For July 29th:

 “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently find Me.” Proverbs 8:17

"At the end of the day, she closed her eyes as she began to drift to sleep. She whispered, 'Thank you, God,' for she knew even though the experience had been difficult at times, it served a great purpose in her life. She knew the lives crossing paths with hers were more important than the number of checks processed or tickets closed. She new the way God used others in her life and the way He used her in theirs was all part of the design. The timing had been perfect.

The phone calls, the meetings and all of the challenges experienced, both within her and externally in and through others, were challenges that helped her grow during this time.

As she looked back to 2007, she realized exactly how far she'd come. Sure, there were moments she wished she could redo and respond better when facing some of those challenges. But she knew without those struggles, she wouldn't be this strong. She couldn't have gained this wisdom without them.

All in all, the lapse in time was truly a blessing.

She blinked, and pondered the thought: everything truly is a blessing.

All of the good things are quickly recognized as such. But even all of the struggles offer things we can use in our future. Everything can be seen through the eyes of joy. Because in everything there is a lesson: a lesson to be grateful.

She closed her eyes again as she began thanking God for each and every blessing in her life. The friendships, the family, the community, the relationship, the education, the current path, that unknown plan....

As she scrolled down her list, an excitement began to build. And she continued her prayer,

'Father God, I'm so tremendously grateful for all you've done for me in this time frame alone, the way you taught me to trust you, to honor you, to glorify your name.... To share my story, to testify about your love, your light, your hope, your faithfulness. I know you have so much more in store for my future. Thank you for whatever that looks like. Thank you for wherever you lead me. Thank you for the lives that will touch mine. Thank you for all that I will learn, and all that I will teach. Thank you for letting me be a part of something great. Help me daily to serve you. In Jesus' name, Amen!'

She rolled over and fell asleep."

Onto the next chapter....

by Jeani Cranford; entry sent in by Michelle Brock