It is God’s will that we be content with everything that He has given or not given us. It is Satan’s goal to do everything he can to make us discontent with what God has given or not given. 

“Brrrrring!” As the phone echoed through the house, there was a clatter of feet on the stairs, and within seconds an enthusiastic little voice was calling, “Margaret! It’s for you!”

Laying down the napkins she’d been folding, Margaret hurried over. “Thanks, Joseph,” she smiled, before saying into the phone, “Hello, this is Margaret.” Her face lit up with pleasure as she recognized the voice of her friend Jennifer—a phone call from her was a once-or-twice-a-year affair.
For perhaps fifteen minutes, the girls talked about the various little events since their last chat some months before, but Margaret could tell that something was on her friend’s mind. At last, Jennifer burst out:

​“My sister Annie is engaged to Thomas Craddock from church!”

​I always have an anxious excitement when I am about to buy a plane ticket. You are planning for a fun trip, but at the same time you are spending a lot of money on something you can’t return. As I was doing this a few weeks ago, I was meticulously going through my itinerary to make sure I had everything right. Finally I clicked to finalize the purchase, but it came up with an ‘ERROR’ screen. It appeared that it hadn’t gone through, but it wouldn’t let me purchase the tickets when I tried again. I was feeling a little frustrated, because I really wanted to get them finalized before prices went up. With no other option, I waited until the next morning to try again. And lo, and behold, it ended up that the tickets were cheaper! As I sat there thanking the Lord, I felt like the Lord saying, “If I can orchestrate your circumstances to save you a little money, how much more can I provide for you in the area of marriage?’ I was humbled. ‘Oh.  Yes,  Lord. You are able to work out my future in Your perfect timing and in Your perfect way.’ God used a small daily experience to remind me of His goodness and care.

It can be challenging to maintain a cheerful attitude and a vision for a future family when that future family seems so elusive. If you’re like me, the prospect of marriage may appear slim. Mr. Right isn’t around and he’s not even on the horizon or over the horizon. It’s easy to wonder if he died at birth and the possibility of becoming an old, grouchy spinster continues to loom bigger and bigger. While your friends get married and raise their children, you are still waiting and waiting, and waiting some more. Your overflowing Hope Chest becomes more of a Hopeless Chest and you wonder if life has passed you by. 

In this world that we live, society screams out that we are to be given what we think will make us happy now. There is no thought of waiting until the time is right, until you have enough money saved, or until the Lord brings it to pass. We must help out. The flesh desires and wants it now. There is no encouragement in anything to be content where you are and wait. This life misses out on the blessings we have, worrying about what the future holds. "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

Jesus loves me!

Think of the worst kind of girl you can possibly imagine, walking in sin, poor, shameful, rejected, impure, ugly, needy and yet rejecting help, living on the streets in rags, acting out in rebellion, the lowest class possible.

​Now, let your mind imagine the most impressive, powerful, rich, loving, highly regarded, high-ranking, well known, prestigious, wealthy, happy, mighty, perfect, pure, handsome man. 

With fervor, the young lady scrubbed the dirty dinner pot. She was growing frustrated with the seemingly enormous stack of dishes that awaited her attention, for she wanted to finish a sewing project after kitchen duties were completed. Her siblings had vanished after the meal was over, leaving her alone to clean up. Sharon inwardly grumbled in self-pity, when her thoughts were shocked to silence when her mom walked in the kitchen with a sober face. Her announcement was startling.

​Our Heavenly Father gives us many things to be grateful for. Just take a moment and make a mental list of those things you can thank God for.

​Your list probably included some of the following: family, friends, a warm house, food, salvation, etc. These things are easy to be thankful for, but did your list include: siblings that are difficult to work with? A little brother or sister who has a tendency to get into your things? Disappointment? Loss? Being sick? Those who persecute you and revile you?

It’s that time of the year again when we give thanks to our gracious Lord and Savior for all that He has done in our lives! Need some scrumptious recipes? Need a craft idea? What about a new tradition to start each Thanksgiving? Maybe these are some help to you! :)

Kneeling down before my King,
My precious daughters to Him I bring.
How can I raise them to be virtuous and true?
Oh Lord, I'm weak; I need You.
 
I can strive to teach them to be morally good,
To say the right things, dress the right way,
act in a way every lady should.
But if I fail to teach them mercy, grace, and love,
To live my own life only for God above
 
Oh Lord, they need to be planted by the streams of living water,
That is what will make them a truly virtuous daughter.
So back on my knees before You I pray,
Lord, You need to work in their heart, You are the only way.