Counting My Blessings

When we go through a difficult time (of which I've had quite a few in recent years), it's easy to become discouraged - even despairing.  The trials feel heavy, and we may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  The hard time, the suffering, the weights of what we're experiencing can be utterly overwhelming.

One important lesson I've learned is that I can choose victory - even while I'm crying out to the Lord for it.  I may not feel it.  The situation may not have changed.   The weights are still there.  But I can declare victory in Jesus name.  When I do that, something is released in me that gives me extra grace to walk through the trial.  And the Lord's strength and help begins to flow.  He has been so faithful to help me, to bring victory to me time and time again in the hard times.  I couldn't have made it otherwise.

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"  Hebrews 13:6

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."  Psalm 18:35

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

I am so grateful for how the Lord has been with me through each trial, each difficult thing.  I truly don't know how people make it without the Lord.  I'm glad I don't have to try that.  He is right by my side each day.

I had one day in particular that was difficult this week.  Thankfully it wasn't to do with my physical health!!  It had to do with something I was trying to get done that was challenging.  In the midst of it as I was asking the Lord to help me, He reminded me of two things.

The first was to "count my blessings."  When I took a few minutes to do that, it was amazing how my whole outlook shifted from the problem to all the good things in my day, in my life.  It brought perspective!  From big things to little things, I saw all the wonderful blessings in my life!!

The second thing was a reminder that "laughter is the best medicine."  Smiling, laughing brings joy and helps lift the burdens we are carrying.  I recently came across a video that makes me laugh every time I watch it.  In the video a little baby girl interacts with her father in tearing up their electricity bill - while she giggles continually.  I don't think anyone can watch it without at least smiling, and probably laughing.  I love it!  Something so simple - but so full of joy.  I share the link below.

So, needless to say, after counting my blessings and laughing.....the burden of what I was dealing with was much lighter!  I still had to plow my way through it, but it wasn't as overwhelming.  I love how God reminded me of these truths. 

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 13:5,6

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."  Psalm 18:29

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me."  Psalm 103:2 NLT

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

I LOVE that last verse.  It covers it all.  When we think on those things, it puts anything else into the right perspective.  I have so very much to be thankful for!!!

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Don't Forget the Blessings

Last week I was feeling overwhelmed by some tasks I needed to accomplish.  With my limited strength, I never seem to get as much done as I'd like.  I was talking to the Lord about it and He reminded me of a story that encouraged me.

A little boy with a small shovel was trying to clear some deep snow in front of his house.  A man came by and asked how a little boy with such a small shovel could accomplish such as big task.  The little boy replied with great confidence, "Little by little."  And he kept working.

The Lord spoke that word to my heart.  He'll help me "little by little."  I just need to keep working and keep trusting in the Lord's help.  It's a simple word - and an obvious one in many ways - but it was just what I needed.

"Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land."  Exodus 23:30

I can imagine how the Israelites felt.  They were in their promised land, but they faced many challenges - many enemies they needed to conquer, many things they needed to do.  God gave them the same encouragement and direction that He gave me - "little by little." 

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."  Psalm 37:5 

"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."  Mark 10:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.....do not be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

Little by little with His grace, strength, and peace - we can make it through anything! 

This week I've had a good week.  What joy it brings me to say that!!!  I'm feeling good, and my strength is steadily returning.  I've even been able to do one of the tasks on my list - little by little, until it was done.  That brings me joy too!  I'm sure all this is an answer to prayer and I’m so grateful!

A friend of mine told me something special that she did.  She has a friend who is battling stage 4 cancer.  I'm sure it's been hard for her.  To encourage her, my friend printed and cut out over a month's worth of encouraging scriptures - ones that I've shared in the updates.  She put them all in a "blessings" jar.  Her friend can pull out one each day to be reminded of God's goodness, faithfulness, and love for her.  I loved that idea!

In the midst of difficulty, it's easy to see the hard things - but we sometimes forget the blessings that God has for us.  During Floyd's illness, I kept a file of songs, scriptures, and thoughts that encouraged me.  I would go to that file often and let the Lord minister those things to me.  I guess it was my "blessings file."  It was such a help to me.

