focusing on being thankful, in this world but not of it

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ESV

Despite what this world gives us, we remember, this is what's to come. The nasty, the ugly, the ruthless, the thieves, the liars...they have no hold on us. Our time here is temporary. How disheartening is the ugliness of people. Maybe it's that we are back in the city that we see it so much more...To God be the glory in everything. Again He reminds us, He is faithful. We are His, kept in the palm of His hand...Thankful always for this and the reminder He allows us to have as we press in to Him.

Focusing on thanking Him~
-the beautiful weather, dinner, and atmosphere at the game we were invited to tonight
-happy kiddos
-a roof over our heads
-full bellies
-hot, running water
-health
-words of forgiveness
-prayers
-seeing the Holy Spirit work
-gifts for my honey's birthday (who is REALLY hard to buy for)
-a reminder that God hears our prayers and to thank Him in advance for answering them in His way
-we are in this world but not of it
-quiet time
-belly laughs
-a free coffee
-hope
-finishing well, despite what the worldly, lost ones say
-hubby :)

freedom

I picked this photo, sadly, because I only have two pictures on this computer and I figured the deck was a good thing, Memorial Day and all, then I saw it...do you see it?..The shadow of the cross...how I am humbled at His love and goodness :)

I am grateful that He continually reminds me of His goodness. He is faithful. I am humbled at God's grace.

Have a beautiful and blessed weekend, celebrating the freedoms fought for us by our service men and women, but more importantly, the freedom we have through Christ-the price that was paid on our behalf before we even knew of His goodness. I am guilty of taking these freedoms, both in our country and in my own salvation, for granted. But both came with a heavy price, one temporary and the other eternal. In both, I did nothing good to deserve them. But both have been offered to me and for that I am eternal grateful. I have the freedom to live here in this country to worship freely, to speak, to teach, to learn...and eternally, the gift of forgiveness of my sins and the gift of life, through Jesus Christ.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16