All of us at one time or another.
We all face heartaches and concerns that overwhelm us in this life.
I am no exception.
Yet as I reflect on my life I am overcome by how blessed I am.
In times of trial Papa has never failed to supply all that I have needed and still need. Not only in difficult times, but in all times, He proves Himself faithful. So gracious. So loving. So wise.
It is important to stop and reflect upon all the blessings that do fill our lives.
There is an old hymn that says...
"Count your blessings, count them one by one, count your blessings, see what God has done..."
That is what I am doing today.
I have an amazing God who has made me privy to an incredible, intimate relationship with Him, the Almighty God.
I am blessed with health and strength and do not feel my sixty-years of age.
He has given me a loving, close family...
Dear friends...
My God has met all my material needs in His time and allowed me to share the blessings!
I live in probably the best part of this great country. We do not have the severe weather that plagues much of the rest of this land. New England enjoys all four seasons...and all the beauty that goes with it.
Speaking of this great country...We still have freedom of speech, freedom of religion...
Many of us share most, if not all, of those aforementioned blessings.
Many do not.
Check the news..
Think about those who represented by the headlines...
The people in Southern Sudan, teetering on the eve of their independence, still being slaughtered.
Afghans, Iraqis, Libyans, Haitians, Palestinians, Israelis, Japanese...
All in turmoil for one reason or more.
All in the headlines..all in need.
There are many more. The precious Cambodian and Thai people that I encountered a few years ago. Life is viewed as holding little value for them. Centuries of lies have burdened them and left them ignorant of their true need and great value.
There are those here in the United States in need also, of course.
Again we turn to the headlines..
Floods along the Mississippi, now in North Dakota. Floods that leave people homeless.
Tornadoes. Storms that rip everything to shreds.
Those of us who have so many blessings, dare not look away.
Some have come alongside and brought encouragement, but it is a drop in the ocean of what can be done.
What can a person do?
Ask Papa.
Everything begins with prayer.
As He stirs our hearts, He will direct what and how to give and where and to whom. Prayer itself is a great gift and avails much!
At times He will also direct us to go.
It might be to that sales clerk..a neighbor..a family member..
And it might be a little further afield or even even further than that..
His Heart waits for those who will love as He loves..those who will put feet to their faith..and faith in their generous God.
All the many blessings flowed freely from/ His Hand..
Those blessings are meant to keep flowing..that is the responsibility of being blessed!
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