Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! I've been reading lots of blogs and articles recently about giving thanks and how much we have to be thankful for. This is so true, and I truly realize how very blessed I am. The Lord has given me so many blessings that I know I do not deserve, but I'm so very thankful to Him. At the top of the list would be my precious family and friends, but the list could go on endlessly. ~ ~ What I want to make sure to do, however, even after this Thanksgiving holiday is past, is to continue having a thankful heart each and every day. I need to make sure I give thanks to my Lord daily for all of my wonderful blessings---even if it's a day that doesn't seem too "special" when I'm in much physical pain, or things don't seem to be going my way---I still have so much to be thankful for even during those times! ~ ~ At our family dinner today, I'll read aloud Psalm 100 just as I have since I was a young girl (my precious Mother started me on this family tradition many years ago, and although she and Daddy are in Heaven now, it's a tradition I want to continue). ~ ~ Thank you, Lord for blessing me abundantly!!

Meeting A President!

One evening last week my oldest sister wanted several of us to meet for dinner at a nice restaurant in Atlanta. She wanted to celebrate having her house all paid off (which is certainly something for anyone to celebrate!). We had been seated at our table for about fifteen minutes when we noticed a couple being escorted to the table right next to our table. It was former President Jimmy Carter and his lovely wife Rosalyn!! I couldn't believe it, because at that very moment my teen-aged son was at home....writing a report on.....JIMMY CARTER !! I was so excited that I could hardly eat my delicious meal (although I did "force myself" to eat - LOL!!).

When President Carter's daughter Amy walked by my chair, I discreetly asked her if there was any way that she could snap a quick picture of her Dad for my son (and I explained about my son's report on President Carter). She said she'd ask him, and a minute later she turned back around to me and said that her Dad wanted me in the picture too! So I stooped down by his chair for a quick picture. He was so kind and gracious, and I was THRILLED!! (and thankful the Secret Service didn't come over and grab me.....they were nearby and very watchful!). I've posted the picture of Jimmy Carter and me (he was looking down at me, because the flash cameras bother his eyes). ~ What an exciting dinner!

HE Hasn't Changed !

With all the "drama" relating to the recent elections, there has been much talk and concern about our country's future. Many people are wondering what changes will take place regarding our economy, our military, and the list goes on and on. Some people are hopeful, others are downright worried and even scared. ~ As Christians we know we need to pray for our country, and we know WHO is in control. But with all this talk of changes, something else we must do is remember that our Lord does not CHANGE!! He has always been there for us, and always will be. He has the ultimate control, not political leaders. So when I'm feeling overwhelmed, I need to stay focused on the truth of the Bible verse in Hebrews that reminds me: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.

VOTE !!

On this much anticipated Election Day, I hope everyone has voted (or is planning to vote today). This is such an important part of being an American citizen, and not to be taken lightly. ~ ~ This particular Presidential race has been the most "anxiety-filled" one I have ever lived through (in my many years-LOL!) and so much is at stake for our great country. ~ ~ Feeling strongly about my choices and beliefs (particularly being anti-abortion and knowing we MUST always defend Israel) I, like many others, have fretted about "what ifs". What if the other candidate wins? What will happen to our precious country then? ~ ~ I've decided to focus on the Bible verse in John 14:1, as this reminds me WHO is really in control. ~ ~ May God always bless America!