The end of a year

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

Today is the last day of 2011. Where did the year go? This year was challenging, to say the least, for my husband and I. We have so much to be thankful for, thanking God for each and every step of the way.


Top 10 blessings of 2011
1. Being saved and knowing Jesus, I don’t even want to think of a year without Him

2. Mark can walk. It has been a hard year for him. There were a lot of setbacks with his back and legs. He walks with a cane because his legs are still numb. Praise God he can walk.

3. My job. In this economy anyone who is working needs to be thankful. I am thankful to have a job especially with Mark not working. My boss has been very supportive during the entire year, with me taking time off or coming in late or leaving early.

4. A home to live in.

5. My children, Sandi, Mark and Rob. I am so thankful for each of them and their unique personalities.

My daughter is a wonderful testimony and help to all around her. She is willing to help wherever needed in whatever situation. She is a great mother with two awesome sons.

It has been a hard year for Mark Jr. and his back, constantly working even though in pain. He has built his business during this economic decline. He is the father of two amazing daughters who adore him.

Rob, my silent warrior, has had some hard times this year, even though he does not say much.

Thank you Lord for each of them and richly blessing us.

6. My grandchildren, Grant, Cassidy, Sydney and Gabe. What a tremendous blessing and joy each of them bring to my life.

7. Living in a free country. I don’t know how much longer it will be free but thankful that I live in the US..

8. God’s precious word and quiet time each morning with Him.

9. Ladies Bible study, good discussions around the word of God.

10. Bible studies at the assisted livings. Thank your Lord for allowing us the privilege of knowing these precious people.

This is a very short list of my many, many, many blessings. As you reflect on 2011 count your blessings, name them one by one.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Blessings

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

Blessing upon blessing, we are so blessed to have the things we have.

To live in a free country, there are many people who do not live in a free country.

Thank you Lord for this blessing

To have food on my table, not just today but every day, not one but three meals a day plus snacks.

Thank you Lord for this blessing

To wake up in a warm house snuggled in blankets.

Thank you Lord for this great blessing

To turn on the tap and get clean, fresh water.

Thank you Lord for this blessing.

Thank you Lord for the Living Water and I will thirst no more.

Thank you Lord for blessing upon blessing.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Blessings

Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. Psalm 28:6

A few weeks ago, my husband injured his back. He has not been able to do much. He is in pain when he sits, lies down and walks, another words he is in pain all the time. To pass the time he has been reading, working on puzzles and looking at stamps.

Mark loves to research and look at stamps. His leisure time usually is limited with working and pastoring. It has been a few years since he has looked at his “stamp collection”. He buys stamps at flea markets and yard sales.

As he was going through a box of stamps, he purchased a while ago, he came across a newspaper clipping. It looks very old and is yellowed from years of neglect. God speaks to us through many ways. He encourages us with little things, sometime a newspaper clipping.

The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers

I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

--- Unknown Confederate soldier

Our prayers are always answered, but not always the way we would like. Thank you Lord, for the blessing of your perfect will in all our prayers.

Have a blessed day,
Donna