Thanks Living: Doing Good!

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Psalm 92:1

Good: be do better, cheer, be do, seem good, make goodly

Give thanks: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Sing praises: celebrate in song and music -- give praise, sing forth praises, psalms

Name: by implication honor, authority, character

It is good! What is "it"? Giving thanks and praising Almighty God! 

Adoration to the Holy God

Rhonda Sawtelle

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I meditate on Your majesty.

God, the most holy. I am in awe­—Almighty, Absolute Being

God, the most holy. I glorify Your greatness.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I can’t begin to fathom Your faithfulness.

God, the most holy. I marvel at Your mercy.

God, the most holy. I can’t imagine Your immutability. 

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I treasure Your trustworthiness.

God, the most holy. I give voice to Your goodness.

God, the most holy. I’m wowed by Your wisdom.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am secure in Your sovereignty.

God, the most holy. I am sheltered in Your Self-existence.

God, the most holy. I am galvanized (inspire) by your Grace.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am invigorated by Your infinitude.

God, the most holy. I am overcome by Your omniscience.

God, the most holy. I am humbled by Your holiness.

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

Thanks Living starts with "doing good"—giving thanks and praising Almighty God! 

A little word, turned into BIG blessing!

WOW!!!!

Talk about a GOD who knows how to take care of DETAILS! 

I moved from Florida in March 1994. At that time I owned a 1990 Ford. I moved back to Florida in June 2014 and now own a 2012 Ford. 

I went to finish the Florida registration process for my car today. (I had to wait for FL to get my title from the bank in IL.)

The song playing on the CD, as I pulled into the Driver's place, was "He's Been Faithful" Damaris Carbaugh. 

As the lady was working on my information, the system would not let her give me a handicap plate, even though I qualified. Come to find out, I was STILL in their system from 20 years ago with the 1990 car. The lady and her manager tried to merge my accounts, but that wouldn't work. So the lady helping me called Tallahassee. They got the accounts merged. Come to find out back when I bought the 1990 car, it was entered in the system as a "lease" rather than "buy". So, my record stayed in the system...... for over 20 years! 

Why is that LITTLE detail so important? Because, since I owned a FL car.... I was able to get the Florida DISCOUNT.. and we aren't talking just a few dollars..... My Heavenly Father, the God of Details, used the little world "lease", to save me $229.00! WOW!!!! 

And when I went to leave and turned on the car, I heard.... "He's been faithful, yes, He's been faithful to me. Yes, looking back His love and mercy I see....." 

So thankful that MY GOD is a God of Details, and continues to take care of me. He's so awesome! 

Always Remember!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 111. Here is what I learned.

He has made his miracles unforgettable. The Lord is merciful and compassionate. Psalm 111:4 (GW)

His miracles are his memorial—This God of Grace, this God of Love. Psalm 111:4 (MSG)

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful. Psalm 111:4 (ASV)

For wonderful indeed are all his works,

Pleasant to know and worthiest to be all

Had in remembrance always with delight. John Milton

To be remembered - literally, "Memory hath he made for his wonderful works." "They" are so made, that man may remember them; the memory of man, also, is so made, that it may retain them. The highest and most appropriate exercise of memory is to retain the lessons which the works of God inculcate; to treasure up for gratitude and for use what he teaches his intelligent creation through those works. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

“I’ll always remember.” 

Damaris Carbaugh,  "No Apology" CD(Words & Music by Scott V. Smith 2000 Discovery House Music)

I’ll always remember God’s goodness and mercy to me;

I’ll always remember I once was a slave, not I’m free.

I owed a great debt, I could not pay the price,

So He opened His heart and He laid down His life

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. 

I’ll always remember He has never, never, ever left me alone;

I’ll always remember that He’s never let me face a battle on my own.

Though ten thousand would fall to my left, to my right, 

My enemies fled from His power and might

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. 

Chorus:

Always remember, no never forget

His sweet mercy, His goodness

Oh, He is so marvelous

Always remember, no never forget;

Oh, His wonderful works, He is so marvelous! 

I’ll always remember that He’s been my shelter in the storm;

I’ll always remember how He covered me and kept me from harm.

