I'm still mad

I know, the bible says not to let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26), but there are times when frustration and upsetness just seem to take over. On top of that, I kinda relish the feeling. Dog gone it, I am mad! I feel justified in being angry. And whatever it is, whether major or minor, I don't want it to happen anymore. I know you have felt this way too. I want to be mad and pout until everyone knows how I feel about the situation.

So I go to bed mad. Upset. Frustrated. Angry.

And in the morning, when I gather my bible and journal for morning quiet time with God... there it is. All those stirred-up feelings still nagging me. I try to push them aside. I try to praise God. I try to pray for others. But it's just like I learned at a retreat I attended last week. It's hard to figure out dinner when there's a bear chasing you. 

It's true. When there's a problem nagging, it is hard to focus on anything else. And near impossible to focus with the right heart. You have to make peace with what is bothering you. It needs resolution before you can be fully present for anything else.

 So I pour out my heart to God. The God Who understands. The God Who wants me to come to Him with every kind of concern. Even anger and frustrations. God is not upset or disappointed in me. Remember: we know that in all things God works for the good... (Romans 8:28) God can use this. Remember: nothing can separate us from the love of God, nothing in all creation (Romans 8:39). 

Know that God loves and accepts you in your frazzled state.

Know that God will heal and restore.

Know that God will bless you again.

God loves you. His love never wavers.

God will shine a light in the darkness for you.

God forgives.

God knows how to move you forward.

Just do the next right thing and before you know it, you will be able to look back and say, "I know that was You, God!"

Does it matter?

 Are handwritten notes even "a thing" anymore? Isn't texting so much quicker and time-efficient? 

Research shows that a special closeness happens in receiving a letter and knowing it was handwritten by someone you love. And just like fingerprints, your personal handwriting is unique to you. Texting all looks the same, it all "sounds" the same. But with a handwritten note, you can almost hear the sender's voice as you read each word. You are holding the same card they had in their hands. And whatever was written - poor spelling, poor penmanship and all - make what you are now holding in your hand all that more memorable and worth savoring. I know this first hand. This card is from my son when he was stationed in Iraq. 2003. His sweet little lettering brought tears to my eyes. Of course, I still have it after all these years!

Handwritten notes all send a very important message besides what is actually written. Sending a personal note in this way communicates that you value this relationship, that you want to continue in this relationship. The receiver is important to you - enough so that you will take the time and effort to stop everything else and focus on creating a special message just for them. Writing and mailing a note plays a significant role in letting someone feel accepted, worthy, appreciated... and loved. You can actually make someone's day by sending a simple note. Notes can uplift, encourage and in general make someone feel seen, heard, and gain a sense of belonging. Yes, handwritten notes are powerful!

Below are photos of my birth announcement! In my mom's own handwriting. (Yes, my mom's nickname was Bill. Long story...) The note was to her mom. What a wonderful keepsake! And again, her handwriting I had seen a million times while I was away from home during my Navy days. There is just no replacement for having received her handwritten notes during that time in my life. I was able to enjoy funny cards and funny stories over and over again. 

Handwritten notes are warm and wonderful for both the sender and the recipient. They can really pack a punch! I'll bet you have some favored notes stashed away somewhere. Maybe it's time for a revisit of those saved cards and consider what you can do today to make an impact. 

Isaiah 55: 11 -

...so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

And the rain came down...

 

I don't need an achy joint to tell me it's about to rain. My cat, Max, lifts his head and listens - then goes under the rocking chair. It's one of those glider ones with the skirt around the bottom. A minute later, and you can hear the rain hitting the window. He finds safety and security there. He does this every time it rains, whether a gentle rain or a full-blown storm. Oh, that we would do likewise into the Lord's protective arms! Shouldn't the storms of life have us going to God?

Not even calm, soothing words from me change Max's mind. He KNOWS where his true comfort and safekeeping are found. So that's where he goes. And that's where he stays until the upsetting circumstance passes. And it does pass.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness we can go to for comfort and safekeeping.

Thank You, Lord, for being the goodness while it is storming.

Thank You, Lord, for the goodness of knowing You will be there for the next storm.

When the rain is coming and Max can sense it, he doesn't stand there frozen in fear and anxiety. There is no wailing, whining or crying out. He doesn't run here and there frantically seeking someplace that brings a sense of safekeeping. Every time, every time it rains, a little or a lot, he just lifts the rocker skirt with his nose and enters in. Enters into a place of peace and rest. It's just another storm in life approaching, so he goes where he knows he will be protected and find comfort. Until it passes.

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. (Psalm 55:8)

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)

Any size storm. Where do you go?