God is with us each step of the way when we go through trials, sickness, and hard times.  I'm so grateful I'm not alone.

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4 

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7 

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope."  Psalm 130:5

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27 

In the midst of a hard time, the enemy wants us to focus on the difficulty.  He wants us to be weighed down and discouraged.  But the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on Him, and feast on the promises in His word.  When we do that, He will bear our burdens and bring encouragement to our hearts.  He protects us from falling into the despair that the enemy has for us.  I am so, so grateful for the Lord's loving care in each trial I've walked through the last 9 years.  How good God is!  A loving, faithful Father!

His Presence in the Tunnel

Last week I was at the hospital having a test done.  Because of our load shedding (loss of electricity), everything took longer than normal.  I ended up being at the hospital much longer than anticipated.  I thought I had prepared safety wise - wearing a mask and sanitizing my hands often......but I managed to pick up a "bug."  I woke up horribly ill last Friday morning.  It hit like a bolt of lightening.

While I was sick, I was reminded of a quote from Corrie ten Boom.  "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off.  You sit still and trust the engineer."

The unexpected sickness felt like going through a dark tunnel - BUT I sensed the Lord's presence all around me.  He is so faithful!

"Here's what I've learned through it all:  Don't give up; don't be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord.  Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope.  Yes, keep on waiting - for He will never disappoint you."  Psalm 27:14 TPT

I can't believe we're already in the 3rd month of this new year.  The days are flying by.  It seems like every day there is a new need, a new crisis, a new disaster.  You think there can't be any more tragedies - and then a new one comes.

The Lord has been reminding me of how important it is to keep my eyes on Him.  If I look around me or look around the world at all that is happening, I can easily get overwhelmed and discouraged.  My heart breaks for the suffering in Ukraine......and for the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. There has been great suffering in southeast Africa from a cyclone that hit.  Every direction you look around the world, there is suffering.

And there is suffering for many of us in our individual lives - loss of a loved one, financial worries, sickness.  We absolutely have to keep our focus on the Lord.  He doesn't intend for us to carry the burdens.  Recently some things happened that were unsettling to me.  They were distracting me.  I realized I was losing the peace that the Lord has so graciously given me through the years of cancer and Floyd's illness.

I had to give those unsettling things to the Lord.  In a world of so much uncertainty and suffering, I must constantly keep looking to Jesus.  As I gave each thing to Him, my peace returned.  What a sweet gift it is!

Corrie ten Boom said:  "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.  If you look within, you'll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."  Amen!!

Adversities in life will always be with us - but God is also with us, and He is greater than any adversity we face.  This little guideline is a good one to keep in mind…

Trust in His timing.

Rely on His promises.

Wait for His answers.

Believe in His miracles.

Rejoice in His goodness.

Relax in His presence. 

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus."  Hebrews 12:1,2

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28,29

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

That blessed peace that only He can give.  How grateful I am for that!

Opportunities for Grace

I'm always amazed at all the different ways God speaks to me.....from so many sources.....in unusual and creative ways.  I was reading a book last week, a novel, and out of nowhere in the story plot came something so powerful.  I have been thinking about it for days.  In the story a woman is going through a nightmare experience.  A young priest comes to counsel her.

"We're all given terrible trials sometimes, things that we think will break our spirit and kill us, and they make us stronger in the end.  They seem like the cruelest blows, but in a funny way they're like compliments from God.  I know that must sound crazy to you, but that's what they are.  If He didn't love you and believe in you, He wouldn't give you challenges like this.  They're opportunities for grace.  You'll be stronger from this.  I know it.  This is God's way of telling you that He loves you and believes in you.  It's a compliment from Him to you."  *** (quoted from "Ransom" by Danielle Steel)

Most likely you, like me, and like the woman in the book would say "no thank you."  I really don't need or want a compliment like that!  And yet, there's so much truth there.  In essence the young priest is saying that God trusts us when we go through these hard times.  With His help and grace, He knows we'll make it through - and we'll learn and grow through the experience.

