Thankful Thursday - September 3

Thankful Thursday is at Women Taking a Stand this week. Laurie asks, "Has life got you running ragged?"

I've gotta say, "YES!"

When I'm feeling tired, worn out and RAGGED, I meditate on verses such as this:

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

I don't like to feel worn out and tired. I don't like the way it makes me snap at others and I don't like the way it hampers my prayer life. We all should slow down and live "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

This week I'm grateful for prayer answered and needs met. We put off paying one of my husband's medical bills from March and April. Our portion was $495.00 and it was too hard to come up with that much at once. We kept waiting to see if supplemental insurance would cover it and, after learning that we had to meet a deductible of $535.00 each month (after primary insurance paid), decided we would try to pay $20 a month or so.

I sent in the first $20 and we didn't receive another bill from this doctor. I was SO worried that it had been turned over to a collection agency! A few weeks after sending in the $20, I received back the uncashed check and a note saying that they were returning the payment because the bill was paid in full. I then worried that the bill had indeed been turned over and we would now receive a demand from a collection agency.

My husband could stand the suspense no longer and called the doctor's office. He asked about the returned check and letter. The secretary said the bill was indeed paid in full and it appeared that the insurance company paid it! It had not been turned into collections and we are now free from the burden of another steep bill! Praise the Lord for His provision even when we don't ask for it. (We had asked for increased income, like a bonus, to pay it)

Another answered prayer is in my writing career. I have searched for a long time for a literary agent to represent my work. I have published quite a few magazine articles and stories, as well as stories in anthologies and online. These are great writing credits and I've made a bit of money from time to time with them. While that's great, I've always wanted to publish my own book. Without an agent, it becomes difficult in today's market.

Last week I became daring and, after prayer, decided to query a major literary agent who specializes in children's literature. I sent her one of my latest stories and, a couple of days ago, I received an e-mail from her. She asked if I could make a couple of revisions to the story and send it back. Praise the Lord! I am working on the revisions, which are fairly minor. It is a matter of adding a little to the story and writing a note at the end to explain some of the facts behind the fiction - the story is historical fiction for the young ones. I feel so encouraged and, even if she turns me down in the end, I think I have God's blessing on this career.

Our friends from Indiana are camping in the horse camp this weekend. I'm so thankful that we get the chance to see them.

What blessings are on your plate this week?