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1)

Any size storm. Where do you stay?

The God of un-troubling

© 2016 Julie Crane All rights reserved

We have all turned to the verse: "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33) Whenever we have to remind ourselves that this is not heaven but an imperfect, sinning place. Or when we seek consolation because things are going so, so awry. When we are struggling through...troubles. Yes, troubles come. Troubles also go.

On March 2, 2016, I had surgery to remove cancer from my breast. I definitely felt "in trouble" then. It was certainly hard to think of anything else. But I have been cancer-free for five years now. Cancer doesn't bother me, doesn't consume me, like it did back then.

Whenever you cry out to me, I'll answer. I'll be with you in troubling times. (Psalm 91:15)

In fact, there have been numerous times when I badly needed... NEEDED:

a job, a new place to live, "right now" car repair, a new furnace, coast-to-coast traveling mercies, healings of various sizes, and so on. Desperate times. My mind consumed with what to do, how to pay for, how am I ever going to get passed this? But those desperate, intense troubles - are long past. Even forgotten. And I know of others:

• a long awaited pregnancy - now expecting
• college fees - covered
• insurance claims - kicked in
• a pet that wandered off - found
• a strained relationship - revived
• a loved one away so long - home safe and sound
• a new medicine - brings relief

Resolved. Un-troubled. Thanks be to God!

I invite you to - not count your blessings - but to look back at your past troubles. What was on your hand-wringing, worry plate two years ago? Five years ago? That are now un-troubling. Possibly even forgotten. Until now.

Sometimes it feels like troubles are piling up daily. Yet how many do you really remember? Truly - many are done and over with. You can't possibly recall every resolution (un-troubling) the Lord has delivered into your life! But He has. You know He has.

There's more to that verse than just the reminder that there will be troubles.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Another translation:

"I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order." (VOICE)

God has helped before. God will help again. Even though you have times of trouble, do not fear, the Lord has the final say. He offers peace to those to hold on to these, His, words.

I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel My presence even in your time of pressure and trouble. (Psalm 91:15 TPT) 

Pass the relish, please

Gulping hot coffee.

Inhaling a couple bites of toast.

A quick, one-page read of a devotional while brushing your teeth.

Grabbing an armload and running to the car.

Merging and weaving in and out of traffic while the latest news yammers in the background during your phone call.

Arriving, hurrying, multitasking, departing as fast as you can.

Throwing dinner together.

Prepping as much as possible for the next day.

Collapsing into bed.

A whiff of fresh brewed coffee.

The cup warming your hands.

Noticing the reflection of light on its surface.

And... that... first... sip.

Toast  with grandma's jam, sunny yellow eggs and a sweet orange cut-up and all on a pretty plate.

A bite. And a chew. And a look out the kitchen window.

Tasting. Seeing.

Opening your bible. Reading a section. Twice. Jotting down a note or two. Sitting. Thinking. Praying. Wondering... what of this does God want me to take into this day?

Gathering up what is needed. Opening the door. Breathing in the fresh air. Admiring the blue sky and the tree limbs reaching up.

Enjoying the view out the car window. Waving to a friend walking the dog. 

Going with the flow. Uplifting music making you dance in your head. Fingers tapping the steering wheel.

Arriving safe and sound. Greeting others with a nod and a smile. Knowing there is time and ability to complete the task before you. The uplifting music from the car radio still humming through your mind.

A sip of wine as meat browns in the pan. The crisp sound of vegetables being chopped up. Rice steaming to perfection. Sitting down. Saying grace. Holding hands. Light conversation. Lingering over dessert.

Counting the blessings of the day. Stretching out beneath cool sheets. Happy in God's provision. Resting in His promised presence and protection through the night.

Everybody loves different things on their hot dog. Some mustard. Some catsup. Onions. Even chili and cheese. And yes, hot dog relish. You get to choose. Choose how you will enjoy, make the most, of your hot dog.

And you.

How will you choose to relish this day?

 

Beyond survival mode

I look in the mirror, and I see this gentle but potent reminder: I got through cancer. I survived breast cancer. But long before that, God helped me survive many other things. Being teased in school for being soooo tall; moving away from the known and familiar to join the Navy; looking for jobs - taking jobs not suited to me; and when I found out I couldn't bear children (and everybody else was); being out on my own after a failed marriage; my only son headed for Iraq; mom dying of cancer; car troubles, financial problems... and oh yes, breast cancer.

