Thank You Isn’t Enough

Because Thank You Isn’t Enough

There’s a little sign that sits on the desk in my home office.

It says just one word,  “Grateful.”

There’s not much to it really – I bought the little piece of wood at Hobby Lobby, and then simply painted it.

Artistic-wise, not much of a masterpiece, right?

But, the meaning of the word “grateful” for me is far more precious than I can describe.

I am so thankful to God for sending us His Son Jesus, and I’m so grateful for His work in me.

Looking back, I remembered I wrote a poem about gratitude to God several years ago.

I will link it here.

Thank You isn't enoughThrough the good times and all of the challenges we face in this life, God has a purpose for them, even though we don’t always understand the “whys”.

Paul addressed the following verse to the Romans, but like all of Scripture, it carries God’s message through the generations. 

God is Sovereign.

His character never changes.

Through our beginning as babies in the womb, through our end (and of course everything in between), God has a purpose for our lives and for our good.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.Romans 8:28, (NASB).1

For all that God has done for us, it seems that a simple thank you isn’t enough.

That’s why when I heard Tasha Layton’s song, “Thank You Isn’t Enough,” bells started going off.

Okay, I have to share this one!

It’s hard to pick a favorite verse in the song, but here’s mine:

Got a resurrection story
One I gotta tell
How Jesus changed my life
And I’m still overwhelmed – Song lyrics, “Thank You Isn’t Enough.”1

What an amazing song to remind us of God’s faithfulness.

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Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Song lyrics to “Thank You Isn’t Enough” featuring The Choir Room, courtesy of AZLyrics.com.

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Christian Soul-Soothing Music

Christian Soul-Soothing Music

Who could use some Christian soul-soothing music right now?

I know I could.

Too many disturbing news headlines to count.

One of my go-to’s when it gets to be too much is to listen to some great Christian music.

Can I just say that one of my favorite, musically-talented, family bands ever is “The Petersens” family?

My husband and I saw their Christmas show in North Texas a few years ago. It was one of the most entertaining and delightful concerts we’ve ever been to.

If you get a chance to see them this holiday season, I can highly recommend.

This is a show you can bring the whole family to!

Just a few days ago, I saw that they posted their adaptation of “How Great Thou Art” online, and I couldn’t wait to share it here.

I know you’ve heard this beloved Christian song before, but the Petersens add their wonderful harmonies and musicianship in a way that I could listen to it over and over again.

I hope you enjoy and feel that sense of peace we can all use for such a time as this in our world.

A heartfelt thank you to the Petersens for sharing their musical gifts for God’s Glory.

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Rest For Our Souls

Rest For Our Souls

Rest For Our Souls in a Fallen World

There’s no doubt that multiple violent and tragic events are flooding the news cycles 24/7.

On top of the constant bad news headlines, you also have internet trolls laughing at the sorrow of others.

Wicked hearts . . . wicked thoughts . . . wicked schemes.

Friends that I’ve spoken with agree that it feels like it’s almost too much to bear.

As Christians we often carry the weight of every tragedy.

We pray and we wait for God to answer.

We plead for our nation, for our families, and for the victims whose stories break our hearts.

It can cause some sleepless nights.

Can we find rest for our souls during times such as these?

I was recently emailed an article that is one of the most insightful I’ve ever read.

I’m happy to share it with you and I hope it brings you the same encouragement that it did for me and others.

The author, Alan Shlemon, published it on the Stand To Reason website.

You can find it here:  “Tragedy Overload.”

Witnessing evil and experiencing suffering will one day come to an end in God’s appointed time.

Until then and through eternity, the peace and rest for our souls is found in Jesus Christ.

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Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk

Rest in Peace Charlie Kirk

Beautiful Memorial Service For Charlie Kirk

Sunday, September 21st has passed, but my thoughts are still focused on the beautiful memorial service for Charlie Kirk that was held yesterday in Arizona.

Admittedly, I was in tears through a large portion of it.

