Giving Thanks Day 31: Everything

One of my favorite set of Bible verses is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

This month of giving thanks has taught me that there are many things to be thankful for, I just have to be looking out for them. This month I gave thanks for simple things, like balconies and picnics. I gave thanks for silly things, such as scarves and google translate. I gave thanks for the people who are most dear to me: my husband, children, and parents. I even gave thanks for difficult things, like tears and going to the prefecture. In each of these daily blogs, I learned lessons on gratitude. I learned that it opens the door to joy. That it takes watchfulness and intentionality. That intimate prayer often follows thanksgiving.

So today, as the calendar turns to November, I give thanks for, well...everything!

(I must admit, although I plan to continue giving thanks in my heart every single day, I'm also going to be thankful for a short rest from writing daily posts.)

...give thanks in ALL circumstances....

Giving Thanks, Day 30: Surviving the Prefecture

It's easy to give thanks for pleasant experiences. It takes a mature person to give thanks for fiery trials. Like today, for example - I give thanks for the unpleasant experience of going to the prefecture.

I'm (halfway) kidding about the horrors of the prefecture (which is the government administrative office of France). It's definitely not fun, but it's hardly a fiery trial. Please forgive me for comparing a two-hour ordeal to the much more serious matters taking place in our world today.

But back to the topic at hand. Let me describe for you the prefecture's office. If you're from the U.S., imagine your worst experience at the DMV, multiply that by 10, and you have an idea of what it's like to go to the prefecture. (The first time we visited Lyon, a friend of ours had to go to the prefecture, and Greg went along for the ride. Afterwards he came back to our hotel and said, simply, "We're never moving to this country.") This office handles all the administrative duties of the national government, and is responsible for distributing such things as identity cards, driver's licenses, passports, residency permits, work permits, student permits, and vehicle registrations. They also manage the police forces and firefighters, and they oversee the creation/dissolution/modifications of all associations in France.

There are only about 100 prefects in France, so you can imagine the enormous lines that form as people try to get the different governmental services they need. Today I had the pleasure of standing in one of those lines. We were required to get documentation for our daughters called "documents de circulation pour  étrangers mineurs." There was a long list of things we needed to bring with us, such as birth certificates (translated into French by a certified specialist), justification of our domicle, our passports and "titres de séjour", verification of school enrollment, two identity photos, etc., plus extra photocopies of everything. We also had to purchase special fiscal stamps in advance from a tabac (convenience store), and special self-addressed envelopes from the poste.

I had heard what a nightmare the prefecture could be, so I came prepared with my French homework and a book to read to help me pass the time while I waited in line. Taking advice from others, I arrived an hour before the line opened. When I got there, I was horrified to see a long line already snaking from the front door around the corner. Thankfully, there was a separate and much shorter line for the étrangers mineurs. (In the past, there were no separate lines for different services; you just had to brave it out and wait in one huge wedge. So things are definitely improving.) The hour went by fairly quickly, and before I knew it, I was able to get a numbered ticket that held our place in yet another line. I'll spare you the boring details, but suffice it to say that eventually we jumped through all the hoops of getting their documentation completed.

All in all, the experience really wasn't that bad. But I am thankful that it's over...until next year, when we have to stand in the really long line to get our titres de séjour renewed.

Giving Thanks, Day 29: Our Balcony

Apartment living has many advantages, but there are a few drawbacks too. Advantages: Convenient to everything. Friendly neighbors. No mowing (Greg's favorite perk). Disadvantages: Two flights of stairs. Noisy street. Lack of privacy. No yard for barbecuing or just hanging out.

Even though I've missed having a yard (besides the upkeep), I have found a small way to experience the outdoors: our petite balcony. This balcony runs the entire length of our apartment, but is extremely narrow. We're just able to fit two folding chairs face-to-face. Still, it's great for enjoying a morning cup of coffee, or a glass of wine in the evenings.

The balcony overlooks a busy main street in our district. I love to sit out on the balcony and people-watch. It's fun to observe people walking briskly down the street, on their way to shops, to work, or to school. Others jog or walk their dogs. We see people riding on bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and skateboards. One night I even saw a group of about 50 people on roller-skates! Below us, just across the street, is a little cafe. The "regulars" camp out for hours, slowly sipping cups of coffee or mugs of beer. Most days, there's a guy that hangs out with his bulldog. He moves from table to table, conversing with the other patrons. They all seem to know him well.

