Thankfulness...part of my story

"Before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace."
Galatians 1:15
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
Jeremiah 1:5

In talking with people about Thanksgiving, my (Annice) being adopted has come up in many conversations recently. I was adopted at four months old. My biological parents were both married to other people. Abortion was brought up, but my biological father wound not allow it. I was in a foster home for the first four months of my life, then adopted by my parents. As I grew older and learned more about my "history", I became more thankful for my life and situation. There was something missing from my life...

"I chose you. I wanted you. I appointed you. I set you where you are."
John 15:16

I grew up in a United Methodist church. I attended Sunday School and the church service every week, went to VBS in the Summers & attend Summer Camps at Jumonville in Middle School and High School. While at Jumonville, There was still something missing from my life...

I had this one camp counselor that was an evangelist. I had no idea what that meant at the time, but quickly learned from speaking with him about it. A few other campers and I would stay up by the fire and talk with him. He would tell us about the gift of salvation and we would as so many questions. During those years, God placed several other people in my life that would water those seeds that the counselor had planted.

"God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure."
Ephesians 1:5

I did not accept Christ as my savior until I was 21 years old. That was when I was adopted for the 2nd time! This time I was even more thankful and could look back at my "history", with a new found faith and perspective, and see God's hand in my life all those years.

So this Thanksgiving, I am going to publicly express my thanks to my God for the path that He chose for me and for the many blessings and life lessons along the way. I am thankful for the parents that God chose for me and for my Christian sisters and brothers who have helped me grow over the past 16 years.

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord Rejoice!
Psalm 105:1-3

God has had a plan for you since you were born. Trust Him...He knows what He is doing!

Yaweh, the Great I AM who was and is and is to come,
You are so gracious and care so deeply for us! We praise Your Holy name! Help us to not keep your good character or great things you do a secret. Help us to choose joy and gratitude even in times of trouble or great sorrow. Your mercies are new each day!
Praying with thanksgiving,
Annice