CALL ME

Call upon Me in the day of
trouble; I will deliver thee,
and thou shalt glorify me.
Psalm 50:15

Call unto Me and I will answer thee,
and show thee great and
mighty things which thou
knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

Calls come to us in our day in many forms. I realize there are all types of phones and then there is the computer we can use for contact, but we usually have our one phone we are used to using. Through time, we've heard the word “call” in various forms.

“Call me...we'll have lunch.”
“Got the call...I got the job.”
“The pastor called to just check on us.”
“If you need me, don't hesitate to call.”
“The grand kids called to sing HB to me.”
“Calling to see how you're feeling.”
“You haven't called me in ages.”

We use the “call” word all the time and don't think much about it. However, such calling no matter the reason is a major form of contact for us. Through it we are informed how any number of situations are going. We learn of the needs of others in our calls. People can share needs, joys and heartaches over a phone they might not want to speak of in person.The word “call” means communication in any form even if it's justcalling someone's name across the street from us

Scripture gives us many instances where we are encouraged to call upon our Heavenly Father. The two verses I have led with have a little different feel between them. In the first verse, we are encouraged to call up the Lord when we are in or have troubled times in our lives. I think we are pretty good calling under such circumstances. Today, I had to go have a Covid test prior to my surgery tomorrow. Had to wait for an hour for the verdict. I knew I wasn't ill but one never knows about those tests. I just gave it to the Lord. If He wants me to have surgery tomorrow, it will happen. It it meant a later time, well, that was in His hands. The call came and I'm cleared for surgery. When God comes to our rescue, I wonder if we take time to praise Him and give Him the glory He so deserves. In this case I'm still praising Him.

The second verse I listed is a favorite of mine. It may be one you love as well. It's quite different from the first one. This verse doesn't necessarily speak of troubles or problems although in such times, God can certainly show us great and mighty things. It can also refer to wondrous things He wants to show us that perhaps we could never have imagined. Even if we don't call on Him to reveal those great things, He has a way of showing such to us anyway. However, He invites us to call on Him and when we do, think of all He has in store to reveal to us. Again a heartfelt, sincere glorifying Him is certainly in order.

Father, what a privilege You give to us to call on You at any time. We don't have to have a problem to call upon you. You've promised to listen to us whenever we do call on You and no phone is needed. Help us to learn to enjoy talking to you at any time under any circumstances. We love You and know You love hearing that. In Jesus' name...Amen 

EIGHTY-TWO AND COUNTING

I have been young and now I am
old, yet I have not seen the
righteous forsaken or his
descendants begging bread.
Psalm 27:25

Writing this blog early will have to do for Monday. I chose to write today because it's my birthday. Can't believe the Lord has given me 82 years. I may have mentioned my mother talking about my Sunday school teacher when I was about 5. She said that Nellie Barker was 65 years old. I remember crying because it sounded like she was about to die.

I recall talking to Brian's grandmother when we were first married. She was in her eighties at the time and spoke of all the things she had seen historically during her life. I guess in my lifetime, I too have seen major events and changes. One of my biggest changes was going from my Royal typewriter to now a computer keyboard. I would go back to the first in a minute.

Aside from wars and various tragedies that I felt deeply about during my lifetime would have to be that of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was my first stark memory in my life as I was only about three at the time. I remember women in our neighborhood talking about pearls. Back then, most women had pearl necklaces and I thought someone had lost theirs and everyone was crying over it

At the age of ten, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I wish I could say there were bells and whistles with fireworks, but it wasn't anything like that. I knew I was saved but had a lot of growing to do. I received my first Bible when I was twelve and from that day, loved it's cover but loved more the pages inside. I wish I hadn't had so many growth spurts in the Word through the years, but did. Since getting married in 1969, my Bible has been a constant companion.

All of us have our favorites in Scripture...some may be verses we have memorized or just lean on. There may be a chapter or two we almost have by memory because of reading them so often. Our Bibles might fall open to certain pages because of so many visits to them.

One such chapter for me came into my life about 45 years ago. I suggest it for women who struggle with depression or who have had rough life histories. I again soaked in this chapter last night and will continue to do so today. That chapter is Psalm 139. This chapter just oozes with God's goodness in our lives. I strongly recommend it for the good or bad times as well as the so-so times.

