When the Heart is Open to Receive...Part II

On the eve of Thanksgiving, throughout of the day yesterday, and still this morning ~ the daily Facebook posts on things people are thankful for. Some posts touch my heart more than others. I read of families celebrating their first Thanksgiving without a loved who passed away during the year.

On the flip side, there were families (like mine) who haven't celebrated Thanksgiving together since the loss of a loved one, and this year marked a huge step forward. There is so much to be thankful for ~ if you lost a loved one and this is your first year without them sitting with you, there is hope, you were still together keeping their memory alive. The sadness and grief is inevitable yet the comfort found in togetherness is such a blessing. Please know a special prayer was said for you too. 

Our family, similar to many of yours, has faced loss, tragedy, and celebrations over the years. We each are on a journey different, yet similar to others. Our faith, lack there of, or religions may vary. Winter holidays and snow have started. Some will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast surrounded by many. Others will have a smaller number around the table, and sadly...some will be alone. Regardless of your situation, location, or plans for this holiday week ~ may I extend a thought to ponder for you?

We are all different, yet the same. One thing I think that is common to all of humankind is this ~ we all want to be loved, accepted, and valued. Do you agree? Can you think of someone looking for these three simple, yet BIG things in their life? Is there room at your Thanksgiving table for one more? What about calling them to meet for coffee?

On the flip side, there are those who might cross our paths only once. How do we respond? Are we showing love, acceptance, and value to them? I wish I could say, "I always do." but I can't. I try and pray to show and share God's love to all I meet.

It is for this reason I share one reader's testimony. There are days I cover my eyes and cry because life seems to be winning and I ask all those silly "W" questions. These also seem to be the days, when God uses someone like you, to encourage and remind me of his love for me and others, to keep trusting, and move forward in faith. I share her testimony, with permission.

The private messages I receive are such and encouragement to me. Typically, I keep these private yet as I communicated with this reader the Holy Spirit nudged me. "Just ask..."

She started an amazing journey this week. She shares with you in hopes that her story, may help someone else in a similar situation.

It isn't me, or my book, that changed her heart, only God has that power. I'm thankful God spoke to her through my writing.

One Reader Wrote to say:
"So as I am finishing up your book Where's Heidi? I realized you are my Jonathan!

I am on a very low income and can not afford anything extra but something kept pulling me to your book and finally I broke down and bought it. I am so glad I did! I am going through a very rough time kicking my habit on pain meds...I just can't do it no more and I want my life back!

I prayed to God last night after reading your book and getting chills and tears in my eyes. I knew what I was missing in my life and recovery and you opened my eyes and I realized, God, I need Him. So I prayed to him to help guide me through this struggle I am going through and help him guide me to worship Him.

I know He can't do it all, I have to put some work into it but I am so ready to do so. So I just wanted to say thank you for touching my heart and soul with this book and making me realize who should be number one in my life...I made the decision to find a church that I can start going to on a regular basis. God is good!"

Will you join me in praying for this reader? ~ Please leave a note of encouragement for this reader below ~
Be safe this first major shopping weekend of the season.