Oh, how I love this day! I love taking a day to reflect on the things I'm thankful for, and reading the lists of all the others who participate in Thankful Thursday's, hosted by Iris. This week, Iris' theme is "Hope". She shared this verse:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” ~ Psalm 42:11 (ESV ~ emphasis Iris')
And what a precious verse that is! Hope in God is a glorious thing. Iris looked up ‘hope’ in Webster and found that it means: “to cherish a desire with anticipation”.
God is my desire and I do cherish Him with anticipation. I long for Him to be glorified in all my hopes and dreams. I pray that the earthly things I hope for please Him and honor Him.
I try to be quick to praise Him for His answers to my prayers, the blessings He pours out, and He has blessed me so abundantly that my cup truly does overflow. I look around me and see the things on earth I've expressed gratitude to Him for in the past (food, clothes, home, family, friends, miracles of healing, babies, work, air conditioning, etc.) and the line from the hymn Blessed Assurance, "Oh what a foretaste of Heaven divine" comes to mind.
Can you imagine? Let's block out all the trials we suffer on earth for a second and focus on the good things on the earth. Yes, you read that right. The great things here on earth. Just for a minute, close your eyes and think on the good things in your life. Now think on the best things in your life. The *very* best things in your life. I can assure you, my friends, that the very best things in your life will grow dim in comparison to the good that God has planned for us in Heaven.
Can you tell what I'm grateful for this week? The hope and blessed assurance I have waiting for me in Heaven! I'm praising God for welcoming me into His fold and looking forward (hope and assurance!) to living in Heaven.
Now, click here and visit Iris' page to see more Thankful Thursday's and/or post your own. You will surely be blessed!
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9 comments:
Lovely TT post. As I was reading it I was reminded of that great hymn we sing..."Blessed Assurance". Thank you for sharing your grateful heart with us. -Blessings, Laurie
Beautiful post. I love this day too and try to get around to reading several of the posts. It brings more things to light to be thankful for - :)
Have a blessed day.
Laurie, that is a beautiful post! You have such a gift of sharing God's word and promises!
Wonderful post! I agree with Twinkle mom you do have a gift of sharing God's word and promises!
My blogging has been off this week...things have been crazy. But, I am so glad I stopped by to soak up HIS word through your words.
Blessings,
Darlene
Beautiful thankful post and lovely picture! It is always encouraging to read your thankful post and your love for the Lord. Thank God for His many blessings upon you. May you continue to know God's love in many wonderful ways. Take care and God bless you always!
Beautiful post my friend. I love your writing. The love you have for our Lord just shines through each word. What a blessing!
Bless you Laurie Ann,
I love you little golden bear graphic of MY HOPE IS IN GOD!!! Denise would like that too!(Shortybear)
But how aMazing your beautiful thankful post that shows you truly do cherish Him and are filled by hopes and dreams to honor and glorify Him! How lovely Laurie Ann...such blessed assurance! Good point for reflection! May God fill your dreams with much hope!
And may your hope have many dreams
fulfilled...Heaven is a wonderful place...filled with glory and grace
I really loved this post, thanks for being the lovely blessing that you are.
A lovely thankful post and a cute picture!
Remain blessed!
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