SUNDAY MEMORIES
Judy Wills
Thanksgiving 2020. Well, we have to think seriously about what we have to be thankful for, don’t we?
It’s certainly been a year of turmoil – but we are still alive! I am thankful.
It’s been a year of uncertainty – but God is still on His throne and in control! I am thankful.
It’s been a year of so many “hiding out” – but I/we have not done that. I am thankful.
Have you ever heard of Dr. David Jeremiah? He is pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, California. (www.DavidJeremiah.org) He has a TV program called Turning Point. I’ve not listened to his radio program, but I suspect it’s called Turning Point, as well. He preaches God’s word, and we are blest every time we watch his TV program. His organization publishes a monthly magazine and devotional guide called Turning Points. The November 2020 issue interested me,
and as I was thumbing through the scripture and comments, I came to November 26. What Dr. Jeremiah wrote really touched my heart, and I would like to share some of what he wrote:
“In the most general terms, the way to give thanks was expanded from the Old Testament to the New. In the Old Testament, God was normally thanked “for” things – His works, attributes, and blessings (Psalm 106). While that focus is maintained in the New Testament, it is expanded to giving thanks “in” all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). That is, in all circumstances. We can do that because we know God causes “all things” to work together for our good (Romans 8:28)” [used by permission]
So how ‘bout it – do you give thanks to God “in” all things? In every circumstance you find yourself? How about if you lost your job during the pandemic? Something in there to be thankful for? How about if, during this year of lockdown, you find yourself developing an illness?
Way back, 20 years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I tried very hard to not feel “WHY ME????”
It helped me to see others who were worse off than I was. There is always someone worse off than I am! Okay, I had cancer; okay, I had a breast removed. My mentor had both breasts removed! She eventually died from a cancer they couldn’t totally remove with surgery.
And so, I began to think of the “good” things in cancer:
1) yes, I had a breast removed, but I live in the age when they no longer remove the chest wall, and I can do everything normal with that arm.
2) God has used me to help other women who are going through the same thing, and are discouraged or frightened. He has allowed me to be His instrument in many, many ways.
3) God used my cancer to bring me and my husband closer together than we had been. Fred was my cheering squad – he even changed my drain tubes following surgery!
4) God brought me closer to Him than I ever have been. My church family has lifted me up time and time again. Following my diagnosis, my first surgery wasn’t for another month, since it was a slow-growing cancer. We had a trip planned and paid for, that we couldn’t miss. When we returned home, there must have been 50 cards waiting in the mail for me – all from members of our church family. And each one gave me encouragement – and all gave their favorite scripture – none of them the same. God’s word is FULL of encouragement.
So yes, it’s been a time of confusion, but God is still on His throne, I am still alive in this world, and…
I AM THANKFUL!
May your Thanksgiving be a blessed one.
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
Old Things R New 