 free years of cellphone, a gina alexander bag, disney & lego land tickets & $ for sports for my son as well, and so, so much more.
I love how GOd uses other people to manifest His love for us in tangible ways =]
we are grateful to you too friend… because you allow us the GIFT of YOU….which is a shining reflection of amazing grace…
you inspire me friend… so glad you are a part of all of our lives, especially mine :) love you
@mat2820b says:
*kiss* {{hug}}
I thank God for you, all the time. I am so happy we twumped into each other ;)
(And my husband thinks you’re pretty, by the way. Just don’t tell him I told you. He’d be awkward *grin*)
A time to give, a time to receive…………… You will never forget this. And you will be able to pour it out to others like never before as a result.
This is a good reminder for me that helping to meet a practical need, or just putting something tangible in somone’s hands, is sometimes what’s needed, too.
I was feeling pretty homesick yesterday. Someone from church selflessly gave me a small thing of hers that I’d admired. I was like, “No, no! It’s yours.” But she insisted. She didn’t know what I was feeling inside. But God sure did. I really think He used her hands to touch my heart. It was like a whispered “Shhhhh, it’s going to be okay” from Him. I think that’s what’s been happening to you, the way people are coming around you. It’s like His very hands holding, comforting and putting salve on your hurting, healing heart.
I went to a funeral on Friday, the husband of someone from our church. Because just being there in person means so much. You were there for Sara. It’s not always the words, but just showing up. That’s what you’ve had around you, people that are just THERE. Who have SHOWN UP.
@moweezle says:
u r soooooo loved!!!
@bajanpoet says:
Agreed with everything written above. I’m not in the States, but God knows I have your back – and I look forward to every single post – just to know how u are. I honestly am jealous of all the others who can tangibly connect and tangibly be a part of your life. I’m not there, but I am doing what I can …. my Thrive shirt should be in the mail by now,….
I LOVE YOU. And you have so impacted my life …. even though we’ve never hugged in the flesh… you are SO in my heart. Seriously.
you are much loved friend.
by me and clearly countless others!
Praise God!
He is good.
Thanks for sharing, Alece. It’s encouraging to me (and I’m sure others as well) to see that real community and sacrifice that Jesus talked about is really possible.
Thankful for you…
Love you!
Very touching…I thank them too if it allows you to write. I enjoy your blog so much! Thank you!
@koalainscotland says:
:-)
This post made me smile. Because you are so very loved. And so very lovable!
@bajanpoet says:
Agreed, Laura… couldn’t have put it better myself!
@bajanpoet says:
And this is the perfect post (one on thankfulness!) to tell you I GOT MY THRIVE AFRICA SHIRT TODAY AND IT IS SO FREAKING AWESOME OHMYGOD…. (wait, did I just go all fanboy? lol) Seriously tho I’m so excited… just to be able to share in what you’re doing in whatever way I can… as soon as I get more money and less bills I’ll be frequenting that store again lol ….
Love you!!!!!!!!!!
@thevelvettrunk says:
Girl, I so feel you on this one. Finding gift cards on my bathroom counter, more gift cards in the mailbox and twenty dollar bills stuck in my purse. It’s just the hands and feet of Christ and it brings me to tears. It’s just beautiful. I am so blessed as well with a God who is faithful and the best friends a girl could ask for!!
Hugs,
Mel
It is so neat to see how God has taken such great care of you through your friends! He has blessed you and will continue to bless them for their service and love! Having been relatively “near” your shoes at one point in my life, I can say with all confidence that the love and support you are receiving now are critical to your healing! God knows that, and He has given you a strong support system and built a great hedge about you!! Praying for you!
So glad you are feeling how loved you are!
(I saw the title, With Thanksgiving, and thought, I will never forget the thanksgiving i spent in Africa eating meat balls. :) I love you.