He's got a plan

One thing that I so admire and am in awe of about God is His sovereignty. Since the beginning of time, to the sending of Jesus, God has been in control. His being in control isn't some kind of band-aid solution for every time we mess up either. God doesn't nervously wait up in heaven trying to think of ways to fix what we mess up. He knows us better than we know ourselves and our failures and sins are woven into his eternal plan.
1 Timothy 1:16-17
"But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen"

He knew that man was arrogant and so confused their languages at the Tower of Babel. (Genesis 11) But getting to listen to all the languages of the world sing praises to Christ is wonderful and makes me look forward to heaven all the more. He used the weak to humble the strong and Christ, God in the Flesh was born in a smelly barn and laid in a manger that animals ate out of. 
God uses our weaknesses and imperfections to glorify Him. As a Christian, I want people to see me and know that anything I do that is "good" is ALL God's grace in me. I could never, ever, ever on my own strength obey him or even desire to strengthen our relationship by getting to know Him. And even then, I stumble. Sometimes it's like 2 steps forward and 3 steps backward. I dishonor Him by dishonor others and not shining his light.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
We can trust God with our futures and know that even when we stumble, He can use it to glorify Himself and teach and discipline us.
~Bugg


Continuing on with being thankful...
21.) God's sovereignty
22.) Grandparents
23.) Cousins
24.) Chai Tea
25.) Bible verses put to music
26.) The freedom we have to worship God
27.) Fresh snow
28.) Playing with my sisters
29.) Being able to run
30.) The opportunity God gives us to pray, and that we know He hears us :)
   

10,000 reasons (and counting!)

God is so good! He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams and I don't want to shrug Him off or take what He gives me for granted. This year I want to remember to be thankful for not only the things He gives me, but for the salvation He so miraculously bestowed on me and the paths He has shown me and the growth He has given me as a christian. (Trust me, I have a lot more growing ahead :)
  So, I just thought of this goal, a resolution, (if you want to call it that) :) but it's mostly a very ambitious goal that may take more years than one.... I'm going to try and list 10000 gifts God has given me and reasons I have to praise His name! (Told you it was ambitious :)So, with that being said....
1.) God's gift of salvation
2.) All the colors of creation
3.) My wonderful family
4.) Laughter
5.) Schoolwork
6.) God's word
7.) The freedom we have to worship Him
8.) Books
9.) Music
10.) My bedroom :) {random, I know, but I'm thankful all the same}
11.) Friends
12.) Tea
13.) shoes (after being in Africa I appreciate those all the more)
14.) snow and the reminder of how God makes us as pure as the white snow when he takes us into his family.
15.) Adoption
16.) The opportunities God has given me to spread his love, even if that opportunity is staying at home with my siblings. I can be a light while doing school, cooking breakfast and laying down my sister for bed, and I pray that God gives me the grace to stay patient, humble and honoring to him while doing these day-to-day tasks.
17.) The birds, even if they are all hiding away right now :)
18.) Playing board games and pretend games with my sister. (You are never to old to play imaginary games :)
19.) Singing (whether I am a good singer or not is to be determined :) But, I enjoy it all the same)
20.) Learning a second language

Well, 20 is a good starting number...only 9,980 more things to go..... :)

On another note, I hope everyone's Christmas's and New Years went well and all of you are healthy. The sick bug took quite a few members of my family down for a while :) Well, off to do the rest of my school!!
~Bugg