My husband recently visited Mexico to meet some incredible pastors. He had the opportunity to meet a gentleman from Louisiana who had given his life as a missionary and church planter in Mexico. He has a faith-filled ministry specializing in raising people from the dead (yes, you read that right), healing, and miracles beyond explanation.

When he got up to speak, he opened with this:

“Everyone, take a moment and tell Jesus “Thank you” that you woke up today. Take a deep breath. Thank God for the breath you have and the air we breathe. Thank God for your life and your family. I am just so thankful for how good God is.”

And the entire place just began to weep.

My last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. My youngest graduated high school. Empty Nester “syndrome” has begun to sink in, but I am constantly renewing my mind to trust Jesus with it. I leave shortly to spend three months in a 3rd world country. I have a few more days with my youngest son before leaving for our trip. While I am away, he is moving away to college for two years. I am hoping I get to see him again for Christmas. We are working hard in our churches to secure everyone and everything before we leave.
I found a mouse in my pantry, so I had to tear it apart, throw half of the food away, and disinfect my life… I haven’t even begun to pack. I am still teaching and preaching up until the last minute.
I have too many “tabs” open in my brain to be thankful. I can barely make a sentence without saying something weird. I told someone just today, “Oh yeah, we are leaving yesterday.” 😩🙄Too many tabs open…Lol.

And this is where conviction begins to hit me. I am too busy to be thankful., to stop, take a few minutes, and give thanks. I am rushing around, doing all the things, forgetting my Savior in the middle of it all.

I am never too busy for Jesus. If I am, then my priorities are so far off that it is all in vain anyway. Nothing should make me too busy to acknowledge how good God is to me. The blessings I enjoy day in and day out are a gift from God. Even in the middle of trials, hardships, wounds, and trauma, I can create space to give thanks and acknowledge my Lord and Savior.

James 1:17 NLT “17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Let’s take time to say “Thank you” to the Lord today.

Pray for me as I embark on my journey! I will be praying for you, and together, we will see God do incredible things in and through us! I love you all!
Love,
Annie

Colossians 3:15-17 NLT
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.