Update: God is so Good and God’s Grace

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Just want to share an update about my brother, Billy aka Gum.  He was released from the hospital last week and is doing well.  In fact, I talked to him yesterday morning and he was his usual positive self.  In the midst of talking he asked, “Are you outside?”  I said, “Yes, why?”  He said, “I can hear the birds singing in the background.”  Now, we have lived in a rural area since 1998 and I guess I take the sound of nature, birds, crickets, owls, etc. for granted.   But, once Billy said this, I felt a deeper appreciation for where we live.  I asked myself,  “isn’t this what life is about?”  Learning to appreciate what we have. Billy’s positive outlook on life touched me again for the rest of yesterday and has eased into today.  I pray this feeling of deep appreciation and gratitude will continue for the things I take for granted.  We went on to talk about local honey.  At the end of the conversation, Billy said, “What a morning.  Hearing birds, talking about honey and listening to gospel music.”  A beautiful start to the day. 

To me, that’s gratitude and gratitude puts everything in perspective.  My conversation with Billy that morning expanded my circle of appreciation.  At the same time, my daughter, Angel, handed me a piece of paper and asked if I could post it in my blog.  She said she’d felt led to share it in hopes it could help someone else.  Another cause for gratitude.  I felt overwhelmed in a good way.  God gave me two magnificent gifts within the first hour of my day. 

So, first, please continue your prayers for Billy and his wife, Cheryl, as well as for all the people who are hurting now.  Also, continue to pray for all the medical professionals, the home deliverers and everyone else who is working hard to ease our pain and discomfort now.

Next, please read the following blog by my daughter, Anjanae (aka Angel) Chever-Watson.

God’s Grace

For me, the key to a happy life in my darkest hour of need is remembering God’s grace which is His love and kindness.  I try to remember all the times God has gotten me through work, school, guilt, relationships, depression, anxiety, lack of confidence and body image issues. I had to remember that these feelings were just one area of my life.  And, I could not allow one area to consume me. This is when I had to allow God to fill me up with His grace and promises. As a daily reminder, I now look back and thank God for how far I have come.  With God’s grace, I have come to love and cherish myself.  With time, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed, the way I was, try to think about God’s grace; His love and tender mercies, and all the times He has gotten you through difficult times.  

Dear God, lift up all those hurting from past or present pains and show Your loving kindness in all things. Thank You God! Amen!