I am so blessed!

The last few days I have been very sick. Laying in bed for 2 days definitely gave me time to think. Even tho I was holding my stomach in pain I was reminded that I could have it much worse, like so many others, I could have cancer. I am so blessed. When I returned to school my students asked me if I was better. "Yes, I am," I said. But I thought... "Of course why wouldn't I get better. That's what happens when a person gets sick they get better." But my student says, "God answered our prayers!!! We had special prayer for you." She thought... "It's a miracle!! God healed her!" Wow, how could I not praise God for my healing! OF COURSE it was GOD!!! How can I take healing for granted? Some people don't get better.... I am so blessed.

I have some amazing friends that have really reached out to me the last few weeks. While I was sick one particular friend drove 20 min out of her way to bring me some much desired sprite and crackers.... a little thing maybe. But it meant the world!! I am so blessed. Friends at school (co's) are great for hashing out the world's problems. Many hours could be spent after school just plain talking, and listening to each other's hearts... :) (love them) I am so blessed. 

My family is amazing!!!!! Us sibs have so much fun when we get together! I hear stories of broken families, and it makes me sad. I love my family very much, and can't imagine what it would be like to not get along. I am so blessed. Not to mention living with my brother!!!  He's one of my best friends! I definitely would not be where I am today if it would not be for him. I am so blessed. 

                                          

A few weeks ago I told the girl's club girls the story of Daniel in the lions den. Some of them had never heard it before. After the story one girl says... "I don't believe that story is true. How can a puny little angle keep some lions' mouth shut?" In the next few moments I tried to describe the power of God to the young girl. How does one even begin to describe it? I was reminded of how often I take knowledge for granted. I've grown up hearing these stories, and believing, not only that the stories are true, but in God and all His many attributes. I am so blessed. 

God has been showing me over and over again lately that He is taking care of me. There is a phrase that I keep hearing in songs, verses, or caring thoughts from friends, and that is, God is holding me. Such a simple concept but it brings much security. The storms may come, the winds may blow, but my anchor is Jesus, and  He is the solid rock that no man can destroy. God is with me in the midst of the storms, standing beside me, holding me close. It wasn't until the 3 men in the fiery furnace were actually in the fire, that they saw God's presence. 

 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned..." 

(from Isaiah 43) 

" Do not be afraid I am with you; I have called you each by name. Come and follow Me, I will bring you home. I love you, and you are Mine." (David Haas from Isaiah 43) 

God is so good to me! I am so SO BLESSED.