A Day of Firsts

Today is a big day of *1st's* for our family, and this heart is overflowing with thankfulness! So because you are all my friends, I have to share it with you. First, it's our "Gotcha Day"! Yes...it's been *1* whole year since lil Josh became our *official* son. Although we considered him our son the day he came home with us four years ago when The LORD put him in our hearts to love even before we had met him. How amazing are GOD'S Mighty and Life changing plans? HE works Miracles each and every day. 

HE changes everything. 

Second, it's our granddaughter, Ava Grace's *1* year Birthday party celebration today! This bundle of spunk and giggles has brought such joy to our hearts. GOD's Abundance continues to pour down into our lives, filling us with more love than our hearts can almost bear. 

And third, it's Elijah's very *1st* NCAA college playoff game, and SBU's *1st* ever invitation to a playoff. When The LORD opened the door for my boy to receive a free education and continue to play the sport HE'S gifted him in, my heart leaped. But then as we often do, I started to question, "LORD, do YOU really have to send him so far?" No sooner had the thought escaped than I realized...GOD has a plan, HE sees the bigger picture and HE is *always* for us.

Friends, Join me today in counting The LORD'S Abundance in your life...you may have overlooked it. Stop and take a more thorough review and then jump on the Thankful Train...share your abundance. 

"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."~2 Corinthians 9:8

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