I'm Thankful

These are things for which I'm thankful:

* My prayer group meets to pray for our grandchildren and the world they live in.
* Moms who bring their babies to Bible study. It's awesome to see their desire to know God's Word.
* My church family looks like heaven. Red and yellow, black, brown, and white...all precious people in God's sight.
* Pastors who boldly declare God's truth.
* Freedom to worship.
* I live in a city where churches work together for the cause of Jesus Christ.
* My parents faithfully took my brother and me to church, and taught us God's Word.
* I've been married to my husband and best friend for over 25 years. And he always has my back.
* God's provision is more than enough.
* Jesus sacrificed His life for me and you, so we could be forgiven, and live abundantly and eternally.



Have a blessed Thanksgiving!


For what are you thankful?

The Gift of Prayer

My granddaughter's soccer team hadn't scored a goal all season. Before a game, I prayed with Joy, asking God to protect her and her teammates from injury, to help them follow the rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship. I also asked the Lord to allow the girls to experience the joy of making a goal. I'm grateful God heard our request, and He was faithful to answer. The team made their first goal!

Every good and perfect gift is from God, our heavenly Father (James 1: 17). I'm thankful for the gift of prayer. We have the privilege to come confidently before God's throne. He hears us, and He answers. We are to pray all the time about everything, giving the LORD thanks. We can bring Him all our troubles and concerns. And He is not burdened when our request seems small and insignificant.

 

I'm grateful for the gift of prayer. I'm thankful God showed an eight-year-old girl she can pray anytime and about everything...even soccer goals!

 

Scripture References: Hebrews 4:14; Psalm 116: 1-2; Matthew 7:11; Philippians 4:6; Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Peter 5: 7.

 

In what ways are you thankful for the gift of prayer?

Writing God-Honoring Holiday Letters

Psalm 78: 4 says, "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done." (NIV). We can communicate God's greatness in a holiday letter.

First, pray and ask for God's direction. Ask Him to help you determine whom to write  and what to communicate.

Next, share a special memory or event, and elaborate on your feelings. Keep your letter short and readable.

Conclude with a sincere wish, blessing, or prayer. Apostle Paul concluded his second letter to the Corinthian church this way: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." 2 Cor. 13:14.

Finally, pray for your recipient before mailing the letter.

 

I wrote this letter to my niece, Madison:

 

Dear Madison,

Do you remember when we visited the Natural Science Museum's Butterfly Center? While you remained quiet and still, a butterfly settled softly on your hand.

A butterfly goes through stages. First a female butterfly lays an egg. Next a caterpillar hatches from the egg. Then the caterpillar feeds, grows, and sheds its skin before changing into a pupa. A time of waiting follows. Finally, the butterfly struggles to emerge. The new butterfly is unique and beautiful.

 



A big lesson I learned in my Patriarchs Bible study is when God gives you a promise, expect a time of waiting and testing before the promise is fulfilled.

Waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise reminds me of a butterfly. The promise is revealed, and followed by a season of preparation, waiting, and testing, just as the butterfly strives to get out of the cocoon. And finally, when it seems you will never see the promise come to pass, it arrives right on time, and you are left in awe.

The LORD has promises for you. While waiting for their fulfillment, you may be tempted to believe God has forgotten you. At times, you may feel the enemy is about to devour you. Other times, it may seem the trial is more than you can bear. But never give up. Remember Apostle Paul's words, "Fight the good fight of faith." When your promise comes, marvel in God's faithfulness! He always keeps His Word.

This Christmas season, may you be in awe of the wonder of the Promised Messiah. Merry Christmas, Madison! I love you!

Aunt Lori

 

Share the great things the LORD did or taught you in a special letter, a treasured keepsake for your loved one!

 

What great thing has God done for you recently?

 

 

The LORD is Creator

 

The Colorado mountains, vast blue sky, evergreen forests, and meandering river reminded me the LORD, great and awesome, is Creator.

 

Stars flung across the heavens punctured the sky's darkness. Gazing upon hundreds of points of light, I reflected on Isaiah 40: 26- "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

 

A gentle rain and flowing river was my Heavenly Father's bedtime lullaby, and a peaceful sleep overtook me.

 

By the Animas River the next morning, I continued meditating on the words of Isaiah 40: 21- 31- "God sits enthroned above the circle of the earth and its people are like grasshoppers... The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth."

 

I am awed by God's Eternalness, grateful for His Faithfulness, blessed by His Goodness, created for His Glory.

 

What reminds you the LORD God is Creator?

 

 

 







First Friday Intercession: Adopted Children

My friend, Leeann, and her husband adopted two Vietnamese children. Together, they became a family. These parents loved, nurtured, disciplined, protected, educated, and provided for their daughter and son. They taught their kids to love and serve God. These children have access to everything the parents own. The relationship does not change based on behavior.

 

These children are chosen. They are wanted. They are loved. They belong. It's what our Heavenly Father did for us. Scripture tells us God predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ. It is his will and pleasure (Ephesians 1: 5).

 

November is National Adoption Month. Let the children of God rejoice!



Our Father God in Heaven, how awesome is your great love for us. Thank you for loving, choosing, and redeeming us. Thank you for adopting us into your family. Thank you for leading us by your Spirit and making us heirs. Open our eyes to see the needs of children without families. Help us  care for orphans. Bless those who desire children with your favor, wisdom, and the resources necessary to bring them home. In the Name of Jesus, our Savior, amen.

 

 

What's your adoption story?