thankful

Out of control

“O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies!
    Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord?
    You are entirely faithful.”

Psalm 89:8 (NLT)

Since about August 1st I have been in a funk, and it culminated in a full blown temper tantrum a couple of weeks ago. Everything about my emotions was out of control. Ugh.

The week after my meltdown I went to our ladies intercessory prayer time that we have on Wednesdays. It is always life giving for me, and this particular time was life changing. We always start with people praying and giving thanks.

My sweet friend Michele Harris prayed a prayer about something the Lord had laid on her heart that morning; giving thanks for the small things. She was expressing thanks for having choices about what clothes to wear or food to pack for lunch. It hit me so hard. I knew it was for me and that the Lord was encouraging me in that moment.

I am so thankful that God has surrounded me with people who press in and hear His voice. I am so thankful for the life I have, and even though I failed miserable for a time Jesus was still faithful. He was the good shepherd who brought me to green pastures and told me to lie down. He reminded me to think about Him, how He is in control and that I can rest in that.

I am so thankful that in the midst of crazy, chaotic times I serve a God who is not phased by any of it and is the answer to all of it. ❤️

Even when I am not…He is faithful…

To forgive

To restore

To redeem

To………change your/my circumstances.

In Everything

Guest Post by Kasey Bell

What do we do in times of uncertainty? 

This year has brought so much fear and uncertainty to almost everyone.

During this unprecedented year, I have found myself dealing with more anxiety than ever. As an educator, I have watched my colleagues face unbelievable challenges, criticism from every corner, and fears and anxieties that are paralyzing–so paralyzing that it sometimes makes it hard to even focus on prayers and presenting our requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me of so many things when I am anxious about EVERYTHING! Repeating this verse aloud, slowly, can bring my head out of the fog.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Read it slowly, and contemplate every phrase.

Come back to “with thanksgiving,” which essentially means to be thankful.

Be thankful…

It’s easy to forget that part of the verse. 

Even when things go dark, and your attitude needs a huge adjustment, thank God. In every situation, even the scary, world-is-turning-upside-down-pandemic, we must reach deep inside to remember the things for which we are thankful, big and small.

Thank you for this day.

Thank you for your love.

Thank you for dying on the cross for me.

And when I can’t think of anything else, when my mind won’t slow down, sometimes my only prayer is “Thank you, Jesus!” I meditate on these three little words, and they bring me peace.

Thank you, Jesus!

Thank you, Jesus!

Thank you, Jesus!

When we are thankful and welcome the holy spirit into our hearts, we can face anything!