THANKS BE TO GOD

I first met Kay at a Compassionate Friends conference many years ago. The Compassionate Friends is a national organization that offers hope and understanding to those whose child or children have died. Kay was doing a workshop for those who, like her, were Alive Alone because their only child had died. Kay and her husband Rodney founded an international organization called Alive Alone.

Kay has experienced many traumas in her life including the sudden death of her 16-year-old daughter, Rhonda; severe damage to her home by a tornado; and Kay is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I recently received this newsletter by e-mail from her. I was touched by her joy and have permission to share it with you.

Praise God for:
1. His promise for eternal salvation and always walking with us through good times and difficult times
2. 70 years of life
3. 50 years of a wonderful marriage to a loving husband
4. 60 years of great friends (before that I do not remember much)
5. 16 years with our precious daughter, Rhonda
6. Abundant blessings which we certainly never deserve
7. A successful treatment Tuesday and veins easy to find and accept the drugs
8. Living in a free country and relatively safe area where we can be mobile without fear
9. Freedoms that we have in the U.S. that some countries do not
10. God's guidance to doctors and researchers for finding cures for diseases and their compassion. They were going to put my port in Friday the 11th, on our anniversary, until the nurse scheduler learned it was our 50th and felt that was just UNFAIR so she delayed it a week.

I doubt that many of us have experienced as many or as devastating traumas as Kay and her husband Rodney have. Are we thankful? Can we make a positive list of things we are thankful for? Can we do it with Joy in our hearts? As Oprah has often said, "We need to develop a Gratitude Journal". Take time now and make a list of the things you are grateful for even in the middle of your muddle, and please remember my friend Kay in prayer.

I'll start:
I'm thankful for Jesus. I'm thankful that He died FOR ME.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.


DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Cross references:
A. James 5:13 : Col 3:16