Thanksgiving II ~

16-22 August:  This week I've been thankful for sound sleep and rest; for each new day with its blessings of health and strength remaining; for these words from Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;  though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling" (vss.1-3) - these words have been used as a beautiful choral piece that is one of my favorites, Refuge; for the counsel that encourages fasting when our prayers are urgent; for confirmation that our prayers are heard (2 Kings 20:5, Psalm 6:9, Proverbs 15:29 among others); for access to the internet and a temporary virtual keyboard; for assurance that God knows just where the missing items are hidden, for the knowledge that flood and fire cannot harm those whose lives are in His care; for all the ". . . exceedingly great and precious promises. . . ." found in the Word (2 Peter 1:4); for warm water on demand as I open a tap; for the reports of courage in our canine friends that have shown great ability in saving human lives; for our Father's daily watch-care over all His creatures; for the new keyboard that's on my desk; to be "caught up" in posting the weekly versions of these "Thanksgiving . . . ." journal entries; to be anticipating a day of girl-time with my sister and two daughters in Lewiston this day; and for the message of Psalm 51 - full forgiveness and restoration; to be celebrating another Sabbath with my church family here on the prairie; for firefighters from Camas prairie communities and places as far away as Australia who've come to the Pacific Northwest to help fight the multitude of wildfires that are covering this area; and claiming this promise for them: “. . . 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. for I am the Lord your God...."' Isaiah 43:1-3.