Thankful Thursday

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I’m struggling a bit this week. I’m not real comfortable with where I am right now. I’m looking for more balance in my life. I’m trying to take care of some things so they can be done and I can move on to the next step. I feel there is so much ahead and that it will be good… REALLY GOOD. It’s so slow getting there, though. Yes, I’m impatient. I always have been. Yet another thing that I struggle with on a regular basis.

But, you know what? There is still so very much for which to give thanks! God has reminded me over and over and over all day today of how much I have for which to be thankful. This is just a sampling of what He has shown me today…..


~ Though I am not comfortable with all that I have before me, I do feel sure that I am where God wants me. I don’t feel Him guiding me in other directions at this moment. I do feel the path he has me on will eventually lead me in other directions… just not at this moment. And, while that leaves me trying to deal with my lack of patience, it also is reassuring because I am where He wants for now.

~ While I have struggled more in my professional life this year than ever before, I do have a job. So many are without work right now and I am so fortunate to have this particular job. Not only that, but my husband’s company is doing well. He runs his own business and in this time with such an unstable economy it could easily be the exact opposite. However, God has continued to allow us both to be in stable working conditions.


~ This morning I received an email from my brother-in-law that was just what I needed. Each morning he shares a brief devotional with a group of men and he has been including me on his distribution list. He spoke of being outside of what is comfortable but also knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are within God’s will. It’s tough, but we can be assured that God is right there with us… leading and guiding and loving….every single step of the way. He reminded us of the story of Naomi in the book of Ruth. Naomi experienced great difficulty and grief in her life. But, look at the way God wove all of that into a grand plan for her future. While nothing I am experiencing right now can even be compared with the grief and the heartache that Naomi experienced, how wonderful it is to know that he is weaving his grand plan for my life, too! (I also thought it interesting how God took a book of the Bible that I am currently studying and put it right back in front of me with this email….hmmm…think God is trying to tell me something??)

~ My family. I think I mention them almost every week in my Thankful Thursday posts, but where would I be without my dear husband and beautiful children? Where would I be without my parents, my sisters, my brother-in-law, my nieces and nephews? They are all such an integral part of my life and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that each one of them supports me and loves me just the way I am.

I am so very thankful for the way God speaks to us at just the time we need to hear from Him the most. I needed it today and there He was!

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11


For more Thankful Thursday visit Iris at Grace Alone...!






22 Thoughts Shared:

Tammy said...

Oh it is so difficult to wait and be patient for the Lord's timing but so worth it in the end. Thank you for sharing your grateful heart! :-)

Kristi said...

Oh, Melanie, patience is not really my thing either. But God keeps providing opportunities for me to grow in this area. Your beautiful heart shines through every honest word. God is going to use your obedience to Him in a big way and for His great glory. You are such a wonderful inspiration. I'm praying for you this evening.

LAURIE said...

Melanie, I enjoyed your post because it reminded me that we are just like the clay that the artist creates...except God is our spiritual artist creating us in a perfect form. We couldn't be what we are in Christ without a little chipping away. -Blessings, Laurie

Beth E. said...

What a great post...thanks for giving me pause to consider the fact that God's will for my life is based upon HIS timing...not mine! We are so used to living in an "instant, total gratification" society that it is very difficult, at times, to wait upon the Lord!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Darlene said...

Thanks for sharing your heart!
Praying for you...
Have a Terrific Thursday!!!!
Darlene

Aisling said...

Oh I think you and I are in a similar place right now, and yep, impatience is an issue. GOD I wan to know NOW! And God told me really clearly he wasn't going to tell me NOW and I had to wait!

Debra Kaye said...

Melanie,

I loved reading your lists of thanks! I also loved reading when you said you are reassured that you are where you are where God wants you for now...isn't that just awesome! I truly loved hearing that.

You bless me, Melanie. Thank you for your prayers about me daughter. It truly touched me.

Happy Thursday to you.

Diane ~ said...

Hi Melanie! wow Thank you so much for sharing your heart! What an excellent posting! No matter what we may be going through there is tremendous Peace that comes from knowing He is with us & will never leave us nor forsake us!
And don't you just love it when He brings a confirmation to you on what He wants you to know, see, & learn?! :)

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

Beautiful post! And just remember whatever you are waiting for, if you keep waiting on God it will be worth it! Happy TT!

Laurie Ann said...

Melanie, patience is sorely lacking as one of my fruits when I can see where I think I should be and can't get there right now, hah hah! I'm sorry you're not comfortable, but take heart, my friend! He hasn't failed you and will most certainly bring the things to pass that He desires for you. I loved your post. I found in your honesty and transparency something I could definitely identify with, and I wanted to say thanks for laying it out like that. You do have a great list of things to be thankful for, don't you? All great blessings, indeed! Love ya! Happy Thankful Thursday! Laurie Ann

Katie said...

This was such a great reminder to search out things to be grateful for!

Thanks Melanie!

Lori said...

I enjoyed reading about what your brother in law shared. Being uncomfortable but being in God's will. Oh how I hesitate when God pushes me out into the unknown, I keep praying for more faith.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Sweet Blessings said...

Happy Thursday! Thank you for sharing your heart. I heard recently in a sermon that if you listen to our songs and all the talk in our Christian circles there's not a whole lot on lamenting or the sharing of deep hurt and struggles-it's more uplifting and encouraging. But in the Bible there are stories upon stories of people sharing their anguish and pain in hardships YET keeping their eyes fixed on the Lord. May I walk along side of you and share out of authenticity! Blessings to you:) Amanda

Bonnie said...

How I love reading your posts!! Each time I read you I think you are indeed a sister in Christ - we think so much alike although you write your thoughts much better than I write mine!! Isn't it wonderful to know we are where God wants us? We're obedient to Him. 'course...you know He's not going to shake you up until you get a bit comfortable where you are, right? :)

Michele Williams said...

Such a lovely heart felt post! Thank you so much for sharing dear friend. God bless you....

bp said...

Good afternoon, Melanie. Thank you for sharing. It is such a wonderful thing to be where you know God wants you.

Denise said...

Praying for you my friend, love you.

Rebecca said...

I loved hearing about Naomi's difficulties and grief in her life and how God wove all of that into a plan. It's encouraging to believe God does the same for us!

Sab said...

It's amazing how God is always in control! I love the story of Naomi! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. I will be praying that you find that balance. I am looking for it, too!

~Mrs.Cuddles

Erica said...

I love that you were transparent and real...and still found a multitude of things to be thankful for.
I have always found that when you don't know where the Lord is leading, stay put in the place that you know he brought you to and wait!
He always illuminates!

Grammy said...

Hi Melanie, Patience is a hard one for me too. But I have more now than ever. I am glad you have the love and support of your family that is a true blessing. I saw below in your pay it forward. I was amazed to find I was # 2 I have never won any thing on line like this before.
I feel blessed to know you as a blog friend. And look forward to getting to know you better too.