Friday, November 11, 2016

Thanksgiving is now less than two weeks away

How did this happen?  Time does march on.  With Thanksgiving in mind, I realize that I am thankful for so much -- I have SO MUCH for which I am thankful -- and yet I don't have EVERYTHING.   God continually shows me how much I need Him.  We are in the midst of one of the worst droughts in history where I live.  The lake that is our main source of water is so dry that people can walk across it.  We are at 54 days with no rain.  NO rain.  And the forecast for the next 10 days shows 0% chance of rain.

The conditions are so bad right where I live that the Water Works has issued a 400% fine on any who go over the allotted water amount for the month.  400%!  And that is the same whether you are a family of one or a family of ten.  We are a family of five adults and one fur baby.  But, we usually hover around the "fine-worthy" amount in our usage. So, we are finding creative ways to conserve even more than we normally do.  Yet, we are still praying, "Lord, please send the rain."  And, this continues to remind me that I am not in charge. 

As always with my scripture graphics, feel free to download and use this one!

Despite the recent election and the divide that we see in our country, we can be content in the circumstance and know that He is still God. So many feel that four years with our president-elect will doom our nation.  But, just as many felt that way four and eight years ago. And, here we are still plugging along. At the end of the day God calls us not to criticize those who don't vote or believe as we do. Rather, He calls us to love. Unconditionally.  Wholeheartedly. Even when it's hard. EVERY person has value to God. Including President Obama and including President-elect Trump. I pray that we can all get past this hate and division... and can find the contentment that He promises.

So much of life is beyond our control.  And so many of us are control freaks (anybody else, or is it just me and the people in my family?) When we have circumstances in our lives that are disappointing or challenging, they could be God's way of reminding us that no matter how much we try to control the variables in our lives, He is still ultimately in control.  And, I am at peace with that (well, most of the time.)  I try, with Paul the apostle, to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself.  And every time I go into my kitchen to get a glass of water, I am reminded of that.

"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:11-13

4 comments:

  1. I'd love to send some of our plentiful rain your way. We had the most days with rain in October EVER.
    Enjoy your preparations for Thanksgiving.

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  2. I was thinking the same as Lorrie. How could I send some water to you? I am so sorry, dear friend. BTW, I loved your post. I agree wholeheartedly! I would also like to borrow your graphic. I have thought of that verse so many times as my friends have been so fearful of what is ahead. I have found that in times like today, it is good to have history with God. After becoming a child of God, when he shows up after much prayer, it gives us so much confidence that he will do what he says he will do. Thanks for this post. Have a lovely Sunday.

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  3. Great post. It's good to know all of the happenings in our lives is in God's hands. We just had our first rain in weeks and weeks. Every little bit helps. When we lived with constant water shortages in Africa, I learned how much you can do with the same bucket of water. I hope you get rain soon.

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  4. Yes, praying for rain here too, but we've not been hit by city limits yet. Tomorrow we're expecting a shower and cooler temperatures as well. Very holiday-ish! You're an encouragement, friend. Just wanted you to know that.

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