Thankful in the New Year

Its the first Thursday of the New Year and a great day to give God thanks! I've been absent for a long time as I explained in my last blog, but I haven't participated in Thankful Thursdays for a while longer than that due to the hectic nature of life in this particular season.

I have come to realize that being intentional and purposeful about my gratitude to God keeps my heart in the right place. His graces and blessings are being poured out upon me continuously, if I would only look past the things that blind me to His Grace.

Very often, we only see the negative... the trial, the pain, the need, the suffering. If only we could also see the Hand of Grace in those situations, supporting us, encouraging us, comforting us. There are always going to be  circumstances to steal our joy, exhaust us, test our endurance, drain us to the last drop, but always there is His Grace.

Today, I'm thankful that in spite of these things that weigh and burden, I know that He is there with me always.  He is there with YOU always...through every burdensome thing. He tells us to come lay our burdens down , to lie beside the still waters and refresh ourselves in His living water...His Grace.

"Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest"
Matt 11:28

I thank God for another year in which to learn and grow in His Grace. I thank Him for His protection and provision. I thank God for my husband and children, for family and friends scattered all over the globe. I thank Him that under the great canopy of His Grace and mercy we are sheltered and provided for.

Dear friends, some of us begin a new year with hardship and suffering, with illness and disease, with seemingly insurmountable problems...but, even in the midst of these...give Him your thanks and praise for He is there supporting us and alleving that suffering, even if it doesn't feel so at the time. He deserves our praise and our thanks ALWAYS!!

Happy 2012 everyone...may God continue to pour out His blessings upon you!