Sometimes, you aren't really thankful for little things until they are missing from your life. It's going to be that way with our balcony. The weather is turning colder, and I imagine that we'll be putting the chairs out less and less as the winter months settle in. Every once in a while, though, I plan to brave the cold. I'll wrap up in a couple of warm blankets, brew my coffee extra-hot, and watch the world go by.

Giving Thanks, Day 28: My Parents

Hi Mom & Dad,
It was great to talk to you this evening on the phone! I'm so glad that I can call you from France from time to time -- I should take advantage of that more. I always enjoy our conversations.
Thanks so much for supporting me in so many ways. You have always been there for me. Even when you weren't exactly happy that we were moving so far away, you gave me your full support and encouragement. Your love has sustained me through trying times.
I really miss visiting you in person -- I miss playing games, taking walks, and eating meals together. Being this far away is tough. But I know that it will make each time that we're able to visit in the future even more special.
I love you very much, Mom & Dad, and I thank God for you each and every day!

Giving Thanks, Day 27: Friends for my daughters

Before we moved to France, Greg and I prayed especially hard that our daughters would make good friends. Praise God -- our prayers have been answered. Lindsey really enjoys hanging out with a sweet American girl from our church, and this week she has also spent some time with a French girl that lives upstairs in our apartment building. Lindsey seems to be quite popular in her class at school, too. She is so tall compared to the rest of the students in her grade, that people took notice of her immediately. Lindsey has worked this to her advantage, and her gentle, sweet spirit has attracted many new friends.

Lori has also met wonderful girls at school. Since we live in a central location near a metro stop, our house has become a hangout spot from time to time. This enables us to get to know Lori's friends, and we're very pleased with the choices she's made. Her circle of friends includes girls from the U.S., Haiti, and Portugal.

Another group of friends that Lori enjoys are the college-age students that attend our church. Almost every Sunday after church, you can find several of these girls hanging out at our house to eat and watch movies or talk. Greg and I usually retreat to our room after a while, and we enjoy listening to the sounds of laughter coming from the living room. I'm so grateful for these girls, who are really serving as role models to our daughters of young Christian women: they are fun, funny, smart, and beautiful inside and out. They love God, and their joy is contagious.

Tonight I give thanks to God for blessing our girls with sweet friends in France.

Giving Thanks, Day 26: Provence, a photo journal

Thank you, everybody, for putting up with my cop-out of a blog post yesterday. I was tired out from yesterday's day trip to Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. We got in the car at 9:30 and headed south from Lyon, and in about an hour we were driving through the region of Provence. I was amazed at how much the countryside reminded me of the Texas Hill Country, with its shrubby greenery, wide open bright blue skies, and rugged cliffsides.

Our first destination was the small, quaint town of Arles. The girls love Vincent Van Gogh, and wanted to see where he produced many of his famous paintings, including Starry Night Over the Rhone. After we toured the old city, we made a spontaneous journey to the Mediterranean Sea -- just because we could! Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer was about a 30-minute drive from Arles. It seemed a bit like the Galveston of the Mediterranean. I'm sure that the French Riviera boasts more spectacular views, but I quite enjoyed the unpretentious beach-bum feel of this cute village. We spotted numerous horseback riding stables, one after the other, on the road towards the sea. I believe there are also wild horses that roam this area, similar to those in the Outer Banks area of N.C.

Once again, I'm thankful that we had the opportunity to take some time to explore our new country. Here are some photos from our trip that will give you a glimpse of our adventures!

2,000 year old Roman Arena

The view from the city wall looks down on the signature red-tiled roofs of Provence

A Roman theatre from 1st century B.C. which once seated 10,000. These columns are all that remain of a 3-story stage wall.

Van Gogh fans might recognize this cafe. It used to be white but has been painted a garish yellow to match Van Gogh's imagination. (A copy of the painting stands where Van Gogh had set up his easel)

Relaxing at the Place de la Republique

I love the bright blue shutters which are so typical of Provencial architecture!

Another typical scene in Arles - narrow, winding cobblestone passageways

The Hotel de Ville (town hall) of Arles is behind them

Another Van Gogh site

St. Trophime Church, named after a 3rd-century bishop of Arles. The Romanesque main entrance is spectacular!

The beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. A chilly wind whipped straight from the Mediterranean! 

