It's that time of year when we stop and think about all the things we're grateful for. In fact, I'd invite you to join me for my Alphabet Gratitude challenge on my Facebook page. It's been so much fun and an encouragement to read every one's comments on the things they are thankful for this month.
People often asked me if I have a favorite verse, passage of Scripture, etc. that has helped me over the past few months. I must say I don't have anything specific, but I do find myself reading Psalm 103 repeatedly. I'd encourage you to take a minute today and read all 22 verses here!
Verse 2 tells us not forget the good things God has done for us. You won't get very far before you'll realize just how much you have to be grateful for. Here's just a few things I have to be grateful for:
v. 3-4 | He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
v. 5-6 | He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
v. 8-10 | The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
v. 12-14 | He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.
v. 22 | Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.
We all have a lot to be grateful for! Some days it may take a little extra effort to see the things - great and small - but they are there. Maybe they've been camouflaged by comparisons, buried by burdens or over-looked by eyes that are focused on what we don't have, etc.
If you struggle with finding something to be grateful for - pick one or two benefits from Psalm 103 and thank God today. You'll find that once you get started, your list will start to quickly grow!
UPDATE: I apologize for not posting something sooner. It's because I've had so much energy the past few weeks, I've been working on projects around the house that I was not able to do earlier. This chemo drug, Taxol, has been much kinder to me and my body. I am not nauseous like before and have regained my appetite for the most part (not necessarily a good thing!)
I would ask for prayer as I am pretty wiped out by early evening and have not been sleeping well. I've experienced a lot of heartburn during the night :( This is just another side effect I have to adjust to for now. My last chemo is scheduled for the first week of January, 2014. At that time the spot of my liver will be evaluated to see if it can be removed by surgery before I start radiation.
As I've said before, I am SO grateful for all your thoughts / prayers, meals, gifts, cards and kind words.
Tonia
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