Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP


So much has happened in my life this month. So many changes. So many troubles. So many hardships. So many days and nights crying. So many days that my was spirit was down. So many days when I did not see the light in the midst of darkness. I knew I could not do this alone, yet I knew in my heart that:


My husband lost his job. A job which we thought would be secure, yet we found out it was not. My husband at the age of 44 having a heart attack. How could this be happening? How could this be? Me, trying to be strong for my children, trying so very hard to not let them see me cry. Trying hard not to focus on my state of mind and well being. I had to be strong for my children. I had to comfort them. I had to let them know everything was going to be all right.

On the outside I looked fine. Family and friends thought, "wow she is taking this well. She is one strong women." Oh, if they could only see inside of me! I was a total mess. My inside was screaming:


But, God says, "yes you do, for I am your strength. You know I will never leave you. You know I am your very present help in times of trouble. You know you can lean on me. You know you can  lay your cares and your burdens upon MY shoulders. You know I will help you lighten the heavy weight of burden you are carrying. You know you can trust, believe, lean on and rely on ME. You know I can carry you through this."

You know all of this don't you Valerie?

Yes, Lord, I do! Yes, Lord I do!!!!!!!!

I found myself laughing and praising God. I cried. I shouted, "glory hallelujah my God is an awesome God"!! Thank you Lord for all the hell that is going on in my life right now. I know everything will be all right. I have to trust and lean on you! Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength! Yes, in everything that is going on in my life I will give thanks to you. I will sing praises to you! I will shout for joy!!


Because I know, that I know, that I know all things work for the better good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose! Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!! My hope is in nothing but you Lord. For I know you will help me to run and not get weary! You will help me to walk and not be faint! I shall not be moved Lord no matter what comes my way!!


Thank you Lord!! Thank you Lord!!! The joy I have in my heart and my soul is my strength! The peace I have inside of me which I can not explain comes from you!! Thank you Lord for being my STRENGTH!!!! Thank you Father! Thank you Father! Thank you Father!! I give glory and honor to your Holy and Precious Name!!!! You and You alone are WORTHY!!!!!!!


BTW, my husband is doing well. He had a stint placed in his heart and is on the road to recovery. I thank God that my husband is still with me and our children. I thank God for carrying us through this time in our lives. I know we would not have made it without Him. Thank you God!!!!!!

Be Blessed!