This morning during my time with the Lord, I entered into a time of thanksgiving. It was as if God pointed to all of the things that I have to be thankful for. So, I just thanked him. I thanked him for his faithfulness to me, for the light to read my Bible, for my Bible and that I get to read it whenever I want, for the comfortable chair I was sitting in, for the beautiful sky that I see out my window, for friends I have been communicating with, for a long-awaited ending to something tied to my father-in-law’s estate, for the talents he has given me, for the opportunity to encourage others to see the vast blessings that God showers upon us, and more.

But what does that have to do with stirring the pot? Usually when I think of somebody stirring the pot, I think of someone stirring things up to get a reaction – mostly a negative one. Today I want to stir the pot in a positive way. I want to encourage you to stop and take time to thank God for as many things as you can think of. Your list may go on and on. If it doesn’t, then stop and meditate on Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I’d also like to share with you a praise report and a personal story. My husband and I have been praying about the timing of talking to my elderly parents (94 and 89) about moving in with us. Over the last two years, we have prayed and discussed this. They have resisted coming (I get that) but assured us that they would if they needed to. It has weighed heavily on me. Long story short, we realized that the timing was right to talk to them. Then my dad’s hearing aids quit working and we couldn’t talk to them. So, we waited some more until we could get them repaired. We know that God’s timing is perfect; this was a reminder.

Finally, last Saturday, we knew the day had arrived. We told them we were coming up (nothing unusual there). Before we left home, I sat down and opened my Bible to the next place I was going to read, Jeremiah. Chapter 1:17, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.” On down to the end of verse 19, “‘…for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”

I sat there stunned and laughed and laughed. I have to say, I could picture God cracking up laughing at saving Jeremiah 1 for me to read on that particular Saturday. I love him so much.

Now, in case you are wondering, my parents are not the terrifying type, but it is a little scary to have to talk to one’s parents as if you were the parent looking out for them (and a little scary to realize the change in our daily lives that is coming). They have resisted before, but on Saturday, they were open. Bob talked to my dad and I talked to my mom. It went very well. (Thank you to our community group, my sister, and friends for praying.)

Mom and Dad said they would talk and get back with us, but I felt certain that this was going to happen. Late that night, just before we were going to bed, I got a call from my mom that dad was not feeling well – would I come up. Somewhere around midnight she told me that she knew they needed to move in with us. This was a confirmation. Dad had a rough night, but was better in the morning. God moved.

Please join me today (and everyday), in stirring the pot with thankfulness (and laughter - Prov 17:22). Anger and hatred do not stand up well to thankfulness. Be a blessing today.

Until next time,