Have you praised Him lately?

Today, I am praising my Heavenly Father.

I am so very thankful that Carter's two week appointment went well. Apparently, there are no longer any signs of jaundice. When he was retested at 4 days old, his bilirubin levels were a bit more elevated than the initial test in the hospital. Today, he shows no signsof jaundice. Thank you, Lord! Carter is growing quite well. He weighed 8lbs 13 oz (1 pound and 1 ounce more than his birth weight). What a blessing it is to know that he is healthy and strong!

I am so very thankful for the love Colin and Carson have for their baby brother. Already, they are inseparable. When its time for school, bed, or whatever, they do not want to leave Carter's side. Carson has not slept in his own bed but once or twice since Carter has been home. This morning, both big brothers were on the couch with me and Carter. They are all about their little brother. I pray that their devotion to one another continues, that no matter how old they get and what troubles they encounter, that these boys remember they are family and that is what is important.

I am so very thankful for the wonderful man I am married to. He takes such good care of me and our boys. I am amazed at how God has worked in his life since surrendering his life to Jesus 6 years ago. Yesterday at church, he talked to the congregation about prayer. You see, when Carson was born four years ago, we saw him for only a short moment due to his lungs. He was quickly taken to NICU. Jeffrey made his way to the chapel at the Medical Center and prayed for his newborn son. His (our) prayers were answered. Carson was healed. We have learned that he remains delicate in times of illness. With a snotty nose or first sign of cough or cold, we have to take precautions to keep him in good health whether it is keeping him in from the weather or out of smokey environments. He can't tolerate allergens and illness like many kids. When Carter was born two weeks ago, Jeffrey made his way to the chapel at the hospital once again. This time, it was to give thanks and praise for a healthy newborn son. Isn't that the only proper thing to do (which was precisely his point to the church)? We are quick to pray in times of want, whether through the death of a loved one, illness, job loss, marital stress, parenting issues, or financial trouble. We should also be quick to pray in times of plenty, whether it is a job promotion, good health, or anything worth celebrating. God is with us in those times, just like he is with us in times of want. Some people only call out to our Lord when they are hurting. Sure He wants us to do that, but our Father also wants us to call out to Him in times of celebration, to give Him praise for what He has done.

Have you praised Him lately? If not, why not start now? Why not leave a comment here to let us know what God has blessed you with?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thesselonians 5:16-18