Praise Him, Praise Him!

It occurred to me that this week marked five years for this "Shine Like Stars" blog!  Five years!  It doesn't seem possible, but when I think back about things I know I've written and about events in our lives, I know it really has been that long.

As a celebration, I've decided to do a list of praises....things to be thankful for....specifically this week:

1.  The opportunity to reach out and connect with others through "Shine Like Stars" is definitely something to praise God for!  What a wonderful way to share God's Word, the good news about Jesus, and inspirational thoughts with all of you.

2.  Those who visit "Shine Like Stars".  I don't even know who all visits, but through direct feed, email, Google search, Facebook, and all kinds of other ways, hundreds of visitors visit each day (I know that because it keeps a daily/weekly/monthly count.).  Thank you!  I appreciate you stopping by and the comments via the blog, Facebook, email, and in person!

3.  This week I praise Him for healing our son, Jacob's arm! You may remember it was broken in a basketball game the Monday before Thanksgiving.  Last night he was able to play basketball after two casts and a brace!

4.  I'm also thankful to have recently begun teaching ladies' Bible class.  It's a great study about getting to know God better.  I first began this blog because I missed the study and preparation getting ready for teaching class.  I switched to teaching children's classes, which was also a blessing, but just not as deep of study.  The blog was selfishly begun for my own needs, but praise God it didn't stay a selfish desire!  It developed quickly into what it should have always been - a way to reach others.

5.  I am thankful for family.  My own immediate family and our extended family on both sides.  In the past few weeks a few family members have had health concerns.  One began chemo treatments yesterday.  The others are doing fine.  Daily we pray for God's healing hand on those who are having physical health concerns.  He can heal, and we believe that promise!

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;

 I will tell of all your wonders.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;   
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

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