a thankful heart is a happy heart

I know I copied the title from a Veggie Tales song, but it was the first thing that came to mind on the subject. Tonight I decided to read my Jesus Calling the night before so that it might settle me and essentially better equip me for the day. I was expecting something about giving up troubles etc., but what I got what a huge smack in the face.

"Thank me for the very things that are troubling you." (BAM)

If you've been keeping up with my journey lately, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and kind words- they mean soo much, then you know I've been struggling to find a balance between my will AND God's will.

At the moment Jesus' words of "not my will, but yours be done." are flashing in my head like a neon sign.

The verse to go with Jesus Calling tonight is Philippians 4:4-6 (I extended it to verse 7):

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

of course, I read it, "In everything, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...?" This recent development has baffled me lately, but not enough to sit down and actually figure it out. UNTIL today. I was talking with one of my bosses about how God can change even the most hardened of hearts (cool stuff for office meeting chatter if I do say so myself) and she explained it perfectly. She said she heard a lady say one time that when she was confronted with going to Sudan (insert any hardship/unwanted place) for missions she completely shut down. I'm talking Fort Knox; not no one, no how is gettn' in. She didn't open her Bible, didn't speak of missions, even avoided discussions of God with her husband for fear that God would change her desires. (DING DING DING WE HAVE A WINNER LADIES AND GENTS! STEP RIGHT UP FOR THE GAL WHO AVOIDED GOD) Too bad, I'm leaving out a crucial aspect of God... He doesn't need me to tell him when I'm ready.. He knows.

another thing.. He is all powerful. and he WILL close every door until you take the one He has for you. (even if you're stubborn like me) He knew that I wouldn't pick hardly anything on my own; so, He gave me no choice. Don't believe me? Just look; I ain't lyin':

-Samford (he "dropped money from the sky")

-minor in cultural studies (because it fit my schedule)

-internship at WMU (no one else hired me)

-attending Blume (He paid the way)

So, instead of my first/natural reaction when the door I want is slammed in my face, I will choose to be thankful that God knows me better than I know myself. You'd think I'd start to listen, wouldn't you?

"It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time. Thankfulness awakens you to my presence, which overshadows all your problems." -Jesus Calling

I, along with Madame Blueberry, am choosing a thankful, happy heart.. it's an easy way to start..