Dear God, Thank You...

Dear God,
Thank You for 2013.

Thank You for always being faithful to me, even when I was not, for forgiving me and helping me back up when I failed, and for blessing me in ways far beyond what I expected or even deserved.

Thank You for listening and understanding the needs of my heart, and for giving me friends who have been there to encourage and strengthen me when I needed it most. Thank You for using me even when I felt insignificant and weak and I didn't know what to do, and for giving me the ability to see the people and situations around me through Your eyes.

Thank You for being God, and for the assurance that You have everything in control. I am comforted to know that nothing happens in my life or in this world that You don't know, and that You are working out Your good plan, even though in my inadequate understanding it sometimes seems otherwise.

Thank You that my life is in your hands - and the lives of all those who are dear to me - and that I can trust You and have peace. Thank You for giving me faith to believe You and for giving me the ability to communicate that to others, both through my life and through the talent of writing You have given me.

Thank You for joy that cannot be explained.
Thank You for Your constant presence with me, and for keeping me strong. Thank You for the convenience of the internet, which makes it possible for me to keep in touch with those I love who are far away. And thank You for helping me not to feel lonely.

Thank You for giving me the intellect and memory to learn and be able to communicate in a new language - one that was completely foreign to me and is very difficult. I know that any progress I have made and will continue to make is only because of Your grace in my life.

Thank You for the confidence to face this new year - 2014 - and whatever changes it will bring, knowing that You have known it from the beginning of time and that everything is in Your hands.

Thank You for giving me opportunity to glorify and praise You, in my home, in my church, with my family and friends, in ministry, and in this country not of my physical birth, but where You have placed me to be an instrument of Your grace to the people around me.

How can I keep from singing Your praise? How could I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love? How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing!

I love You and I commit my heart and life again to You as I begin this new year, confident that You will continue the good work You started in me, and that in both the good times and the bad You will always be walking right beside me.

Your willing servant and precious daughter,
Darlene Joy