Because everyday is filled with His glory

It sneaks up on me in the middle of a day of giving thanks. I'd been scribbling down my gratitude all day, thinking of those in Somalia fleeing their homes, starving, praying for rain as the kids make mud rivers and mud pies with the endless water flowing from the hose. It's oppressive. Satan is at it again. Reminding me of past failures, of things that can't be undone even though they really don't matter and I know it. But I can't shake it and satan doesn't want me to. He wants to keep me distracted, frustrated at myself, which only leads to further frustration and impatience with others, deepening the shame. Keeping me captive. Because that's what satan does:

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8

But I keep counting the gifts. And in the midst of it, I realized what I haven't been claiming. The power. There are 135 references to God's power in the Bible, all found in the New Testament. And what it says is: Jesus came in power. That he acted by the power of the Spirit. That by God's power Jesus was raised from the dead. That all things are under God's power. And that we who believe have been given that power too. To overcome all the power of the enemy.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ~1 Corinthians 4:20

So I give thanks for...

: fresh water flowing
: food in abundance
: doors wide open (for a bit)
: mud rivers and mud pies
: the intense colors of sidewalk chalk drawings on my stoop
: sitting in my yard
: a gentle breeze
: bird songs
: her self-directed play
: mid-afternoon ice cream breaks on the deck
: sitting on the couch with all three kiddos reading classic children's stories
: watching the older two enjoy every detail of the illustrations
: his drawings - how they show a new stage of development
: his joy in making one for each of us
: Jesus' insurmountable power - in my weakness, when satan would keep me defeated
: claiming that power
: interceding for others in prayer
: a healthy body and healthy family
: ending the day in a good place
: knowing that His mercies are new each morning
: working to live that truth out





If you have the means to help the crisis in Africa, might I point you here? Feed My Starving Children is a Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A single meal costs only 24 cents to produce, and 93 percent of total donations goes directly toward the food program.