Thursday, August 7, 2008

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday over at Iris' at "Sting My Heart".





Thankful Thursday couldn't have come at a better time for me. Just last night, for the very first time, my teenage daughter sang with our worship team. Sitting in the audience, I watched as she nervously stood before all of us, rarely looking out at our faces, but using her gift of singing for His glory.


And I couldn't help but praise God.


Today I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. While looking at my beautiful daughter, I was transported to thirteen years ago. I was a divorced mother of two. Feeling utter despair, I remember wanting to drive off of a cliff with the heartache and burdens that were bearing down on me, and sadly, wanting to take my children with me. How could I have ever had such thoughts? I was utterly hopeless.


When I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, He was faithful in making all things new. My hopeless heart has been made whole again.


He has created beauty from ashes.



17 comments:

Amy said...

Joanne,

I think you are truly a gift. Your story is one of faith, hope and commitment. Thanks for sharing your experience - you make a difference!

Amy

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Ahh..Holy Ghost bumps...ohh...what a GREAT TT list.

I'm rejoicing WITH you, for the amazing things God is doing, and will continue to do in your heart and live!!!

Blessings to you!!!

Kim~

Sheryl said...

Oh, I love it!! And, of course, you know how much I love that He is making beauty from ashes!

So glad God got ahold of you, what an encouragement you are to all of us!

Sheryl

Chelle' said...

Beauty is right my friend. Beauty is right.

Kristi said...

I'm so thankful He saved you. What a great testimony you must have for other wives that are feeling the same way. My girls sing in church too. It is a blessing.

Aly said...

Praise God for reaching down and scooping you up in that moment of despair...then, as only HE can, makes you ABLE. *** wink* **

With love and gratitude for the gift that is you, created by Him.

me

p.s. Your daughter is amazingly gifted and I pray her voice continues to glorify Him.

Addicted to Beadz said...

Joanne,

What a great list! Look how your life has changed!
Thanks for sharing your thankful heart today!

Blessings!
Cheryl

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

That's full redemption. Tragedy into triumph...when God takes our past and uses it for his glory.

No condemnation, sweet sister. Simply freedom! Live it. Taste it. Offer it. And as you so eloquently stated, be thankful for it.

peace~elaine

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

What a sweet and precious post. God does make all things new. What a blessing a legacy of faith that you have placed upon your daughter with your salvation. That legacy will carry on. I am sure it was the best time of praise and worship you have ever experienced.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you "hung in there" and are able to see how faithful God is! Your list has encouraged me today as I am feeling discouraged and I know I need to "hang in there" and wait to see how God is going to work things out. I'm feeling like "jumping ship" myself...although I know that is not always God's way and that persevering where we are at will bring such fruit. Persevering is so hard sometimes.

Aunt Angie said...

Oh Joanne...what love comes through the screen. What trust in God---as your provider...and He has proven Himself worthy to be trusted---in the deepest part of our dispair. I WISH like crazy that you and I had another time together to share----what we could tell...I have a similar story...but at a different time. God is awesome--in HIS POWER.
He has blessed you abundantly---and I KNOW you feel it.
I LOVE YOU GIRL!!!

Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer said...

Joanne,
thanks for your honesty.... a beautiful and authentic heart!

Your blog is beautiful~ I am so glad you stopped by mine so that I found yours!

Beauty from ashes my friend!

A Stone Gatherer said...

Praising God with you Joanne!

LAURIE said...

joanne, thank you for visiting my TT post and what a wonderful thing to give thanks for ...your daughter! Praise God that she is using her gifts and talents for Gods glory. -blessings, Laurie

Nancie said...

Thank God for saving you and working so wonderfully in your life! Thank God that in Him is our hope. It is encouraging to read your sweet thankful post. Thanks for sharing with us. May God continue to shower His love upon you and family as you seek Him together!

AlaneM said...

What a testimony - God uses all things for His glory, even the ugly stuff.

Starr LaPradd said...

Wow!! And what a beauty you are!! I am so glad you chose God over that other option. My Goodness. God really uses you in a special way and it sounds like your daughter is following in her inspiring mom's footsteps.

I love ya, girl.
Starr

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