Today, I am thankful for...

...Philippians 4:6-7

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I will miss you, Sally. I will never understand why you had to leave us all so unexpectedly. You have taught me that life is not to be lived for ourselves, but real joy is in living for others. You taught me that family is first, that my children are my ministry and that serving the Lord can be fun! Today was a day that I will never forget - I will miss you always.

Today, I am thankful for...

...so much. At the same time, I am so sad. I got a call early this morning that a very good friend of mine went to sleep last night like any other night, but she did not wake up this morning. I was (and still think I am) in shock. It is late night now and I have been crying off and on all day. I did not know what in the world I could be thankful for after receiving this news.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. "~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

When I started this challenge at the 1st of the month, I knew it would not be easy. Things are kind of tough all around for a lot of people. The last thing I expected was to get news of a friend passing away. She was not a lot older than me. She seemed to be healthy and without complaint. Her family has already been through so much. She had a son that was hit by a car and killed over 10 years ago. She kept going. She and her husband had some hard times and were separated. She kept going. During this time, less than a year ago - he passed away. She kept going. She was always the one that was there for everyone else. Such an encouragement to others. A hard worker. Served in her church. Taught at the school. Volunteered countless hours everywhere. I named my second daughter after her daughter who was a student of mine. I just can't wrap my head around it. I had to stop and just pray. I had to "gather" myself and realize that there are just some things in this world that we will never understand. I truly believe that God has a reason and timing for all things. I have to trust Him.


This is what faith is all about. Faith is believing in something you can not see.


So today, I am thankful. Thankful to have known and been influenced by such an amazing woman. She was an incredible mother and teacher. She was such a motivator! I am thankful for my family and the way they gathered around and wanted to comfort me.


I am thankful for my friend Michelle that came over today and just sat and talked with me. She let me cry, we laughed and we were just together.


I am thankful that I knew you, Sally Ramirez, and I will never, ever forget you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sally and her only grandchild taken just this summer.