As I sit here pondering my next little post here, I look around and see a sleeping cat on my left and a sleeping puppy on my right. I’m sure I’ve written before about the blanket situation in my house, but just as a reminder, our motto is you can never have enough blankets. Under each of their cute little frames are bunched up blankets for their comfort and ease. We would never want an animal in our house to suffer the horror of a nap without one. A gift we give freely to our little animals, right?
I’ve had many animals in my life, each has left a mark on my life. I’ve learned so much. I’ve grieved. Yet, each new life in my life has developed and taught me so many things. It has never meant that I stop grieving for the animals that are no longer with us, I’ve made space for new gifts. If I hadn’t, I never would have met so much love. Now that may sounds strange to those who do not own pets, but here we are.
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. 2 Let Israel say, “His faithful love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His faithful love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His faithful love endures forever.” The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Ps 118:1–4.
Many times, I have known comfort by each of their presence. They have stood by me in tears. Sat with me in illness. My instagram and facebook feeds are full of all sorts of animal stories. All this to say, I turn back today and say thank you to my God for giving me the animals in my life. A stone of remembrance.
16 Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), 1 Th 5:16–22.
Another stone of remembrance for me is my life. I think it’s easier for me to not think how close I came to dying from my strokes four years ago. I’ve shared that story previously and won’t bore you with the details, but I know I am here today because of a miracle. Now my life feels smaller with my chronic vertigo, migraines, and fibromyalgia. Yet, I realize as I type this, I’m still here! Praise God for my life! I don’t say that enough. It’s so easy for me to focus on life looking different, but I have opportunities I never would have had before. I understand pain and have understanding for others in pain.
19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Eph 5:19–21.
Another stone to pick up and remember. My little family being here with me through it all. Last night we had our plumbing back up again, but my boys (Joshua had to work) helped to clean it up. Today one will be home as we hope to have the plumber come and help us today. But seeing each of them get involved and allow me to rest truly was and is such a blessing to me.
7 On that day David decreed for the first time that thanks be given to the Lord by Asaph and his relatives: 8 Give thanks to Yahweh; call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the peoples. 9 Sing to Him; sing praise to Him; tell about all His wonderful works! 10 Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. 11 Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always. 12 Remember the wonderful works He has done, His wonders, and the judgments He has pronounced, The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), 1 Ch 16:7–12.
I give thanks for my new job that has flexibility and grace. I give thanks for the job being five minutes from home, allowing me to come home for lunch. I give thanks for kind co-workers who are encouraging and helpful. I give thanks for being able to walk out right at five pm and never think about it until coming back for my next shift.
10 When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Da 6:10.
Friend, I encourage you and implore you to take time today to turn and give thanks. I am not advocating fake joy or pretending. Not at all. Trust me, the hardest thanks is in the pain. However, your brain is going to be thinking about something, why not turn it to something that changes your thinking?
For instance, last night, Luke finished his callback for a local show and came home worried. He told me he was giving it to God and he was trusting God. And quietly I said, but are you afraid? Yes. Yes I am. So we spoke Psalm 23 from memory (thank you Awana) and I said, keep cycling on that, my dear. Order our minds. Many stones of remembrance right here. For Awana leaders, people who built into Luke’s life and still do, for his memory to recall.
How about you? Will you share a thanks with me? Pick up a stone of remembrance with me. Encourage us all. Comment down below or in the comments section of the post on instagram or facebook. 🙂
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