10,000 Reasons

Our community is creating a list of ten thousand reasons to be grateful.  It’s a big number, but our God loves us and He is bigger than all of our problems.  He has great plans for us!  Let’s take some time each day to think about why we love God, what wonderful ways He’s blessed us, and what we have to praise Him for!

1. God’s wild love
2. summery weather
3. health
4. sheep & their wool
5. reconciliation
6. the opportunity to raise sheep, goats, & chickens
7. that the Lord has a lot more in store for us regardless of our age
8. justice
9. surgeons
10. a bold malbec
11. answered prayer
12. unanswered prayer
13. heated cars (and car seats)
14. backrubs
15. that God doesn’t want us to be alone
16. cumin
17. the Bible
18. Benefiber
19. Warm afternoon runs
20. two cars that usually work
21. good talks with friends
22. gospel choirs
23. Kim & David
24. God’s plan, which is far better than mine
25. Chris O’s parents
26. dried fruit (it’s like candy without the guilt!)
27. grapes
28. hot buttered bread
29. faith
30. BTFE
31. Coffee and God with a dear friend
32. Mt Hood
33. Hayden
34. good conversation
35. backyard camping
36. putting a ponytail in my daughter’s hair
37. soft blankets
38. hearts that beat 100,000 times a day without us needing to think about it
39. date nights with a BFF
40. random acts of kindness
41. great friends
42. Bear Hugs
43. being alive
44. girl time
45. Integrity
46. how God leads me
47. hugs and smiles on our greeters’ faces each Sunday morning
48. books
49. the warmth of a hug
50. gardens
51. teens who shower every day
52. Color!
53. humility
54. the ribeye
55. songs of praise
56. raspberries
57. memory
58. cake
59. meeting need in our communities
60. being able to feel rewarded by a job
61. our varied world
62. castile soap
63. stars
64. afternoon naps in the sun
65. TODAY
66. Lloyd’s health
67. safety
68. the Pacific Northwest
69. pumpkin anything
70. hikes
71. the power of worship
72. opportunities to serve
73. hot ham sandwiches
74. Anne’s sisters
75. The ponds behind my house
76. quiet toys
77. Meghan T’s son
78. Cory and Karadee
79. Brisk cold early morning runs
80. Mumford & Sons
81. Zoe
82. Rob & Kathy
83. sense of humor
84. truth
85. Kleenex
86. college graduation!
87. cornbread
88. Jim & Mimi
89. having the courage to stand up for what’s right
90. pictures
91. mentors
92. God’s tangible presence
93. Riverview Elementary
94. Kevin D. and his inspiring love, patience, humor, and hardworking attitude
95. people who are crazy in love with Jesus
96. friends who never let you down
97. Kristen
98. pie
99. Jordan
100. people with contagious passion
101. parents who give their children a love of reading
102. black olives
103. inner-city ministries
104. fresh air
105. Professors who are amazing
106. enough money to just make it every month
107. Choice
108. Obi & Fozzy
109. Sue & Ed
110. Cookies
111. coupons
112. BBQ
113. pictures to capture great memories
114. birthday parties
115. another day
116. God’s infinite wisdom
117. prayer partners at work
118. being able to name so many things to be thankful for
119. Stephanie
120. Mother Teresa
121. “shoulder angels”
122. our real and loving Real Life community
123. Prayer anytime anyplace
124. teaching my sister to loop knit
125. God’s way to utilize someone like me
126. A God who is everlasting
127. sitting in the sun on a cold day
128. warm drinks
129. God’s strength through me
130. Pop Tarts
131. umbrellas
132. Jesse’s sacrifice
133. Chanel’s Real Life Family
134. fresh starts
135. friends like Chase
136. time to read!