Most likely, you too, have a litany of survivals, rescues, by the hand of God as well. Perhaps you have a few more on your list right now to get through - need of rescue by a power mightier than your own.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him. (Psalm 145:18)

What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7)

The Lord is good, a refuge is times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. (Nahum 1:7)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." (Lamentations 3:22-24)

What does forever and faithfulness mean but that God will continually, help, save, and rescue again and again. Did God ever quit on me (or you) no matter how long the list of needs, indeed - years of needs?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

I look in the mirror, see the necklace, and I am reminded: By God's grace, I survived.

You too. Look in the mirror. And say, 

"By God's grace, I have survived. I will survive."

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret... (Psalm 37:7)

       

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Thanks times ten

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

"Teaching" Sunday School via snail mail has had its challenges - and its rewards. As I contemplated a lesson for Thanksgiving week, and the myriad of scriptures regarding thanks, I "stumbled" (God-led) to the account of the ten lepers (Luke 17). You know the one: someone got sick with leprosy and other people could easily get sick if they got near, so they had to live apart. They missed their family and friends so much! BUT THEN - Jesus stopped - He stopped what He was doing and where He was going. And with a touch and a word...

as the ten walked along on a seemingly ordinary path on a seemingly ordinary day - it happened. They found themselves made better. So of course they rushed towards home, eager to embrace loved ones.

But one of them...

one of them turned back. Back to Jesus. Full of thanks and praise! "Thank You for making me better!" He couldn't hold back; couldn't hold his appreciation in. And he couldn't wait to then go and tell what the Lord had done.

Where are the other nine? Jesus asked. Were not all made better?

As I sit here writing, I can't help but think of reasons to join the one in thanks and praise. From new days dawning and sun rises, walks outdoors and fresh air chilly on my cheeks, laughter and giggles over hot cocoa, thick socks, casseroles warm from the oven, a phone call with a loved one - oh, and worship songs to hum! Yes, I think on these things - these love-gifts from God, and I am made better.

"Thank You, Jesus!"

Who will run back with me? Will you join me, running to Jesus and giving thanks?

Come and get it!

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

The birds are feasting, again and again, at the bird feeder. The squirrels are constantly in the yard digging up and chewing up nuts. My cats will certainly howl if the food dish even appears to be empty! Even sunflowers keep turning their heads toward the sun throughout the day to soak up its offered nourishment.

Me too. I sure like my three meals a day (plus snacks!)

All creatures look to You to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things. (Psalm 104:27-28)

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. (Matthew 14:20)

What a awesome God we all have! Taking care of our needs at the proper time. Plus leftovers! As if to say, "There's more than enough. Come back again real soon!"

Yet do we feed on the Bread of Life, God's very Word, as often? Now, before you start beating yourself up, consider this. Do you sometimes:

• read a devotional or a randomly selected bible passage
• sing or hum a hymn or praise song
• read inspirational memes on social media and say "Amen"
• share scripture verses with others through text or snail mail
• read books or articles on faith and trusting God
• listen to faith based radio, audiobooks, podcasts
• enjoy nature in all its splendor

Just as we feed our bodies with real food, so we feed our souls with real spiritual food. We do! It's just when you first think of being spiritually fed, you may think of lengthy bible readings and intense meditation time.

Ask God to make you more aware of all the times you really are feeding your heart and soul with the good things God brings. Believe you are tasting and seeing the goodness of God.

God is surely all around and in every time and place. His hand is held out and open to you. 

Take. Eat.

And come back again real soon!

A God like that

Grandmas. Images of her in her rocking chair. Her welcoming lap. That kiss on the top of your head. Rubbing your back. Humming  a soothing tune. Rocking gently back and forth. That rhythmic creak. A familiar "my grandma" scent. She puts her crocheting down for you. She turns the channel to cartoons for you. Rocking... she twirls your hair around her finger. She tells you stories of your mom when she was little. You both giggle. And rock some more.

You can talk to grandma about anything in that rocking chair. She comes up with some answer or encouraging response. Grandma listens. Even while her coffee is getting cold. Grandma has time. 

Grandma in her rocking chair.

-------------

God on His throne.

Do you conjure up the same loving images? Or are you picturing something more sober, somber, solemn, even stern? Disappointed...

Maybe you just some reminding of Who God is.

• I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness (Jeremiah 31:3)
• I have engraved you on the palms of My hands (Isaiah 49:16)
• takes great delight in you... rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)
• forgiving and good, abounding in love (Psalm 86:5
• see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)
• God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
• (Nothing)... will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39)
• I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37)
• and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)

Talk to God today about your desire to receive and experience this kind of love from Him today. God has time. God is gentle, loving, encouraging and good.

