Let's Be More Like Annie!

Her hair was short, blonde and disheveled. Her face wore the marks of difficulties. Her cane bore the weight of a limp. Her entire life belongings stuffed into two baskets. A large, long, waterproof Edison jacket shielded the wind from her frail body. 

As I passed her I told her I liked her jacket (being an Edison fan and all😉). She turned to look at me, smiling as she said, "Thank you! A kind woman took it off her back on a rainy day and gave it to me."

"Wow! So you were Blessed," I replied. 

"Yes I was, but they will be Blessed also for their kindness!" she exclaimed with a knowing nod, her eyes squinting as her smile broadened. 

I asked if I could buy her lunch. 

"Oh no, someone just fed me and I'm full. But thank you!"

"So GOD is making sure your needs are met?" I asked.

"Yes HE is!" She assured me.

"Can I pray for you? I love to pray for people, what's your name?" I asked.

"Annie." 

"Well Annie, what do you specifically need prayer for?"

Her brows furrowed closer together in deep thought. 

"How about your leg? Can I pray for healing for that? I suggested.

"Oh yes! I was hit by a car and shattered my pelvis and hip. I also have arthritis in my knee and ankle on the same side," she said.

As we said our goodbye's I told her I'd continue to pray for her. 

"Have a good day Annie," I said, smiling and waving as I headed to my car.

"You too," she said waving back. 

As I reached my car she yelled, "Have a *Blessed* day!" Her eyes but small straight lines as her smile overtook her entire face as she emphasized *Blessed*.

And since my "Thankful Train" doesn't have a limit on how many things one can be thankful for...I'm thankful for Annie and her reminder of Blessings in the midst of struggle. She notices and is grateful for each and every daily kindness. 

Let's notice friends. Let's see things more through Annie's eyes. 

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."~Galatians 6:9

HE is Risen!

HE is Risen! 

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."~Matthew 28:6

On this day, Resurrection Day, I'm reminded of the gift of The Hope and Glory that JESUS CHRIST has given. A gift so insurmountable. New life. Eternal life for all who believe in and on HIM. Holy, Mighty and Powerful is HIS Name. The Name above all Names, JESUS CHRIST. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name"~Philippians 2:9

HE is Risen! I am forever thankful.

Friends, let's not forget the true reason we Celebrate this day. Don't take HIS Gift of New Resurrected Life, Eternal Life for granted. Don't let another day go by without asking HIM into or back into your heart and life. 

Climb aboard the "Thankful Train"...let's join in thanking JESUS together today!

Fear, Terror and Doubt

Fear. Doubt. Unknown. These three feelings can tear down and remove truth. The things I *know* to be true. I find myself entering theaters, stores, etc. looking for escape routes, imaging how I would react in a life or death situation. But you see, preparing is not the problem, fixating on it *is*. When I look too long at the "what ifs", I've allowed myself to look away from "what IS".

JESUS.

He goes before us. Each and every one of us will leave this earth one day. The how, when and why should never be our fixation. As the world grows darker, evil all around, our eyes should continually be looking to The LORD, seeking to do all HE'S called us to do in the short amount of time we're here, leading lost, hurting and broken souls to CHRIST. My main focus should *always* be to walk out steps of Faith in Love. Praying...looking to be HIS Hands and Feet to all I meet. No matter what! Never shrinking back, trusting daily in where HE is leading. And if I'm called home under tragic circumstances, I will be at rest in the Presence of my LORD and SAVIOR. 

My heart aches for all the family members of those lost in the San Bernardino shooting. Having experienced the loss of loved ones under different, yet tragic circumstances, I can relate to the pain and heartache. I continually pray for them. I lay them at The LORD'S feet daily and ask HIM to flood them with Comfort. 

Join me in Praying. Join me in choosing to be fearless in showing/sharing *The Love of CHRIST* over all else. The *Knowledge of Truth* over anything and everything that comes our way! 

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"~John 1:29

Trusting GOD In the Waiting...

I've been praying for something for a while. I truly try to dig in deeper when worry or doubt threaten to overtake. Then the other day, I received words from someone who was in a position to help move things along. Nothing has *actually* changed. My prayer still hasn't been answered, however all of a sudden I haven't been as hyper-focused on it. 

After doing my Scripture Study/Praying this morning...I was filled with this thought, "Why was I so eager to trust the word of man over the things The LORD has already put on my heart regarding this situation? Why was I continually picking up the burden? Why did I let someone's words speak stronger to my heart than GOD'S Word?

