This past week I've found myself thinking about praise a bit more. On Monday I opened one of my daughter's school books and stuck inside was a card. I'm sure I put it there 2 years ago when my son was using the book. I was struck as I opened it up to this...
For those of you new to my blog, my grandma "B" passed away in June 2013. She ALWAYS sent me a birthday card, and as one who loves cards, I appreciated it. As it becomes a bit of a lost art, even my kids miss her greetings in the mail. I'll be honest, as I saw her handwriting tears came to my eyes and memories flooded my mind.
The timing was quite remarkable as my birthday was on the 4th. Grandma was never late, but the timing of this was all God. In that moment I missed my grandma, but yet I found myself praising God. I was blessed with her for 37 years...my husband didn't have his dad for 20. My children have wonderful memories of the woman they know, love and miss.
Though we wish she was still with us, we can still praise God for what He gave...a wonderful Grandma, her lessons, legacy and love. More important than that is His plan for salvation, peace and comfort. Even though this card brought sadness, I could choose to praise and friend, you can do the same.
Two days later, I found myself praising God again. He had blessed me with another year and given me a family who was beyond excited to celebrate. I'll admit I wasn't thanking Him for the craziness the day created, but I'm grateful for the blessings others poured out on me.
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| The kids baked a cake and made an apple crisp! |
"Now therefore, our God, we thank you, and praise your glorious name."
Below you will find a few of my favorite songs specifically related to praise...I trust they will move your heart! I'll add one prayer request, Mark Hall, lead singer for Casting Crowns, is currently living out the words he wrote. With his recent cancer diagnosis he is "praising God in the storm." Join me in praying for him!!
Casting Crowns - Praise You in the Storm
Fernando Ortega - All Creatures of our God and King
Matt Redman - Blessed Be Your Name
Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons
Phillips, Craig and Dean - Great I Am
2 comments:
Dear Jill~ what a powerful post on praise! I'm thanking God for you, and praising God right now for who He is. I took the time to listen to each of those awesome praise songs you shared~ Love them all! As I was listening, while working here at Gallup, I was praising God too that I am able to listen to music while I have my headphones on at work. A blessing that I don't thank God for enough. Happy Belated birthday Friend! I will be turning 40 soon and am excited for the new decade~ learning more, growing more, knowing God a little more. :D I'm joining you in prayer for Mark Hall and his family.
Thanks for stopping by Amber! What a blessing to listen to music while you work. That is one thing I miss while we homeschool...we usually have enough joyful noise!! :) Happy early birthday to you!
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