IT'S HARD TO ALWAYS GIVE THANKS!

Hello, again! Seems like I was just here moments ago, but God absolutely led me to this message...because I needed to hear it! So, if it's not new to you, I apologize. In fact, for the record, I apologize for everything that has been old stuff to you in the weeks past. But, perhaps, reminders to each of us doesn't hurt!

In reading today's suggested reading in Jeramiah 2 verse 16a, a message leaped out at me. These raging lions and tigers leap from their secluded rocks and trees and roar their messages. Sometimes I hear only a whisper of a leaf floating in the breeze, but today it was lions and tigers roaring the gist of it and the floating leaf drifted into my mind to uncover the rest. Jer.2:16a ...."Why do you think all this has happened? Isn't it because you walked out on your God just as He was beginning to lead you in the right way?"

Now, I pray to follow God's will and yet what seems to be His will often is not. And all we can do is live with the confusion that comes when we have been mistaken. But, here now, is the revelation for me.....Even the worst scenario is liveable when God is included.....and thanked!Ephesians 5:20 says "You will always give thanks for everything to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ!"

There you have it! Thanking God for all things is an instruction, an order! Even the worst scenario in our lives is liveable when God is included and thanked.

Right now, today, Jerry and I should be at a closing for a small condo in MN, something we long to do in order to be closer to our children and our grand-children. We probably aren't quite ready to move back permanently, but it was to be a small start. The deal went kaput through no fault of ours and we have suffered a big disappointment. Plus, we have prayed most desperately for two of our grandchildren in the past two years for disappointments in their lives, as well. There has been no blaming God, just trust and hope. But, until today, I have not thanked God for these things.

I thank you God, even for disappointments, for I believe through your mercy and generosity you will persevere and bring new life into these situations. I thank you , Lord,that even in my thoughtlessness, you have come. Thank you for loving my grandchildren and their parents, and for all the time of teaching us you are providing. Forgive me for not thanking you before this time, but I thank you most sincerely for re-opening my eyes to your desire for me to thank you. Thank you for your healing power in the lives of those in my family who need healing. And for Jerry and I as we grow older, for we thank you for the peace you are sure to bring us as we again seek your will regarding a spot to rest in the North.

Please be with my friends out there in la la land and help us all remember to thank you NO MATTER WHAT !

With assurance of God's pleasure, and with an AMEN, I remain....Jo