Lori enjoying the Mediterranean sunset

Giving Thanks, Day 25: sweet dreams

Tonight I briefly give thanks for my bed. It's very comfy, and it's calling my name.

We had a long and invigorating expedition today, and I'll be sure to post about it tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Giving Thanks, Day 24: PRD

Our mission organization, ReachGlobal, places a strong emphasis on health. They believe that in order to have a healthy ministry, leaders must themselves be healthy individuals. As part of that commitment to mental and spiritual health, RG requires its missionaries to take a "personal retreat day," or "PRD" once a month. This is a time set aside for prayer, planning, and spiritual renewal. The parameters are flexible. Basically, the idea is to do whatever it takes to get away from the demands of daily life and ministry so that you can focus on what is truly important.

I've been practicing a monthly PRD for a few years now, and I can honestly say that it's one of the best habits I've ever started. Today was my PRD for October. I spent time walking along the streets of Lyon, praying for the city and our church. Then I went inside St. John's Cathedral and prayed some more. Afterwards, I sat in the blissfully warm sunshine with my journal and calendar, and did some strategic planning for the future.

It's very simple to set aside a day or even a half-day per month to do this. I recommend it to everyone, no matter what your job description entails. However, though it's simple, that doesn't mean it's easy. Many things and people place demands on our time. It's actually very hard to block off a period on the calendar for a PRD, and say "no" to other things -- good things -- that vie for our attention. It seems selfish. But from personal experience I can honestly say that it's one of the most unselfish things you can do. Every time I have a PRD, I come away with a greater sense of purpose, a more charitable spirit, and a fresh outlook on life. It's a time to hit the spiritual "reset" button and receive God's grace anew.

Thank you, God, for encouraging me today through my PRD!

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon

Giving Thanks, Day 23: My husband

Every single day I give thanks to God for my husband. Greg is the kindest person I know. He has enormous amounts of patience and grace -- he never points out my faults, though I have many.

Greg, today I say to you that I don't know what I'd do without you by my side. You have always thought of me and the girls above yourself. You serve us with quiet, gentle strength. You stand by your convictions. I thank God that He has called you to serve Him, and that you obey Him wholeheartedly.

I love your quirky sense of humor, your willingness to be spontaneous and adventurous, your desire to do your best.  I love that family is your top priority, and I love that you protect "date night" each week on the calendar. I love that we can be equally as happy whether doing something grand and exciting, or just sitting on the patio drinking a cup of coffee together. I love you.

Giving Thanks, Day 22: Getting Away

This afternoon we took the car (a rare event) and drove to Perouges, a medieval town about 30 km northeast of Lyon. The well-preserved buildings date back to the 13th-15th centuries. On weekends, vendors and artisans dress in period clothing. It was quiet today, a Tuesday, but nonetheless we enjoyed wandering the narrow cobblestone streets and exploring the church, museum, and shops. I'm thankful for this chance to "get away" today with the family.

Giving Thanks, Day 21: School breaks

One thing France knows how to do well is vacations. The average worker in France gets 37 paid vacation days a year, according to the World Tourism Organization. French school children, too, get more holidays and breaks than American kids. And they are well-deserved.

The last six weeks have been like a pressure cooker. You know what a pressure cooker does...it slowly builds up steam in a tight container, causing both the pressure and the temperature to rise, and cooking food very quickly. The girls have had a heavy workload at school, and lots of homework on nights and weekends. I think they felt just about "cooked"...and then we got the news that there would be a two-week vacation for the Toussaint holiday.

It was so nice for them to wake up this morning gradually, without the alarm clock. It was equally as nice for me! I also appreciated having conversations with them that didn't involve schoolwork. It turned out to be a beautiful day, so we walked to the park and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon together. We had "pizza & movie night" tonight, simply because we could: no homework is due tomorrow.

We are hoping to take a couple of day trips during the school break, possibly to Provence and the Beaujolais. Now we're just content to relax and enjoy the time off. Only 10 days are left in my "thankful month" experiment, and I'm so thankful that each one of these will be non-school days!