I couldn't have made it through the last 8 1/2 years without God's goodness, faithfulness, and grace.  I haven't always liked what I've gone through, but I've seen God at work in amazing ways in the midst of the difficulty.  There have been many "opportunities for grace."  And His grace has been sufficient.

I don't particularly like the season I'm going through right now, but I'm trying to receive His grace and learn the lessons He has for me.  I'm very aware that He is walking with me, holding my right hand, and guiding me.  And I'm watching for ways, even unusual ones, that He wants to speak to me.

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23

"For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ."  2 Corinthians 1:5

"That I may know Him...and the fellowship of His sufferings."  Philippians 3:10

"Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."  1 Peter 4:13

"Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  2 Corinthians 4:17

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

I trust God to help me through whatever "compliment" He wants to bring into my life

I'm sure that most of you, perhaps all, have been hearing about the revival that is taking place at Asbury University in Kentucky.  It is a wonderful spiritual awakening that is being led by the Spirit - no one person, no group - just God moving in hearts and lives.

I have been listening to testimonies of some of the students.  It's awesome to hear how God is touching lives, bringing repentance, ministering healing, giving vision and direction.....each story is different, but it's all pointing to Jesus.  It's all directed in worship.

This wasn't planned.  It broke out spontaneously.  And it's spreading to other campuses.  I'm praying that it will spread out of the schools and into churches, neighborhoods, businesses - truly come like a wave across the nation.  And across Europe, across Africa, across Asia.  May this continue and spread.  More Lord!!  My heart is hungry for a move of His Spirit. 

I suggest we join in prayer with what is happening - asking the Lord to help it grow and spread.  We may not be there, but we can join our hearts with how God is moving.  He can pour out His Spirit right where we are.

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?"  Psalm 85:6

"Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name."  Psalm 80:18

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Our world is a mess.  The earth itself is groaning with all the unusual weather events.  We need God to break in.  We need revival.  We need a move of His Spirit.  I may be old, but I'm joining my heart with what He's doing among the students.  I'm excited to see what God is going to do.

At Rest in Him

Last Friday I wrote about worry.  Well, I'm certainly getting a fresh opportunity to respond the right way in a worrying situation!  After a consult with my oncologist this week, my mind and emotions were bombarded with anxiety.  I sat down and tried to separate every anxious thought and bring it to the Lord.  I tried to push the anxiety to the side and concentrate on God's goodness and faithfulness.  I spoke out that He is my refuge!  He is always with me and He holds my right hand.

I admit that this was somewhat of a battle.  Worry/anxiety kept poking its head up.  I would come to a place of peace and then before long I needed to claim that peace all over again.  I find it helpful when a worry pops up to immediately speak out a promise to counteract the worry from the Word.  And to keep speaking it out until I feel it's "solid" in my heart.

I have some challenges in the days ahead, so I'm going to need to keep standing on His promises! 

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory....But as for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."  Psalm 73:23, 24, 28

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Deuteronomy 33:27

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' " Matthew 19:26

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."  Hebrews 4:15

I love that last verse.  Jesus understands!!!  When I cry out to Him about what I'm going through, I can just picture Him saying - "It's okay.  I understand.  I'll help you through this.  You're not alone."  What comfort and strength that gives me. 

I continued all through the week to take my anxieties to the Lord - over and over.  As I went to bed one night, I gave the burden of them to the Lord again.

I had a wonderfully, deep night of sleep.  Sleep is so healing and restorative.  When I woke the next morning, the burden was gone!!  Completely!  No anxiety.  I felt encapsulated in peace.  The contrast to the previous day was like night and day.  It was incredible!  I'm so grateful for God taking that burden from my heart, and washing over me with His spirit of peace.