And anyone who behaves in this gentle, accepting, and tender way towards someone else - is displaying the character of God to them. You are, like the grandma, being the "taste and see" of the goodness of God. May they, too, know a God like that.

Feelin' a little scrappy

Whether it's a yard of leftover yarn, or several inches of fabric - or perhaps a handful of "this and that" found in the fridge for a hearty soup, we all know that bits and pieces, can and do add up to something when joined with other bits and pieces.

My thoughts on this went to two different directions. One train of thought reminded me of times when I've been burdened with a decision. And suddenly a seemingly random bible verse pops into my head. Then a song comes on the radio with the same message. The day's devotional, written years ago, aptly applies to my present situation. An advertisement on the television. A post on social media. A card comes in the mail. And they all seem to be pointing in a certain direction. Added together, they seem to be guiding me to the same conclusion.

One on its own causes me to "hmmm..." A second one has me wondering if they truly could be related. Multiple messages from one place after another and I have to believe that together they are offering confirmation. It's like a cloud of witnesses watching over me. Each little verse, song, post, and card offered up by someone - reached me without their knowledge of how much it was going to play into my day. God is watching and paying attention. And using others to direct me. God is concerned over my coming and going, my life, indeed - my very next step!

My other train of thought went to examining my effectiveness as a witness for Christ. Sometimes my testimonies feel like they are lacking, not as big and bold as they should be. I missed an opportunity to explain my faith better. In hindsight, I could have chosen my words better and perhaps been successful in winning this person over. But I have to believe in God's presence and providence. His promise to provide words at the right time. And to trust in His master plan for every soul. Perhaps, without knowing it, I had planted a seed and it was added by somebody's watering and someone else's pruning and another's gentle touch. If we all join together and add our little scraps to God's handling, being that cloud of witnesses that surrounds and wraps up from every angle the hurting world in peace and love everywhere you turn... well, then, the love of Christ will become undeniable to them.

Several scraps of yarn can make a beautiful scarf. Several leftover pieces of fabric can create a lovely quilt. And "this and that" from the fridge can become a wonderful stew.

Do you have a scrap of thoughtfulness, kindness, wisdom, faith - to add to mine?

What can God do with our little bits and pieces?

Holy Ground Moments

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Ahh... coffee with a friend. Chatting. Laughing. Lazily passing time. Watching the world go by.

Those were fleeting moments at the time. Simple pleasures. I appreciated them then, didn't I? Surely I thanked God for such gifts, didn't I?

But may not have pondered, held so dear, or relished the profound nature of the gift - it was from God. Priceless moments. Were they holy moments? Holy ground moments?

One definition of holy is: considered to be special because its connected to God.

Sitting here alone... drinking my coffee... missing all those things I once took for granted. I am rendered speechless with longing. So many God given moments, many simply "always there" expectations - now upon reflection during their absence - really were holy ground. I could taste and see that God is good (Psalm 34:8)

My eyes have since been opened.
Everywhere I look - abundance. Gifts. Blessings. I am surrounded. God's love is in everything. I won't be caught under-appreciating God's connecting to me again. Look around. Consider it all to be special because it is connected to God. From God's heart to yours.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... (Philippians 4:12)

God brings the holy. The special. The gift of Himself.
Every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17)

It wasn't the actual ground Moses stood on that was holy - it was the presence of God (Exodus 3:5).

Times like coffee with a friend - will surely be more appreciated, cherished and remembered as gifts from God. In solemn awe, Lord, I will remember You.

Thank You, for holy ground moments.

What happened to the light?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was looking in the fridge this morning. The light seemed dimmer. Was it going out? Do we have another refrigerator bulb in the house? I started moving things around to get a better look. It was then that it dawned on me. I had just gotten groceries yesterday. Every shelf was filled with good things. Milk, cheese, meats, fruits, veggies... this "horn" of plenty was actually blocking the light.

And I have to wonder how often we look at the "goodies" from God and forget the goodness of God. His abundance, over abundance - extended to us. Because He loves us so...

Are "goodies" in life blocking your view of the love-light that shines from God's heart?

Take a look, a good look around. Move some stuff over. See the Light?

Be filled with gratefulness.
Be filled with awe at God's abundant provision.

Many, Lord, are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of Your face shine on us. Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. (Psalm 4:6-7)

Nothing but the blood of Jesus

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25)

I just returned from a spiritual renewal weekend. I go often. Among many of the other wonderful things experienced there - is morning worship. We all gather at the Lord's table to be fed - before we go to breakfast. It has been a very meaningful time for many. It is somehow more profound in this "camp like" setting.

Something often happens to me - some eye catching, soul catching thing, that moves me to a deeper understanding.