Giving Thanks, Day 20: Church is the people, not the place

Tonight I'm grateful for our church, the ICCL. We met in a different location today, because our normal facility was being used for another event. This facility was amazing -- the sanctuary had a stage and a permanent sound system, a kitchen, and several classrooms for Sunday school and nursery. In our normal facility, we must set up and tear down the sound system and chairs each week. Our Sunday school is set up in a little shack of a building behind the main worship area. We don't have all the bells and whistles, but there is a refreshing authenticity to our humble little church building. When we gather together, it's intimate. We can hear each other's voices as we sing worship songs together. There's no pretension; no standing on ceremony. It's just a come-as-you-are group of Christ followers worshiping God together.

I really appreciated the facility we were able to use today. The church that owns it was extremely generous to open it up to us. It was great to have extra comforts, such as the use of additional rooms for the Children's ministry. However, worshiping there today also helped me appreciate what we currently have, too. You see, this church wasn't "home." Being in a different place reminded me that a good church isn't about having the latest technology or the most comfortable chairs. A good church is about the people. And we have great people at the ICCL.

One of those people is Darren, a friend we met on our very first visit to Lyon back in 2010. He and his family lived in Lyon for three years, and they just moved back to the States -- literally on the same day that we moved here. Although our physical paths don't cross very often, our families have remained friends from the start. They have been extremely generous to us in so many ways, and it's not exaggerating to say that we wouldn't be in Lyon right now were it not for Darren and his family. This week Darren is back in Lyon for a few days on a business trip. After worshiping with us this evening, Greg and I went to dinner with Darren and we caught up on each others' lives.

Darren and Michelle, Greg and I are so grateful for you and your investment in the ICCL and in us personally. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Giving Thanks, Day 19: Picnics

As a gift for one of our early wedding anniversaries, long, long ago, Greg gave me a picnic backpack. It's the coolest thing: it has a place setting for two, complete with real silverware and linens, a cheese knife and cutting board, an insulated section to keep your food cold, and even a padded wine bottle holder. We used it just a couple of times early in our marriage, but as the years went on, we found less and less opportunities for it. It gathered dust in our attic for a few years, and then I even tried to sell it in garage sales -- more than once. For whatever reason, though, nobody ever bought it.

The backpack didn't make the "cut" for the list of things to bring to France. At the last minute, we added one more odd-sized box on our pallet for a few of Lori's things, and we had some extra room. So the backpack became somewhat of a stowaway and made the long voyage across the Atlantic.

Somehow in the back of my subconscious I knew that the picnic backpack would resurrect itself in France. This evening Greg and I took advantage of a clear, warm night and dusted off the picnic backpack. We went to our little corner grocery store and loaded up on brie, salami, taboule, and a bottle of Bordeaux. Then we went to the bakery across the way and got a whole grain baguette and a pastry for dessert. Ten minutes later, we were picnicking on the quai of the Rhone River, with a fantastic view of Hotel Dieu against a backdrop of a gorgeous sunset.

The view from our picnic spot tonight

Tonight, I'm thankful for a wonderful evening, thanks to the fact that nobody bothered to buy that picnic backpack at any of our garage sales.

Giving Thanks, Day 18: 3 months in Lyon

Today marks three months since we arrived in Lyon. As I look back on the last 90 days, I'm thankful for so many things. It feels like cheating just to sum them all up in one post.

Although there's still an awful lot to learn, and many new things to adjust to, it truly does feel like Lyon is home. The apartment is taking on more and more of a personal touch with each simple addition: pictures placed on the mantle, books on the shelves, clothes hung up in the closets. The neighborhood, too, is becoming quite familiar. I remember that early on I had to consult a map each time I left the house. Now, I hardly ever have to look at it. And I'm even able to help other people with directions from time to time. (An aside here: it's hilarious how many times I get asked for directions. Greg says I have an approachable face. I don't exactly have a huge smile when I walk down the street, but nor do I scowl.)

Language acquisition can be another yardstick (or metre stick I should say) of success in a new culture. I have a long, long way to go with this. Yet I do see small glimpses of victory. Today, for example, I initiated a conversation with a woman on the bus, and we talked for about ten minutes, all in French. It was probably my longest and best conversation in the "real world,"aside from language school. But for every victory, there's also a defeat to keep me humble. Yesterday I rode in the elevator with one of the kids in our building. I hardly ever take the elevator, and meant to say that to the girl I was riding with: "I rarely take the elevator." But instead, I said, "I am not taking the elevator." While, mind you, I was actually taking the elevator. The elevator is tiny, but I think she managed to scoot several inches (centimetres) away from the obviously crazy lady next to her.

