chrisine

Blessings come when we are determined to see the good God has given us. When we persevere in counting our blessings, we begin to live in His grace. This is a summary of what I heard from two wonderful pastors at our Community Thanksgiving Service last night. It is so very hard to believe that Calvary Baptist has hosted that event for 17 years. I remember well the first one, even though I wasn't there. JD was sick, and I was very pregnant with Hannah. David came home and told me about what a blessing it was to him; note the word blessing. James 5:11 says, "As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." As I look at this picture of JD I see a persevering look that says to me, "I am DETERMINED to strike out this batter." I saw that look many times in his short life. I count them all as blessings, and for those blessings; I give thanks. As you know, God has taken us on a journey that has knocked us to our knees. He has made us come to a place to count our blessings so that we may be unfaltering when we give Him thanks. He has changed our family, and although sometimes it's very hard to see His good; we do. It is my prayer that you will find time to count your blessings and persevere in giving our Lord your thanks. Do not let this world take away the blessings God has for you by focusing on what you think is missing from your life. "When Jesus is all you have, then you have all you need." Thank You for my blessings, God, I have way too many to list here. If I had to list my top 5, they would be: 1- You 2- the love I have for you 3- my family 4- the love we have for You and each other 5- the peace and compassion You show us every day.

Thank you to everyone who had a part in the community service last night. Whether you were a speaker, choir member or part of the audience; you were a blessing to me. Because of God's promise, I will get to see this determined face again. It's so good to sit with people who have that same faith!