Today I'm thankful for reminders of areas I still need growth in...Faith, Trust, and Patience. I want to wait on JESUS, constantly believing in *HIS* Word over *every area* of my life and my family's no matter how things appear in the moment. I want to be so strong in my trust that no matter how long I have to wait, no matter what others may say or not say, no matter the outcome (prayers answered specifically to my request or not answered at all) I'll know that The LORD'S Hand was on it/in it/around it/through it, and it's *exactly* how it's *supposed* to be.  

Friends, join me in praying for increased Trust and Faith in The LORD in the midst of it all. May *HIS* Word bring Truth and Light to every area of your life.

"Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”~John 4:13-14

Do you see the heart formed by the shadows of the leaves on the water?

When You Mess Up...

•"Holding on number _____!" 

The ref announced over the microphone letting the players on the field, coaches, fans in the stands & watching by TV know who'd just messed up. 

•"Pass interference on number _____!" 
•"Offsides on number _____!" 

•"Personal foul on number _____!"

Everyone's mistakes shouted loud and clear for all to hear; teammates shook their heads at the cost of the mistake...loss of yardage/farther away from the goal for offensive fouls or closer to the goal line they're defending for defensive fouls. The guilty party pleading their case with the ref, hoping no one had really seen the mistake.

Today, I'm thankful life isn't like that! 

•Lie just told by ______!

•Worst decision ever made by______!

•Arguing/causing trouble by______!

•Gossiping/hurtful words shared by______!

You get the picture. 

As a Christian I'm thankful for the knowledge that my mistakes can be forgiven when I take them to The LORD. I'm thankful that JESUS Loved me/you/us enough to nail them to the cross, giving *newness* of life/a fresh start, found only in and through HIM. 

"having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."~Colossians 2:14

Whew! 

How amazing & awesome is that?! It's no longer by the letter of the law (trying to be good enough in our own ability), JESUS took care of that!

Let's be honest, we're all a *big* work in progress and blow it frequently, (but getting better day by day.)

So today, join me in taking those *less than perfect moments* to The LORD, asking for forgiveness/help to do better, to become more loving, kind, thoughtful, caring, forgiving, wise in actions & words. Let's shine bright today, soaring above it, lifting up and encouraging...stopping to pray before we act/speak. 

Don't Miss Your Opportunity!

Today I witnessed something pretty amazing! The two teams gathered around their coaches on opposite sides of the field for the usual after game lectures. But something different and out of the ordinary happened right in front of me. A very true picture of what it's really *always* about! 

One of the players from our team had stepped up for an injured player from the opposing team. He had taken him aside and was praying for him!!! He was doing The LORD'S Will. He put the game loss aside (his feelings/hopes/frustrations) and looked to be a Blessing in someone's life.

WOAH! 

Now you don't see that too often. 

Today I'm thankful for this amazing picture and reminder. We are given opportunities to touch people's lives, no matter where we are, what we're doing, or what we may be going through...we should always be looking to be a Light for CHRIST. 

How powerful is this picture?! He did not care what anyone thought of him. He did not care that he was supposed to be over listening to the after-game talk. This injured player needed prayer for healing. He chose to pay attention to what JESUS had placed in front of him and answered the call without hesitation. 

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men"~1 Timothy 2:1

Be looking for the opportunity to shine CHRIST'S Love today friends, it's always placed right in front of you! 

Are You Looking For Your True Purpose? Start Here!

Why does my to-do list always try to steal my joy? I was feeling rushed and discouraged as I walked up to the school to purchase a large number of Bell Game (big football rivalry game) tickets. A bus load of special needs kids were being helped out. "Okay, perfect," I thought..."I'll pray for all these kids whose life struggles are no where near anything I *ever* have to deal with." I silently said a quick prayer as I heard one of teachers struggling to get a girl off the bus. I didn't think much of it and hurried to the ticket window. 

The grocery store was next, when I realized I needed one more ticket. I quickly shopped (about 20 min) and headed back to the school. I ran up to get the additional ticket. On the way back a beautiful young down syndrome girl was getting off the bus, head down, wiping tears as her caregiver reprimanded her. It had taken 30 minutes for her to find the courage to exit. She was having a difficult day. I slowed as she passed and prayed for her. 

Three more stops led me to three beautiful, warriors, women who'd lost their hair as they courageously charged the silent enemy inside...cancer. More opportunities to offer prayers for the very people The LORD had placed in front of me. 

I'm thankful for the reminder that people are truly going through incredible difficulties & I have the opportunity each and everyday to stand in the gap and pray for them. What a Blessing and wonderful responsibility/honor The LORD gives us. There's always someone struggling who needs to be lifted up to our HEALER. Pay attention friends...you may be the only person praying for them. 

Who is in front of you today? 

It's time to pray!!!

*Pray for All Men*~"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men"~1 Timothy 2:1

Jump on the "Thankful Train"...keep your eyes up and look for opportunities. What are you thankful for?