Giving Thanks

I was tickled that I read today that SB68 will likely not go anywhere this go around in the Senate. That was good news on a Friday the 13th (see my other post). Earlier this week, however, I was a bit distraught that all my(our) hard work was for naught. I really believe with all my heart that God wants us to love each other, and accept each other. And that families are created equal, even if they aren't all created the same way.

I was reading a lovely blog today (eyes of wonder) and I found something she wrote awhile back and wanted to share it. I do have a tendency to worry, but I try to remind myself that it is OK to give it to God. God does care how I feel. ...and cares how YOU feel, too. And, thankfully, God's burden is light.

We are not being irresponsible, by not worrying, or feeling bad about, or striving against, the things that we cannot change, no matter how hard and out of control they may seem to be. It is absolutely legal, and we are free, in Him, to tell our cares and concerns, needs, struggles, hopes, dreams and desires, to Him--pour them all out--and walk away from them, leaving them in His care, knowing we have not only done something, but we have done the greater thing. We have placed our life and times in His hands--in childlike faith--and walked away to do the next thing, however small or simple, or seemingly insignificant in the scheme of things, that may seem to be at the time.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication (*being supple, bendable, pliable while waiting) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4: 4, 6-8 King James Version (*inserted thought, mine)

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is *true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Philippians 4: 4, 6-8 Amplified Bible *God's Word is true

God is there. He is always at work, most often in ways that we cannot see, nor could we entirely understand, even if we could. I do believe that He is getting us exactly where we want to go, but in His way, in His time. The very same way and time that we, too, would choose, IF we could see and know and understand, everything and every one, and had all the power, as only He does.

He loves you and He is always for you. You really, truly, needn't fear, today or tomorrow. You needn't try to please people, or live up to their expectations. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Give Him your cares and then ask Him to show you the next thing to do. If you find that your eyes are taken off of yourself and you are seeing the most basic needs of those around you and are drawn to meet them--even if it is with the little or nothing that you might have, physically, materially, it is Him. Let go of the cares (to Him) and leave them there, and let Him love--you, and those around you.

As always, Peace.