The Father's Song - Matt Redman - Live

Before the sun met day, these words resonated in my heart.....
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Gratitude (Nichole Nordeman)

A roof above my head, simple luxuries like water, soap, transportation, food, co-laborers… friendships…..rain….provision…..daily bread….a promise……HIS promises…..oh yes, and the wind at the top of the hill on a very hot day. Jesus taught us how to pray….Abba, Father…..hallowed be Thy name….forgiveness of debt……forgiving our debtors….the Power…..the glory….Forever!!!

My heart is overwhelmed. Tender hugs, life’s challenges confessed, true, seeking, open, and raw….Sometimes it takes my breath away. We should listen more closely to the children. A cry for help and love without demands. Sweet kisses on my cheek. Hugs from behind, beside, from the top of my head to the very planting of my feet. Paint on my nose. I love you…from I child that I did not even know…..How God’s Holy Spirit is alive, effective and real….in EVERY touch!!!!

I see it, my heart smiles and i settle myself in for God’s goodness. A wellspring of life!!!! Tangible. Measurable… In the middle of the messy!! Something to be held: in your lap, on your hip, a jump from behind and a simple wooden car is the key that opens the door. Oh and how it knocks you over with its fullness. Smiles….genuine, momentary,  fleeting when I want to savor and chew on its richness..a snapshot of life….real life!! For one more life to live, to do more, to reach deeper and farther and see God’s kingdom enlarged and greater…like God needs MY help! HA! Humbled…I want to capture every second and store it deep within that place in my heart that I draw from on the hard days. Are there really hard days? Fill our cups and fill them up again tonight!!

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18
“We’ll give thanks to You with gratitude. For lessons learned in how to trust in You. That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream. In abundance or in need. And if You never grant us peace. But Jesus, would You please . .” Nicole Nordeman
“When thanks to God becomes a habit – so joy in God becomes your life.” Ann Voskamp