Psalm 100

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100

Today I am especially thankful for God's gift to us on the cross. I am thankful for a loving husband and 5 miracle babies. I am thankful for the soldiers who fight to protect our freedom and for their families who sacrifice along with them. I am thankful that I can buy what I need freely at the store. Though I am often tired, I am able to rest at night in a comfortable bed. All of our needs are met, and that is a huge blessing. God is my strength and refuge in times of trouble. He is the great Comforter, the Great Healer, and the Great Physician. He knows my heart before I speak. He loves me.

Today I will delight in the tiny handprints all over our doors and windows and mirrors, for I remember what it was like to long for a baby. I will delight over the mess I make in our galley kitchen because I am thankful to have a kitchen! When my feet ache at the end of the day, I will rejoice that I have the ability to feel pain and hot and cold. When my hair doesn't look right in the morning, I will rejoice that it is all mine. Too many I love are going through major heart ache, pain, and loss right now. I have been there too. Therefore, I will choose to count my blessings and to thank the Lord in all things!! His faithfulness endures forever!

As I write this, I am praying for those friends who have lost a loved one, who are fighting cancer or some other sickness, who long for a baby, who have lost a baby, who are overwhelmed, who know the Lord, who need the Lord, who have been betrayed by a loved one, who have lost their job, who are oversees at war, who would do anything for one more hug. You are in my heart and prayers. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! May you spend it rejoicing in God's bountiful goodness, even in times of trouble!!!