Estimates are that millions of people tuned in to watch – from all over the world.

Undoubtedly, this will be one of those times in my life that I will never forget.

I was touched by the many tributes, the God-honoring music, and the beautiful mentions of God and Jesus Christ throughout the service.

Salvation *through Christ alone* was preached to the world yesterday and I felt blessed to watch it – even if it was just on our TV at home. 

Through something so terrible, as in the horrific death of (now) Christian martyr Charlie Kirk – came something good.

The most touching moment perhaps was when his widow, Erika, went up and spoke.

Through tears she talked about their life together and the enthusiasm he had for speaking truth and reaching others for Christ.

When she referenced the murderer who committed this evil act, she whispered – but for all to hear,

That man,

That young man,

I forgive him.

Was there a dry eye in that Arizona stadium? I wonder.

There wasn’t at my house.

Rest in peace Charlie Kirk in the loving embrace of our Savior.

Salvation through Christ alone

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Wake Up Church

Wake up Church

It’s Time To Wake Up Church

What started out as a great day yesterday, September 10th, quickly turned into one of shock and sadness.

I was working on a big project in my office when my husband came in and told me about the horrific shooting of Charlie Kirk, who later died.

I had just listened to one of Charlie’s podcasts from a college campus just a couple of days ago. Even closer to home, friends of ours attended one of Charlie’s college tours when he came into town not that long ago.

We are completely heartbroken and still shedding some tears over this.

Charlie Kirk was always professional and fair, even to the college students who disagreed with him. He was the first to say that any student who wanted to debate current issues to step up to the mic first, so that they could discuss their differences in religion and politics.

Charlie never hesitated to talk about his belief in Jesus. He was cursed at often, yet he always maintained his cool and exhibited grace towards those who were verbally attacking him.

I have no doubt that yesterday, and for eternity, this man of God, devoted husband and father, a champion of faith, family, and freedom, is now rejoicing in the arms of our Savior.

Lord – hold his family and friends tight as they grieve their loss. Give us wisdom and a godly perspective, Father, as we process through our grief after losing this American treasure.

The horrible murder that happened yesterday is pure evil on display.

Those in politics, the news media, and the online commenters who are laughing about this tragedy are also showing you evil on display . . .  and they do not care.

Charlie’s death is yet another example of Christian persecution on our own soil.

How can this be happening in America?

Wake Up Church, and please pray.

Wake Up Church, Condemn Violence of Any Kind

No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, violence is never the answer.

Some in the big three mainstream news media will spin this tragedy and place blame however they are directed.

They will use this event to push for “controls” and whatever else fits the agenda.

No, what is to blame is an evil heart.

All human life is precious – from womb to adulthood.

Personally, I’d rather hear what our God in Heaven has to say.

No matter what evil and troubles that we see around us, God is still on His throne.

In John 16:33, Jesus told His disciples in His farewell sermon,

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.John 16:33, (NASB). 1

“You will have tribulation . . .”

We are seeing increasing acts of hatred and violence on the world stage, and right here in our America.

This is not the America I grew up in.

Evil and darkness hate the light so we can expect more.

Satan’s mission is to lead humanity to hell.

Evil is very real, not only with what happened to Charlie Kirk, but today we also remember 9/11 and the loss of over 2900 lives.

Wake Up Church: Seek God’s Perspective

I urge everyone to avoid the political vitriol on news stations.

Seek instead a godly perspective.

God created us so that, in all that we do in the short time we’re here on earth, we can use our talents and abilities to give the glory to Him and show the world evidence of His saving grace.

Charlie Kirk did that.

This truth remains: in all of this turmoil, our peace can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us that we can expect “tribulation,” but we also have a conquering King who offers us peace in the midst of it.

Wake up, Church.

As a nation, we need to pray for a spiritual revival and repentance.

May we all be so bold as Charlie Kirk, in sharing our faith in Jesus, and charging forward with the knowledge that our eternal victory is in Christ.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.1 John 4:4, (NASB).2

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Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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