In this chapter we see how well God knows us...in entirety. It's hard to absorb the fact that there is Someone who knows my history, my in's and outs, my every move and thought, etc. It puts me on alert to do better. I'm also assured in this chapter of God's consistent love and care for me, loving me despite who and what I am at times. A love like all of that is impossible to find, but it's Him, our Father. No matter our age, young or old, this chapter speaks to us all. We see how precious we are to Him and yet challenges us to be more for Him than we ever thought we could be....no matter our age.

My utter shock in these moments is how fast my age seemed to come upon me. Life sure flies which encourages us to make the best of it all for God's glory.

Father, how precious is Your Word to us. It is clear, challenging and full of Your love and concern for us. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for speaking through David and on into our individual hearts. Thank You that through Jesus, we share spiritual birthdays. In Jesus' precious name I pray...Amen 

LET'S GET REAL

 
Thy word is a lamp to Psalm
my feet and a light to
my path.
119:105

Some of us who are in the older years of life are in more and more spiritual jeopardy the older we get. Many of us have been in church and Sunday school most of our lives. Most of the Bible is overly familiar to us. We may own well marked Bibles which I have said to myself, “So what?” My desire for my own self and friends is that we get real with the things of God. That means not just reading Bibles, but soaking in the Word. Hopefully the soaking will be enough to seep into our spirits where we will respond to the Spirit's leading in our quest.

We're in a new year and the last one was tough. If I learned nothing else, I came, all over again, to appreciate how the Spirit can speak so clearly to us even in the difficult times. His Word is our rock and comfort and because of those days of 2020, I've come to re-evaluate how I approach God's Word. I want a freshness of it in my life not in just looking at a new year, but in looking at my “every days.” Scripture tells us all the things God IS and wants to be for you and me. He says to come to Him when we are weary and heavyladen and He'll give us rest. He stands ready to be all we need and we can be overcomers.

At times, I've read my Bible through several chapters in one sitting, but don't ask me an hour later what I read. Sound familiar? It's not that way all the time, but I don't want that to happen at all. I want to read, even if just one or two verses, that I can chew on, gleaning all the truth from them that I can. In this process, I hope to do some slimming down in my reading so I can really hear what God wants to say to me.

I've been preparing for knee replacement surgery 1/25. I've had most of my duckies in a row for a little bit while looking toward that time. It dawned on me that I had done little in spiritual preparation. I am changing where and what I read. I came up with fixing Scripture verses on a binder ring that I keep with me wherever I go. If I have some free moments, I pull out my little ring with my Scripture cards and read slowly over them. Right now, I'm not trying to memorize them. Reading makes me go word by word, absorbing as I go. The 3x5 cards are cut in half. Every now and then I add a card. It has been spiritually fun and I find nothing wrong with that.

Another thing I like doing is having a lined notebook where each day, I write a verse. Again it doesn't mean typing it on a computer. When I do this daily a verse is impressed in my heart. I may end up with 2-3 or more verses on a page. I write the date and reference on it's own line. If I miss a day, I catch up or keep on moving.

My challenge for all of us is that we get real with Scripture, not casually reading but reading with purpose, applying however the Spirit leads. We've been through some tough times and they aren't over. We must be “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Stripped of so many things we've come to love and depend upon, God wants us back with our attention focused on Him. May it be so as we change that date indicating a new year.

Father, thank You for Your patience with us. Forgive our becoming so entwined in the problems of our world, often leaving You to one side. Give us a peace and resolve as You walk us into coming days. Keep us close...nudge us when You must. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

GOING BEFORE

And he Lord, He it is that doth
go before thee:
He will be with thee,
He will not fail thee,
neither forsake thee:
fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Much time is given to God's instruction to His people prior to entering the Promised Land. He spoke to the people and to Moses and then to Joshua as the new leader is commissioned. Moses because of disobedience knew he wouldn't be entering the Promised Land because of past disobedience. I must say that looking at these final chapters of this book of Deuteronomy reminds me in so many ways of our own culture today and I'm still wading my through it.

I can't imagine the fear the people felt knowing they would be venturing into the Promised Land minus the leader they had come to know and love. It had been a long “field trip” but Moses wouldn't be going any further with the people. This left Joshua in charge and I really can't imagine his feelings...feelings of loss of Moses while looking to future days with him the new leader. He had some really big sandals to fill.

We too are now into a new year. We're told to be encouraged of new days filled with wonderful opportunities...the encouraging phrases continue. However, having come out of 2020 with much of the dust of it still clinging to us, there is uncertainty. Uncertainty in anyone breeds fear. We are commanded over and over to “fear not.” We should know by now that God never gives us a command we cannot obey while relying on His power in our lives.

