There are so many things I am thankful for, it's hard to choose.
So I was asking God to bring something to mind He wanted me to share.
I stepped into the shower! Ahhhhh... can you see my smile?
So I was asking God to bring something to mind He wanted me to share.
I stepped into the shower! Ahhhhh... can you see my smile?
I've shared my story before... but maybe you haven't heard it.
Michael, Michelle and I lived in Alaska for four years.
Three of those without running water! Oh... I think I heard you gasp!!
It's hard to imagine what it would be like to live without running water and
indoor plumbing, isn't it? We hauled the water we needed for cooking
and cleaning in five-gallon cans and heated it on the stove.
Our outhouse was about a thirty-foot walk from the back door, which seemed
like a mile at thirty degrees below zero! And the local store was the place
to go for weekly showers, laundry, and catching up on local news.
I can still remember moving into our first house after coming back
to the states. I was SO excited! Not only did water come out of the faucet,
but the water was hot! I smile now just thinking about it!
For us, moving to Alaska had been a lifestyle choice.
For many others in this world however, living without running water,
is not a choice at all. In fact, a great percentage of people on this planet
drink and bathe and wash their clothes in filthy, contaminated water.
Michael, Michelle and I lived in Alaska for four years.
Three of those without running water! Oh... I think I heard you gasp!!
It's hard to imagine what it would be like to live without running water and
indoor plumbing, isn't it? We hauled the water we needed for cooking
and cleaning in five-gallon cans and heated it on the stove.
Our outhouse was about a thirty-foot walk from the back door, which seemed
like a mile at thirty degrees below zero! And the local store was the place
to go for weekly showers, laundry, and catching up on local news.
I can still remember moving into our first house after coming back
to the states. I was SO excited! Not only did water come out of the faucet,
but the water was hot! I smile now just thinking about it!
For us, moving to Alaska had been a lifestyle choice.
For many others in this world however, living without running water,
is not a choice at all. In fact, a great percentage of people on this planet
drink and bathe and wash their clothes in filthy, contaminated water.
Interesting how giving thanks can humble your heart at the same time.
It's one of God's ways of watering us... of allowing His Spirit
to move in us and through us... making our hearts more compassionate...
and our souls more like well-watered gardens for Him
and for the blessing of others.
It's one of God's ways of watering us... of allowing His Spirit
to move in us and through us... making our hearts more compassionate...
and our souls more like well-watered gardens for Him
and for the blessing of others.
Heavenly Father... forgive us for taking our creature comforts so for granted.
Thank You Lord for clean water... and indoor plumbing! Stir our hearts
today to pray for and find ways to help those who are without clean
water for it is vital to life. And MOST OF ALL Father,
we thank You for the living water that flows in us and out of us
through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thank You Lord for clean water... and indoor plumbing! Stir our hearts
today to pray for and find ways to help those who are without clean
water for it is vital to life. And MOST OF ALL Father,
we thank You for the living water that flows in us and out of us
through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
