The WORD for Wednesday...

"Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;

To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;"

Psalm 136:3-5
(New American Standard Bible)

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Sure doesn't FEEL routine...

Today I am trying to get medical paperwork filed away, and paying some bills. But I don't feel very productive. My older brother is having heart surgery this morning to replace a mis-behaving valve. I've been in touch with his wife, and it's all going real well. According to the reports she is getting, he'll be out soon. Though this is supposed to be a routine heart surgery... it still has me very concerned.

It's like this for us often with our children with special needs. The things they are going through are considered by their specialists to be "routine" for their type of special need and/or disability. But to US, the families of children with special needs - the word "routine" doesn't describe how we feel as we sit and wait.

More likely, what happens during times our children face their challenges head on is not that we sit and wait... but that we are stressed (minds racing), or we are racing about taking care of the child and/or the problems caused... or we're calling and talking to doctors, family and friends. No, sitting and waiting doesn't come easy when things get tough or serious... does it?

Too often we are stressing spiritually as well, not recognizing that what we really need to do is "sit and wait". But the Lord says that this is exactly what we SHOULD do when things don't FEEL routine, or typical. We have very clear directions to follow - we are to lean on the Lord in times like these., just as in all other times.

"Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14

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Thankful Thursday

In continuing to add to my Thankful List, I must always begin by restating my thankfulness for the love of God, and the gift of His Son Christ Jesus - His free gift of salvation. In addition, I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as Comforter and Encourager, and more.

This week, I am thankful for opportunities:
1) to visit with our sons and their families in TX
2) to freely worship God in a church of our choosing
3) to live in this country, the USA
4) to share life with my spouse
5) to access the written word, without regulation
6) to know and have friendships with other Christians around me
7) to bring my needs, and those of others, to the Lord in prayer
8) to know the one, true God

I realize I am extremely blessed, and plan to share these blessings - not hoard them.

" I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving."

PSALM 69:30