This was not  a week that I had anticipated, it being the first major holiday without Shelby. But I am surprised by the joy that has filled this whole week. Only Jesus can give this kind of joy and peace.

We've had so much going on--more relatives ill and in the hospital. I've had two uncles there this week, and one of my husband's uncles went in Wednesday and is still there. A dear older friend of mine called in tears this week because she may be diagnosed with diabetes--the very disease that is killing her daughter. We have dear friends going thorugh personal crises--death, sickness, financial problems. Other friendships are very strained right now, some completely severed.  Staying busy, too, with church and family events this week has added to cares.  A few years ago, a week like this would have drained me dry, becuase the only resources I would have had for support were my own.

But God is so good!  He ever loves, ever forgives, and gives grace to meet each new task.  He gives "peace that passes understanding" and does "abundantly above all we ask or think". 

There is a peace in my heart about my mother-in-law---I'm glad she isn't suffering anymore. I KNOW where she is. Heaven has never been so real before!  I don't understand why so much is going wrong, but worrying isn't my answer. Finally the words, " Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." aren't just hi-lited in  my Bible, the are written on the tables of my heart.  Just knowing Jesus is with me has lightened the load so much!

And we have so much to be thankful for: our daughter accepted Jesus as her Lord this year, strained ties within our family have been restored, people are getting saved over at our church, the cancer scare I had earlier this year was only that--a scare, my dear husband began preaching  this year, we are together, we are free, and the Lord is my "very present help in trouble."

If there is any high purpose to this blog that I spend so much time on, let it be to do this;

O GIVE THANKS unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend, y'all!