Attitude of Gratitude -

Look at this cute boy. How can I not be grateful and filled with gladness? God is so good. My good friend Sara was telling me this morning about a garbage city in Egypt, and how many people there do not even have such basic neccesities as shoes. I know this is not uncommon in many places around the world. But so often I forget how truly good I have it.

I am so thankful. I am thankful that God's word says he will use all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purposes. I am so thankful for His redemption! We are also exhorted to rejoice in the Lord always and set our minds on things above. For what is seen is temperal, but what is unseen is eternal.

I am seeing how the fact that things didn't work how I would have liked in this election is positive to encourage me personally in 3 ways.

1) to learn more about this amazing counrty we live in where the average person can have their voice heard in the government. I have not only the option, but the obligation to be active and informed. I am getting stirred up to do that now more than ever.

2) to be praying for our leaders and elected officials (as we are exhorted to do)

3) To take personal action to give. I understand how Obama's calls for being your "brother's keeper" and taking social responsibility can sound so altruistic and be so appealing to people. However, I am firmly convinced that it is the responsibility of the individuals (as well as the orginaztions, including churches, that they make up) to care for our fellow man, it is not something that I believe should be regulated or mandated or controlled by the goverment. I think that is one of the fundemental differences between a conservative and a liberal. Let me know if you think I am wrong. So, I consider myself challenged to step up to the plate, and practice the personal responsiblity I so like to believe in. God help me please!

Basically what I am saying, is that I have felt like several other conservatives who want to flee somewhere ( but where would we go - Canada is already more socialist than we are) or hide under the mattress (but my kids would find me). We are a nation, called by God, to stand for rightousness, freedom and justice. We are great, America, regardless of who holds our highest office, because of the One who holds us in his grasp. I continue to cry out for his mercy and forgiveness for our many falures, but I have hope. A great and shining hope that does not rest upon Obama or any other political figure, but on One who is so much greater.