137. comfy reading chairs
138. friendships
139. hope
140. healthy pregnancies
141. time to write
142. kitties
143. good lap-cats
144. Popeye’s Chicken
145. volunteers
146. candles at Christmas
147. The serenity of a quiet golf course
148. Kim B’s unborn grandbaby
149. BandAids (especially if they have Batman on them)
150. a spirit of thankfulness
151. Freedom
152. being able to freely celebrate Christ’s birth
153. Karadee’s church family
154. Nelson Mandela
155. God’s provision for my needs
156. Colette
157. God’s presence
158. Chancel Choir
159. clean socks
160. teeth
161. Philippians 4:8
162. Hot, running water
163. Kylee
164. Sarah A.
165. lessons learned
166. Clean water whenever we need it
167. these little blessings that call me mommy
168. Shelly A, who radiates God’s love
169. parents
170. beach sunsets
171. Celebrating communion together
172. nutmeg
173. the brilliant, hardworking, fearless, tireless Daniel W.
174. peaches
175. groceries
176. Family, Friends and Communities held together with love
177. Tracy H.
178. A God who supplies
179. freedom to create
180. opportunities and experiences
181. daily relaitionship with my wife Mary
182. sharing
183. VSAA
184. pets
185. Ken H.
186. God came to us as a human
187. Lisa Wilson
188. Liz
189. fingernail polish
190. Elijah
191. Meghan T’s parents’ health
192. the variety of sunrises and sunsets
193. Tess M, whose compassion sets an example
194. Katie and her unbelievable ability to do almost anything
195. Katie B.
196. Wanda
197. Praise in my heart
198. puddles to jump in
199. A God who delights
200. Palm Sunday
201. 3 wonderful children
202. warm homes
203. All creation singing God’s praise
204. chocolate
205. Alicia’s church family
206. zipping my kids’ coats
207. guitars
208. people with giving spirits
209. Heat
210. MUSIC
211. the people who work at Rite Aid
212. The blessing of being able to work
213. floss
214. Excellent teaching in our church
215. coffee grinds
216. kids’ crazy laughter
217. Cathy
218. my horse
219. Children learning of Jesus’s Love
220. Nicole & Jeremy
221. our desire to seek God
222. Fairview
223. Jackie
224. Kim O.
225. indoor plumbing
226. Five Guys Burgers
227. grace before dinner
228. Tascha and Brendon
229. Megan’s husband
230. Scott D, who’s brought so many to God through music
231. Grandma Matta
232. my sister’s opportunity to study in France
233. chicken
234. Andrew
235. getting good news
236. stories that tell great truths
237. Pastor Jeff
238. Grey Poupon
239. visits from family
240. sitting in the sun
241. Football
242. ballet
243. missionaries in dangerous areas
244. happiness
245. stay-above-the-fray husband
246. Staples ink rewards program
247. the Oregon coast
248. socks
249. Kitty
250. the beauty of this moment
251. edifying words
252. appreciation
253. costumes
254. Rend Collective
255. change
256. when God comes alongside us in times of need
257. Christopher
258. birthdays
259. colorful fall leaves
260. Eric
261. community
262. angels
263. Christmas cards to spread the joy of the holidays
264. Mike C’s dogs
265. sweet potatoes
266. craft time
267. saving my uncle in the hospital and in life
268. inspiration
269. puppies
270. Terry
271. worshipping with my husband
272. Sarah
273. the Dunbars’ Life Group
274. Earth
275. jeans that fit most of the time
276. human variety in form and character
277. The armed forces of the USA
278. “coincidences” that show God’s perfect timing
279. fingernails
280. funny, awesome, crazy junior high girls
281. strawberries
282. Jesus’ parables
283. stability
284. loft storage
285. new life
286. the Columbia River Gorge
287. salvation
288. coconut oil
289. Cathy N.
290. sunshine
291. sprinkles
292. surprise dates
293. my children who are working to build up God’s kingdom on earth and teaching others about it
294. Real Life Christmas choir
295. The Separation State
296. peace
297. Kassidi
298. discovering new things
299. Cory & Karadee for inviting Danielle to Real Life
300. moms
301. our bodies’ ability to absorb nutrients and grow and heal
302. Vicky P.
303. voices that can do everything from whisper to sing
304. bass guitars
305. fair trade stuff
306. hockey games with friends
307. Amanda & Ben
308. the warm and secure home God has provided.
