Lunch Today

I had lunch today with one of my dear friends. She is going through unthinkable difficulty in her life. As she walks alongside her child who is battling and defeating (yea!) brain cancer she is also dealing with the loss of her marriage. As she talked honestly about her anger and sadness she was able to supernaturally count her blessings and see God' goodness too. I marveled at how Jesus shined through her as she told me about her son's giving spirit, her family's support and love and how she is pressing in to God through prayer every day.

I realized that this list of thanks I am making is God's way of helping me to see His goodness always and in everything. Days will come when my heart will ache and tragedy will hit and I pray that the training I am in right now will open my eyes to God's grace and goodness always.

It doesn't mean we don't bear the scars of hurts in our past. We most certainly carry that with us, but Jesus still has His scars too. He bears the scars of sacrifice in a perfect place where there is no pain, no tears, no heartache. Is this what scripture is talking about in Philippines 3:10 when it says, "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death" ? To be like Him is to be, "content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. We can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength." Phil 4:12-13.

The Lord tells us that thankfulness precedes the blessing. Thankfulness precedes the miracle. Thankfulness precedes the deliverance. Maybe it's because when I am fixed on Him and His abundant provision in all things, I am less concerned with myself and more in awe of Him. Maybe the thankful heart is the deliverance from anxiety, worry and pain. After all He tells us in Phil 4:4-7 to, "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. Again I say, Rejoice...Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, with Thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus."

The peace of God...that is the blessing, the miracle and the deliverance! It comes from a thankful heart no matter our circumstances!!

So, I will continue to "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14

Let the "sacrifice of praise" continue... (read Psalm 116)

731. My friend answering the phone with a happy, "Hi friend, how are you?"

732. The tone of Zac's sweet five year old voice.

733. Kissing Zac's cheeks

734. Reading the Storybook Bible with Zac on our days together.

735. Watching Ryan swim, his long, strong strokes in the water.

736. Kids coming in at night needing Mommy

737. Rubbing Hallie's back as her breath slows and she drifts off to sleep.

738. Jacob's school report at the end of the day

739. Sharing burdens and joys with a good friend

740. A clean toilet!

741. Window marker designs on the window.

742. The daily coloring pages from Zac and him saying, "Here mommy, these are for you. I love you so much."