As you can see, a little self-directed humor goes a long way in remaining thankful for my days in Lyon. Sweet days, fun days, crazy days, exhausting days, silly days, weepy days, exciting days, tedious days, lovely days....I've seen all kinds of days in these first 90. I'm thankful for each and every one of them.

Giving Thanks Day 17: Sunshine!

After many days of gray skies and sprinkles, it was finally sunny today in Lyon. The blue sky that I saw from my living room window beckoned me outdoors. Rather than taking the metro to run my errands, I chose to walk instead. The warm sunshine on my skin felt heavenly!

Bright sun after a period of gloom lifts the spirits. And so it goes with difficult times. The weather this week reminded me that no matter how bad things can seem, those dark days rarely last forever. To quote Annie, the sun WILL come out tomorrow.

God, thank you for this beautiful day!

Giving Thanks, Day 16: Lindsey's turn!

Lindsey, I'm thankful for you, my baby girl. (Heads up: even though you're 11-going-on-18, you'll always be my baby!) I'm thankful for your creativity, your passion, and your joy. You wear your heart on your sleeve. When you're happy, you're really, really happy...and when you're sad, well, we know about that too. You were sad about moving to France, but you have found new things to be joyful about. I give thanks to God that, even though you were so scared to go to your new school, you faced your fears and made the best of it. Now you are surrounded by friends, and you are a shining star among your classmates. 

I'm thankful for your many talents: singing, producing YouTube videos, and acting. I pray that you'll use your talents for the glory of God. More than anything, I give thanks for your faith. Your trust in God has never wavered. May He bless you now and in the years to come!

Lindsey today

Lindsey age 3

Giving Thanks Day 15: New Friends

Today I briefly give thanks for new friends! Briefly, because I just spent several hours with some of them, it's late, and I'm ready for bed.

This evening one of my friends from church hosted a "craft night" at her home. The idea was for people to bring over their craft supplies or a project to work on. Honestly, at the last minute I didn't even want to go. It was rainy and chilly outside, and I just wanted to relax at home. But I knew that it would be a lot of fun, so I went. And yes, it was fun! I learned a new jewelry skill, and came home with a bracelet that I made myself (with lots of help from my friend Elizabeth).

The best part had nothing to do with the crafts, or even the snacks. It was the fellowship: the laughter and the stories shared around the table with my new friends. One friend really encouraged all of us with an amazing testimony of how God drew her close to Himself after the death of her son.

New friendships are delicate, and must be nurtured along, like a young and tender flower. Investing in these new friendships by mixing together the ingredients of time, a listening ear, and fun activities, causes the friendships to blossom. I'm thankful for my new friends, and for this evening's opportunity to gather together!

Giving Thanks, Day 14: Discoveries

Greg and I went for a walk this evening and stumbled across a neighborhood we'd never seen before. Lyon is like that -- you can walk just a few blocks, and each little district has a different personality. Tonight we discovered the quartier known as "Brotteaux," just a couple of km east of our apartment. We were searching for a certain épicerie (a tiny, specialty grocery store) called Little Britain. This store sells foods from England and America, and when ex-pats get a craving for a taste of home, they can find it here -- for a price. A box of Fruit Loops goes for 14 euros; Aunt Jemima pancake syrup or a can of Pam cooking spray will cost you ten.

After browsing through the store, Greg and I continued to wander around a bit. We admired the clean, open square surrounded by little cafes and several spacious apartment buildings. We also found an old train station that looked like it was right out of a movie set. The station is no longer in operation, but the grand facade remains, and it now houses one of the famous Paul Bocuse restaurants. 

Gare des Brotteaux (train station)

Tonight I give thanks for unhurried time to wander through the streets of Lyon, discovering new places right in my own backyard.

Giving Thanks Day 13: Laughter

Today I give thanks for the laughter I hear coming from the living room. Lori and Lindsey are giggling about something, probably a private joke that I'm not allowed to get in on. The girls, despite being five years apart in age, have always gotten along amazingly well. When they are together, usually there's quite a bit of laughter.

A few days ago, we played "Taboo," that game where you have to get your partner to guess a word without using that word or any of the five other related words on the card. Someone said something really funny during the game (I can't remember what it was), but I do remember that we all howled with laughter. It was one of my favorite nights this week.

