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For those of you so inclined, I want to share a gem of wisdom I have learned that has helped make my life a little better.  It is from a principal that is set forth in my beliefs, but is probably the same in quite a few other religions so don't discount too quickly.   You may find it in your beliefs even though they are not from a protestant stand point. 

With that in mind, simply put, if you believe in a Higher Being, Praise Him!  (or her)

Not just right now but all the time.  Even though it can be really, really, really, really, really, really hard to do some times, doing so can release the Power of God into a situation. 

In the Bible I read, it states "Giving thanks always for all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."   Sometimes you can't even do it at the time things are really bad, but you are able to later, even though when it is happening is the best time and can unleash powers into the situation you have barely imagined.  It is at those times that there are only one set of footprints in the sand.  His, carrying you.  "Casting all your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you."  Some times I hear people say they only need to talk or thank God about the big things but not the day to day stuff.  On the contrary as I see it.  The main thing I wanted to state was about giving thanks always for all things.   This song by Natalie Merchant always made me think about God.  I wanted to share this song with you hence the message as well.  My uncle died in a tragic accident on his farm in late 2005 and he was the most generous person I have ever known.  His pureness in giving changed people forever.  He equipped the entire Sheriffs department in his home town with bullet proof vests.  I think everyone of them were at his funeral.  He blessed so many people in so many ways.  This song made me think of the Lord first, but now it makes me think of my uncle.  He had so many great years ahead.  I always look up when I hear this song and sing it to God.  Try it.  When no one else is around is fine!  Think of each and every good thing that has happened in your life, and if your heart feels it, thank Him for these things.  If you dare, think about some of the things in your life that were bad also, or seemed bad, and thanks Him for those.  You may have to do this in parts, but I believe if you will give it a try, you could see some amazing things.  Free to try, the price is right.  Watch the things that occur in your life in the days and weeks ahead, giving thanks always for all things, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Lyrics below media player.  

Peace

Without a Vision, the People Perish

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath

chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  KJV

Natalie Merchant - Generous Lyrics
You've been so kind and generous
I don't know how you keep on giving
for your kindness, I'm in debt to you
for your selflessness, my admiration
for everything you've done, you know I'm bound
I'm bound to thank you for it
Lalalalalalala lalalalalalalala lalalalala lalalalalala
lalalalalalala
lalalalalalalala lalalalala lalalalalala
You've been so kind and generous
I don't know if I can keep on giving
for your kindness I'm in debt to you
and I never could have come this far without you
for everything you've done you know I'm bound
I'm bound to thank you for it
Lalalalalalala lalalalalalalala lalalalala lalalalalala
lalalalalalalal
lalalalalalalala lalalalala
lalalalalala
I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave with love and
tenderness
I want to thank you
I want to thank you for your generosity, the love and the
honesty that you
gave me
I want to thank and show my gratitude, my love and my respect
for you
I want to thank you
I want to thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,
thank
you.........

Now, if you are feeling this, and you want your world to change for the better, sing along with the following...

Take My World Apart Acoustic Version by Jars of Clay

I am the only one to blame for this
Somehow it all adds up the same
Soaring on the wings of selfish pride
I flew too high and like Icarus I collide
With a world I try so hard to leave behind
To rid myself of all but love
to give and die

To turn away and not become
Another nail to pierce the skin of one who loves
more deeply than the oceans,
more abundant than the tears
Of a world embracing every heartache

Can I be the one to sacrifice
Or grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow

To love you - take my world apart
To need you - I am on my knees
To love you - take my world apart
To need you - broken on my knees

All said and done I stand alone
Amongst remains of a life I should not own
It takes all I am to believe
In the mercy that covers me

Did you really have to die for me?
All I am for all you are
Because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart

[Additional lyrics:]

I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart

And Hallelujah!