How to praise in the dark.

Man, whenever I see, hear, or experience times that aren't perfect. That aren't what I was hoping, that I wasn't expecting to happen, I feel hopeless- like I'm in a darkness- because I get SO focused on this earth, these earthly imperfections.

But then in the stillness I hear a small voice, to lift up my eyes to the heavens- and look upon the stars, and know God IS perfect, and I can rest in him- even though this world is SO evil- God does have a plan, his words are true, and he has over come the world- even though the pain in our hearts now exists. God doesn't want us to ignore the need for healing. He wants to give us healing. He wants to heal, he wants to love, he wants to provide peace in our hearts. But he can ONLY do this work in our submission- and acknowledgement HE is the WAY. He is the truth.

God forgive me for now trusting you- Change my perspective- clean my heart- let your stillness rest in my soul. I now thank you for what I do have- right now- Thank you!


Thank you for my body, my fitness, the ability to run, jump, sing, talk, communicate with my environment, breath, functioning organs, muscles, bones, chemicals, the gift to live now.

Thank you for my mind, to process thoughts, to learn, to enjoy, to think, to reason, to solve problems in my unique way, for helping me see life through your eyes.

Thank you for my job, even though some days I don't want to work, thank you for the ability to work, for a job that I love, for employers who support me as a person, who support morality, and gender equality. Thank you for my co workers who constantly challenge me to be a better person, work harder, smarter, and care about others.

Thank you for a loving family, thank you for allowing God to work through you to do a miracle, supportive Dad, incredible mom, fantastic brother, loving and inspiring sister, thank you for a loving childhood, for a firm foundation, good relationships, dependability, a Godly mother and father, thank you for awesome Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cool cousins.

Thank you for all the experiences I've had in my past, thank you for all the experiences I will have in my future. Thank you for life, thank you for enjoyment, clean air, walking down the street, freedom to dress, speak, dream, and do what I love.

Thank you for friends, who are behind me, supportive, inspiring, and refreshing. Thank you for friends who I've had, the teachers in my life, the friends I will have, the friends I have now. People to come along side of me and tell me to "keep going."

Thank you for being there to support my dreams, for loving, for caring about ME. Who I am, what I love, for supporting my passion for travel, people, music, art, and purity. You sustain me, refresh me, and give me new life. HOPE. Beauty, and peace.

Thank you God for coming down to earth, to teach us how to live, for dying for our sins, and giving us forgiveness, thank you for rising again to life, and for giving us a WAY to go to heaven to be with you. Thank you for sending evil people to hell, thank you for your justice, forgiveness, your love, you love me and support me for exactly who I am, and correct me to live in the way you desire.

Thank you for the hard times, so I can appreciate the good times. Thank you for the cloudy days, so I can bask in the beauty of a blue sky. Thank you for the beauty of your nature, for the complexity, and beauty of your world!

I love you, and am forever Thankful!