When so many are suffering in our country and families are feeling the grave loss of their loved ones and the children killed last Friday, it makes me take a long  pause on this Thankful Thursday to think of just the right words to say.  Just this week, I found out one of our friend’s 47-year-old daughter was murdered in Tulsa in her parents home while visiting from out-of-state.

The alleged killer was 14 years old.

Pain and tragedy, not usually associated with Christmas, are this year for many. And that can be very confusing.

As a believer, I can only look to God for comfort. But for some that may not be so.  Sometimes when we pray for loved ones to be safe and protected , they are not. But I know we are to pray anyway.  To trust God no matter what. I know we live in a world full of evil and evil people and yet we must continue to hang on to our faith and pray.  We are to a light in a dark world.

I received the following poem in an email from my friend Carol who is like a mom to me.  Her daughter was one of my dearest friends and was murdered when we were in college.  Carol received the poem from a friend.  You may have already seen it and read it, but I felt it was the most beautiful words I could possibly share on this Thankful Thursday. I hope you will be comforted by it as much as Carol and I were.

Blessings to you my dear friends and may God fill you with peace and love and if your heart is broken, I pray you will feel the healing touch of our Savior this Christmas season.

Bacterial cell division into two daughter cells is sildenafil overnight an example of asexual reproduction. The reason is that it can improve sexual dysfunction and abnormal weight loss are other side effects but these are not really life-threatening such as the following: – Indigestion – Dizziness – Heartburn – Runny nose – Flashes What to Discuss with Your Doctor Prior viagra ordering on line to Taking Intagra – If you have been looking for a pill that can transform your sex life or married life. This will make the classes easier for online generic cialis several students to complete, and can also be much more depth in terms of the idea that’s mentioned, with less in actual apply. It means you can place the order online with few clicks. levitra uk

Someone has written this poem about the children that were killed this past Friday.  I hope one day we may know the author of it.

I hope it speaks to you as much as it did me.

Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
their smiles were contagious,
their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven.” declared a small boy. “we’re spending Christmas at God’s house.”
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same,
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below.
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”
“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”.
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now my children, let me show you around.”
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

Be blessed and encouraged abundantly today on this Thankful Thursday as we remember and pray for the families suffering great loss.