"Being Grateful In Good, Bad and In-Between Times”

When my home in Tulsa sold and I wasn’t even trying to sell it, I knew it was a sure sign that God was sending me to Frisco, TX. That’s where my daughter and family live. Don’t you love it when God gives undeniable directions to us – and we don’t even need to ask why there or why that or why not?

Yesterday, He did it again. He confirmed to me I was supposed to be here in Frisco because the Dallas Cowboys “The Star” Training Facility was just built and is located right here in Frisco – just 6 miles from my home. Okay, I’m quite sure those of you who are not fans of football and for sure – not the Dallas Cowboys -- could be wondering “Where is this post going?" But the truth of the matter is this – while I’ve had tears and sorrows and questions about my tomorrows, I’ve had so many joys and triumphs that I get giddy when I recognize even one more blessing. Yesterday was no exception. Staci Wallace, Denise Gerrich, Alexia Wallace and I headed over to the Cowboys training day at their new facility and, of course, I was giddy and even teary-eyed from the sweet memories with my sweetheart. I was like a school girl energized because her “star” crush was in town.

You see, the Dallas Cowboys were a very big deal for us in the early 60s when they were just franchised. My husband and I (then boyfriend and I) wouldn’t miss watching a Cowboy game. We loved Tom Landry and his coaching style – and we loved the 1966 (the year we were married) and 1967 years of their official start of record setting performances. We were hooked! Back then, if it was a home game, the game would be blacked out on TV so as to get more fans to come to the game in person. But, my ever so brilliant husband, rigged up an enormous TV antenna on the roof of our home and Sunday afternoons would mean he was on the roof -- turning and tweaking the antenna ever so slightly to be sure we had the best picture. They’ve been “our team” since then, even though the early “glory days” have been hard for them to repeat. Our hope is still high for their comeback.

As I said, I’ve known plenty of tough times in my life, and even recently some challenges with car accidents and physical issues – but I don’t let my thoughts go to those times. I stay amped up on the sweet favors of God and make a big deal about them. If we sincerely believe that “ALL THINGS work together for good to those WHO LOVE GOD and are called according to His purposes” (Romans 8:28) ….then even in the bad times as well as the good times, we see reasons to be thankful. For example: my car was rear-ended, but I got to drive a fun screaming yellow convertible for a week while it was in the shop.

The Bible is very clear about being thankful. The Apostle Paul says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

When we give thanks in the good times, we’re reminded that those are heaven’s blessings to us. Giving thanks makes us appreciate what we have been given. A person who is always complaining and never grateful is a someone who just doesn’t know the richness of life. When we take the time to count our blessings, when we make it a point to focus on the wonderful things we have been given, we appreciate life more.

When we give thanks in the difficult times, we are demonstrating our faith in our God who we believe has a plan we do not see. We believe that His wisdom is beyond our own. We can't always understand what happens in life. If we depend on our senses, life will be like a roller coaster. If we learn to depend on God, life will be steady. We can know peace even in the confusing times.

Just a couple of days ago, I was shocked to see that dear friends of mine in Tulsa lost their home in a fire that was caused from their furnace. Thankfully they, their grandson and dogs made it out safely. And, they had the good sense to get their cars out of the garage. These are the dearest, most faith-filled, loving and generous people you could imagine. They had so memorabilia, records and other treasures in that home. Her words on Facebook: “God sent guardian angels that surrounded us tonight. God is always watching out for us.” I didn’t read words of bitterness, pain, anger at God for “letting this happen” – only words of gratitude. I don’t doubt for a minute that God will bring so much beauty out of this loss that they have gone through.

Living daily with an attitude of gratitude, in spite of our good, bad and in between times, has monumental rewards that come our way. We tough it out in the tough times and we celebrate the joys in the good times. That’s just the way Christ would want us to live. After all, He left heaven’s glories to come to this earth to live, die, be buried and rise again – to give us LIFE and MORE ABUNDANT LIFE (John 10:10). I like to think that I’m living the life that He came to give me. Maybe it’s time you kept your eyes open for the blessings that show up in your life – even the good, the bad and the in-between ones!