Though trouble had come, put my faith to the test, 

When I called on His name, He took care of the rest

How could I ever forget? (Chorus) 

I’ll always remember, I was guilty and worthy of blame, 

But my sin is no longer remembered for the sake of His Son, God forgave;

My sins are as far as the east from the west, 

They lay deep in the sea of God’s forgetfulness;

How could I ever forget?

I’ll always remember. Remember. 

What am I remembering? Our memories are triggered by sights, smells, words, touches, etc. And we take special effort to remember those events, dates, people, that are important to us. All the wonderful things that God has done for me, should be remembered and celebrated! 

The more I talk about what God is doing, the more I will remember what He has done, and worship Him for His greatness. And the more that I remember God’s marvelous works, the more positive a day I create. 

Poor Me to Praise God!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 150. Here is what I learned.

What? Who? Where? Why? How? Five questions journalists include when writing a news report. On January 14, 2013, I shared the answers to the first four of these questions. Today, I’ll look at “How?”.

Praise with a blast on the trumpet, praise by strumming soft strings; Praise him with castanets and dance, praise him with banjo and flute; Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum, praise him with fiddles and mandolin. Psalm 150:3-5 (MSG)

The Trumpet is the loudest and used  to make an announcement. It get’s everyone’s attention.  The strings are softer and more personal, requiring the strumming of the fingers. The castanets and dancing are results of the overflowing joy of praise. Praising God cannot, and should not, be contained The banjo and flute, using touch and our ‘wind’ to make harmonious music of praise. The cymbals and a big bass drum, loud and strong add to the harmony of praising God. 

As I thought about praising God with music, I couldn’t help but think of what music does. 1) allows me to express my joy and praise 2) changes my attitude to that of one of joy and praise. 

When I’m in a “good mood” and happy, singing and praising God is almost automatic. I find myself humming a song, or singing (when no one is around). Music is a natural outcome of being happy and joyous. 

Yet, when I’m in a “bad mood” I don’t feel much like singing. However, if I listen to praise and joyous songs, the music lifts me up and changes my attitude to one of praise to God. 

How should I praise God? With music. For music is an expression of my feelings—my heart and soul. If I don’t feel much like praising God, then I need to change my feelings—heart and soul and get “turned around” and music can do that was well. 

I have several artists which I enjoy listening to if I’m in a “praising mood” their songs help me express my praise to God. If I’m in a “poor me” mood, their songs give me an “attitude adjustment” and change my poor me into Praise God! The artists I enjoy are (in no particular order) Damaris Carbaugh; Bryan Duncan; Don Moen; The Ball Brothers; 4 Him; Philips, Craig & Dean.  

The music I listen to, the TV shows I watch, the books I read, all have an impact on “how I feel” and my attitude. What I feed my mind is what comes out. I continue to learn that on days I having a harder time praising God, I need to make sure I’m feeding my heart and soul “praiseworthy materials”. For praiseworthy materials will produce praise and joyous expression to my amazing almighty God. 

To create a positive day, when I don’t feel very positive, I need to listen to praiseworthy material so that I’ll change my attitude from “poor me” to “PRAISE GOD”! 

My Psalm 63

For Bible Study this week, I was to study and re-write Psalm 63 as it would relate to me. Here's what I wrote:

My God. That personal relationship with You creates a painstaking earnest craving to know You. I’m alone and utterly exhausted. God, You are the All-Mighty One. You are Strength.
My first impression each morning needs to be of You, so that Your passions and ambitions will be mine—impacting every area of my life throughout the day.
Knowing the joy of being in Your Presence is overwhelmingly satisfying.
However, I still wander away and then the loneliness and weakness engulfs me. I then find myself longing to return to Your Presence.
In the midst of affliction, I can confidently praise You, my God, because Your mercy is greater than anything I may encounter. I will enjoy your kindness for all eternity.
Because of Who You are, I submit to You with the respect due You.
During those long night of tossing and turning, I will be calmed as I meditate on You and Your Word. You have come to my aid numerous times, and resting safely in Your protection, I praise You. Like glue, I cling to You, yet meanwhile, You are holding me tight.
I need to remember that those who try to discourage me and distract me from You, are just carcasses, left for the scavengers, to devour. You, are the One-True-God, and those who worship idols will one day be silenced as they too bow before the King of Glory.