Also as I walked through the week, I was reminded by the Lord of how important it is to "rest in Him."  That can be a lot easier said than done, but it is possible.  I kept speaking out my love, my faith, my confidence, my hope, my trust in the Lord.  The more I spoke it out - the stronger it became in my heart and in my emotions.  I could take a deep breath and rest in His loving arms.  I knew He was carrying me.  On hard days, I missed Floyd not being here to help me......but the Lord reminded me that He's my husband in Floyd's absence.  That's a powerful thought, and I sensed the Lord meeting me in special ways.  I experienced a deep "rest."

"Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions."  Deuteronomy 32:11

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8

I poured out my heart to Him - over and over this week.  He met me!  He has been my refuge.  He is so good, so faithful, so present when we need Him.  I feel "at rest" in Him.

Worry is a Powerful Thing

I've been feeling "poorly" (as we used to say when I was growing up in Texas).  I've been too weak to get much of anything done.  And then I tend to worry about all the things I'm not getting done.

Worry is a powerful thing.  We tend to worry about the next week, the next month, even the next year.  God wants us to focus on just one day at a time.  Worry means we're carrying a burden God never intended for us to bear.  We're to cast our burdens onto His big shoulders.

I am trying my best to do that.  Some days I succeed.  Some days I don't.  Being weak actually helps as I don't have the energy to worry. 

"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34

In the midst of being weak, feeling poorly, I've sensed the Lord's presence with me.  I'm so thankful that in the midst of the hard times, He doesn't disappear.  In fact, if anything, He makes His presence more clear and obvious because He wants us to know we're not alone.  That means so much to me!  I'm so grateful for His faithfulness.

The Gift of Laughter

The Bible talks about times to celebrate.  Jesus Himself took time to celebrate.  Celebration is part of our Christian walk.  So I take great joy in thinking about a particular celebration taking place this year.  It's the 50 year anniversary of YWAM Holland/the Netherlands.  50 years ago it all began!

I remember well arriving from Afghanistan to live on the two house boats called The Ark with a toddler in hand and a baby on the way.  The rocking of the boats made me nauseous in my pregnancy, and I was afraid our toddler would fall in the canal.  I wondered what in the world we had gotten ourselves into! 

YWAM had purchased the houseboats for an outreach previous to our arrival.  We were asked to come and help establish a permanent outreach to the hippies, drug addicts, and young people in the city.  It seemed like a great idea when we prayed about it in Afghanistan, but the reality of what we were facing made me wonder if we had truly heard from the Lord!

I prayed and told the Lord something had to change - He had to help me.  He did!  From that day on all my nausea disappeared......and our toddler daughter never fell into the canal.  Our puppy that we had gotten for her made it into the canal twice, but we were able to rescue him.  We spent the next 18 years in Holland.  There were many challenges and many answers to prayer.  God was so good and so faithful!

Now, 50 years later, YWAM has many ministries throughout Amsterdam and the country.  Many prayers have been answered.  Many miracles have taken place.  And it's time to celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness.  Anyone and everyone is invited to help celebrate.  There will be special things happening throughout the year, but the main celebration for an alumni week will be May 15-19.  I will put the link to register at the bottom of this post.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms." Psalm 95:2

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad." Psalm 126:3

"Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord." Exodus 12:14

I can't believe that we're at the end of the first month of this new year.  The days are flying by!  One of the things I've been thinking about is with the new year come new beginnings.  I get excited about that!

I've been reminded of something recently.  I firmly believe that laughter is a potent medicine!  The last few weeks as I battled a tummy bug and the after effects of severe weakness - I haven't been very happy.  I certainly haven't been laughing, or even smiling.  I've been sad, I guess, because I've felt so awful.

When I was reminded of the "medicinal" effects of laughter, I made a conscious effort to smile and laugh.  It truly helped!  I'm still struggling with weakness, but the heaviness of it all has lifted.  It's a new beginning of joy for me!!  

I've known this principle so well, and seen it in action - but had forgotten. Many years ago our daughter was very sick for over 6 years.  We thought of the truth of laughter being a good medicine.  We looked for funny movies to watch and light-hearted, fun books to read.  It was amazing how much it helped.