309. squirrels chasing the birds on our bird feeder
310. God’s sustaining grace
311. surprising my kids
312. The freedom to fail
313. gratitude
314. good cooks
315. my cat, Zorro
316. the ability to sew
317. smartphones
318. opportunities
319. determination
320. Kari
321. safe neighborhoods
322. Christmas
323. The spots on a fawn
324. football
325. Vince & Carrie
326. pizza
327. Arlene
328. our church friends in Myrtle Creek, OR
329. Cole
330. vegetable gardens
331. Legs that run and love running
332. answered prayer when it’s least expected
333. Karadee’s BFFs
334. hearing the right song at just the right time
335. John Steinbeck
336. brothers
337. quiet, foggy mornings
338. Friends
339. A God who is a strong fortress
340. Praise songs in my head
341. Pam
342. Tiny baby giggles
343. empathetic people
344. Marilyn
345. Christmas lights
346. nutritious “real” foods and how our bodies crave them
347. the ease of communication through modern technology
348. Frank C’s successful heart procedure
349. gravy
350. the time to volunteer in my daughter’s classroom
351. inquisitive children
352. the skill to decorate cakes
353. Jeff & Shelly for helping Danielle restart her relationship with God
354. New life in God
355. kids who challenge us to be better mothers
356. people who can discuss controversial topics calmly and rationally
357. KC
358. forgiveness by God’s sacrifice
359. Jackson
360. God’s timing, which is perfect
361. stuffing
362. RLSM
363. Yeowie
364. Easter
365. pain meds
366. the Towner pets
367. The privilege of watching our kids grow
368. history
369. finding lovies
370. the first hug from a little granddaughter
371. Mark’s goofy jokes
372. Cory D’s hard work
373. Tom S.
374. shoes
375. Hand-written letters from Grandmothers
376. massages
377. turkey legs
378. blessing others
379. Megan’s children
380. Jessica B.
381. Mary Magdalene
382. Mike C’s home
383. Family
384. how God healed David E.
385. Bryan
386. Danielle J’s mother
387. electric mixers
388. Hot showers on cold days
389. blankets
390. Lloyd’s family
391. turkey
392. weddings
393. Alden
394. Patience
395. worship time
396. baking
397. funny sisters
398. Miguel T. and Lex R, who always encouraged my writing
399. The soothing purr of a cat
400. my bird, June
401. Andrew, Reese, Lauren & Ryan
402. Danielle J’s kids
403. tight hugs
404. Amazing Grace
405. violins
406. Life
407. strong arms & legs
408. Chase
409. Box Tops for Education
410. the Gospel writers
411. Phone call from my husband just to remind me that he’s looking forward to our date tomorrow
412. Jaleanna
413. prophets
414. the love of Jesus Christ
415. my Jeep
416. Random texts from friends
417. freedom
418. God uses me to do his will
419. berry empanadas
420. our five senses
421. Drew
422. living in Vancouver, WA
423. worshipping with Life Group
424. Coach purses
425. AJ
426. getting to surprise someone else
427. Michael A.
428. the moon
429. police
430. healthy hair
431. Abby
432. letters from friends
433. my parents
434. tears
435. kids
436. children who listen
437. Everett
438. being cozy
439. hats
440. kittens
441. Katherine A. and how joyfully she lives her life
442. fireplaces
443. Mike C’s job
444. David
445. LED flashlights
446. brains that handle 10,000 thoughts per day
447. Our veterans
448. the ocean
449. welcome boxes
450. Chris O’s siblings
451. God’s voice
452. Kennedy
453. dates with Mary
454. getting to sing in a choir again
455. “mental health days”
