encouragement

Better Things

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

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Father God, thank you for the promise of forever with You. Thank you for the perspective, purpose, and motivation it gives on this life journey. I love You, Jesus.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better (Philippians 1:23).

I pray your week is blessed.

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

To the One Who Calms the Storms

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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Lord, our hearts ache for those devastated by the recent hurricane. For those who have lost loved ones, we pray for Your comfort in their lives. Make us sensitive to their needs. May Your Holy Spirit open our eyes to genuine, practical ways to reach the ones who are hurting. Help us to look beyond our time of simple inconvenience to those who are clinging to any promise of hope.

And Father, we pray for those on the front lines of rescue and restoration. For every emergency worker, utility worker, state and community leader—we pray for their safety and strength. 

Father God, thank you for being our Stronghold and Deliverer. You are Master over every storm in our lives. In every wave that washes over us, help us to see Your hand and to know that You remain in control.

Thank you, Jesus. We love You.

 

Please join me in praying for the families devastated by Hurricane Matthew—especially those in Haiti.

In Christ,

Leigh Ann

Sunday’s Coming!

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

worshipHave you ever been so overcome in corporate worship that you wanted to jump from your seat, raise your hands and do a little twirl in the aisle?

It was only the fear of being carted off by a watchful usher that kept you in your seat.

Maybe the power of God’s Word being read aloud swept through you—challenging, probing, and magnifying every thought and intent.  Continue reading →

A Faithful Reminder

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Bradford_pear_tree_blossomsOh, how I love this time of year! God is rousing His creation, tuning His orchestra, showcasing bits of beauty—each in their own time. The Creator of all lifts His hands and the daffodils and Bradford pears burst to life, lifting their respective yellow and white-flowered praises for anyone who has an ear to listen.

The Dogwoods are teasing, if you think that’s something, wait for me! Azaleas pause in quiet expectation. Hydrangeas and crepe myrtles strain with joy as they wait for their turns to glorify the Creator.

Oh, the loveliness!  Continue reading →

Praise for the Promise

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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Oh Father, how I praise You for the promise of spring! When Your creation begins to awaken, it reminds me of Your constant presence and faithfulness. Precious Lord, do a new thing in me! Shine Your Spirit-light into the darkest corners of my heart—reaching, probing, drawing me into deeper waters with You. Thank you for making a way through the wilderness and for bringing streams of living water into the wasteland. I love You, my Lord and my Strength.

5 Verses for When We’re Sick (Unto Death) of Politics

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 6 Comments

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To say this has been an unusual political campaign season would be an understatement. Every news report of candidates hurling accusations and slurs makes the knots in my stomach tighten a little bit more. These folks aren’t just slinging mud—they’re rolling around like tawdry mud wrestlers while the gathering crowd works themselves into a frenzy. And the more coarse and vulgar the contenders, the more deafening the throng of onlookers.

If you’re like me, you are sick. Of. It.  Continue reading →

Romans 12:12

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Be joyful in hope 4

 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 NIV)

Bahaha (You Crack Me Up)

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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I must confess…I’m rather glad the Valentine’s Day hoopla is behind us. My sweetheart and I were growing weary of ads showing us how to show “true love” to each other. Seriously. How many diamonds and teddy bears does a girl need? (I won’t argue with the chocolate…I mean, some things are non-negotiable).

But all the rush to spend big bucks on stuff got me to thinking. After 32 years of marriage, what are my favorite memories of Valentine’s Days, anniversaries, and birthdays? What “gifts” outlasted the flowers and boxes of chocolate?  Continue reading →

3 Verses for When Life Doesn’t Make Sense (And We’re Tempted to Doubt God)

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

 

stormpicWe all have them—times that our feet get knocked out from under us. Life happens and we feel blind-sided by pain and sorrow.

Betrayal. Death. Financial hardship. Sickness. Job loss.

We feel trapped in a cloud of confusion and no matter how hard we pray, we can’t feel God’s presence or see His hand in our circumstances. Continue reading →