Hello, My Name is...

Yeah ... I feel like I need to re-introduce myself! So much time has passed since I've really been able to actually post a decent post, and so much time has passed since I've been able to read all my favorite blogs, that I feel like a stranger to y'all! I also feel blank. Nothing is rolling around in my head except work and church related stuff.

We had a busy weekend, because I had to go into work on Saturday, and Sunday, we had a picnic after church, and by 3:00, I dropped -- actually, I think I just flat-out passed out cold -- in bed for a two hour nap, which would have gone on longer had my husband not startled me awake. Harumph.

The clock is just ticking all around me, reminding me that time is precious and short. I have a million things to pull together for our ladies retreat on October 12, and I can't believe we're at the end of September already!

Fortunately, it is finally, and officially, Fall. My favorite season of all. I am giddy with anticipation of the leaves turning, the weather cooling, and hopefully, when we have our ladies retreat in the mountains, we'll be able to enjoy some beautiful foliage!

And even though I really do feel like I need to re-introduce myself... I think I'll focus on someone else...

In the midst of all of God's beauty... I give thanks, for I know that my Jehovah Rophe, the Lord who heals, has been watching over my family, and has touched them with his healing hand.

And for the one, lone red leaf in our maple tree (or whatever kind of tree it is) that marks the start of the leaves changing color, I give thanks, for I know that Jehovah-Elohim, the eternal Creator, has placed the beauty of nature into motion.

And for the pumpkin patch that our church sponsors every year, I give thanks, because we will make our presence in the community again, and all will see Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is present.

And now that my the days are shorter, praise God, Hunter will not lay awake in his crib wondering why momma put him to bed while the sun is still out, and he will fall asleep knowing that Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd, is with him. I totally give thanks for that one.

And even though the temperatures are soaring in the 90's when they should be in the 60's and 70's, I give thanks because El HaNe'eman, the faithful God, will provide us with crisp fall weather very, very soon.

And each Wednesday, when my church serves dinner for a dollar before Bible study, I give thanks, and not just in a whisper, either -- but rather, in a loud roar, because El Shadai, the God who is sufficient for all our needs, has provided our family with a wonderful, and affordable meal.

And when the news reporter announces that the average heating bill for gas this winter will be $900, and $1800 for oil, I give thanks, because I know my Jehovah-Jireh will provide.

And while none of you may have the foggiest idea as to what in the world I am rambling on and on about, I continue to give thanks, because He Is. In fact, He is that He is. He is the great king, alive for evermore. The Alpha and Omega, God Almighty. He is the one that comforts us, the one that speaks to us, he is holy, and gracious. He is merciful, the good shepherd, the light of the world, the living bread. He sanctifies, he heals, he leads. He is the vine, the way, the truth, and the life. He is the resurrection, and the life. He delivers us, and he is our inheritance. He is with us always. He is the one whispering in our hearts... "Hello, my name is... loving father, savior, forgiver of sins, healer of diseases, Lord of lords, giver of life. Won't you let me in?"

And for that, I give thanks.

How about you?