There are a few aspects of my psalm which really hit home to me, especially the past few weeks. 

The first truth is the concept of being alone and utterly exhausted. That's the meaning of the wilderness/desert David described in Psalm 63. I'm sure we each have things in our lives which make us feel "alone and utterly exhausted". There are many days which my pain creates a wilderness of overwhelming exhaustion—BUT (I love "BUTs"!)... BUT, God is the ALL-MIGHTY One. He is STRENGTH. 

Although, it seems like I'm alone in the desert,

God is right there and He is my Strength.

 WOW!

The second and third aspects of the psalm are that my first thoughts each morning need to be of my Heavenly Father, and that mediating on God during those long nights of tossing and turning will bring calm.  I live with chronic pain, so there are MANY LONG nights of tossing and turning and my first thought each morning is usually—"OUCH". However, I noticed something recently which has changed my thoughts throughout the night and first thing in the morning. On February 6th, I made the commitment to memorize the Book of James. The more I worked on memorizing it, I found that when I awoke either during the night or in the morning, I found my mind quoting verses from James.

It is so refreshing to awake to God's Word

—oh, believe me the "OUCH" is still there, 

but God's Word shouts louder!

The fourth aspect is that God's mercy is greater than any affliction I may encounter. Stop for a moment and reflect on that thought—God's mercy is greater than ANY affliction I may encounter! WOW!

The last aspect is that "God is holding me tight!" What a sense of security to know that God is loving me and protecting me—He is holding me tight.

There isn't any more comforting place to be

than being held tight by God.

The more I get to know my Heavenly Father through studying His Word, the more impact His Word will have in my life. The more impact His Word has, the more positive each day will be.

A daughter who looks like her Father

In my last post, Psalm 119: What God's Word Provides Me, I wrote about what I learned from my Bible Study based on Damaris Carbaugh's Live In Your Word. 

For that Bible Study, I also had to write, a statement to God about my desire to be in His Word. Here is my statement.

God, You are my Redeemer. Because of your mercy and grace, I can call you Father. My responsibility and desire as a daughter, is to hear and understand Your Word. You have provided wisdom, instruction—everything I need to live a full and fulfilling life.

If I ignore, Your wisdom, I have only myself to blame as I miss out on Your blessings. If I find myself floundering, it is due to the fact that I’ve ignored Your Word. If I make wrong decisions, I’ll live with the consequences, knowing full well that things would have been different­—if I had  obeyed Your Word. As I look back, I see Your patience and grace, as You waited for me to return to Your Word and seek You.
I need to make studying Your Word a priority in my life. Just as I eat food each day—for survival, Your Word is vital to my life. Therefore, studying Your Word must be first and foremost in my life. Studying your Word must become routine—however, the message itself must never be routine or taken for granted. Your Word has the power to change me into a daughter who “looks like her Father”. And that is my desire—which I will work toward with strong determination.

If I want to create a positive day, I must have a strong foundation in God's Word.

Psalm 119: What God's Word Provides Me

The Bible Study for this week was based on the song, Live In Your Word, on Damaris Carbaugh's The Collection Cd. 

LIVE IN YOUR WORD
 Written by Steve Siler/Tony Wood/Scott Krippayne © 2004 Word Music

Chaos ahead, choices to make; It’s silence I need
Seeking to know your heart and your mind
Where you want to lead; Father I thirst for your wisdom
Make me at home in your truth; I want to

CHORUS: Live in your Word; Abiding in faith
I want to walk in your steps; To trust and obey
A light upon the narrow path; A lamp unto my feet
I want to live in your Word; Till your Word is living in me

I need your Word buried like seeds; Deep in my soul
Chapter and verse, nourishing me; A harvest will grow
Oh Father you feed every hunger
I know where my strength is found; So I will
Repeat Chorus

You spoke and the universe came to be
You speak and my life has endless possibilities; So I will
Repeat Chorus

One of the questions of the Study was: 

In each section of verses,

from Psalm 119,

what does the Psalmist state

about the “Word of God”?

Instead of just copying the words of the Psalmist, I searched for what God's Word provided me. Here is what I learned. 

