After almost seven years of having this blog, I can definitely say that I am SO thankful for 15/16-year-old Clouds taking that chance and starting this little piece of what is now my life on (digital) paper.

I’m also very thankful for getting to know Jesus and being able to share many things about Him and how He’s changed my life. Let’s not forget that I’ve improved a whole lot in my way of writing and way of thinking over the years, but I’m thankful for what I’ve been able to write in the past to look back on.

Thursday was Thanksgiving and though we don’t really celebrate it here on the island as a national festivity (as is done in the US), as a church we do celebrate it every year. Last Saturday, our children’s ministry organized a Thanksgiving breakfast & lunch for the kids and it really was something special to experience. Spending time with the children and everyone who was involved was truly a great reminder to always be thankful for the moments we’re able to experience in our lives, no matter how small they may seem.

I was definitely thankful for just being present with these wonderful children and with each of the teachers and helpers. I was thankful for impromptu dances to Christmas songs, rushing around to get everyone everything they needed, for long and very slow mornings for the kids to just play around, eat their bellies full, and have a good day spent. I’m especially thankful to God for the incredible grace He’s permitted me to be in this position of teacher (of the Word of God).

I’m so thankful for my wonderful family and friends whom I get to spend time with (whether near or far). I am thankful for my church family and community with whom I have been able to spend so much time after this pandemic hit and to the families that received me in their home for 3 weeks when I visited the US for the very first time this year.

I’m thankful for my mom, stepdad, and brothers in the Netherlands that are healthy and happy as they continue with what God puts before them every day by His grace and mercy. I am thankful for my greatest and best of friends who are doing great in their lives and are experiencing beautiful new challenges in life. I am thankful for the ones whom I haven’t heard from or seen for a long time, but still have the patience and love with me when I have to cancel calls or still can’t get to them because life sometimes is a bit too hectic.

I am thankful for the hard seasons where God had to pull me by the ear to remind me of my priorities in life. I am thankful for the dark moments that I was able to get out of because of God and loved ones who encouraged me to get better. I am thankful for exercising my body. I am thankful for music that has always been one of my places of refuge as a young child until now and for always being a place of peace and creativity.

I am most thankful for my Lord Jesus, the One who saved me of my wretched sins and my foolishness. I am thankful that my father, stepmother, and others have prayed for me to know Jesus for years prior to coming to faith. I am thankful for the ones who have come to know Jesus for many years now and those who came to know Him just this year and dedicated their lives to Him. I am thankful for encouragers and for others that love like Jesus loves and pray fervently for everything because they know their dependence is on God alone.

I praise God continually every day of my life because I know there are still many people coming to faith in Jesus and are trying to seek Him and get to know Him, as well as others who are preaching Jesus to the ones who have yet to come to faith in Him.

¹ I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
    I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
² I will be glad and exult in you;
    I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

 Psalm 9:1-2

May you be reminded, today and always, to give thanks no matter what, because this is the will of God for your life.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Blessings.

Yours Sincerely,

Clouds.

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