I began early in the morning on a long three-day journey. I remembered my coat this time because it is a brisk morning of about the mid 60 degrees. First the usual  one hour boat ride then a 6 hour motorbike ride to retrieve items for Ben. Second a nine hour bike ride to deliver the items to someone to take to Ben. Third a four hour bike ride to return to Mae Ngao, and fourth a one hour return trip down the river. Not to mention all the shopping all along the way to make the trip double as a supply venture.

 

So on this “cold” brisk morning I began to think about all the blessings that God has given us. I will share some of them with you.

 

I remembered my coat this time! This coat was donated because the owner wouldn’t be needing it any more. Yes riding through the fog can be a chilling experience, even in Thailand. I then began to think of my pair of shoes that I wear every time I want to go do some “real work” in the jungle. I have literally run them through the water, mud, thorns, bamboo and fire. They provide protection, unlike these flip flops, that all the locals call shoes. Given to me by a good friend, they are a treasure. And then there is this motorbike that I am riding. The owner placed it in our possession knowing we would use it in God’s work. It has been a real “work horse”. What a blessing!

 

 

The “education” God has provided for me in the past and the “lack of it“. Both have been a blessing. I never new there was so much evil! It is displayed everywhere. on the movies, billboards, news, computer games, clothing and on the peoples faces.

 

There is the beautiful location that God has provided for us to labor for him. Well…. many would say “not enough conveniences” or “too far from hospital” or “way to hard for me” but it is a blessing to be able to raise your children in an environment like this!

 

I could mention the locals who stopped by and brought vegetables, or the young people desiring to come and learn, knowing there are rules and guidelines that must be followed. These people are the real blessings.

 

I was just remembering a statement an older man made to me in the past. After I shared with his church how God has led my family into mission work he said “Your parents were really overly protective when you were small”. Wow, that brought back the memories. What a blessing to have parents that care enough to direct your steps in the right direction! I could go on and on. Once you start to count your blessings, It seems like they multiply.

 

Today remember that God is trying to reach us through the blessings that he gives us. First God draws us with blessings and when that fails to work he tries to get our attention by removing them. Turn to him today and you will see your blessings grow.