There are ducks on my pond! What a sight!

Wait! Wait! I DON’T HAVE A POND! Oh, mercy me!

As heavy rains flooded our walnut grove and the valley below, the bridge over our ‘dry’ creek quickly disappeared beneath the waters.

Expensive plants and costly labor for our flower gardens would come to naught as the rain continued for days. I had a choice, choose praise or peril. Will I complain or learn to praise God in ALL things?

As the water slowly receded, God sent beautiful ducks to remind me of His ultimate care. I am amazed at His creation. I realize I can mourn over loss or choose to enjoy what He sends my way.

Click here for a message from Billy Graham on being thankful in all things.

I praised God that my home is on the hill and not submerged. Again, I thanked Him that my country road was not yet underwater and prayed for friends daily driving miles out of the way to avoid flooded highways.

As another storm approached, I gathered the few remaining iris from my yard for a local coffee shop. God’s splendor needs to be enjoyed by more than me. As I praised God for His provision, I asked Him to bless each person working or dining there. God is teaching me to turn my perils into praises.

Today I prayed for friends in the draught-stricken, wind-torn west. I prayed for the firefighters, homeowners, and neighbors trying to contain vicious wildfires with no end in sight. I asked God to forgive me for complaining about the rains. (I wished I could share some!)

This week I have cried much. I miss my hubby, my cousin, my brother, and so many others. Now, as I relaunch My Mother My Child, I miss Mother. How I wish she could see how God is using “our” book to help and encourage others.

Peril can hold me or I can choose praise. I am thankful for each of their lives and the memories of happy times. I choose to pray for those I personally know who lost loved ones this very week from age 5-91, often through tragedy. I praise God for His Spirit, asking him to comfort the families.

John Ortberg has said: “What repeatedly enters your mind occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.”

Wow! I choose to be a praiser instead of a prune!

Our world around us is changing. Everyday! Not always for the good. Never, ever forget we serve our God who never changes. I pray today He will help you turn your perils into praises.

From Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a comment. How can I pray for you?