Thanks & Praise

Well, I must actively choose to find things to thank Him for these last few days and praise Him regardless of how I feel. I've gotten several pieces of not so good stuff and have been sharing those prayer requests with my friends and partners. So that is the first thing that I'm thankful for is good friends, who are willing to lift up the things that concern me and those close to me. I'm thankful that I have the kind of friends and family who take time out of their busy days, to help me bear my burden, I only hope that I will be able to return the kindness when they are in times of need.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well my Pampered Chef party turned out and thankful for the free stuff I got to pick out! It was a bright spot in my day yesterday to be able to close out that show so successfully.

I'm also praising Him that when I spoke with my parents on Monday night that the latest news from my grandmother is that there is still no signs of the cancer. There are many other things that are still needing work, but one thing and one day at a time. At the same time my heart tears in two for one of my very best friends as we've just found out that her mother's cancer has returned in full force and it is not looking good. Oh, that Christ would come quickly and wipe out all disease and sadness and take us all home with Him!

I'm so thankful that I'm being allowed the privilege of participating in another dear friend's wedding this weekend. They were intending to have it outside Sunday evening in Little Rock and I'm afraid we may end up inside because of Rita by that time, but a celebration it will be nonetheless! She has been through many, many trials throughout her life and I'm so happy for her that God has blessed her with a kind, gentle and caring Christian man to spend the rest of her life with, she deserves it!

At the mention of Rita, I must lift up all those in the potential pathway. I have two households of family that live in the Houston area that I think of in particular. One family I heard from just shortly ago and they have made it to stay with other family of theirs somewhat north who have a generator. The others I've sent a note too, but have not heard from yet. I can't imagine, having to do such a thing. Lord protect those I love and so many more that I don't even know.

Is it just me, or does natural disaster seem to be more frequent and more powerful each year?! My parents are experiencing flooding in their city in Thailand. They are personally OK where they live, but many that they know, teach or work with are effected. The slum area in which they help to teach ESL to children is flooded. Oh the power that nature holds and uses... and yet, it says in the Word that at the sound of His voice and His command the waves became still. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation! He reigns supreme!

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