I don’t know about you who are reading this, but I find myself wondering how to express the gratitude in my heart for all that God has done for me. Last night we had close friends come for the evening. One of them is losing ground due to her cancer. In spite of one’s aching heart, we laughed over and over as we played games we all love. As I began to journal this morning I didn’t know how to pray for this friend. All of us want her to live! Yet, all of us know this decision is in the hands of our loving God. He reminded me of the heartache of sinful flesh and death is the final straw of its effect on us. The glory of life beyond this flesh is so much more rewarding. It is only in selfishness we would want someone to stay in their flesh. Experiencing the reality of this once again, I am able to adjust my prayers to “Thy will be done”.

The JOY of the Lord is our Strength! This Thanksgiving season I want only to find this JOY in all circumstances. Knowing all that is going on in our own lives as well as the lives of our world will someday end and Christ will reign supreme, is the foundation of today’s JOY. I’m staying in this awareness this season of Giving Thanks!