Giving thanks.........

I remember often encouraging others that the BEST time in my life to give thanks to God is when the challenges are many and heartaches are really hurting. I am finding it very difficult this Thanksgiving to "practice" what I preach.

Didn't know it was going to hurt so much to get thru Thanksgiving without my Mom. I miss her so much. I find a deep heartache within that hasn't even begun to heal.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy ENDURES forever." Psalms 136:1

I have had the opportunity lately to "encourage" a very discouraged friend. Everytime I'd email her I'd say, "I encourage you to read a Psalm every day. Even if it's one verse, just read it."

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid." Psalms 27:1

As I read thru an email from her the other day, tears came to my eyes as she told me how she has her Bible on the end table now reading some Psalms. She told me she had forgotten how peaceful and encouraging the Psalms are.

"I have trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my mind and my heart. For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth...So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING and TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDROUS WORKS." Psalms 26:1,2,3,6,7

In my workplace one day last week, a dear senior lady came thru my line. Immediately I felt God's presence with me. I knew that dear lady had a need. I just knew it. As I took care of her merchandise, she began conversation and from the chatting we ventured into the area of sorrow and hurt. She shared with me her story of burying her 42 year old daughter "shortly after Christmas" last year. I was not at all surprised that God allowed this dear lady and I some "quality" time. No customers interupted us. None came in behind her for me to take care of. I know we chatted more than 5 minutes. I shared my own story in brief, (I can be when I have to be, ya know), about the loss of my mom and how tough it is. We shared like two old friends sitting on a front porch some place. Before she left, I came from behind the counter and asked her if she minded if I hugged her before she left. I have NEVER in my lifetime been hugged in the sincere, caring, and loving way that dear lady hugged me. I felt HIS arms as we stood there in my workplace hugging each other. Does she know my name? Yes. I wear a name badge. Do I know her name? No, BUT.....God does and that's all that matters. What an amazing experience for me in my work place. God directed us to each other so the need we had were met during that day, that time, those minutes, those seconds of our lives. I believe our need was (is) so deep that God needed to come to us personally and allow this experience for both of us. I stand amazed in His presence.

"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path...I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would SEE the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalms 27:11,13

As I reflect today I am finding it easier to thank God! As I share with you the seeminly small experiences of my life these past days, my heart is encouraged and reminded to keep on keeping on. I have so many heartaches and challenges in my life. BUT...I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for. As David wrote:

"Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5

Have you read some Psalms today?

Til next time....................hugs to all..............

Oh, know what else? God has brought TWO more people in my life that needs the Psalms. I'm encouraging them..............will keep you posted! God has sure been busy! I am humbled that He chooses me!