Thank You For Giving To The Lord

Music is the key to the soul.  I love music!  Music is a primary tool God uses to speak to my heart.  Today while driving down highway 46 with my four little kiddies.  The song "Thank You" came on the radio.  Most of you know this popular song, by Ray Boltz.  I realize it is an extremely established song, but today in the car, the words profoundly struck me.

Thank You (Lyrics)
 
I dreamed I went to Heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said, bu wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today

Chorus

One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made
They were unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in Heaven
You're not supposed to cry
 But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

Chorus

I am so glad you gave

Many of you know my life transformation story.  Growing up in an abusive and neglectful home, God had his hand on my life!  When I hear this song, I stop and ponder God's plan for my life.  The earliest recollection of God and church in my life began when I was 5 years old.  A church bus arrived at our home every Sunday morning.  My brother and I got on the bus to attend church.  I don't remember much, but feeling special from the time I stepped foot on the bus until the time I stepped off.  A few years later, I remember waking myself up weekly and walking to the Presbyterian Church down the street from my home.  Once again I can't recall vivid details, but feeling special at church.  A feeling of love unrecognizable in my environment at such a young impressionable age.  At this point I will fast forward to the age of 15.  After years of seeking and attempting to find love and acceptance.  This seeking lead me to many things which left me still yearning for love.  The biggest  learning experience was the two years I attended the Mormon Church.  Although the people were genuinely friendly, I still felt the same emptiness.
The summer of my 8th grade year my life was changed forever.  It all started with an amazing junior high music teacher.  She recognized  my musical ability, encouraged me to be better, and lead me to a life of love for music.  She recommended I take piano lessons from our school piano player Jan.  I began lessons with Jan.  Every week she invited me to church.  After several weeks I agreed to attend and sing with her youth choir.  This was the day my life was altered for eternity.  The moment I stepped foot into Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church I saw a pure and undefiled love.  I felt this urge toward God, to step out and head the calling to accept Christ as my savior.  I left the church and thought about the invitation all day.  In the evening I went back to church and stepped out of my seat to head the calling to follow Christ.  At the age of 15 I didn't fully comprehend the powerful decision I had made.  However, throughout the next few years, God worked miracles in my life!  There is not enough space in cyberspace to write all the trials, blessings, and miracles He provided in my precious young adult years.  Although often painful, every tear was held in His hands!  Every tear and triumph against Satan's forces lead me closer to the freedom of Christ.

Today I fast forward to the impact following Christ has made on my life, and the life of my family members.  I have a wonderful and Godly husband.  A man who grows daily in his faith, and takes pride in caring for me and our children.  He is committed to Christ, and his family.  My children are learning daily what a life of serving Christ means.  I dedicate my life to Proverbs 22:6 "Raise up a child in the way they shall go, and when they are old they will never depart from it."  I have by no means attained perfection.  I do however have a passion and goal for my life.  To serve Christ with ever fiber of my being, to walk in faith next to my husband, and to teach my children by example the rewards, peace, and contentment that comes by serving Christ, and to reach the lost for God.

The people God has placed in my life, have all played a part in the happiness I see in my children's faces.  They will experience their share of sorrow, but they will know they are infinitely loved by their mom and dad, and most importantly their loving Heavenly Father.  I never want to take God's love for granted in my life.  I want my children to know that God is there to forgive, love, restore, mend, encourage, and give hugs and guidance.  I want them to know first hand the intimacy and love of the Lord.

Dear Lord,
     There is not a day that goes by, I don't stop and ponder the miracle of following you!  I have seen miracles, answered prayers, felt your love and peace, heard you speaking intimately to my heart, and observed real life miracles and changed lives.  Sorrow, pain, darkness, and extreme sadness are surrounding me.  Lord help me to be a beacon to those seeking love!  Every sin is a direct result of individual's seeking acceptance, love, and fulfillment!  Lord lead me to seek out your lost sheep, and lead them to the cross.  Thank you for my life, for calling me at such a young age, and for the real life miracles that surround me!