Give thanks

Hanging in our living room is this cute little chalkboard (made by Whitney) and I enjoy writing messages that will encourage us and/or make us smile. For several days now, this has been the message: Give thanks.

It's interesting to note how many times I have been in the middle of something not going so well, and my eyes "happen" to glance at that little sign. 1 Thes. 5:18 tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." All circumstances? Yes, ALL. Amazingly, giving thanks puts a new spin on things. I can be feeling a little blue and begin to thank the Lord for life's blessings, big and small . . . and my heart begins to change.

Give thanks

My brother, Jeff, is recovering from the operation on his broken leg. We still don't know what the final result will be, but we're thankful that he made it through the anesthesia and the trauma of surgery. Thank you, Lord, for protecting and watching over sweet Jeffrey.

Our dads are both dealing with cancer ~ my dad, with esophageal cancer and Dick's dad with prostate cancer. In the past few months, they have both been through intense treatment, and are getting stronger with each day. Thank you, Lord, that you are the Great Physician. You are working in their bodies in ways we cannot see.

Dick and I just attended a benefit for Hope Clinic. What an amazing place. I'm thankful for the work they do and the lives they save. Thank you for being the Father to the Fatherless and for having a purpose and plan for every life born into this world.

We have amazing children. Whitney and Shawn are here in Franklin. Whitney is teaching a painting class and taking science prerequisites to prepare for nursing school she will start in January. And Shawn has a wonderful job. I love having them live 8 minutes away. Kelsey and Zach are in Oregon, both of them teaching at a private Christian school. I'm asking God to move them somewhere at least east of the Mississippi River! (And you think I'm kidding . . . )

"I have no greater joy than knowing my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4). Thank you, Lord.

We're about to be grandparents! Kelsey is having a wonderful pregnancy and next month, we will get to see her and feel that sweet baby move around in her tummy. In August, we'll meet this new addition to our family. Can't wait! Creator of ALL, thank you for new life.

Thank you, Lord for
Families
Friendships
Our homes
Our churches
Our jobs
Good times
Bad times
Sickness
Health
Flourishing
Struggling

In everything, GIVE THANKS.