Giving Thanks Friday - Special Edition

Written by 14 Comments

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Yesterday, the rain pelted down hard, water running down the road forming quick puddles.  I kept looking out the window, keeping vigil of sorts, at the garden, fearing my seeds were washing away.  Today there are mostly clear skies and the soil looks intact.  My little seeds of promise are still there waiting to rise. 
 
And for that I am thankful. 
 
It’s been a tough week in our country watching the devastation in Oklahoma and I am praying for peace and comfort for those who have lost homes, sustained injuries, or, worst of all, are dealing with the loss of a loved one.  They need our prayers, need our donations, need to feel the love.
 
I shared with a friend earlier in the week that I almost felt guilty taking time out to sit in the sun, bask in a moment of quiet, thumb through a magazine even, when so many were suffering.  She reminded me not to let my joy be robbed – that my “time” (to face a challenge or tragedy) could be coming next. 
 
Deposit the joy.
 
Have you watched video, or possibly had the experience of seeing it firsthand, of a group of children in a third world or war torn country, dance and sing?  They have been through the unspeakable, yet they hold fast to joy.  They drink it in, live in the moment.  They store it up for when the tough times come. 
 
They are thankful. 
 
So that is what I will do.  I will hold on to joy, the joy that is Jesus, grasp it to the full, hoard it away so that I may draw from Him, who is joy, when times are tough.  I will hold tight to His promises for the people of Oklahoma as they rise again, spoon out joy to one suffering right where I live.
 
I will savor JOY.

I will hold tight to the promises of HOPE.
 
I will be THANKFUL. 
 
“…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”  Ps. 30:5
 
 
 
 
 

May your weekend be filled with many reasons to give thanks! 

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14 comments

  1. UnknownMay 24, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Amen! Beautiful reminder of the many wonderful things we're blessed with. I'm going to remember to deposit the joy. My parents church has a large population of Congolese refugees, and it is amazing to see their smiles, to hear their singing, and then to hear their horrific stories.

    Great post, girl! I'm smiling thinking of all my many blessings.

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  2. Abigail JasmineMay 24, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    I love your words, Mindy!!

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  3. KarmenMay 25, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Wow! Such truth that I needed to hear. Your writing speaks right to my soul. Keep on, sister, the world needs you!

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    Replies
    1. MindyMay 27, 2013 at 10:12 AM

      I needed to hear it too...funny how when we write it is most often to ourselves.

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  4. NancyMay 25, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    This is a very beautifully written post. I couldn't agree more. There is a season for everything.

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  5. RobynMay 27, 2013 at 4:47 AM

    Absolutely beautiful, Mindy. You always give me so much to think about. Thank you!

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  6. Bargain HootMay 28, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Mindy,
    Thank you so much for sharing this post! I should read it every day.
    xo

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  7. MindyMay 28, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Some days are harder than others to deposit that joy but I am trying my hardest.

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  8. Life and Breath and Everything ElseMay 31, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Thanks for this encouragement :)
    - Lauren

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