I am Thankful (Thank Full)

We made a tree, a Thanksgiving tree. The list of things that the boys are thankful for;

• toys
• trees
• bedtime
• mom
• leaves
• legos
• God
• Magic Tree House
• healthy Foods
• morning-time
• the world
• daddy
• cathcing leaves
• rain and snow
• church.....

The list goes on and on.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (Amplified Version)

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

Tonight I was thinking about what I am thankful for. Of course, much like the boys, my list could go on and on. Lately, though, I'm thinking about the meaning of being 'saved'. Christians use this term loosely. Usually, in reference to the great one time salvation, being saved from eternal separation from God as a result of our sin. I'm talking about all the times I have been saved. Saved from myself, saved from the manipulation of others, saved from poisonous thoughts and a diseased and crooked heart. Oh, I have been saved dozens of times. I shudder at the thought of where I could be, had I followed my own road.


I could have been a beggar. (I am so rich in Him)
I could have been an unforgiven liar. (I am forgiven, and know Truth)
I could have remained so damaged. (He has healed my pain)
I could be selling myself so short... (He values me, I can care for myself)
I could be without family. (Wealthy both in family and The Body)
I could be so empty. (My cup is full!)
I could be without esteem. (I am finding my identity in Him)
I could be homeless. (He has provided greatly)
I could be cursed and shamed. (I am beautifully redeemed)
I could be hopeless and chronically depressed. (He is my hope, and lifeline)
I could be neurotic, obsessive. (I have been freed from worldy concerns)
I could be abused. (He has provided a loving husband for me)
I could be striving for approval many. (I need only God's approval)
I could be so lonely. (He will never leave me)
I could be dead. (I am living, and will eternally!)

None of these are exaggerated in my mind. Not one is far fetched, when I think back over my years, the choices I've made. I have been saved from so much I can't imagine.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (The Message)

34-36 Give thanks to God—he is good
and his love never quits.
Say, "Save us, Savior God,
round us up and get us out of these godless places,
So we can give thanks to your holy Name,
and bask in your life of praise."
Blessed be God, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Then everybody said, "Yes! Amen!" and "Praise God!"

I am grateful for a God who loves us enough to whisper in our ears. To walk with us, as well as ahead of us.


He is a friend. He is a comfort. He gives us direction. What a kind, loving, LIVING God.

I can walk through life and have rest. I love this word. Rest. I can walk through life, knowing whatever comes my way, I can rest in Him.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I can rest, I am so thankful!