I Am Grateful

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

It has been a little while since my last email. I had hoped that the next communication from me would be via my website. Unfortunately, there has been a delay. Yet, I am still grateful. I am grateful to have the opportunity in any format to give God glory for all that He is and for all He has done for me. The setbacks have only made me more determined to fulfill this assignment.

I am grateful for the encouragement that I have received along this journey and the prayers that have been lifted on my behalf. I do not speak with most of you on this email list daily or even on a regular basis, but that has not changed my belief that you are there for me and cheering me on. God has been and continues to be so gracious to me by surrounding me with people who care about me and my well-being. He has given me people who will support me in the good as well as the difficult. They will also challenge me when I am wrong. For this, I am grateful.

I am grateful for the many challenges and chaotic circumstances. I would not have said that a few years ago. However, I have come to realize that in those times, when my faith is tested, I grow the most. The tough times cause me to decide if I will plant my feet firm in my faith or if I will allow myself to be swept away as with the wind. It is also in these times that I see God’s character and His hand on my life more clearly. For this, I am grateful.

I am grateful for each new day that I see. I have come to understand that His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness to me is greater than I could ever imagine. Each day that I am allowed to see is another opportunity to develop my relationship with Him and to encourage others to do the same. Therefore, you are receiving this email… even if the website is not finished, it does not mean that my assignment is. It must be carried out no matter what. For this, I am grateful.

I am grateful for the life and family He has given me. My life is quite different than it used to be and vastly different from what I had thought it would be. Even so, I would not change anything that has altered the course of my life. Yes, I would love for Brian to still be with us enjoying this beautiful life, but God saw fit to rearrange our expectations to all our benefit. If He had not, it is very possible that I would not have come to know God like I do now. For this, I am extremely grateful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reminds me to be give thanks in every circumstance, whether good or bad, because His will for me is to grow during these trials and become more like Him. That is the goal… to be more like Him. It is not His desire for us to go through difficult trials, but because we live in this world, we will. We can rest assured that He will be with us and give us whatever we need to make it. Yes, it hurts, but growing pains have always hurt. I remember watching my children groan in pain during their growth spurts. I wanted so badly for the pain to stop, but I knew that I could not do anything about it. It was necessary for them to grow and become physically mature. Likewise, as His children, we must endure some pain for us to grow and reach our spiritually maturity. Even for this, I am grateful because I have come to understand that I am not alone in my development. He is with me, just like I was with my children, comforting me and holding me gently in His arms.

In All things…I am Grateful.