romans 8

30 Days of Thanks - Day 14

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of spending a few hours with my Mom's cousin, Shirley. A couple of weeks before that I didn't even know Shirley existed.

Shirley is the oldest niece of my Grandfather, Quinton, who died when he was 40. Life for my mom and her sisters was complicated after their father died (since then they were quite young), and we've alway had a million questions. Come to find out, not only does Shirley have a lot of memories of my Grandfather, she has two scrapbooks full of handwritten letters.

I left that time with her with a full heart after hearing incredible stories I never thought I'd hear. Even something tragic like someone dying far too early from cancer has the potential to bring people together 50 years later. That visit inspired me and strengthened my faith in so many ways. It was an incredible experience, and the words of Romans 8 continue to echo in my head and heart.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, ESV)

I'm grateful to God for this incredible gift.

#30DaysofThanks

30 Days of Thanks - Day 12

It doesn't seem right to give thanks for what happened in Sutherland Springs yesterday. In recent years, the increase in the number of attacks on churches is representative of the rapidly changing climate in our country. 26 people were horrifically murdered with dozens more injured for the simple reason they showed up to worship Jesus. This could've been any church. This could have been anyone's children. This could have happened in any community.

I'm not grateful for any of that, but I am grateful that even when I don't know what to pray or do, God's Word provides me with instruction. I may not know what to pray, but that doesn't have to stop me from praying. I'm thankful for a God who knows what to do. He knows how to answer my prayers. He knows what I should be praying and responds as if I do.

I'm heartbroken for our brothers and sisters. May God bring comfort and healing to everyone affected. May the Church rise up. May we not cease in praying for those whose lives have been drastically changed by the evil of one deceived person.