I snuggled onto our family room sofa to to read my morning devotional. But once I started into Colossians, Chapter 3, I could not stop.

     “Set your hearts on things above,…” I read. The room was quiet and the view outside was cloudy creating a calming spirit in the room. I could see that my heart and mind were not focused on heavenly things but on those of this world–the housework, bills, family issues, work, worry about the future. Change was definitely needed. I made note as I continued reading this chapter which contains some of my favorite verses. Favorite because we chose them as a reading for our wedding.

     “…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you many have against one another…” I paused. This was hitting home because these words for me were all about how we should treat each other within our family, especially.

     Had I really forgiven my sons for whatever hurt had been sent flying my way? Or had I just put the hurt behind me and continued on with life? Had I forgiven them the way God has forgiven me?

     “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,..” That hit me between the anxious thoughts and episodes of need to control that lately invaded my life. Deep breath as I pinched the the bridge of my nose. I let it settle into my heart for a moment before I read on.

     “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, …” I thought about yesterday when a  friend from church spent her afternoon encouraging and admonishing me in the Lord. Listening to her continuing experiences in parenting two sons, the Scriptures and words the Lord had given her, and how the Lord had worked in various situations filled my heart with hope.

     Back in the family room, I returned to basking in the Lord’s presence. Then my eyes fell on a fraction of a verse that I had just skimmed over before. A verse that tied all the rest together drawing a heart to focus on things above.

     “And be thankful.” Amazing how just three words could carry so much weight in a chapter entitled “Rules for Holy Living.” Everything I had read recently was reminding me to be thankful–even in the unpleasant circumstances. I thought of all the Lord has done for me from salvation to healings in my life. He has filled my life with the love of family and many friends and He was continuing to draw me closer to Him.

     My heart was full, focusing on all the Lord had shown me in the past two days. There was much for which to be thankful and a direction on where to set my heart’s longings.

     Scriptures are from Colossians 3:1, 12-13, 15,and 16 NIV

     Giving thanks this week for the Lord’s rich blessings and fellowship:

     714) For a Christian friend who cared enough to follow the Lord’s tug on her heart and spend time encouraging me while we shared and laughed over coffee and tea.
     715) For quiet time before the Lord, meditating on His word
     716) For hubby and youngest son traveling to Mexico this weekend to build houses with AMOR ministries

     717) For the safety and health of the whole team of workers on the AMOR project
     718) For meeting an old friend unexpectedly at the coffee shop. Warm embraces and promises to see each other soon.
     719) For times this weekend to talk, without interruptions, to oldest son
     720) For phone calls from friends, laughing, sharing, remembering, caring
     721) For a thought-provoking sermon at church this morning–Jesus and the temptations He faced in the desert. God is greater. Just one of many points made.
     722) A promised rainfall that quenched this dry earth and freshened the air
     723) For a warm, cozy evening with the family