I am new to this meme. I just found it last week and decided to join today.

I have a lot to be thankful for, and a lot that brings me joy.

Not many years ago, we attended a church that was dealing with difficult circumstances that I allowed to kill my joy. I would leave church each week in tears and a sense of hopelessness. It took longer than it should have for me to realize it was time to move on. My husband was patiently waiting for me to come to that conclusion.

God lead us to a great church. We've been there eight years now, and I cannot believe that it still thrills me to be there. We have joy unspeakable, now. Joy because we have hope, joy because we have a place to serve, joy because we hear God's word spoken clearly and with no reservation.

It isn't that there are days when things might not go right in service, or that everything is perfect in fellowship. But the overall mission of the church spurs us to action, to staying in tune with the Lord, it spurs us on to know God's word. It's a great motivator.

When I look back at how God lead us here, what circumstances we went through before and just as we began attending here, what lessons we've been taught since being here...I am thankful. Some of those things weren't pleasant, but "Joy comes in the morning."

It was so nice to read the different blogs that contribute to this Thankful Thursday.
If you'd like to read some more visit Grace Alone at http://www.eph2810.com