So Glad To Be Alive!

Oh, I am so grateful to be alive. Here I am, holding a new day in my grasp. A day to live, to work, to love. Every day I am given an opportunity to do something for someone. An opportunity to make God happy.

I was folding clothes in the nursery this morning, keeping myself company with a Gaither DVD, when the song "I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice" came on, and I stopped in my tracks, and lifted my voice to my Heavenly Father. "to worship You, oh my soul, rejoice!" And God swept a blessing of joy over me like a wave. I turned it up, and my daughters Cassie and Caressa looked at me, and then looked at the screen. I often think that God blesses them through music and praise too, even though they don't understand much language. He certainly could, and I believe He does. Then came "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go," which always moves me deeply.

I came out of their room filled with joy. "I've been folding clothes!" I exclaimed to my husband. "I'm so glad to be alive!" He just smiled.

Christian fellowship is a good thing. The Bible says so. Even if you can't leave home to go to church, or are bedridden, or even do not have a television that brings in a Christian station, you can still have Christian fellowship. If you don't have a radio, you can write letters.

Simply watching, and singing with a video of praise songs can be a blessing. It can even amount to Christian fellowship, if you don't have any other. The Bible says that we are to praise God, and seek His face. Over and over again, we are commanded to rejoice. Why does God make this so clear? He wants us to be happy simply because He loves us. Also, we can be a victorious witness for Him with joy on our faces. Much more so, than if we are sour and glum. And don't you think we are better company for Christ, with a cheerful spirit?

* Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1Ch 16:9-11

My wonderful daughter Cherise is a great inspiration to me. She has been blessed with Christian programs on television for many years now. She has enormous physical disabilties, much pain, and severe asthma, and cannot get to church any more. Her vision is poor, and she needs large print books, but she is able to read. The problem is, her hands barely are able to turn pages. Cherise cannot crawl. She cannot sit up by herself. She cannot even roll over in bed. Yet she rarely complains. What DID God give her? He gave her a bright, intelligent mind. He gave her the ability to love. God gave her the ability to know Him. He gave her the ability to praise Him. He gave her a joyful spirit, and a beautiful smile. He gave her the ability to pray for others. What more important abilities could there be?

Cherise praises God with certain programs on television, sitting in her power wheelchair. She has favorite pastors, and favorite singers, and favorite songs. She prays with them, and sings with them, though she can barely make a sound. I've seen her, and heard her sweet voice, so light and small. I know her voice is "a sweet, sweet sound in God's ear." Her praise is powerful and delightful in God's ears. And it will be thrilling beyond all powers of expression, to see her at last set free in Heaven, running, jumping, singing, and healthy for all eternity. I believe she will be a lead singer in a wondrous praise choir. I'll sing alto. Oh, it will be joy, when Jesus comes!

My children and I used to sing this hymn by Eliza E. Hewitt together:

When we all get to Heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we'll sing and shout the victory!

It is so easy to take our gifts for granted. Many's the time I've trudged around, working without joy. Working without thanking God for my ability TO work. Thank You, Father, that I am able to work! Whatever humble or boring jobs I have to do, they are the jobs You gave me, and I thank You for them.

If there is one thing I have taught my children, it is to be grateful for all the things they CAN do. I must do the same. God expects no less from me, His humble servant. And I AM grateful!

I am so grateful that my hands work, and I am able to fold clothes, which is a job I don't enjoy. I am so grateful that my ears work, and my eyes, and voice, so I am able to watch, and sing praise and worship songs while I fold. I am so grateful that my legs work, so I am able to get up and put the clothes away.

Today I am remembering to thank Him. To praise Him. To be grateful for this day that He has made. And I am rejoicing in it.