Thankfulness

God has blessed us so much.  He is why we breathe, why we live where we do, why we have the things we have.

It’s not a common statement to say that God has blessed us.  He has abundantly blessed us.  Sure, there were times when I wondered why He didn’t say yes or work a miracle, but that doesn’t mean I went without His blessing sometimes.

He is always there for me.

No matter what I do, what I say, where I go, or where I am, He is there.  It’s just hard to remember that sometimes because He is invisible to us.  But imagine the great comfort, the wonderful communion that is ready and waiting for us if we just remember that He’s always near!

When I am feeling down, He lifts me up.
When I am feeling sick, He comforts me.
When I am feeling sad, He lets me know everything’s okay.
When I am feeling nervous, He calms me.
When I am feeling upset, He understands me.
When I am feeling forgetful, He reminds me.

He reminds me.
 
What He did for me on that cross those 2,000 years ago was something simply amazing to me.  The mere fact that He chose to bleed and die for MY sins is astounding to think about.  Yet, with all my life’s complications and joys, I somehow seem to forget Him and His merciful kindness.  Then, in the stillness of the night or even in the hustle and bustle of a large family, He reminds me in a beautiful whisper what He did for little ole’ me.

My heart melts at the remembrance of it.  Every atom in me wants to please Him to the utmost.  I want to give myself wholly and completely to Him.

Thanking my Redeemer.
 
I count it a real privilege to thank Him daily for what He did for me.  Do you realize the depth of it?  He suffered and died so that I – of all people! – would not have to suffer in Hell forever.  Can you believe a love like that?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”* 

Let us never forget to thank Him in return.  It is the least we can do.

*John 15:13

Making Memories In the Cold

 
Some of you may know it already, but we are still working on our huge home addition after three whole years.  It is almost ready for the cold, freezing days of Texas - but not all the way.  Our little 1930's cabin living room is the center of family activity and togetherness, even though we have a large approximately 2500 square-foot home now. :-D

Sometimes, it can get pretty aggravating not being able to keep warm all the time throughout the day. I've timed myself and found that I am finally able to work after an hour of getting myself warm enough!  Sound crazy?  I sometimes think that we were crazy for thinking we could do it all by ourselves.

But in so many ways, we have learned so many things.  We have learned how to live with sawdust on our dining room floor, or feel the freezing cold air seeping through a crack in the wall.  We have built a wall and then taken it down again because it wasn't done right.  We have rearranged our kitchen at least a dozen times, just because we're trying to figure out which design works best for us.  We have moved into our girls' room upstairs, only to move back down into the room we have reserved for any guests because it is too cold up there!


No, it sure isn't easy, but it has been quite memorable.  I am sure that the Lord has not allowed me to be married because I don't know Lowe's and Home Depot like the back of my hand yet!  I will certainly miss having tools laying around all over the place and the sound of my brother's hammer.

Cherish these uncomfortable times!  They may not be around for long, and even though we detest having to live with it, we will miss it.

"Where our Captain bids us go,

'Tis not ours to murmur, 'No.'

He that gives the sword and shield,

Chooses too the battle field

On which we are to fight the foe."*

*Anonymous, taken from Daily Strength for Daily Needs compiled by Mary W. Tileston