As I sat and journaled this morning, I pondered gratitude. Lately, I have just been listing off the normal:

- Family
- Friends
- Home
- Food

The list went on and on and on. . .

It was here that I realized the whole reason I have all of these things is because of my Heavenly Father. For me, being thankful for Him in these lists is more of an afterthought. I realized then that maybe I am taking Him and His love and His provisions for granted.

When did my faith stop being about praising HIM with ALL of my being and just trying to get through the day.

Sure, I have been busy. We all are. What about GOD? You think He has not been busy? He collects our tears. He knows each of the stars by name. He knows every human being on this planet. He knows their names, how many hairs on their heads. He knows the unborn and all that have gone before us.

While we are down here complaining about food shortages and gas prices, GOD is up there. . . And He is taking care of each one of our needs.

Think about that:

GOD is taking care of the needs of every single living creature on this planet.

He is our master, our king, and He knows us.

I want to pause here, today, and just praise Him and thank Him.

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Dear Heavenly Father, my Abba, Jehovah,

We come before You to say thank You for Your great love, Your sacrifices, Your knowing us inside and out.
Father, we are amazed by You. 
Thank You for the food, the homes, our breath, our abilities.
We thank You for purpose, for life, for loving us.
We thank You for Your Son, who died for us.
We thank You for those who went before us to carve a way for us to live today.
We thank You for everything, because we cannot fathom all that You do for us.
We praise You and ask for forgiveness and continued opportunities to love and to shine the light of Your love.
Forgive us.

Amen
Shalom