Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at First Day of My Life

"It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it." L.M. Montgomery

Traveling in Europe was great fun. We met many awesome people...and witnessed firsthand that even though we may come from different cultures, speak different languages or hold different customs.....we're all pretty much the same. We're people with the same hopes, dreams and desires. I'm thankful for so much, especially for.....

-bonding tighter with my girls. We've become closer......I see them in a different light....almost as if somehow we've all grown up a bit. I feel privileged to be their mom. They're great people....kind, gentle and good. 
-The many wonderful people we encountered along the way....Jacob - the sweet older Jewish man, the two women from Kent that we met at the Anne Frank Annex, the older couple from Texas who told us they were amazed at our family and we were of theirs, the locals in each city who showed us only kindness and helpfulness.  
-the stories we heard that forever changed us - Anne Frank and the people who hid in the Annex desperate and hopeful to live....Corrie Ten Boom's gentle family and their sacrificial lifestyle that resulted in most of them dying in the worst imaginable way. 
-the sights that are forever embedded in our minds - the sparkling Effiel Tower, standing in front of Rembrandt paintings and other known artists, the buildings and churches rich in historical significance......and so much more. 
-mostly though.....that He takes our lives and forever changes us....It's my bond with Him that I am mostly thankful for. He's taken my life and given me more than I could ever have dreamed possible. I want to live good and give back....so that He's never sorry He loved me enough to pull me out of the darkness I was in.....He's my hope....my courage....and the reason life has become this good.
 

21 comments:

Tracy said...

Nikki,
What a great summary and I loved that you were able to visit the places where others have gone, Anne Frank and Corrie Ten Boom...I am also glad you were able to spend time with your girls. What memories you've given them.

Just Be Real said...

Seems your heart learned and connected a lot on this trip Nikki with your children! WoW!

Your trip has revealed wonderful people and the places you went to. Thanking you for sharing thus far.

Hugs and blessings my dear!

joy said...

Good to have you back Nikki and I am so happy for you and your girls. Very enriching trip and memorable. Thanks also for dropping by and your Nice comment :)

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

I really like the quote by LM Montgomery and it is so true!
What a wonderful trip you had with your girls, Nikki. My son visited the Ann Frank place when he was there last Summer.
Thank you for another thought provoking post and have a beautiful day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Mary said...

Sounds like an amazing trip, what fun to experience it with your girls! I can just imagine you all there, and the excitement of it all!

xxoo

highheeledlife said...

Travelling and meeting different people around the world really has a therapeutic component to it... I'm not sure what or how it happens but it is life altering ...getting you back on path. Wishing you a fabulous week! xo HHL

Esther Joy said...

I'm so glad for you that you got to go on this trip with your girls. What a great experience for each of you!

Cami said...

First off, Thank for linking up to First Day of My Life's Thankful Thursday! <3 And thank you always for your nice, thoughtful comments! You make my day.

Happy to hear you had an amazing time in Europe!! I agree- despite the outer appearance, we are ALL the time.

Happy to hear you are getting closer with your girls. That is beautiful :) Happy early Mother's day!!

God is so good!!! Hope you continue having a lovely day!

Unknown said...

Hi Nikki,

Nice post, thanks for sharing. Guess you visited my homeland then. Sounds a truly delightful time with your girls

Glenda said...

You were able to see places I'll probably never see; it must have been the trip of a lifetime - in many ways! I like the way you ended, though, putting Him at the top of your gratitude list!

Terri Tiffany said...

You went to Europe!! How wonderful! I have only been to Paris but loved it so much!

Wendy @ E-1-A said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip!

RCUBEs said...

I'm pretty sure your travel filled your hearts with warm mem'ries. I love Corrie Ten Boom's inspiring faith and selfless acts of love toward others. May we all grow in His likeness. God bless you sister and always be strong in the Lord's mighty power!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh darlin', I'm just thrilled ya had the opportunity to do this. Sounds like you gained a lifetime of wonderful memories.

God bless ya sweetie and have yourself one fine day!!! :o)

Carrie Van Horn said...

Your trip was a journey in learning and growth.....happy Thursday Sarah! :-)

Debbie said...

May I be among the first to say WELCOME HOME? I know you had a wonderful and life changing time in Europe. You mentioned some places that I very much would like to see.

I'm thankful that it was a safe journey!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so thrilled for you and your family. Traveling to Europe is something that changes your life forever.

TexWisGirl said...

very nice way to summarize what must have been an incredible trip.

Denise said...

Sounds like an awesome trip.

Dimple said...

I can only say amen and hallelujah to your last paragraph. The only reason there is anything good in this world is because of His goodness.

Chatty Crone said...

Happy Mother's Day! sandie