(NIV © 2011)
Celebrating a birthday is like throwing a party for God. When we set aside a special day to review the year and look forward to the next, we see blessings that have fallen all around us until they cover our whole being and fill our shoes!
Saturday, I had a wonderful time at a book signing, to open the new library in Roanoke, Indiana, with fifteen other friends and authors,. So many happy faces, so many kind words, that my face was set in a perpetual smile for the rest of the day. True blessings do not come in the form of a winning lottery ticket. If you are waiting for the "gold ticket" in the candy bar, you will miss the real God-sightings all around you.
We, the authors, and one big golden dog who lapped up attention from all who passed by as she sprawled on the floor, were scattered all over the library. Blessings came in full measure in my corner of the building, on the face of my friend Mary who drew dinosaurs for children in the kids corner; in my conversation with Lynette whose book on sexual purity is a "must have" for every church library; and the constant smile of Marsha who wrote an inspired tribute to her mother, one of the first female pilots of WWII. I was also truly touched by the new authors I met, and for Judy, whom I see only once every few years. These are life’s true treasures.
In the third verse of the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, we sing the inspired words:
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Roses are always good to stop and smell. Dear Ones, it is far more important to take time to count your "ten thousand blessings" at the end of each day and rise up every morning with childlike anticipating for the grace you will receive with your first holy breath. Let us pray:
"Father, God, holy is your name. Amazing are your gifts. Abundant are your blessings. Since your kingdom has come in my life, I have walked in the light of your presence and joy. I thank you for all you have given me. Forgive me when I have said, ‘I know you sent your only son to save my soul, but, God, I want more, more of what the world has to offer.’ I have turned away your treasures that outlast time, for trinkets that dazzle for a while and then turn back to dust. No more. I choose you Father, your love and your blessings. Great is your faithfulness, Father God. For all these things, and ten million more, I thank you. Let me walk in your way every day of my life. In the name of Jesus, your son and my redeemer, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine." Copyright 2013 Doris Gaines Rapp
For children and teens, go to:
http://inmyprayerchair.blogspot.com And . . .
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Prayer-Chair/476665319066226 (copy and paste to address line if needed)
Escape from the Belfry (Y/A Adventure novel) Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment