Last night I challenged our folks to practice Intentional Thankfulness by writing down 100 things, events, people,experiences etc as an act of worship to God who has given us each sooooo much - so take the challenge! Remember to put them up publically on Facebook or your blog or even just email them to someone. Here are mine (not in any order)
1. Jesus saved me--
2. My wife Andrea--
3. Carly Gerwig--
4. Jessi Gerwig--
5. the gifts of pastor teacher --
6. My wonderful father --
7. The Mother who loved me to much--
8. My friends--
9. The way Music moves me--
10. Tastebuds and the variety of foods and drinks --
11. The scriptures--
12. My Harleys and the joy of motorcycling--
13. The guitars I've loved--
14. Spending time in Hungary with Andrea's family--
15. The family vacations in our motorhome--
16. The family vacations in Hawaii and Europe--
17. The Mission experiences in Europe and Russia over the years--
18. Preaching and studying God's word--
19. Our home (s) over the years--
20. Mexican food--
21. Good beer enjoyed with friends--
22. great cigars enjoyed with friends--
23. being privileged to live in California--
24. my health--
25. the health of my family--
26. a bounty of material blessing --
27. color and eyes to see it and be amazed--
28. the team I serve with at Elevation--
29. Omar Spence as a ministry partner and friend--
30. getting to attend a church with wonderful worship--
31. our beloved dogs chilly dog, yellow dog, diesel and maxx--
32. the opportunity to--
33. the people who have provided financial support for us--
34. to get to plant a new church--
35. the memorable and powerful Lithuania mission Trips--
36. the ocean--
37. the surfing years--
38. having had the opportunity to play music for a living--
39. my father in law--
40. my mother in law--
41. breakfast with Willie G Davidson of HD--
42. The 3 trips to Sturgis--
43. Allen Coleman's friendship--
44. My deck under the redwoods--
45. My daughters faith and salvation--
46. My wifes salvation--
47. My wife's partnership in ministry--
48. The elevation Board of Directors--
49. Mary Henschell as our admin --
50. Terri Clarke as the Elevation Children's ministry czar--
51. The people who set up tear down, cook, tech and all areas of ministry at Elevation--
52. Steve Ogne as a church planting coach--
53. the memorable and powerful Czech mission Trip--
54. Steve Larson as a model--
55. God listens to and answers my prayer--
56. Brian Guzman as an apprentice--
57. Brian Martin and Abram Gomez--
58. The young men planning churches who grew under my ministry--
59. Peace inside and ongoing--
60. The provision of a job in a bad economy--
61. last weekend's time with Andrea--
62. the van and truck God gave us for free--
63. the times God has saved me from death in accidents--
64. the years at youth for Christ--
65. missionary work in Europe with Carly--
66. The amazing gifts of the Elevation team--
67. the many years of Mexico mission trips as a family--
68. the support of the missionary church--
69. the memorable and powerful Russia mission Trips--
70. this years missionary church convention--
71. the trip to Seattle with the Brandes--
72. The trip to Mesa Verde--
73. White water rafting trips--
74. the memorable Denmark mission trip--
75. Leading people to Christ and seeing new life--
76. Seeing God heal people--
77. The view from my home that refreshes me--
78. The financial provision for Elevation--
79. Being truly loved and Andrea--
80. The years playing guitar--
81. Bob and Tracy Dillon's dear friendship--
82. The amazing concerts I have seen over the years that have brought me such joy--
83. Memories of camping--
84. The fishing days with the guys--
85. Growing up Gerwig and my families desire to give me a great childhood--
86. the memorable and powerful Poland trips--
87. memories of skateboarding around Santa Monica as a boy--
88. the trips to West Virginia to visit family as a young man--
89. wakefest camps and hundred's of youth trips and spiritual high-times with students--
90. 1 million amazing discussions with people as they grow towards Jesus--
91. being born with a sense humor--
92. The Trip across Europe with my family in the van--
93. The place we meet at Christian Life Center--
94. The opportunity to live in a free country--
95. The smiles and laughter of my kids--
96. Freedom from addictions--
97. Grace for my slow progress as a follower of Jesus--
98. The Holy Spirit who lives in my guides me and teaches me--
99. Apple computers--
100. Jesus's fellowship--
101. you.
Lord, these are from you and I give you thankfulness and praise for your goodness!