I've deliberately typed out the above verse like I did for a reason. There are a lot of God's promises bundled into that one verse. Someone might say, “Are you taking this verse out of context?” Having seen the character of God throughout the Old Testament and knowing we are His people now just as they were, what He promised them is for us today. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. They were venturing into a new land and in that land there were difficulties as well as joys awaiting them. You and I sit at the start of a new year. There will be joys but there will be difficulties. Lest we begin to wallow around in the unknown, look what God promises in this new venture:

*God will go ahead of us making our way plain
*He will be with us
*He won't fail us
*God won't forsake us ( run off and leave us)

Thus we aren't to be fearful nor dismayed stepping into new territory. The word “dismay” can cover a lot of territory: loss of courage, sad, upset, all that can lead to depression. Let's step forward with courage knowing God will make our way clear and will make all things work together for our good.

Father, we claim Your promises for this and any year. May we live in obedience and in Your power. Help us to keep an eye on You as You lead. In Jesus precious name...Amen 

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Then the Lord God formed man of
dust from the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became
a living soul.
Genesis 2:7

Any woman who has gone through labor and delivery of their much awaited birth of her baby knows what it means to hear that first cry of her baby upon delivery. That cry may come in a spontaneous way, with some pats on the back of the baby or with more drastic measures if necessary. My babies came before there were sonograms to check pre-birth health issues where now, problems may be detected early. No matter how perfect that baby looks at birth is to no avail if that baby doesn't take it's first breath and that first cry is heard.

At the time of creation when God completed the making of man in His own image, He then breathed into the nostrils of that man and with that breath, brought man to full life. Our breathing to this day is a part of God's original creation of us. Notice in the above verse that man physically was complete physically except for one thing...no breath, no life. If we could only grasp that the breath of God giving physical life began back then and extends to you and me today.

Paul speaks of that holy breath of God while preaching on Mars hill found in Acts 17:25, Speaking of God, he said:

...nor is He served by human hands, as
though He needed anything, since He
Himself gives to all people life
and breath and all things.

There are so many other things to be said about all of this. Books have been written regarding the Pentecost experience with the Holy Spirit descending and indwelling those saints who were that day, but I won't tackle all of that. There is one more verse that is just so precious regarding the Scriptures found in II Timothy 3:16,17 and it reads:

All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.

That word “inspiration” I have been taught means “God breathed.” What a wonderful picture of God's working with the authors of Scripture so say exactly what He wants said to us...God breathed. What a picture.

Scripture gives us several areas where God's breath upon or in His people are important, the very activity of God that keeps us alive and functioning. It is one of those wonders that happens when we go to Heaven that our breathing and heart beating cease almost in tandem. Family in attendance always watch for that last breath. However our breathing doesn't stop there. It has been said when we exhale here on this earth, our next inhale will be in Heaven. What a wonderful Heavenly Father is ours Who has provided all we need to faithfully serve Him in the here and now.

Father, You are too wonderful for words. Thank You for every breath you allow me in this life and for the precious privilege of being Your child. Thank You for Your own breathed book that is available to all who choose to soak their lives with it. I love you dearly and Jesus too for his supreme sacrifice. In Jesus' precious name..Amen 

WE ARE BLESSED

For the Lord is good and
His love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
Psalm 100:5

Who doesn't love birthdays? When very young they were often days l counted days toward...presents, birthday cake, favorite meal, friends and family, etc. Even though we may celebrate those days that are ours or someone elses, bottom line is that for most of us, it' s just a day on another person's calendar. For years now, what I have celebrated,regarding a friend's birthday is it being someone who is a dear part of my life.

Such is how I feel about the birthday of Jesus. I don't object to celebrating December 25 with the frills of it through the years. I said my Christmas “pieces” at church programs, sang in Christmas choirs, decorated trees and shared gifts. I love all of that and perhaps it's my age, but I find myself celebrating Jesus and His life more frequently than just on one day.

If you are a Tennessee voter, you, like Brian and I received a card (not in envelope) that was probably mass printed and sent out to us from our local state senator. Both sides had snow scenes, beautifully done. On one side the picture seemed gray and white...a barn in a lovely area of falling snow but brightly on one side of the barn, a huge American flag in color.

