During week 5, it teaches about a life of gratitude which involves (of course) expressing gratitude in prayer. Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Israelites singing the history of what God has done for them: rescuing them from Egypt, parting the Red Sea, providing manna in the desert. One of the assignments in week 5 is to write a praise history with your family. Recount the major things that God has done for your family, use scripture to thank and praise God, and read this as a family at least once a year, adding on to it as you go. This is about major events or blessings that have impacted your family. This is about a big picture perspective. We are to be thankful daily for "small" blessings as well, those things which we possibly take for granted. However, the praise history is for big, major things.
I love this idea, so I shared it with Rodgers, and he loves it, too. We wasted no time writing our family's history, starting with our marriage, though there are many big things that God did in each of our lives, before we got married, which impact our family. We may yet go back and add some of those. For now, I am just including our personal salvation. Since we'll be reading this as a family, I'm referring to us as "Dad and Mom." We are planning to to read through and add to our praise history every New Year's Eve, as a family tradition.
[God] chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
—Ephesians 1:4
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
—Philippians 2:13
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
—Psalm 136:1
family and life events
- As children, Dad and Mom both gave their lives to Christ
- Dad and Mom got married
- Dad was given permanent resident status in the US, miraculously hassle-free
- Dad graduated from UMHB
- Nathanael was born, active and spirited
- Benjamin was born, goofy, but thoughtful
- God sustained us financially through low paying jobs, unemployment, and beyond
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
—1 Thessalonians 5:24
The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
—Exodus 15:2
Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
—Psalm 111:2
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
—Matthew 6:31-33
maisha kamili [www.maishakamili.org]
- Maisha Kamili was dreamed up, at the encouragement of our pastor
- Maisha Kamili board was formed
- We moved to Camp to prepare for moving to Kenya
- We received the remaining 60% of our fundraising goal at once, making us financially able to move to Kenya
- We moved to Kenya to start Maisha Kamili
- Maisha Kamili began sponsoring community MKKs
- We had great support (in many forms) of Maisha Kamili during our trip to Texas in 2013
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
—Philippians 1:6
He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations.
—Psalm 105:8
You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
—Exodus 15:13
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:19
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
—Hebrews 11:8
discipleship and spiritual growth
- Dad and Mom took discipleship courses and learned to disciple others
- We started teaching discipleship classes at one church in Kenya, with 2 others to join in the next year
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high?
—Psalm 113:5
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, 5 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
—Psalm 135:1, 5
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
—Exodus 15:11
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! 3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done.
—Psalm 105:1-5a
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