456. Lisa & Grant
457. sunny days
458. epic breakfasts
459. Legos
460. sunflowers
461. friends who help us keep perspective
462. Acts 10:15
463. My job
464. Waterfalls
465. funny things kids say
466. a roof to keep us dry
467. Isabella
468. calculators
469. Danielle J.
470. Internet access
471. Meghan T’s dad
472. Uncle Reese
473. Grandparents
474. Cory
475. Skyler
476. Zachary
477. Meghan T’s sisters
478. Uncle Chase
479. supportive family
480. this is not the end
481. kissing owies
482. Megan’s sister
483. Bel Canto
484. cookies
485. pianos
486. Kim & Ted
487. Face Time with my kids far away
488. a plush dragon that roars
489. The Bible’s complexity, wisdom, and the thrill of discovery
490. Debbie T.’s successful surgery
491. healing music
492. God
493. healing
494. Surprises
495. Meghan T’s love of family
496. blue skies
497. Mom’s advice
498. people praising God
499. Ebay sales
500. Thomas
501. Theresa & Bob
502. boots
503. Being able to teach a child about our wonderful God and what He gives us each day
504. Josh and Adria
505. our extended families
506. Jesse
507. Cindy & Daniel W.
508. the awesome kids I work with
509. Payton
510. Excellent moving worship at our church
511. Ray Bradbury
512. Noah
513. God sees and knows us and still loves us
514. family time
515. rain
516. Apple products
517. laptops
518. A God who leads
519. Burgerville
520. Love
521. Real Life Church!
522. LAUGHTER
523. Gungor
524. Gods faithfulness and grace which I usually don’t deserve
525. Keith
526. Medicine when we’re sick
527. school
528. Meghan T’s faults and strengths
529. God’s inescapable presence
530. Real Life’s focus on individual faith
531. Joyce & Patti
532. having a home
533. the miracle of the Christmas season
534. the beauty of the universe
535. Sunshine
536. a hope and a future
537. The Guisingers
538. nothing is too hard for God
539. counselors
540. Ashley
541. FPU
542. Anna
543. a mug of hot water
544. Suzanne
545. Knit hats
546. Grandpa Matta
547. the joy of trying new things (and discovering you like them)
548. optimistic people
549. CS Lewis
550. money to care for pets
551. Skippyjon Jones
552. pianos
553. sushi
554. listening to my kids read
555. when we are afraid, He is strong
556. camping
557. Date nights
558. RL students
559. the special little moments with our children
560. God’s perfect timing
561. sacrifice
562. praising God while in the car listening to the radio
563. Jared F.
564. God’s generosity
565. apple pie
566. Cameron
567. no one is too far from God for Him to reach them.o
568. The ability to rely on Father God
569. Trees for winter firewood
570. +UPs
571. good science fiction books
572. ebates
573. respect
574. Life Groups!
575. Cory D.
576. awesome husband
577. Katherine
578. Sisters
579. The USA where we have freedom to vote and to assemble
580. “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” by Stuart Townend
581. the Virgin Mary
582. Jeff’s “Eyes Wide Open” sermon
583. My home
584. my kittens, Holly & Hunter
585. whiteboards
586. God’s healing
587. wrestling
588. Mark 7:19
589. BJ & Denise
590. pumpkins
591. being able to stick to a routine
592. Christie’s voice
593. being homeowners!
594. Elsa
595. Cuties
596. knitting in the second row
597. Kindness
598. putting smiles on others’ faces
599. picnics
600. Jenny & Mike
601. words of encouragement
602. the beautiful colors of sunset
603. my family’s love of Legos
604. fresh baked anything
605. a daily relationship with Jesus
606. Plenty of money
607. Ric
608. the power of a thankful heart
609. Everybody at youth group
610. gainful employment
611. libraries
612. Mike C’s kids
613. Kristen & Karl
614. “East of Eden”
615. seeing God’s love shine though my girls
616. My imagination
617. “internal censors”