Laughter has good physical effects too.  It reduces stress.  It increases the good cholesterol.  It decreases inflammation in our arteries, and it reduces anxiety.  Laughter helps fight viruses and bacteria.  It boosts the immune system.  There are whole lists of how it helps us physically.

If you know someone who's sick - send them a fun card, a joke, or a humorous story.  Hopefully it will bring a smile to help them.  :) 

"He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."  Job 8:21

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  Proverbs 17:22

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' "  Psalm 126:2

"All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast."  Proverbs 15:15

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh."  Ecclesiastes 3:4

Laughter brings joy.  Joy opens the door to worship.  And worship always ministers to our hearts and our bodies.  Laughter is a gift from the Lord.  Have a good laugh today - enjoy some guilt-free goodness from the Lord!

For details about YWAM celebrations click here

The Power of Encouragement

This past week I have been sick and it has made me very weak and lacking in energy. While I've been resting and recovering, I received several messages of encouragement.  They meant so much to me, and ministered to my heart.  It reminded me of how important encouragement is.  I've always tried to be an encourager because I've seen how powerful it is.  It doesn't need to be fancy - just a few simple words of love and encouragement!

Thinking about all this, I had an idea.  What if everyone reading this chose someone in their "circle" and sent them a message of love and encouragement?!  How powerful that would be!  Many people would be blessed and ministered to like I was.  Shall we do that?  I'll started it off right before I posted this!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."  Ephesians 4:29

"Therefore comfort one another with these words."  1 Thessalonians 4:18

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...encouraging one another."  Hebrews 10:24, 25

"May God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other."  Romans 15:5 

"Encourage one another daily."  Hebrews 3:13 

And the strangely wonderful thing about encouraging others is that we are blessed too!!  Let's start a tsunami wave of encouragement!

The person I sent a message to reminded me of something.  Encouragement produces hope, and we need hope to survive.  "Without hope the people perish."  When we're going through a hard time - physically, emotionally, financially, in any way - it's easy to lose hope.  The thing we're dealing with may seem endless and hopeless.

But encouragement releases fresh hope!  Let's keep the wave of encouragement going.....like the waves of the sea.....unending!

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."  Proverbs 23:18

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

"Hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  Romans 5:5

Hope is a gift straight from the heart of God!  It endures when we go through hard times.  It never dies, even though it may seem dim during those hard times.  When I'm weak physically, I've learned that I need to ask God to rekindle hope in my heart for better days.  And the encouragement we receive from one another helps to release that hope!

Our God is so good and faithful!  He is our ultimate encourager, and He protects the hope in our hearts from dying.

Prayer Carries Us Along

I recently saw a video clip of a family of elephants crossing a small river.  There was a very young elephant among them, and it was struggling to cross.  It  kept being swept away by the rapidly moving current.  The mother elephant was right with the baby trying to help it along.  Every time she seemed to make progress, the strong current of the river defeated her.

Then the most wonderful thing happened.  Most of the elephants had already crossed the river when they realized what was happening with the baby.  They all turned around and came back to help.  One particularly large elephant came to help the mother.  Between them they managed to protect the baby with their big legs and push it along to the other side. 

I watched the video several times.  What struck me was how they looked out for each other.  Even though most of them had made it across to safety, they didn't hesitate to turn around and get back in the river to help the mother and baby in need. 

I had the thought that this is what so many people are to me.  I'm like that baby elephant.  When I'm "floundering" in the river I can call out and ask for prayer.  I'm so grateful for that!  I know I can call for help whenever I need it.  Time and time again dear ones have rallied and prayed for me.  I’m so thankful!!!  

When I ask for prayer in my weakness I very often get so many lovely messages of support and prayer.  This is how it should be for all of us in the Body of Christ.  My situation is just one small example.  Through Floyd's 5+ years of illness I sensed the prayer support from so many faithful ones.  I'm so grateful.  I haven't felt alone because I've known people were praying for me/us all around the world.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2 

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."  James 5:16 

"Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees."  Hebrews 12:12

"With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."  Ephesians 6:18 

"Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.  We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives."  Colossians 1:9 

"Is any among you afflicted?  Let him pray.  Is any merry?  Let him sing psalms."  James 5:13

I could never have made it through the raging rivers the last few years on my own - even the recent days.  Prayer has truly carried me along.  I'm so grateful.

