Gratitude Monday — Grateful for power and support of prayer

GM foot soldiers. Can you believe we are closing in on the last week of the month?!  Although the first month is going by so fast I feel like I have the story of a arduous but blessed year.  My reference point for everything is  January 4 — the day my daughter ran away. It has been a trying event. I look forward to each time the detectives tell me she made contact with someone with the very social media I (gladly) kept her from. When there is no news for a few days, my heart cries with worry that my one and only daughter is in trouble. Then I hear she made contact and then I get so angry.

Despite all these wave of emotions, I am so grateful for the power and support of prayer. Friday Pastor Dave Riley, Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Church and Chaplain of Sacred Journey Hospice, led a wonderful prayer service in my home. He led the prayer over our family and my dear wayward teenager. It was a vulnerable time for Rob and me.  There were friends and acquaintances both in our home and online. Everyone’s support was so comforting, rejuvenating and powerful. For that I am grateful even on a Monday.

So far in this new year I have learned living out loud includes being vulnerable, courageous, transparent, bold, human and humble. I did not expect the turn of events thus far this year.  Not the pain nor the blessings.  As I shared some of my childhood through an open letter to my daughter, I realized how different things are now than in was over 30 years ago. My daughter is not only covered by favor and prayer, my entire family is and for that I am grateful.

Remember foot soldiers, gratitude improves attitude and increases blessing. Have you had a tough start in the year? Perhaps you have had a GREAT start — either way there are blessings in either situation. Please share some of your challenges and or blessings.