No doubt about it, it’s been a tough year. In publishing. In politics. In our nation. In our world. There are so many things to worry about, to be frustrated about, even to fear. And yet…
God is.
Whoever runs the country…God is.
Whatever personal or professional trials you face…God is.
However discouraging circumstances may be…God is.
Whatever is happening…
GOD.
IS.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s take the time to stop and remember that we are not alone. We are the children of an almighty, all-loving God. And let’s lift our hearts and voices to thank Him for His love, for His Son, for the many blessings He has given us.
To help get you in the thanksgiving mood, I offer this music video from someone for whom I am immeasurably thankful, both for his influence in my life and for the fact that I know I will see him again in eternity—my dad, Fred Sapp.
Loretta Eidson
Yes, Karen, God Is! I am forever grateful that He is far more than I can imagine! We are blessed to have such a loving, forgiving Savior! Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen Ball
Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. May we feel His loving presence in new and amazing ways.
Jean Wilund
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your dad’s beautiful voice and praise with us. Happy Thanksgiving!
Karen Ball
You’re welcome! I’m so grateful that I can still listen to him sing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Judith Robl
Thank you for sharing, Karen. When you started this post, I was reminded of a poster I purchased years ago.
http://inwardoutward.org/quote-author/helen-mallicoat/
I have no idea who Helen Mallicoat was except that she knew the truth about God. He is. And because He Is, we can face anything. We can be grateful in every circumstance.
Karen Ball
I liked it so much I shared it on Facebook! Thanks.
Mermaid Scribbler
Aw, thanks! What a beautiful song to start the day.
Karen Ball
You’re welcome!
Janet Ann Collins
Wow! You’re so lucky to have this to keep in memory of your dad.
Karen Ball
I am, indeed. Happy Thanksgiving, Janet.
Rebecca LuElla Miller
This! Oh, that we do not lose sight of the truth that God IS. Wonderful thanksgiving post.
And thank you for sharing the song your dad sang. I love those words, but it was especially meaningful knowing that he is even now praising the God Who Is right there in His presence. And such a comfort to know that you, and we, will one day join him.
Becky
Karen Ball
Amen and amen, Becky.
Peggy Booher
Karen,
Thanks so much for this reminder. I want to forward this to a couple friends.
Karen Ball
Feel free, Peggy. Happy you enjoyed it.
Sheri Dean Parmelee
Karen, what a special music video! Thanks for sharing!
Karen Ball
You’re so welcome.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Karen, thank you for this lovely gift, your words and you Dad’s voice.
We’re thankful, if I may speak for this community for the efforts that you and everyone at the Steve Laube agency make to help writers find a path and a hope and a meaning for their work, and their hearts.
God bless.
Karen Ball
Thanks so much, Andrew. Have a blessed holiday.
Deborah Raney
What a beautiful voice your dad had! (And now he’s praising the Lord in person with it!) What a treasure to have this video!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all at the agency. I’m thankful for you all!
Karen Ball
What a wonderful image, Deb. Many hugs to you!
Wendy L Macdonald
Thank you, dear Karen, for the beautiful reminder in word and song that the great “I Am” is here. Your dad sure can sing; may the sound of his voice comfort you as you remember he is with the God of whom he sang (and continues to sing).
Blessings on your Thanksgiving ~ Wendy Mac
Karen Ball
That is a comfort, Wendy. And Dad’s singing is still one of my favorite things to hear.
Norma Brumbaugh
God be praised! That is beautiful. It brings lightness to the day. Thank you, Karen.
My 2016 had its share of challenges. But the joys outranked the frustrations. They were found in the little things like my mother’s ‘Thank you’ after I’ve helped her in some way. A smile that lights the eyes of one of my grandchildren. Supporting a friend or relative when they are struggling. Knowing my efforts have touched someone is a reward in itself. All the beauty that surrounds us is a web of intricate design. God is here. I’m so thankful. Bless you.
karen Ball
Amen, Norma. Lovely thoughts.
Deb Kalmbach
Thank you for sharing this, Karen! What a blessing to hear praises sung by your amazingly talented dad. Beautiful!
Karen Ball
Aw, thanks so much, Deb. It blesses me that you enjoyed it.