God2Share

Thanksgiving is almost upon us.

And while many of us are planning out our meals or our travel plans, we often miss the essence of the holiday.

Giving thanks.

Thank you : two simple words, sometimes said casually in passing or quickly in a text to a friend.

But how often do we consider the things that someone has done for us; pause and really thank them for what they’ve done?

My friend, Dawn, is someone who takes the time to pause, ponder and pray.

She never misses an opportunity to stop, reflect and write a note of gratitude to those around her.

This is one of the things I cherish about her.

Each week as I write, she takes time out of her schedule to proofread and offer me feedback.

I cannot tell you how much her support and time have meant to me over the past year.

Every time I think of her, I give my God thanks.

Jesus had a busy schedule, but He always made time to pause, ponder and pray.

“But the news about Him was spreading farther, and large crowds kept gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their illnesses.  But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray (in seclusion). “ Luke 5 15-16 AMP

Jesus was deliberate.

He made it a priority to pause.

As the busyness of the holiday season is quickly approaching, my challenge to you is this:

• Pause .  Take a breath and be still.
• Ponder.  Consider those around you and how important they are in your life.
• Pray.  Thank God for this person and pray for them.

As I pause today, I ponder who may be reading this blog.

Know that I am thankful for you, and pray that God’s love and peace overflow in your life.

Take the time today to pause, ponder and pray using this free download from God2Share.

Today is the day.

She will have the test.

I cannot be with her, this beautiful woman forever connected to my soul.

I wish I could sit by her side.

Gently hold her hand.

Offer her some kind of peace as she walks through this storm.

There is a helpless feeling that goes along with watching someone we love so dearly go through something so painful.

Maybe you know that feeling.

Maybe the person you love isn’t facing a health crisis.

Maybe they are going through a divorce, the loss of a loved one, financial problems or addiction.

The pain we face takes many different forms.

We want to be with those who are connected to our souls.

Sit by their sides.

Gently hold their hands.

Offer them some kind of peace as they walk through the storm.

But even when we cannot sit with those we love, we can lift them up to the One who never leaves their side.

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4 : 5 -7

I am grateful that when I cannot be there, I know that He always will be.

My feelings of helplessness turn to hope.

Father, I know today you are with her.

You are connected to her soul.

May she feel You sitting by her side,

Gently holding her hand.

I pray she feels the peace You offer as she walks through this storm.

May the love and prayers we offer to those we love and hold so dearly carry them through the storms of life.

Pray to the One who never leaves their side or ours.

Amen.