I think it's really important to laugh often. It relieves stress, and helps you see the sunny side of life. Being able to laugh at myself has helped a lot with culture shock, too. If I can see the humor in my little "faux-pas" then they don't seem like a big deal. And it's true -- they aren't a big deal. So whenever I make a mistake with language or I miss some cultural cue, I just do my best to laugh it off.

They say laughter is the best medicine, and I agree. What are you laughing about today? Share it in the comments.

Giving Thanks Day 12: Scarves

Today was cold and damp in Lyon, a perfect day to stay home, snuggle under a blanket on the couch, and watch movies. This morning, though, Greg and I ventured out and did our usual Saturday morning shopping at the marche for fresh fruits and veggies. Vendors and shoppers alike were bundled up in their overcoats, boots, and scarves. Autumn is definitely here, giving us a preview of the long winter to come.

A couple of days ago, I noticed that all of the cafes had packed away their temporary porches for outdoor seating. The day I happened to notice this was a very warm, pleasant day, and I wondered why the cafes seemed so eager to lose their outdoor clientele. Since then, I've learned that it's a calendar thing -- the outdoor season officially runs from May 1 until October 1. Although the first week of October was beautiful, now it makes sense why the restaurants would put away the curbside chairs and tables -- the change in the weather this week has been dramatic.

I do love the cool, crisp bite in the air. I love seeing the people on the streets wrapped up in their winter clothing. And I love the colorful scarves I see wound tightly around the necks of people walking to and fro; on men and women, old and young. Scarves brighten up a cool autumn day with their vibrant colors. Scarves signify warmth and coziness. Scarves remind me of the great fortune I have to live in this beautiful city, and they also remind me that no matter how cold it gets outside, I'm lucky to have a warm apartment to return home to after a long day out.

Giving Thanks Day 11: Pizza & Movie Night!

I'm thankful for a family tradition we've sustained for many years now: Pizza & Movie Night. We try to have it every week, but with teens it's a lot harder than it used to be to stick to a regular schedule. I make the dough from scratch, and then each person gets to create his or her own individual pizza. Lindsey sticks to plain cheese, while I clean out the entire crisper bin from the fridge to concoct a supreme veggie pie.

We take turns choosing the movie, and the only rule is that we have to select something that hasn't been picked previously. (This was instituted when the girls were preschoolers, content to watch the same movie over and over and over again). Greg is so happy that the girls have expanded their appetites beyond the Barbie Princess and Little Dinosaur genres. He used to long for his turn to choose, so he could finally get some car chases and explosions instead of singing unicorns.

Tonight it was my turn, and I chose "Life of Pi." It's an amazing visual and emotional feast, and I recommend it for its creativity, character development, and surprise twist at the end, despite the heavy universalist message.

Beyond the yummy pizza and the relaxation of watching a good flick, I'm thankful for Pizza & Movie Night because it's a time that we have together as a family, bonding and enjoying each other's company. What about you? Any family traditions that you are thankful for? Share them in the comments!

Giving Thanks Day 10: Women's Bible Study

Every Thursday afternoon, about 10 women come over to my house for Bible study. I'm so thankful for these ladies! They have encouraged me in my walk with Christ as we open the Word together and discover the truths found within. No matter how many times I've read a passage from the Bible on my own, I always get new insights when I discuss that same passage with others. Their perspectives shine new light on familiar scriptures.

Today, we were studied an episode from the life of Jesus found in chapter 4 of Mark's gospel. In this passage, Jesus and his disciples were crossing a lake when a huge storm came up and threatened to sink their boat. The disciples feared for their lives, but Jesus slept peacefully through it all. When the disciples finally woke Jesus up, he immediately calmed the storm just by the command of his voice. The disciples couldn't believe it! They asked one another, "Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!" Together, as we discussed this episode, we talked about the "storms" in our own lives, and how Jesus is right there with us through them. He's not surprised by them or worried about them...he even has the power to calm them. As my new friends shared how they've walked with Jesus during the trials in their own lives, the Bible story came to life for me.

So today I give thanks for these precious, wise women, and for the time we have together each week to study the Word of God.

Giving Thanks Day 9: Google Translate

I don't know what I'd do without Google Translate. I use it several times a day to supplement my French language learning. You do have to be careful: some of the translations are "literal" and don't make sense at all in the real world. Nevertheless, it's a great tool.

