Blessings

My husbands birthday gave me special reason to think of all the rich blessings we have. We have everything we need and whenever we have needed anything it was provided or an alternative was provided that we hadn't thought of which usually ended up being even better. Things always seem to work out one way or another. We don't have much money but we manage to pay the bills and we have everything else. A wonderful family. A lovely little home. Friends. And always and above all God. He is wonderful. He made all this beautiful world and all the animals and everything. And we thank him very much! Now if we can just remember to do that more often...

Keep Them From The Evil One

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one." John 17: 15

So we are to be in the world but to stay away from the evil one. And he thinks we need help in the keeping away from the evil one. From all I have seen and experienced myself he was most definitely right. The good thing is that he prayed for us. For me! For you! That is one powerful prayer coming from him. Be grateful...I expect it made a huge difference in your life. Just think where you might have ended up if he hadn't. I know very well how badly things could have gone for me.

Confession is good for us

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
I really like that. I know very well that I need forgiveness every single day. Mostly for little things, but even little things can hurt. 

Satan Has Asked to Sift You

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat." Luke 22:31

I'm not sure why but this keeps running through my head lately. In the next verse Jesus says that he has prayed for Simon that his faith not fail, and tells Simon he should strengthen his brethren when he has returned. It seems we all need to be sifted. Some of us more than others. I'm thinking maybe more than once even. That is scary but if it works...

I found some good commentaries and sermons online regarding this. Check them out if you are interested.    

Shake Well Before Using
Why Did Satan Ask for Peter?
"Simon, Simon! Indeed  Satan Has Asked For You..."!!

Repay no one evil for evil.

This was quoted in an article in Tomorrows World Magazine. I had read it before but this article "A Man Without Vengeance" also talked about Abraham Lincoln and how he was without a desire for vengeance. That made me think about this differently. I would like to be like that myself. Not sure I will ever manage it in this world...but one has to try!!

"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay', says the Lord. 'Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink...' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Romans 12:17-21

My husband has a new job.

That is something to be thankful for. If he likes it. Actually whether he likes it or not. He will like the money and can tolerate pretty much anything for a while. I really hope he actually likes the job though so he doesn't get frustrated or stressed out by it. Time will tell. If you are the praying sort please say one for him and me..and everyone else while you are at it! Thanks!

Joyful baby chicks

 These cute little balls of fur are my new baby chicks. They seem full of joy themselves and watching them gives me a great deal of joy too. Another thing to be thankful for this spring!