618. Meghan T’s health
619. provision
620. doing the next right thing
621. Llama Llama books
622. cell phones I don’t own
623. seasons of changes
624. being forgiven
625. fuzzy blankets
626. a warm & cozy home to return to after work
627. God’s provision for my needs with an abundance that can be shared with others.
628. Mike C’s parents
629. the smart, witty Dunbar kids
630. three day weekends
631. enjoying fall breezes from a warm house
632. the life I have in Jesus because of his love for me
633. paper
634. Ability to organize in the midst of chaos
635. growth
636. Danielle J’s spouse
637. Trees for summer shade
638. God’s patience
639. lip gloss
640. youth group
641. God’s nudges when there’s something better I could be doing
642. Vince and Morgan
643. Meghan T’s husband
644. Chris O.
645. ice cream cake
646. hugs
647. Mike and Linda
648. traveling across country
649. Michael
650. Food
651. drums
652. the beach
653. a changed character
654. Thanksgiving
655. Michelle
656. time to read
657. Real Life community
658. Open House
659. a reliable car that gets me to/from work and church
660. Dr. Scott D
661. cold rainy days when you can sleep in
662. miracles
663. when we look with open eyes, we can always see God’s power moving in our lives
664. a full stomach
665. giving to Real Life
666. Karadee’s job
667. ice cream
668. fruit
669. when God gives us the perfect words for a situation
670. Anna C.
671. pumpkin pie
672. Sunday School teachers
673. rainy days
674. Breeanna
675. Good Friday
676. Raphe
677. Friends who stick with you
678. coffee to wake us up when all we want to do is sleep
679. Brave Girls
680. creative outlets
681. A worship team that can rock and also sound like angels from heaven
682. God’s love reflected in the laughter of children
683. living in the beautiful Northwest
684. God’s peace
685. chapstick
686. cozy days by the fire
687. computers
688. the ability to bear children
689. volunteer opportunites
690. dinner on time
691. The constant love, support, and joy in our church staff
692. iPhones
693. hot coffee
694. Chris & Misty M.
695. Steve T.
696. Mike C’s grandkids
697. direction
698. the ability to appreciate others
699. eyes to see our beautiful world (even in the dark!)
700. cake decorating abilities
701. God’s love
702. Good smells
703. the best friends in the whole world
704. Jeff M.
705. clothing
706. the Crockpot
707. easy access to both the city and the wildnerness
708. my daughter showing God’s love and compassion to a classmate
709. The freedom to be JOYFUL
710. God’s goodness is not dependent on our own strength
711. Aiden
712. Creative minds
713. warm coats
714. warm and cozy beds
715. God’s unswerving faithfulness
716. quilts
717. Jerad & Kylie M.
718. LeapPad
719. when you laugh so hard you cry
720. worship songs that remind us of truth long after singing them
721. selfless love found in the friendship of a good dog
722. flowers
723. the ability to be thankful in tough times
724. Moleskine notebooks
725. U.S. Marines
726. Jim & Donna
727. God’s attention to me
728. faithfulness
729. epic backpacking trips
730. Grandpa Redner
731. hot showers
732. servicemen and women
733. getting the mail
734. the Dunbars’ helpful neighbor, Mike
735. victories small and big
736. ears to hear
737. Tom and Janet
738. Mrs. Brusseau
739. purpose
740. Karen N
741. the sun
742. pets who think their owners are cool
743. prison ministries
744. Nova
745. Teri & John
746. memories, both sad and happy
747. grandparents who are still around to share the holidays with their grandkids and great-grandkids
748. health care
749. being able to crochet in spite of arthritis in my hands
750. Disney
751. my son’s fearlessness to wear costumes everywhere
752. Thanksgiving
753. dragon, shark, meerkat, otter, pirate, bunny, mouse, Batman costumes
754. Mike C’s wife
755. Catalinas
756. animals
757. playing with my kids
758. everything good
759. honesty
760. God’s provision in my heart for my desires
761. Matt and Melissa
762. a job I that I actually like and allows me to help others
763. Reese
764. sunshine after many rainy days so all the colors are vibrant again
765. Wendy
766. hot chocolate
767. Mark, Janet, & Becky
768. the best dogs in the world
769. problems that challenge us and make us thankful
770. Caleb
771. stepdads who take in kids that aren’t theirs
772. Indian summers
773. God’s peace that surpasses all understanding
774. my apartment
775. compassion
776. friends to laugh with
777. Braden
778. Joy
779. singing
780. leftovers
781. aunties
782. our desire to learn
783. the Orta kids
784. youth leaders
785. Danielle’s Real Life family
786. the variety of nature
787. a good car and truck to drive
788. walking
789. OfficeMax ink rewards program
790. farmers!
791. bacon
792. leaves to roll in
793. Emily
794. Bruce & Sarah
795. watching my kids play sports
796. being a loving mother
797. stopping slavery
798. Brenna
799. a job that I love
800. Kyra
801. tomato soup with grilled cheese
802. spiritual gifts
803. instructors who grade on a curve!
