Just Gratitude!

I’m grateful for our only one in the nest.

I’m grateful for her on going maturity.

I’m grateful that she can hear music.

I’m grateful that she can follow the beats.

I’m grateful she remembers the sequence of her steps.

I’m grateful she has found her love in dance.

I’m grateful the Lord has never left my side.

I’m grateful we have lived to this day.

I’m grateful that at this moment it is easier than it was for so many years.

I’m grateful I can trust the Lord.

I’m grateful He knew what it would take to get me to this day.

I’m grateful He hasn’t given up on me or my motherhood.

Thus begins my day as a mother of 24 years…just gratitude!

Psalm 57: 10 - 11

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth.

"Praiseworthy Deeds of God!"

Psalm 77:11  “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.”

      Thanksgiving.  I love this holiday.  Regardless of Indians, Pilgrims or the history associated with it.  It’s a beautiful holiday strictly to have a grateful heart. 

     In a Bible study I have just begun with a friend on the Wonder of God, we were challenged to reflect on the past year.  We were asked to document, “Praiseworthy Deeds of God.” 

Google Image

     As I sat at the Thanksgiving table and looked at our family, I could hardly believe the Praiseworthy Deeds of God we had experienced since last Thanksgiving. 

     God has blessed my husband with another year of great health.  He has loved his work.  God used the mind of my husband and his strong hands to completely renovate our home.

     I considered my father and father-in-law’s health over the past year.  I really believe God spared my Daddy’s life this year.  He had two brain surgeries, he had a pace maker and defibulator installed and he was in physical rehabilitation for two months. He is a walking miracle!

     We were blessed to find an assisted living facility for my father-in-law.  No, we wish he was home but for his safety and the best care our option is this incredible “new home.”

Google Image

     I reflected the strength the Lord has given to my mom and mother-in-law to be the caregivers of their spouses over this past year.  They would both attest to the fact only God could have given them the patience and strength to endure the challenges associated with full time care of those they love the most.

     Our youngest sat at the table loving life.  Loving her school and her dance and more importantly gaining an understanding of who God is. 

     As I made the glance around the table and came upon our son, I couldn’t help but note the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord in his final days of college.  He will graduate in the Spring and God is the One who has provided the means for him to be in school. 

     Our final table member this year is not yet an “official” member of our family.  She sat with a precious anticipation of what God has planned.

Google Image 

     So, how about you?  Can you look back over the last year and see the “Praiseworthy Deeds of God?”  Do you see Him protecting your children from injury and harm?  Do you see His provision for your family?  Find a moment today and remember January 2013. Consider every family member and what God has done in and through their lives this year.

     The Psalmist begs us to remember.  Share and record these memories with your children and the generations to come.