In the last 24 hours, I've used Google Translate to help me:
1) write an email to my daughter's school
2) set up a doctor's appointment
3) assist me with my French homework
4) conjugate verbs in past tense
5) translate letters we received from the gas company and our insurance agent

Not only is Google Translate helpful, it's also fun. For example, it proves the theory that everything sounds better in French. Don't believe me? Just do what Lindsey did the other day: type in "you smell like a monkey's behind," translate it into French, and hit the audio button. Even the electronic voice can't take away from the sonorous beauty of the French language!

Giving Thanks Day 8: Tears

I hate to cry! I hate the stuffy head and puffy eyes that linger long after the tears have subsided. But tears can also be quite therapeutic.

Today was one of "those" days. Women will know what I mean...one of those days where the tears just  keep flowing for no apparent reason. Maybe it's stress, perhaps it's culture shock, or it might simply be the changing seasons. Probably a little bit of each. In any case, thanks to a good cry on my dear husband's shoulders, I feel much better. The tears cleansed my soul, and renewed my inner strength. Now I'm ready to face whatever tomorrow brings!

Yes, I'm even thankful for tears....despite the mascara stains.

Giving Thanks Day 7: Doctors

Today I give thanks for everyone in the medical profession. Doctors, dentists, and nurses are people that I don't want to have to visit, but I am so grateful that they are available when I need them! We've only been in France for 2 1/2 months, and so far everyone in our family has had to visit a doctor. My first experience was only a few days after we moved. I got stung by a bee right before leaving the U.S., and unfortunately it got inflamed and infected. I've already blogged about that, but just to summarize again - my experience with the French medical system was overwhelmingly positive. I didn't have to wait long at all to see a doctor, despite (or maybe because of) being new to the country, and the fees were very reasonable.

Last week, Greg and the girls all suffered with upper respiratory illnesses. First Lindsey got it, then Greg, and now Lori has a sore throat and cough. Somehow I escaped (so far). Fortunately, we were able to find a great doctor just a few blocks from our apartment. Dr. "T" was born in New York but has lived and worked in France most of his adult life. He speaks English (a huge bonus) and he is very kind and compassionate. But the thing that blows me away about his office is how simple it is. There's no reception desk, no paperwork to fill out, no nurses. Just Dr. T, and an invisible receptionist somewhere in the building that takes phone calls to set up the appointments. When you walk in, there's a tiny waiting room with 4 or 5 chairs. We've only had to wait 10 or 15 minutes max, even for a same day sick visit. The doctor greets the patients himself, he interviews them at his office desk, and he even does the vital signs (again - there aren't any nurses around to do the routine work). After the exam, he writes up the prescriptions and takes your money. We're not enrolled in the French public system yet, so we pay out of pocket in cash: 35 euros for a sick visit.

Whether this type of doctor's office is typical in France, I'm not entirely sure, but the doctor who took care of my bee sting had a similar setup. In any case, it reminds me of the "olden days" of American medicine that my Dad describes. Days before corporatized medicine, giant insurance conglomerates, and malpractice lawsuits. I'm not going to editorialize or get political -- that's not what this blog is about -- but it's just very interesting to observe the comparisons.

What this blog is about is giving thanks. So, thank you Dr. T, for taking good care of my family this week!

Giving Thanks Day 6: 10K

Two years ago on a trip to Lyon, we stayed with a friend who lived right in the heart of the city.  On a Sunday morning we were awakened by a huge racket coming from the street below. Sundays are normally very calm and quiet in Lyon, so I looked out his 2nd story window to see what was going on. Lo and behold, a race was happening on the city street right below us! Who knew that two years later I'd be running in the same competition.

The "Run in Lyon" is held annually on the first Sunday in October, and there are marathon, semi-marathon, and 10K distances. I had been running short distances about 2-3 times a week, but didn't even consider entering the race until a friend of mine suggested we do the 10K together. Today was the big day, and I'm thankful to say that we finished the race without stopping to walk! It was very exciting -- there were around 20,000 entrants, and the sea of runners in front of us and behind us was massive. People stood along the riverbanks, cheering us on, which made the 6 mile run go by relatively quickly.

Today, I give thanks for legs that can run, and for my friend Wendy (Wendy-with-a-Y) who motivated me to enter the race.

Giving Thanks Day 5: Thankful for....nothing?