Burdens into Blessings

A very happy new year to you!  I pray you will be abundantly blessed in 2023.  May the sorrows of the past year be turned into joy in this new year.

As I start the new year, the verse below has come to my attention.  I'm praying it - and standing on the promise it proclaims.

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isaiah 58:11

Thanking the Lord in advance that He will "strengthen my frame."  He has faithfully done that these past years.

I don't make new year's resolutions, but I do try to be sensitive to the Lord's voice if He is wanting to say something to me for the year ahead.  I've sensed a theme in my daily quiet times.  I read this quote from Sarah Young:  "A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven through which spiritual blessings fall freely."  I love the visual imagery of that - windows flying open as we lift up praise and thankfulness......and blessings flowing out like a river......cascading down upon us.

Being encouraged to be thankful is by no means a new thought to me.  It was a "tool" God put into my hands these last 8 years while battling cancer and caring for Floyd in his illness.  Time and time again the Lord spoke to me that worship and thankfulness would be a lifeline of strength and power to get me through all the hard things.  I clung to that lifeline, and purposed in my heart every single day to be thankful - for even the smallest details in my life.  The more thankful I was, the more joy and strength I had.  It was a wonderful gift! 

I'm feeling challenged to make a fresh commitment to thankfulness.  Many of the things I'm facing are new and different, but the same principle applies.  One thing that we are having is load shedding - where the electricity goes off in 2 1/2 hour blocks anywhere from 1 to 4 times a day.  It's frustrating, and it's hard to plan your day as the load shedding times change frequently.  I confess that my normal response is irritation.  I feel I'm to look for things to be thankful for rather than being irritated.  I'm going to work on that!

Learning to be thankful in whatever comes our way changes everything!  I remember times of standing by Floyd's bed with tears flowing while I thanked the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness.  Comfort came as I thanked and worshipped the Lord.

There were times during my chemo treatments that I was so weak and my mouth so full of sores that I couldn't even speak out my thankfulness - so I thought it.  I remember feeling the Lord so close, and His encouragement was so tangible.  I felt fresh strength to keep going in the battle.

I'm convinced, and my experiences of recent years have taught me that there is always, always ALWAYS something to be thankful for.  We just need to still our hearts and listen to the Spirit reminding us!

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."  Psalm 100:4

"In everything give thanks."  1 Thessalonians 5:18 

"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be thankful."  Colossians 3:15

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!"  1 Chronicles 16:34

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24 

"His praise shall continually be in my mouth."  Psalm 34:1

There is an abundance of verses about being thankful.  Clearly it was what was on God's heart for us!  Praising God turns our trials and burdens into blessings.  Only God could have organized that!

P.S.  As I was reflecting on having a heart of thankfulness, I received the following from Slavic Ministries quoting a woman named Maia in Ukraine:

"Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity but always has pistachio latte because of power generators busily buzzing in front of coffee shops.

Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity and water supply for days, but its residents are clean and well-groomed because they leave bedroom lights on at night to wake up and take a shower as soon as the power is back.

Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity, water, or heat for a few days, but the girls would always have their nails done. Because they want to feel beautiful and because the manicurists have portable battery-powered lamps.

Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity, no water, no heat, or no cell phone service, but it always has fresh bread. And there's plenty of food at the store. And you can pay with your card. And there are garbage trucks picking up garbage. There is snowplowing machinery working during a snowfall. Even though the traffic lights might not work, there seem to be fewer traffic accidents than usual.

One day, the history books will tell about a nation that not only had its warriors defeat the barbarians but also had its civilians manage to remain civilized in the artificial barbaric conditions brought upon them. They managed to maintain their usual civilized lifestyle as much as possible. I don't know how. It's a miracle."

I can't help but think that there are many in Kyiv who have learned to be thankful in difficulty, very great difficulty.