Psalm 119: God's Word....

vs. 1, 2: Provides Joy
vs. 3–5: Provides Direction
vs. 6: Provides Motivation
vs. 7, 8: Provides Results

vs. 9: Provides Purity (Sanctification)
vs. 10: Provides Boundaries
vs. 11: Provides Influence
vs. 12: Provides Instruction
vs. 13: Provides Conversation
vs. 14: Provides Treasure
vs. 15: Provides Contemplation
vs. 16: Provides Position

vs. 17: Provides Life
vs. 18-19: Provides Perception
vs. 20: Provides Longing
vs. 21: Provides Judgment
vs. 22, 23: Provides Protection
vs. 24: Provides Wisdom

vs. 25: Provides Revival & Rejuvenation
vs. 26, 27: Provides Knowledge
vs. 28: Provides Encouragement
vs. 29: Provides Understanding
vs. 30-32: Provides Goals

vs. 33, 34: Provides Application
vs. 35: Provides Guidance
vs. 36, 37: Provides Ambition
vs. 38-40: Provides Purpose

vs. 41, 42: Provides Incentive
vs. 43: Provides Hope
vs. 44, 45: Provides Discipline
vs. 46, 47: Provides Confidence
vs. 48: Provides Communion

vs. 49–51: Provides Strength
vs. 52: Provides Comfort
vs. 53, 54: Provides Harmony
vs. 55, 56: Provides Relevance

vs. 57, 58: Provides Thoughtfulness
vs. 59, 60: Provides Objective
vs. 61: Provides Security
vs. 62: Provides Thanksgiving
vs. 63: Provides Companionship
vs. 64: Provides Substance

vs. 65, 66: Provides Integrity
vs. 67, 68: Provides Obligation
vs. 69, 70: Provides Truth
vs. 72: Provides Value

vs.73–75: Provides Conviction
vs. 76, 77: Provides Pleasure
vs. 78, 79: Provides Commonality
vs. 80: Provides Pride

vs. 81-88: Provides Steadfastness

vs. 89–91: Provides Immortality
vs. 92–95: Provides Existence
vs. 96: Provides Everlastingness

vs. 97–100: Provides Intelligence
vs. 101, 102: Provides Perimeters
vs. 103: Provides Refreshment
vs. 104: Provides Discernment

vs. 105: Provides Light
vs. 106: Provides Righteousness
vs. 107–112 Provides Determination

vs. 113: Provides Unity
vs. 114: Provides Refuge
vs. 115: Provides Perception
vs. 116–118: Provides Support
vs. 119–120: Provides Admiration

vs. 121–125: Provides Comprehension
vs. 126–128: Provides Perspective

vs. 129: Provides Miracles
vs. 130: Provides Enlightenment
vs. 131: Provides Desire
vs. 132–134: Provides Compassion
vs. 135, 136: Provides Response

vs. 137–139: Provides Trustworthiness
vs. 140–142: Provides Dependability
vs. 143, 144: Provides Significance

vs. 145–148: Provides Reason
vs. 149–152: Provides Patronage

vs. 153–160: Provides Justice

vs. 161–164: Provides Devotion
vs. 165: Provides Peace
vs. 166–168: Provides Allegiance

vs. 169: Provides Insight
vs. 170–172: Provides Appreciation
vs. 173–176: Provides Help

As I studied Psalm 119, I learned that God's Word provides everything I need. It's up to me to read and study the Bible. Each day that I allow God's Word to work in me, is a positive day!

God's Grace

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Just finished a Bible Study on God's Grace. Learned some amazing things, however, one thing which stood out to me was the verse above.

As I did some word studies on 2 Corinthians 12:9, here is what I learned.

He has said: originally, “lay down to sleep,” used of laying an argument to rest, moving to a conclusion 
sufficient: be content, be enough, suffice,
power: ability to perform; power through God’s ability
perfected: reaching the end (aim); it is well-illustrated with the old pirate’s telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness); reaching the capacity effectiveness
weakness: without strength; refers to an ailment that deprives someone of enjoying or accomplishing what they would like to do, focuses on the handicaps that go with the weakness
may dwell: to dwell in a pitched tent; to pitch (live in) a tent (residence!)

