So thankful....

I am so thankful for so many things. Even during this season of loss, suffering, and grief, my heart is full, very full. My salvation and my relationship with Jesus grows sweeter every day. There have been days where I folded my arms, turned my head, and wanted nothing, but He was always there.

Last night was such a joyful worship experience. Just a few weeks ago I saw that Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill were going to be in Florence. I knew we had to go. We rarely splurge to do something like that, and especially not now. But I knew we had to go, we needed to go. I wanted to take our girls, too. I remember being little, 8 or 9, and going to hear Dallas Holm, Sandi Patty, the Statler Brothers, the Imperials (yes, I am that old!). That is when music came alive to me....there at those concerts, in those moments of worship. We always have music on in the car, mostly worship music, with the occasional country song thrown in there every now and then. My girls love the Disney Channel and most of the fun music on there, too.

But most of all, they love to sing about Jesus. And that brings me such joy...to have a CD on and to hear them sing. Even better, when we are at home and I catch one of them singing to themselves....you see, those truths in those songs are the things that will last, the things that will count....when I cannot be there to encourage them, to love them, I pray that the truths of His Word and the songs about Him will surface from deep within to get them through.

So we went last night as a family and it was glorious. Oh my goodness...the band was incredible. The worship was powerful. The Spirit was there. It was a beautiful experience, and once again, I knew He has not forgotten us. Satan wants us to feel that way, but I know it is not true. The flesh in me wants to cry and run away, but it is in those tough moments that what we are really made of come out.

I re-read Psalm 121 today. He is our shade...the sun, nor the moon shall harm us. He does not slumber or sleep. He was not asleep when this happened. He sees us and He knows. He knows every tear that we cry, every heartache we feel, every pang of anxiety, and every moment of joy.

I think this season is almost over. I do. I really do. I sense something incredible on the horizon for us. When that happens, all praise and honor due His Name will be proclaimed through all the earth. I truly believe Psalm 37:4 that when we delight in Him, He does give us the desires of our hearts. I have seen that fulfilled so many times in my life already. I discovered that verse in college and have clung to it ever since. He has brought that to pass for me in years past; I have no reason to believe He will not bring it to pass for us this time.

We are ready, Lord. We are ready for You to pour out Your blessing on us. Help make us ready to receive it. We want to receive it in a way that honors You; that brings glory to Your Name; so that all who see and hear will know that You alone are worthy.