804. Maureen & John
805. Mike W.
806. Rachel P.
807. Narnia
808. evergreen trees
809. Meghan T’s daughter
810. art
811. the Hallelujah chorus
812. brothers and sisters and neices and nephews that call after a heart procedure
813. Aunt Trudy
814. my father’s sobriety
815. Misty’s friends
816. clean clothes
817. for healing Matthew
818. Donna
819. Habitat for Humanity Restore
820. Alicia’s grandpa
821. Karen A, who nurtures and inspires me
822. schoolteachers
823. Kylie Jenkins
824. mothers who teach us well and instill us with morals and values
825. singing at home, in the car, on the job, etc.
826. God is with me
827. free shipping
828. Valentines
829. Andrew
830. Brooke
831. being employed
832. Lloyd’s job
833. Meghan T’s mom
834. farmers’ markets
835. support
836. new blooming flowers
837. Birds on our bird feeder
838. a car that starts most of the time
839. The Cross
840. comfort
841. knowing someone so well you can finish each other’s sentences
842. Our health
843. being born again, not my righteousness, but His
844. The deer in our yard
845. days off
846. wildflowers
847. intuition
848. Leah
849. Lloyd’s home
850. being in love
851. my spiritual family – the people God placed in my life for mutual support and joy
852. Keri Lynn & Stan
853. Ashley and Connor N.
854. family
855. Luke 1:33
856. tea
857. Warm homemade soup
858. God gave us life
859. my grandchildren learning how to love and serve Jesus
860. redemption
861. taking lunch to school
862. a child who listens while wearing a dragon costume
863. rocks
864. Brita pitchers
865. Alicia’s mom
866. Kyler Jenkins
867. sense of humor
868. Frank C’s job
869. helpful friends
870. Winter Jam
871. movies
872. getting to put up our first Christmas tree in our new home
873. the excitement of first-time parents
874. Jehovah
875. finding lost money
876. grandbabies
877. how God cares for us
878. lazy reading days
879. when a hasty, poor first impression of someone turns out to be wrong
880. second chances
881. cool bosses
882. modern medicine
883. spring flowers
884. snow days
885. great teachers, inside the classroom & out
886. the Orta-Warren family
887. finding a church my family loves!
888. Luke Jenkins
889. when the husband brings home flowers!
890. Christmas decorations
891. setting aside an evening for driving around to look at Christmas lights
892. when we get a chance to see a comet or eclipse
893. being able to stick to goals
894. Friends of Trees
895. mason bees
896. nail files
897. when my husband rubs my back – not a full backrub, just when he reaches over in the moment and puts his hand on me
898. clothes steamer
899. Costco
900. foam mattresses
901. Junior
902. Financial Peace
903. spellcheck
904. raincoats
905. consignment sales
906. How To Train Your Dragon (both books & movies)
907. encouraging others
908. Nancy Cutlip
909. neighbors
910. the toddler in the third row
911. NPH
912. peanut M&Ms
913. Rubbermaid storage bins
914. church homework
915. thank-you cards
916. cookbooks
917. Monster Busters
918. Meghan’s son’s reactions to her playing Monster Busters
919. Amazon Smile
920. church air conditioning
921. how Real Life celebrates
922. SuperCuts
923. Chuck’s Produce
924. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
925. Meghan’s son’s love of dragon “facts”
926. Meghan’s kids’ teachers
927. Riverview’s PTO board
928. Meghan’s daughter’s ability to ride her bike
929. M&Ms
930. Halloween decorations
931. the sanctuary’s new light fixtures
932. Life Group families
933. water-resistant sneakers
934. getting to write worship songs
935. the sense of renewal that comes from a New Year
936. Mike & Rachele Weeks
937. Selah
938. Ashley Norris
939. peppermint bark
940. cats
941. dogs
942. chargers
943. Lorrie’s grandkids
944. technology to help us stay in touch with family around the world
945. the joy of watching this congregation grow in love and understanding of God’s word
946. that God loves us no matter what
947. doctors and nurses who work hard to figure out what is really wrong and then work hard to fix it