Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble."
Now that's a strange way to start a Thanksgiving Day post.
I bet you're thinking I burnt the turkey this year. Nope! The food was delicious!
But holidays are an emotional minefield of sorts for me--
or for anyone that has experienced loss.
The sweet memory making of today mingles with the bittersweet memories of the past.
I bet you're thinking I burnt the turkey this year. Nope! The food was delicious!
But holidays are an emotional minefield of sorts for me--
or for anyone that has experienced loss.
The sweet memory making of today mingles with the bittersweet memories of the past.
There are just so many triggers--the traditions, the food, the scents, the songs, even the weather.
One minute I am down deep grateful for God's abundant provision.
The next minute I am down deep longing for what's missing--
for who is missing from our celebrations.
It's a sticky situation.
"But take heart!"
for who is missing from our celebrations.
It's a sticky situation.
"But take heart!"
What do we do with our hurting hearts?
Pretend all is well? Hide the hurt under layers and layers of...something, anything?
No! What good is a buried heart? Besides, I've tried that. It doesn't work.
We live in a broken and sinful world. We will hurt.
Our hearts would be numb if we didn't feel the pain right alongside the joy.
Our hearts would be numb if we didn't feel the pain right alongside the joy.
Here's the good news for hurting hearts.
There is reason to hope for--even long for-- something more, something better.
"I have overcome the world!"
John 16:33
God wins! One day, God will make all things right.
Complete restoration. No more brokenness. No more tears.
Thanks to Jesus, we can live each day in joyful anticipation for our heavenly home.
And while we're here, we need to share that good news to a hurting world.
We need to wake up each new day and choose to see the gifts and receive the grace.
Yes, some days are harder than others. Some lives are harder than others.
But everyday with God there is joy to be had and love to be shared.
Complete restoration. No more brokenness. No more tears.
Thanks to Jesus, we can live each day in joyful anticipation for our heavenly home.
And while we're here, we need to share that good news to a hurting world.
We need to wake up each new day and choose to see the gifts and receive the grace.
Yes, some days are harder than others. Some lives are harder than others.
But everyday with God there is joy to be had and love to be shared.
Remember, the future is bright. Take heart, and give thanks.
~ ~ ~
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who bore my pain
Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace
And gave me life again
Who crushed my curse of sinfulness
And clothed me with His light
And wrote His law of righteousness
With pow'r upon my heart
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside
Who floods my weaknesses with strength
And causes fears to fly
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life my all
To love and follow Him
(source)
To Him who bore my pain
Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace
And gave me life again
Who crushed my curse of sinfulness
And clothed me with His light
And wrote His law of righteousness
With pow'r upon my heart
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who walks beside
Who floods my weaknesses with strength
And causes fears to fly
Whose every promise is enough
For every step I take
Sustaining me with arms of love
And crowning me with grace
My heart is filled with thankfulness
To Him who reigns above
Whose wisdom is my perfect peace
Whose every thought is love
For every day I have on earth
Is given by the King
So I will give my life my all
To love and follow Him
(source)
I love you precious friend!
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