Today is Thanksgiving Day, a day to give thanks for the many blessings that we have received. As I have reflected on this day, it hit me that you should be thankful for the trials and hard times just as much as you are thankful for the blessings and good times. This year we have faced trials. My grandmother passed away in March, and we have had two babies born straight into the arms of Jesus this year.
This year we have also faced great blessings and encouragement. I was able to fly back home to attend my grandmothers funeral and be with my family during that hard time. We as a family were able to take a cross country trip to visit family, and our home church, and see some pretty amazing things.
God has allowed us to be a part of a great ministry here in Alaska, and we have an awesome church here in Alaska. I have become involved with the worship team, and it seems that God has reignited a passion in my heart that I honestly believe he placed there when I was born, for worship.
Looking back over this year I can see how God has worked in many ways. He has taught us many things, some lessons were harder than others. Some of the lessons I am not completely sure why we had to experience them, but then again, we are never really promised that we will find out the "why" of things.
Through all of these things though, one thing remains, my faith in God. Even though there have been times when I literally felt like a crazy woman, my faith remained in my awesome and loving Father. I know that God cares about everything that we care about, and He feels every tear that we cry, His Word says in Psalm 56:8-11,
"You number my wanderings; put my tears into your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
I so LOVE that, "because God is FOR ME." God is for us friends, even when we face unspeakable pain, and what can seem like chaotic uncertainty, God is for us!! He is there, only a breath away.
While going through a very tough time, God spoke to my heart and gave me these words. I want to share them with you.
You are not a victim!! You are a child of the Most High King. You are worthy. You are loved. You were crafted by the very hands of God, and you matter.
You were not just made, you were crafted by the skillful hands of an awesomely talented artisan. Every detail of your beautiful face was intricately designed and etched out by God, You Matter!!
You have a purpose, you have a mission, and God has a plan for your life.
You are not a victim, you are a chosen anointed child of God. A Powerful warrior in the army of a mighty God, so stand tall!!
I can honestly look back at this year and say that I am thankful for all that it has brought with it, because character is built through the trials that we face, and God will get us through those trials.
Happy Thanksgiving my friends, I am so thankful for each and everyone of you!!