The back of the card showed a Christmas greeting from the gentleman and his wife again with snow a theme. Brian looked at the card first and found the card interesting. Just above the senders names was the Bible verse I have printed above. I looked at the verse and for a moment wondered what it had to do with the season.

Looking at the verse further, it doesn't seem in the least “Christmas-sy” unlike all the lovely Christmas cards we have sent or received with verses that apply to Christmas. I read the verse over and over...how appropriate it is for the day in which we live. When we are surrounded with chaos, bad tidings of questionable joy and our faith being questioned in many areas, here I saw this precious gift of Psalm 100:5.

This card recognizes, yes, that Jesus came to earth. He couldn't be all those things mentioned in that verse if He hadn't. I love celebrating birthdays. I guess that's where I am at this time in my life with the Christmas season...what can I give Him for His birthday. I can't give Him anything to merit my salvation but, I can be Jesus with skin on, serving others in some special ways.

In these days, this “Christmas verse” is a reminder of why Jesus came, who He was and who He continues to be down through the years to where we are in our present day. I am reminded that Jesus is good. That has become such a trite word but it runs deep blending with His love that is a forever thing. I am assured of Jesus' faithfulness that is mine and that extends into my forever.

As a mom, I love remembering my children on their birthdays, however, like other parents I don't just gift my children on their birthdays. I celebrate each of them for who and what they are on many a day. I pray I will also do Jesus that honor, not just on one day of the year but on every day. I'm not downing Christmas. I love the season and the festivities. I guess I just have a personal hope for all of us who love Jesus that we would, in these days, not just think about a Baby, but of a very special Man, a good and loving Man whose faithfulness will endure down through all generations that includes our children, grandchildren and beyond. He will be there for them as He continues to be for us.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, who not only lived for us but died for us as well. Because of His magnificent gift, we are forgiven, loved and promised an eternity with You. Thank You that we can celebrate a Merry Christmas every day of the year because of Jesus. In His precious name...Amen

DON'T YA LOVE IT?

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed
never cease, for His compassions
never never fail.

They are new every morning; great
is Your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says
my soul, “Therefore I have hope
in Him.”

The LORD is good to those who
wait for Him, to the person who
Him.

It is good that he waits silently for
the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

If you don't read another word I write at this time, please...please grab hold of the above verses and squeeze all the spiritual juice you can get out of them. There are times in my reading when I seem to land in a spot in my Bible that is too precious to explain. It may be I had put my pencil or bookmark there with no intention in them being there. I'm not a hide and seek Bible reader. I'm not one to just open my Bible, point on the page and read where my finger lands. I'm not saying God can't lead in that way, but it usually hasn't worked for me. Today, I opened my Bible and there was my pencil, but immediately saw some underlining from time past I had long forgotten about.

I've usually avoided the book of Lamentations as it has seemed to be such a sad book. As I read the underlined verses, I saw a prophet with hope. Times had really been rough to put it mildly and he remembers some of those experiences just above those at the top of this page. In it all, he sees hope, a hope that is based in the mercy of God. I realize this book was written eons ago and would seem to have nothing to do with us in this day. Despite all of the terrible circumstances of his day, Jeremiah still saw God in such a positive light that it is mind boggling. We too should look for God's mercy and goodness in our own day.

I wrote in my Facebook today a statement I had written in the front of my Bible. I have no idea where it came from but helped me in my thinking about Jeremiah's writing. It says:

Until God opens the next door,
praise Him in the hallway.

I believe that statement spells out what Jeremiah was feeling. Circumstances for God's people at the time were terrible with perhaps no light at the end of the tunnel. They had been a people who turned to their own way, not Gods. However, in it all, Jeremiah began to express his own personal feelings about what God meant to him in his own day where sin was abounding.

As I read, I saw words He used with regard to the Lord in his life. Jeremiah lived in a time of sadness but still when he looked at his Lord, he was reminded of His consistent goodness and blessing. He used the words:

lovingkindnesses...compassions...faithfulness...
portion(source of happiness and blessing)...
good...Savior

All of that in the worst of times is how he saw His Heavenly Father. I'm wondering in these days of ours if we ever stop to do the same. God in His mercy has been every one of those things and more in my own life. I'm loving reading those verses over and over, thanking the Lord for the hope He extends me and you as well. We are truly a blessed people.

