Remembering God’s Blessings

The psalmist David challenges the reader with these words: Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2). I believe that when we take time to remember God’s benefits (His good deeds or acts of kindness toward His people) we will have no problem praising Him. As I have meditated on this verse I can’t help but think of God’s blessings on my life. Although the blessings are many (and no post could give them all justice) I want to share a few significant blessings from God…

One of the greatest blessings God bestowed upon me was allowing me to be born into a Christian home with a godly dad and mom. I have attached a photo of my dad and me. This picture was taken as we were preparing to go to church (if you look closely you will see some Bibles on the armrest). My dad was my hero. You can tell by my smile that I was happy to be with him. Little did I know then that I would not always have my dad with me. At the young age of 42, he was diagnosed with cancer and within three very short months dad went to his home in heaven. I still miss him but how blessed I was to have him those 16 short years. I have often said that if I were a third of the man my dad was then I would be a great man. He and my mom instilled in me the godly values that I hold dear today and that I am trying to pass on to my family. I’m grateful that my mom is still living and continues to model the Christ-life to so many.

God blessed me greatly with a great and godly wife. Her beauty was an added bonus! I love her so much and that love grows more and more each day. She has taught me so many lessons by her life as well as by her words. She loves me unconditionally and encourages me daily. I cannot imagine life without her! I remember when I was a teenager praying for my future wife and boy did God answer that prayer far more than I could ever have imagined! He gave me abundantly more than I could have ever asked. Shelley is a wonderful model of one who walks humbly with her God. Because of this (and so much more) she is also a wonderful example to our daughters. Speaking of daughters…

God blessed me with four incredible and beautiful daughters (I guess they get their looks from their mother). This picture was taken at Priester’s in AL on our way to Gulf Shores this past fall (L to R: Haley, Emily, Sarah, and Lauren). They are each a tremendous blessing from my loving Father. They bring joy to my heart and laughter to our home. They have taught me what it means to love selflessly. They are so sweet and thoughtful and demonstrate their love for their mama and daddy in so many ways! They are growing up way too fast. I am so proud of them and so thankful that they love God and are seeking to honor Him with their lives.

As I turn 44 this Thanksgiving Day I have so much to be thankful for. I am a blessed son, husband, and father. I challenge you to remember God’s blessings on your life and as you do to give Him thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!