Last Monday our house had our community Thanksgiving dinner (yum!), after which we followed Bonnie-Marie’s family tradition of filling a blessing box with papers on which we had written what we are thankful for.

We’re thankful for so much. Here’s what we wrote:

Julie:
I’m thankful for…

· Friends and family, of course

· Michael, of course

· God’s faithfulness even when He seems far away

· The things I take for granted, like a house to live in, 2 jobs, health

Joel:

· I’m thankful that we all had the courage to move forward with this awesome house idea.

· I’m thankful for God providing me a job.

· I’m thankful for my wonderful, beautiful wife and the chance to start our life together in the midst of some great communities.

· I’m thankful for the delicious food that we all shared together tonight.

· I’m thankful for a loving family that is always eager and happy to see me, but is also supportive of my life apart from them.

· I’m thankful for you guys who cared more about having us n this community than about looking out for your own interests.

Paige:

I’m thankful for:

· health (so much more than just a few years ago)

· 1 ½ years of marriage (and how we’re being stretched and our love is deepening)

· wonderful jobs (1 year ago I was unemployed and Paul’s job wasn’t all it is today… now they’re great!)

· our community house (we could’ve never imagined…)

· my mom not having cancer (praise God!)

· growing relationships @ Westminster (and new found opportunities to serve)

· enough $ to save some

· bounty, bounty, bounty

· seeing God’s hand and answered prayers in some specific ways this year

· direction in pursuing coaching certification

Michael:
I’m thankful for:

· The wisdom of others

· Provisions & Security

· The Church & Its Mission

· Family & Friends

· The Holy Spirit / God’s Omnipresence

· Beauty

· Rest

· Work – Being able to take part in God’s redemption

Jessi:

I’m thankful for:

· This house, and all the friendships within

· Joel – the way he loves me so selflessly and cares about even the small things that matter to me

· Bonnie-Marie – the way she’s been willing to be real with us & the way she inspires me to care for what God cares about

· Paige – the way she’s exemplified a humble & teachable spirit this year and makes things more beautiful

· Paul – his ability to put words to what’s true & right & good

· Michael – his sense of humor that keeps us from being too serious, balanced by a heart that cares deeply for people

· Julie – for her impeccable wit and tender heart toward God & others

· For my brother, who will always have a special place in my heart

· For my parents who have loved me so well and now become my good friends

· For Gram, who taught me to give to those in need … and who taught me how to dance

Paul:

I’m thankful:

· That we all have good jobs.

· That we have rich friendships in this community and in Dayton.

· For: English Brown ale, fire pits, Sufjan Stevens, & good books.

· For an incredible family in good health.

· For the richness of life & the promise of redemption.

· For Jonathan Crompten.

· For a wife that dearly loves me.

Bonnie-Marie:

I’m thankful for:

· My community mates –

Michael – who shares history & politics with me.

Julie – who has a great sense of humor and is a great BBQ friend.

Paul – who always want to do something awesome – and shared his theology classes

Jessi – who makes the best dill green beans and decorates to make space so beautiful

Paige – who plans, remembers, & listens – who appreciates Remington Steel & Sherlock Holmes

Trig – who tells great stories & gets working w/HS students too

· Good friends: Anneli, Hayley, Jess, Zoe, Pam, & Danielle

· Financial resources to apply for law school – all the support everyone has given me

· My family & my Dad who tells me he is proud of me, my mom who now chats with me & my bro who I love more than anyone else

· My granny and extended family

· My time in Vancouver and the lessons God began there of freedom, humility and grace

· That there is freedom for all bondage in the here after and hope of that in the present through Jesus Christ

· My students