Father, thank You for how Your word speaks so clearly to our every need. Thank you too for your patience and for the hope You instill in us. In it all, thank You for Jesus and for Your sweet Holy Spirit's presence. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

ANGRY AT THE WORLD

But now ye also put off all
these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication
out of your mouth
Colossians 3:8

When very young and especially when in grade school, we have all probably heard the words, “I'm mad at you.” Looking back, the reasons were pretty lame compared to adult standards. The anger could be caused by something as simple as refusing to play a game another friend wanted to play. It all looks so simple now. With children, we also know that being mad at another friend didn't last long and play could restart an hour later with anger forgotten.

Several years ago, while reading my Bible and studying the book of Colossians, I came across chapter 3. It's one of those portions where the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks. Since that time, I've often invited ladies to join me in periodically using that chapter for a sincere time of spiritual inventory. The chapter contains some “put off and put on's” that are really quite clear. Prior to those, verses 1-4 are wonderful verses of assurance regarding our relationship with Jesus Himself.

I'm recalling the first time though that it dawned on me, the importance of that chapter. I sincerely try to remember when beginning any Bible reading to ask the Holy Spirit to teach me and even stop me where I need to stop and really think. On that particular day, I got down to the above verse. I read through the first phrase and came to “anger.” I paused for a moment wondering why that verse stood out to me. I tried to read on but I kept coming back to “anger.” I recall saying out loud: “I'M NOT ANGRY.” Then I decided to prayerfully ponder the possibility that I was. I realized that through the years so many things had happened in my life that gave me pause to be angry and through those years had just stuffed it all inside.

Anger is a very strong emotion. It can go from a simple annoyance rapidly to anger and perhaps even to hostility. We see it in the news almost on a daily basis. Who could have seen into the future the unkindness shown by the nicest of people. It would never have crossed our minds. As believers, what are some steps we can take to help with any anger we are dealing with? I'm working on these things myself on a daily basis.

*In Proverbs we are cautioned to not make friends with angry people. Good place to start.
*Understand that unbelievers don't have the strength we have to control themselves or even to love others.
*Be quick to pray. When those negative feelings begin to rise up, pray immediately. It doesn't have to take hours, for God can act on our behalf at any time.
*Be in the Word. Satan hates hearing the Word. It was so with Jesus in the wilderness and is the same with us in our wilderness times. Quote or even read Scripture aloud as often as possible
*When anger is building, put it in check quickly. It's something that grows fast and becomes overpowering if not handled in the moment.
*There's nothing wrong with admitting when we're angry...we are human beings. Confess it quickly to the Lord. Anger and guilt is never a good combination.
*Lastly, guard your mind. Don't watch TV news on ANY station. Be careful what you read or who you listen to. This has been among my latest moves and it feels great.

Our world needs our love and prayers more than ever. We musn't under-underestimate the power of acts of kindness, words of friendship/love and expressing words of blessing in another's life. If we aren't Jesus to others who need Him, they may never find Him.

Father, help us to be more in control of our emotions. Lead us to action only with situations where we can make a contribution for good. May Your Holy Spirit continue to remind and prompt us when we need direction and better yet, help us to respond in ways that would please You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

BEING EQUIPPED WITH THE WORD

All Scripture is inspired by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, for training in
righteousness
so that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every
good work.
II Timothy 3:16,17

In our day, there are any number of Bible retreats and conferences folks can participate in as often as they would like. Some people attend those things because they are enjoyable and give a quick shot of spirituality. For others it may mean a salvation experience or re-dedication of a life that has perhaps come off of spiritual rails.

A couple of years ago, Brian and I attended a seminar at the Billy Graham Cove. The speaker for almost five days dealt with God's Word in general and our treatment or lack thereof, of it. The first few session really blew me away. Our leader didn't seem to deal with the Bible at all. We started out with our belief in God, how we know there is a God, how God speaks to us and how God spoke through His Son. I must say to you that it had been a very long time I thought in these basic ways, especially talking about how we feel about God. What DO we think about God? I don't mean just listing His attributes. Person to person, what do I think about Him and how engaged am I with Him? Such introspection, I saw, was necessary if one was to benefit from a positive approach to God's Word.

These led us in many ways of looking at the Bible...what it is, what it does and how did we get it in the first place. I know it all seems Sunday school-ish but we got down to some things I hadn't thought of in years.

For instance, our leader, Woodrow Kroll held up his Bible and simply said:

“Since God wrote only one book,
I think He would be pleased to have
us read it.”

During a question/answer time, he was asked the best version of the Bible one can read. Again his answer was simple:

“Read the one you have.”

