Day 33

"He giveth more grace, when the burdens grow greater. He sendeth more strength when the labors increased. Through added affliction, He addeth His mercy. Through multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. His love has no limit. His grace has no measure. His power has no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinate riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again."

Tonight, I watched a television show I have enjoyed watching for quite a few years now. I don't like reality TV and get frustrated with the "problems" that the people have on them and the griping and complaining. This show, however, is definitely different than any other. First of all, the couple have 19 children. Secondly, they are born-again Christians and are not afraid to let people know their faith is in God and they raise their children the way they feel God would have them be raised. Their children are polite, well-mannered and for the most part obedient. They are typical children and since most are only a year apart in age, they get along really well. I have read their book and I admire this couple and the way they are living for the Lord. In December, their 19th child was born at 25 weeks. She weighed 1lb 6oz and is the tiniest thing I have ever seen. As I watched the show and heard the mom tell of how this was the first time they had ever had to journey through something like this, I thought of my own children and grandchildren. So many times we forget the plight of others because we didn't have to travel down that road. Praise the Lord, Dale and I had 3 very healthy babies. They didn't all come easily, but once they were here, they were healthy and strong and grew and didn't have any major health issues. Because of God's goodness, they are young adults now, married and living for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful for that. I'm sure we probably would have done what we had to do if one of them had had a health problem, but they didn't. So, maybe we've had it too good. And maybe this TV family has, too. I don't think so. I believe God has a reason for everything that happens to us and I believe He sent this precious little girl into their lives early and that it will be for His glory that whatever happens, happens. My thankfulness for today should be every day of my life. I guess most of the the things I am thankful for could be used over and over again, as God supplies us with good times and bad and we never know what is around the next corner. I just want to be have a thankful heart and not whine and complain about things I don't have. That is my prayer - "Lord, give me a thankful heart." And thank you for our three healthy children and five healthy grandchildren.