A couple of years ago, one of my Classical Conversations Challenge students stumped me with this riddle:

It's more powerful than God. 
It's more evil than the Devil. 
The poor have it. 
The rich need it. 
If you eat it you will die. 

The answer? "Nothing."

I remembered this riddle the other day in French class. My teacher usually begins each morning by asking a few of us to tell her what we did yesterday (the purpose is to have us practice the "passé  composé" verb tense). Typical responses might be: "I shopped with my friends" or "I jogged in the park." The other day, though, someone simply answered "Rien," the French word for "nothing." We all had a laugh, but I have to admit, I was envious of his answer. It had been a long time since I did, well, nothing! My days since arriving in France have been packed full with activity. Normally I don't mind. I love being busy, and I'm admittedly a "list-maker." There's nothing more satisfying to me than checking off a long list of to-do's. But even a type-A driver has her limits. I longed for a day to simply do nothing, and today, I finally got my wish!

Today has been a blissfully lazy Saturday. No appointments to keep. No agenda to maintain. No shopping to do. Just a blank white space on the calendar. Pure joy!

So today, while I remain thankful to God for everything, I'm also thankful to Him for "nothing."

Giving Thanks Day 4: Joyeux Anniversaire, Lori!

I'm so thankful for you, Lori. You came into our lives 17 years ago as a calm and pleasant baby, and you've kept that sweet disposition ever since. You've never given me a difficult time, except possibly about keeping your room clean -- but if that's the only thing I have to complain about, then I am blessed indeed. You remained steady and strong even when we shook up your world with our move to France. Thanks for your willingness to abandon your senior year in America with your head held high. You have faced every challenge with grace. Your faith in the goodness of people is amazing. That's probably why you make friends so easily, and you stay loyal to them through thick and thin. Your Dad and I often comment to one another, "Everyone loves Lori." And nobody loves you more than I do!

Happy 17th, Lori Darlin'.

Lori age 9 at DisneyWorld

Lori today, age 17, with one of her presents - a Tardis poster

Giving Thanks Day 3: My Daily Bread, part 2

Each January I choose a Bible verse to focus on throughout the year. This year, I chose Matthew 4:4, in which Jesus answers Satan's temptation to feed his physical hunger by saying, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." I selected this verse because I knew I needed more of the Word of God in my daily life. 

As a pastor's wife, you can bet that I have a lot of Bible "head knowledge." It's true that I've read through the Bible in its entirety more than once in my life. However, reading the Bible is much more than a race, or a task to be checked off on a to-do list. I need to remember that the words of the Bible are the very words of God! They are His love letter to me. They tell me about His nature. They are living and active. There is power in the words, if I let them sink in and penetrate deep down into my life, down to the very center of my soul. By choosing this verse, I wanted to remind myself that reading God's Word is every bit as essential to my life as feeding my stomach. Like the fresh manna that the Israelites collected day by day in the wilderness, I long to nourish myself with fresh words from God every day.

Jesus reminds us of this truth when his disciples ask him to teach them to pray. Included in his answer, the very familiar "Lord's Prayer," is a petition to God to "give us this day our daily bread." I don't think Jesus is merely reminding us to ask God to feed us physically. I think he's reminding us of our need for spiritual nourishment. In another passage, Jesus told his followers, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." 

I'm so thankful for the Daily Bread of God's Word! How about you? Share in the comments your favorite verse.

Giving Thanks Day 2: My Daily Bread, part 1

One of my friends in America made her own bread from scratch every day. I'm lazy, so what's my solution for fresh bread? Move to France! Just about every morning, I walk to the boulangerie on the corner and buy a fresh baguette. I try to linger just a few moments, capturing the delicious smells wafting in from the back of the shop. Mmmmmm! Then I strut back home, feeling really "French" with my scarf wrapped around my neck and a baguette tucked under one arm. I carry the manna upstairs to my family, and we devour it instantly, topped with Bonne Maman confiture. If any bread remains later in the day, Lori finishes it off it accompanied by camembert or brie -- her favorite afternoon snack.

I'm thankful for my daily bread, and for the capable hands that bake it. My own hands may be lazy when it comes to baking bread, but I'm quite thankful that the only ingredients I need for a the perfect loaf are a two-minute walk, a cheerful "bonjour," and 90 centimes in my pocket. This recipe fills my stomach; tomorrow I'll give thanks for the Bread that fills my soul.

Lindsey enjoys another bakery treat: pain au chocolat