With that we were challenged to consider that our Bibles are the only way to know God and not reading it is going to affect how we feel about God and how well we know Him. We also heard over and over that the Word is God's spoken Word, actually words from His mouth to the prophets and others in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, He spoke through His Son and Spirit. We're not talking about mental telepathy in the formation of the Bible. God spoke verbally, word by word, what He wanted His Word to say, using Godly men to receive the words, doing what writing God wanted, but spoken words that make up the precious book we call the Holy Bible.

We live in troubling days ...days of insecurity and yes, evil. The only thing that is going to keep us mentally and spiritually sane, is to be in our Bibles as often as we can. We won't benefit from just a light scanning over it. It must be digested and applied in these days. It's the only thing that can grant us the security we desire. His words to us will speak peace and truth to us for He is Truth.

Father, I'm so grateful You SPOKE the words of Your book, that tells me about You. Your book is THE source of my knowing You and learning from You. Thank You for your Holy Spirit, Who teaches all you want me to know about Yourself. May I be willing to walk in obedience and love as I know You desire. In Jesus name....Amen

GIVE THANKS

In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning
you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

A flood of memories rush through our minds when we think of Thanksgiving day. The older we are, the more the memories. For the most part, especially for we girls, the thing that comes to mind past or present is food. On that day, growing up for my family was having dinner around noon and then going to our high school Homecoming football game. I think it was the routine of most folks in our small town.

All of my Thanksgivings weren't that routine. I was in fifth grade, my Dad was in the hospital and the day before Thanksgiving, our cupboards were as bare as I had ever seen them. Mother and I knew the problem, but neither of us could say anything. About 10:00 the night before, someone knocked heavily on our front door. Mother called from the back bedroom and said that she would answer the door. She turned on the porch light, opened the door and there on our porch swing were two big boxes of food. Mother had been very private about our circumstances and I know I hadn't told anyone, but there it was. There was everything there for our Thanksgiving dinner the next day and more to do for some days after. I don't think a Thanksgiving passes but what I picture those two boxes sitting on our porch swing, Mother looked teary and I was so very happy with our mysterious bounty. I had just accepted Jesus as my Savior a couple of weeks prior to that evening. I just felt the Lord had given me a special present.

I'm afraid we mostly think of food on Thanksgiving, but are encouraged to think about God's blessings in our lives, especially from the previous year. Brian and I went shopping Friday in preparation for the special day when one of our children will be here. For some of the time I sat in the car while Brian finished up some things and I enjoyed watching many, many people coming and going from the grocery store. I love people watching most any time, but I couldn't help but wonder what their holiday would be like. Would it all be just eating or do people ever give a thought to God's blessings in their lives.

Sitting in the car with my notebook, I started to list some things I know I'm so grateful for that I've probably already thanked the Lord for. What I noticed is that we always seem to think about the really big things and take for granted the smaller things that mean more to us than we even think about. I also felt convicted that I shouldn't have to think of things of gratitude at this time of year when God is just so good to me every day of the year.

For instance, when thinking about little things but really they're not, I first thought of water. It comes into my house through various faucets. I drink it, cook with it, take a bath in it, clean with it, wash clothes in it and thought of some other things. I turn it on without a thought that it might not come through into a sink. My mind went to pictures of folks around the world drinking from muddy pits, no fresh water available. Water...just a simple thing but more than simple, it's God's provision.

I've thought of some other things I take for granted that are important and my list grew writing down simpler things of life I'm so grateful for. Some bigger things that came to my mind among which are people who have meant so much to me this past year. I've had some friends who have gone to Heaven...people who may not know the influence they have been in my life. I've thought of our three children who God is blessing in so many ways and what a joy it is just observing them. Another special blessing is our church staff that works so hard not just on Sunday's, but every day of every week ministering to our church family. I can't thank them enough, but can thank God for each one and their families.

What I'm saying is that perhaps we should get practical this year. God knows our hearts and already knows the blessings He has brought to our lives, but big or small, I think He would appreciate a hearty “THANK YOU FATHER.”

O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
let us make a joyful noise to the
rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:1,2

PS: We never knew who brought those boxes, but to this day, I still feel grateful for those boxes and those who secretly brought them on a cold November night.

Thank You Father for Your goodness in our lives every day. You bless us with not just big things but the small things that add warm touches to our lives. You gave Your best when You gave us Jesus Who means more to us than anything we could think of. Thank You for giving us so much, but mostly Your love. In Jesus' precious name....Amen