Thanksgiving

My heart is so full and warm as I sit back and think about all the reasons I have to be thankful.  Most importantly for the redemptive work of Christ's working in my life.  Secondly for a patient and loving husband who lived out Ephesians 5:25 every day.  Thirdly for the precious little girls the Lord has entrusted me to raise.  In just those 3 main categories there are countless "little" things for which I am thankful.  Out side of those 3 categories the list grows with parents and in-laws who were faithful in raising Scott and I in church, friends who encourage me in my faith and parenting, and sooooo much more.

Today my Mother-in-Love and I worked together to decorate the house for Christmas.  I'll be honest, I was really struggling this morning.  However, as the day progressed the Lord's grace poured out to each of us as we  worked together.  His grace is sufficient for us in our weakness.  I have been learning this truth for the past year.  I am thankful for God's continued grace and patience towards me because I certainly don't deserve it.

A Puritan's Prayer of Thanksgiving from The Valley of Vision

O My God,Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects, my heart admires, adores, loves thee, for my little vessel is as full as it can be, and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created, for adorning it, for sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil; for the body thou hast given me, for preserving its strength and vigour, for providing senses to enjoy delights, for the ease and freedom of my limbs, for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding; for thy royal bounty providing my daily support, for a full table and overflowing cup, for appetite, taste, sweetness, for social joys of relatives and friends, for ability to serve others, for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities, for a mind to care for my fellow-men, for opportunities of spreading happiness around, for loved ones in the joys of heaven, for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express, for what thou art to thy creatures.Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.