Perpetual Thanksgiving...

In a couple days our nation will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday around massive meals, football and sale adds. This year the holiday represents something the Lord has taught me so much about during this season ~ THANKFULNESS ~ but not just in the manner of [counting my blessings] living a life of thankfulness is more then that. After all, lets face it - we all have days when we are thankful for life, food, clothes and warmth and list stops there.
On Sunday my pastor was talking about living our lives in a posture of thankfulness. A place where our hearts are turned in worship and adoration to our incredible God. Because no matter how much our circumstances in life around us change He is still the same. Living our lives in a posture of thankfulness means setting our hearts and minds on the Lord - gazing upon His Glory daily and yearning to see more.
The apostle Paul wrote the following scripture during his imprisonment in a Roman prison:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

[Philippians 4:12]

What was this secret Paul talked about?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

[Philippians 4:13]

Paul's secret to contentment in seasons of challenge and seasons of peace was a dependence on the Lord, finding every need met in the infinite God. Being Home in a very different atmosphere physically and spiritually, the Lord has taught me to depend on Him in a very real way and to live joyfully with a spirit of THANKSGIVING in all things.

Changes...

My poor little blog...forgotten for six months...a lot has changed since I wrote here last. In June a busy yet refreshing summer was begining in Minneapolis. Now I write with winter knocking at the door as fall ends here in Lansing MI. Long story short: God closed some doors and opened others and now I live at home with my family...
It was a radical change to go from life in a dorm with classes and ministry everyday to sharing a room with a six year old and having a job in the secular world. I'm not going to lie...it was a HARD transition!
But the Lord has been Faithful!!

>He provided a job shortly after I arrived home.

>My church family has been an enormous encouragment and provided opportunities for ministry.

>Treasured friendships have gone deeper.

>And best of all God has continued to be the rock I cling to when everything else feels as gray and drizzly as the November rain.

More then anything else, the Lord has taught me through this season that He is a good shepherd, [John 10:11] one we can trust and follow through all of life's rocky terrain. It has been a lovely season so far and I know it won't last forever...life with the Lord is an exciting adventure and we never know what He'll have for us next...