...across the room to give thanks....

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue those who are humble......As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true.…Psalm 18:25-27,30 NLT

Promises such as the following.....

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control......Galatians 5:22 NLT

....ahhh yes! It is the Holy Spirit inside the life of every devoted Christian that helps us to persevere through those struggles that overwhelm us at times. I don't know why I'm always surprised by God's faithfulness and help to me. I know it comes from Him because I cannot change my heart on my own. It is impossible. I can try to change my mind, my will, my actions but I cannot change my heart. My heart has needed some repair work lately and although I knew that, sometimes I let myself stumble onto a path that feels good to me for awhile and then when I realize that I'm heading into a situation that will cause a mess for me I have a hard time turning back because by now it may be a matter of pride, "justifiable or righteous anger", or just stubborn will! When I get into a situation like that I know that God is very near, I can feel Him close, and I know that He is waiting for me to make my move. It reminds me of when the Israelites saw the Egyptians closing in on them by the Red Sea. They were so scared and crying for God to rescue them. God's answer to them was to "get moving"! Well that's been me this last while. Praying and crying for God to do something. Finally I heard Him "Get Moving Elayne"! That left me with a choice....do what is right, or drown in my sea of frustration. Well, I decided to start moving. Moving to a state of repentance, forgiveness and obedience. Oh what a sweet spot. Humbling , yes, but so very sweet. It brings me right into the arms of Jesus, as close as the air that touches my skin. I just KNOW I'm forgiven, hugged, squeezed, and I feel completely whole again.

Larry Holder wrote this song that describes my grateful heart today.....

You love me as a Father loves His child

Your boundless grace pours out to me;

I am fully reconciled.

Your Spirit calls, and I reply,

"Lord lead me day by day

To know Your perfect will, Your holy Way."

My one desire - to know You in the fullness of Your Grace

To hear "Well done, my precious one"

when we meet face to face

Lord, I aspire to please You in obedience and faith

For You, my God, are worthy of all praise.

Your favor has sustained me all my days

The faithfulness You've shown to me;

Oh, how awesome are Your ways.

My heart cries out; I can't contain

The joy that lives in me,

To know that You give life, abundantly!

As night gives way to morning

I'll arise to meet the dawn

As Your Spirit deep within me

Gives me strength to carry on,

Carry on...

My one desire - to know You in the fullness of Your Grace

To hear "Well done, my precious one"

when we meet face to face

Lord, I aspire to please You in obedience and faith

For You, my God, are worthy of all praise.

My greatest desire in life is to be completely devoted to my God....to passionately worship Him with my life and be totally committed to His will and His way for me.