Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thankful Thursday- My List

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever Psalm 106:1

There are some things in life that stop you in your tracks and leave you in awe of their absolute beauty. Among them for me are the teachable, tender hearts of children. As I visited Jill’s blog this morning I was awe struck listening to 7 of her 9 children share some of the things that they are most thankful for. These children set such a beautiful example of what it means to be thankful for all that we have- right down to our soap and towels!  If you have a few minutes today, I strongly encourage to watch these short videos for yourself, and then take time to reflect upon some of the things that you have to be thankful for.

Here are a few things that are at the top of my list:
The unconditional love of God

The truth of God’s word that guides me

The mercies of God that are new every morning

The gift of life itself

The freedoms we enjoy in this country

That all of my most basic needs are met- (food, clothing, shelter, clean water, a bed lie to on, etc.

The gift of prayer and the power it holds - There is nothing more comforting or encouraging to me than knowing that someone is praying for me. It is a joy to be able to give this gift to others. What blessed assurance in found in knowing that God hears and answers every prayer- maybe not how we would like, or how we hope, but He does answer us, and His answers are always in our best interest at heart.

The blessing and love of family and friends-both in person and online- I don’t know what I would do without those that God has put in my life to build me up, challenge me, and point me to Him.

The faithful heart and inspiring music of 16 year old Lexi- God will change the world through dedicated souls like hers.

The ability to stand up and walk- As difficult as it can be for me sometimes, as my muscles fight against me with every step I take, I am so thankful for the blessing of my 2 canes ,and that I have enough strength and balance to stand up and walk!

The opportunity to and meet the needs of the least of these- I am in awe that God has taken my life and given me 6 opportunities (4 of them traveling and serving by myself) to put love in action and have my faith expanded by serving His children in Romania.

The gift of Cerebral palsy- It is a gift that drives me to my knees pressing deeper into Him- seeking His strength for what most people would consider to be the most simple of tasks. It is a gift that He has entrusted me with to uses as means to shine the light. It is all because of Him that I can say with a smile, “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed!” John 9:2 Every challenge and disappointment, and every wavve of pain, serves as a chisel in His hand as He shapes me into the image of His Son.  There is nothing more humbling than to be called His child and too be used for His divine purpose.  

Oh, how thankful I am that He is making all things new!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17


Thankful for His Grace,

Melissa











1 comment:

Unknown said...

Lovely post.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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