 Here's my translation of the verse:

God ended all questioning or arguments. Nothing more needs to be said, period—His grace is enough so that I can be content. God is the source of power which allows me to reach true and full effectiveness through my weakness  (and all it keeps me from doing); so that God's ability will take up residence within me. 

Living with chronic pain, I fully understand "weakness". However, as I studied the meaning of that word, I learned it meant more than "without strength". It takes into account all handicaps that go with my weakness. God fully understands that when there is weakness, there are things which can't be done.

However, God gives me His grace so that I'll be satisfied and content, knowing that God provides all the ability necessary for me to reach my full capacity of effectiveness. WOW! 

There are many things which my chronic pain prevents me from doing, however, God's grace and power are much greater than my weakness, and He supplies the power to accomplish His will.

Even with the limits my pain creates, I can still be effective—because of God's power and grace!

My limitations only make God's grace and power more evident, because there is NO WAY I could do it on my own! 

As I go about my day, if I continue to rely on God's grace letting His power take up full residence in me, I will create a positive day—as I will be fully effective for Him! WOW!

Adoration to My Holy God

 "Lift high God, our God;

worship at his holy mountain.

Holy. Yes, holy is God our God."

Psalm 99:9 (The Message) 

Adoration to My Holy God

by Rhonda Sawtelle

To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.
God, the most holy. I meditate on Your majesty.
God, the most holy. I am in awe—Almighty, Absolute Being
God, the most holy. I glorify Your greatness.
To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I can’t begin to fathom Your faithfulness.
God, the most holy. I marvel at Your mercy.
God, the most holy. I can’t imagine Your immutability.
To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I treasure Your trustworthiness.
God, the most holy. I give voice to Your goodness.
God, the most holy. I’m wowed by Your wisdom.
To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am secure in Your sovereignty.
God, the most holy. I am sheltered in Your Self-existence.
God, the most holy. I am galvanized (inspired) by your Grace.
To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God, the most holy. I am invigorated by Your infinitude.
God, the most holy. I am overcome by Your omniscience.
God, the most holy. I am humbled by Your holiness.
To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

__________________________

Each of us need to remember WHO God is. He is greater than we can even comprehend. And yet, the Holy God loves me (and you) so much. He has no reason to love us—He simply does. However, He is also holy. He loves us, but abhors sin. If I want to create a positive day, then I need to remember Who God is and live my life acting on that knowledge. 

 God, the most holy.

 To God be the glory, and honor due Your holy Name.

God continues to supply

I'm continuing the Bible Study based on Damaris Carbaugh's Not Ashamed CD. This week the study is based on the song, "At the Name of Jesus". One of the questions asks, "What is the most precious name of Jesus to you?"

As I was thinking of which name is most precious to me, I decided to expand the question to include: "Which name of God is most precious to me?" As I was studying the names of God, I received a devotional from In Touch Ministries.

"God is called by a variety of names in the Bible, and each one sheds light on an aspect of His nature. Jesus’ favorite title for Him was Father. Many of God’s names speak of His majestic and lofty attributes that separate Him from mankind, but Father conveys intimacy. Jesus used this name not only because He was God’s Son, but also to help people realize that Jehovah isn’t some unapproachable Deity gazing down on them from a distance. Rather, He is their loving heavenly Father, who cares about them and wants to be involved in their everyday lives."(http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional)

"He is their loving heavenly Father,

who cares about them and

wants to be involved

in their everyday lives." 

That statement was demonstrated to me this week. 

I lost my laundry card. Have no idea where. I've searched everywhere. Yet, the card was not to be found. I was mad at myself, because not only did I have money on the card, it was going to cost me more money to replace it. I looked for the card for 5 days, and couldn't wait any longer—the laundry was piling up. 

Today, I went to buy a new card and put money on it. On the way to the office I checked my mail. In the mail was a note with a gift from a friend. The gift would help me fill the new card. When I arrived at the office, to buy the new laundry card, the manager greeted me. I explained the situation and she promptly handed me a new card—no charge. 