Like, one time, the pastor was pouring the juice into the cup ... and he must have poured too fast because it went in and then slooped right back up and out! Onto the cement floor. But when I was looking at it, it looked like it was happening in slow motion. I swear I could actually see each individual red drop falling - and exploding onto the floor. You know? As if a black light were shining on it.

Drip. Drip. Drip.
Blood. Red blood. His blood.

Time stood still...

This weekend, after we went up to be served communion, we were invited to stop by a table that held a big bowl of water. In the water were a bunch of those "jewel type" stones. Green representing Father God the Creator, blue representing the Holy Spirit, and red for Jesus the Savior. Dip your hand in, they said. Remember your baptism. And take a stone - in remembrance. 

I took a stone. A red one. And went back to my seat. As I opened up my hand, the sunlight caught it just right. And I saw this. Do you see it too?

A human hand.
A blood red spot.
In remembrance of Me.

Slow down.
Look for a moment.
Think.
Touch. See. And believe.

"I have seen the Lord!"


https://mppilgrimage.org/

Thanks for doing this!

© 2018 Julie Crane All rights reserved

'Come, for everything is now ready.' (Luke 14:17)

On some Saturday mornings, mom made cinnamon rolls. From scratch. My brother, who lived way across town, claims he could smell them baking from there and would "stop by for coffee".

Can you image his mouth-watering anticipation of mom's freshly baked rolls? As a kid, I loved to watch: the mixing, the rolling, the sprinkling, and cutting. (Thanks, Mom, for doing all this for us!) But the best of all, the smelling, tasting and savoring in my mouth! Eyes closed. Sweetness on my lips. I can still see me at the kitchen table ...

Do we, can we, should we... approach the Lord's table with the same zeal?

Are all your senses awakened and on alert like my brother across town? Do you head to the Table full of anticipation? Does the preparation of all that had to be done to make it happen - fill you with joy and gratitude? (Thanks, Jesus, for doing all this for us!) Is it pure heaven to have it in your mouth, on your lips?

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" (Revelation 22:17)
'Come, for everything is now ready.' (Luke 14:17)
And thanks. And thanks for doing all this ...

Thank God for ... exercise?

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything. It has promise for this life now and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 CEB)

7:00 a.m. Time to get on the elliptical. Groan. The negotiations are already starting in my head: “I did it yesterday. I don’t have to do it every day. I’ll probably go for a walk or something later, so …”

So why am I on the elliptical again? Why do I do it? HOW do I do it?

A good friend recently reminded me: “Because I CAN!”

I physically can!

The bible verse above doesn’t say it’s of no value. There is some value.

So how can I turn this “physical training time” into holy living time? By giving thanks to God.

Thank You for every breath.

Thank You for my heart pumping blood and oxygen through my body.

Thank You for strong enough muscles.

Thank You for arms and legs working in tandem.

Thank You for energy, desire, and drive.

Thank You for Your help.

All these processes are truly miraculous!

Whether your goal for physical activity today is going to the gym or using your walker to go down the hall and back with your oxygen bag hanging off your shoulder -

thank God you can do it.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Live in a spirit of thanks. And praise. In this life now and the life to come.

Thanks ... again!

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits -
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

I prayed on and off all day yesterday. My son was driving back from Florida. Many of you know Michigan got quite a bit of snow then. So a lot of praying. A lot of hoping - and trusting in the Lord. Finally, at 10:30 p.m., I got the call that he was home. Safe. A quick "Thank You, Jesus!" and I was off to bed to sleep in perfect peace.

But this morning something was stirred up in me. Although sincerely heartfelt, I realized how short and quick my prayers of thanks can be.

So I'm wanting to re-think, re-pray, re-thank God:

• the Lord carried me through months of cancer treatments in 2016 and I am now listed among the survivors (Thank You again, Jesus!)
• a loved one, (actually two) thought their cancer had returned. Prayed day after day until the test results came back all clear (Thank You again, Jesus!)
• endless prayer for a friend's son who needed to receive a life-giving liver organ donation (Thank You again, Jesus!)
• even daily prayers over my cat, who was choking every day, is finally well (Thank You again, Jesus!)
• unending prayer for someone in the hospital for so long, getting well enough to go home (Thank You again, Jesus!)
• and my son, after hours of prayer, made it home though the snowy, stormy Michigan roads (Thank You again, Jesus!)

There just seemed to be an imbalance between the requests and the gratitudes. Do we scratch answered prayers off our list too quickly? What if we kept a running list of how God acted upon every single one? I bet our eyes would be opened to how great, how great is our God!

What are you re-thankful for today?