Monday, January 26, 2015

Taking time to Say Thanks!




Over the last week or so I have taken some time to ponder, pray and think about all that is happening in our lives right now. It is incredible to think about all that has transpired over the last year.  It seems like things are moving so fast and so much is happening it is so hard to take it in.  This last weekend as we had our building dedication I was able to stop, pause and give thanks.

I shared at the dedication about a time in December when God reminded me about the need to stop and give thanks.  I often times am so driven to get the next thing done and to accomplish the next task that I don't take time to stop, reflect and give thanks.  God reminded me of this through a passage from Luke 17.  Here is what it says: "As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you."

I often am like the other 9 who did not come back to say thanks.  When we take time to say thanks and give praise to God our attitude changes.  We realize how much we have and that what we think we need maybe isn't that important.  When we give thanks we remember all we have in Christ.  We remember that he is in control and all is well.

So thanks to God for all he has done!  Each step of the way I want to take time to pause and say thank you.  First thanks to God and to each of you who have come along side us through prayer, encouragement and/or financial support!  We are honored to serve with Love Guatemala and we are excited for all God has in store.