We are told in Romans 8:28 “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Therefore no matter what may be happening in your life, blessings or despair, we are called to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Every trial is a chance to grow stronger, not only in character, but also in Faith.

Today, I will thank God constantly for all that besets me. How about you, are you willing to join me?

NEVER FORGET

As we celebrate with gatherings,

Picnics and parties, this weekend

Let us not forget to pray for

Those who, in service, lives did spend.

Fathers, mothers, friends, or children

Who, for our freedom, bled and died,

Let us not forget their service,

After tears of grief have dried.

They went to foreign soil for our sake,

The call to action did not spurn.

They put their very lives in danger

Knowing some would not return.

They left behind loved ones and families

To carry on while they were gone,

To pray for them, and keep things going;

To make sure family life goes on.

We give to them respect and honor

And keep their memories in our hearts.

We thank them for the gift of freedom

That, in their service, each imparts.

So, stop, and join with me in praying

For those who remain so far away.

Who gave their all that here in safety

Each of us can safely stay.

And join with me, as well, in praying

For all who still so bravely stand

At the forefront, facing terrors

That we can never understand.

Every day more lives are given

And more sacrifices made.

Let us never take for granted

The awful price that they have paid.

Each Memorial Day we need to

Remember them with thanks and love

And pray the lives that have been given

Are blessed to be with God above.

***wgb***

Memorial Day 2011

May 29, 2011

My Prayer

Today I will rejoice in the Lord.

He has filled me with joy,

He has released me from sin.

Thank you Jesus, for your sacrifice,

help me be worthy of it.

Give me strength to accept your will,

guide me to follow your way.

Ever increase my life with your riches.

Secure in the knowledge

earthly treasures comfort for a short time,

yet heavenly treasures last an eternity.

I praise you, O Lord, you’re awesome!

You lighten my heart and bring song to my soul.

Humbled by your love, I rejoice.

Praise be to you, O Lord!

  FAITH, GRACE, MERCY

  I have a faith, both strong and true,

That Mom and Dad taught me.

A faith that God is always near,

A trust that I need never fear,

Belief that God will dry each tear,

God’s grace is mine for free.

 This grace has not been earned or bought.

I can’t give it away.

But I can share the Word of God,

Let people know God’s love is broad,

Tell others of the path Christ trod,

That they might learn God’s way.

Christ is God’s Way, God’s truth, God’s light,

God’s love personified.

A wondrous love that cover all,

Forgiving us each time we fall.

Our every sin, both large and small,

While walking by our side.

 So, in God’s mercy, we can trust.

God hears our every prayer.

Our joys and sorrows we can bring,

 And in the name of Christ, the King,

Trusting in God for everything,

Our lives are in God’s care.

***wgb***

Jesus is my constant companion: my rock in times of weakness, my support in times of need, and my comfort in times of grief. It is the strength of my faith that carries me through the difficult times in my life.

I know people who don’t believe and it makes me sad. Who do they turn to when life is unbearable, when grief overwhelms them. The concern of relatives and friends only goes so far.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In revelations Jesus says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…”

I pray the unbelievers will hear that voice. Accepting Jesus into their lives is as easy as deciding to open that door and letting Him in. They too will then have the assurance of His presence in a “empty” room.

 It’s easy, as Paul McCartney sang:

“Someone’s knockin’ at the door  Somebody’s ringin’ the bell . . .  open the door and let em in”

 You’ll be glad you did.

“Oh when the Saints go marching in, oh window the Saints go marching in…”

The words echoed in the dark room has a frightened girl cowered under the blankets her eyes pinched tightly against the flashes of lightning, she blared out the song trying to drown out the thunderstorm raging outside her window, sleep impossible until the storm abated.

I was that young child; thunderstorms brought panic, especially because they usually happened at night just as I was getting ready to go to bed. Lying alone in my room I felt very small and vulnerable.. Usually childish fears diminish as we grow up, for me the fear during thunderstorms refuses to fade, the memories of my panic are as intense today as they were back then. As irrational as it is, even as an adult, the spark of lightning and clap of thunder still makes my heart race and my breath quickened.

The presence of others reassure her and calm somewhat; however, when alone that young girls bright returns. I no longer bury myself under the blankets find it is necessary to bellow out the words to a mighty fighting song; I have found my peace in the Bible, Psalms 29 to be exact. Sitting on my bed reading in a calm clear voice the words to Psalms 29 alleviates my fears and brings me closer to God. “The voice of the Lord is powerful” reminds me that he is in control and “the Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace”promises me that he will always be there to call my anxieties.

The store may continue to rage outside, however, the storm in my body has been quieted

 My resolution for 2011 is to have an optimistic attitude all the time. Last year was challenging for many people. If it is true we are what we think, then by infusing our world with happiness and positive expectation, 2011 will be great.

 Are you willing to join me in this new way of thinking? I hope so.

 May the blessings of God saturate your life in the coming year.

 Happy New Year!

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