Wow! Even though I did something "dumb"—losing my laundry card—God demonstrated His Fatherly love and took care of the details of supplying a new card. He didn't yell at me for losing the card. He didn't punish me for misplacing the card. He simply, in His kind and loving way, helped me get a new one so that I could do laundry.

God, my Father. 

I like the sound of that.

I also like the meaning of that!

God is MY Father who cares about me and WANTS to be involved in my everyday life. That includes the little details such as a laundry card. (God used the laundry card a few months ago to show me He's concerned with the tiniest details of my life. You can read about that here: Relax, I'm taking care of it...Rather YOU!)

Even when things seem to be going wrong, creating a positive day is possible, when I realize that God, my Father, is involved in each and every detail of my day and life.

There is NOTHING happening in my life

which God isn't aware.

God, my Father, loves me!

High or Low: What is my level of Praise?

"When your level of complaining
is at an all time high,
it could mean that

your level of praise
is at an all time low."
by Tony Evans

This was posted on Tony Evan's FB page. As it read it, I realized just how true it is. As I continued to think on it, I questioned:

What makes my level of praise

hit an all time low?

It didn't take me long to figure out the answer.  The past two weeks, I've been doing a Bible Study on "In the Presence of Jehovah" based on the song sung by Damaris Carbaugh.

When I spend time in the presence of God, my level of praise rises to new heights. Being in God's presence is comforting, encouraging, worshipful, humbling, and life changing.

When I spend time worshiping and praising God, that transfers to all aspects of my life. God provides new perspectives and insights. In God's presence, He confirms that He knows exactly what is happening and He is in control of it all. He has a plan and is accomplishing that plan. 

There is a thought that:

If you live with someone long enough,

you not only begin to think like them,

you look like them too.

 I want that to be true of my relationship with God. I want to spend time in God's presence, so that His thoughts become my thoughts and I want people to see Christ in me and through me.

If my complaining becomes an "all time high", and my praise hits an "all time low"; than I am over due for some time in God's presence.

When my relationship is right with God,

being in God's presence

is the most secure, peaceful,

and encouraging place I can be.

Creating a positive day is almost automatic

when I've been

In the Presence of Jehovah.

10th Anniversary Blessings Celebration!

Oct 25, 2000, I injured my back. Each year in October, I celebrate God's amazing blessings. This year, I wasn't sure what I was going to do for my

"Blessings Celebration" 

—but God took care of it.
in some AMAZING ways!

Last week, I was searching for events which I could attend to "Celebrate". However, each event was either too expensive, or would cause too much pain. So, I took some time to discuss my "Blessings Celebration" with God again. Since I am celebrating HIM and HIS GOODNESS... I wanted Him to have a say in what I did. 

As I was praying the phone rang... I didn't recognize the name or number, but I answered it.... good thing I did! I won a contest!
(Actually, I was the runner-up; however the Grand Prize winner never contacted the station, so I was given the GRAND PRIZE! But that was a GOD thing too! If they had called me first, I would have missed the call too...since I was in Macon visiting family! When God sends a gift, He takes care of ALL the details!)

The grand prize is a HUGE GRILL, a grill pack fit for a cowboy and a music CD. WOW! God gave me a small grill a few months ago... but this new grill will make it easier for me to grill—no bending over.

Love those surprise gifts from God! 

(I'll post pictures of my prizes when I receive them.)

I was rejoicing over the gift of my new grill...

But God wasn't done yet!

A friend called me and invited me to attend a Damaris Carbaugh concert! (Her CD,  "Not Ashamed" has been a blessing in my life for several years.) 

On Friday, Oct 15th, I attended the concert. It was a WONDERFUL night of praising and worshiping God. The concert was great, and Damaris sang my favorite song, "He's Been Faithful". Another added blessing from God!

BUT He still wasn't done! 

God arranged it so that I could meet Damaris! What BLESSING that was. The JOY of the evening

will last in my heart forever. 

I don't post many pictures...okay, I don't post any pictures of me.. but this is an exception. Here is a picture of Damaris and me after the concert. 

"I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19 (Contemporary English Version)

Over the past 10 years, God has taken care of my needs with WONDERFUL BLESSINGS! And the past few days, God has created the most amazing and positive days for me as I celebrate Him and His goodness!

And His positive days

are well worth

remembering forever!