Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thankful Thursday

                           Grief does not change you. It reveals you.” John Green


32 year old Tim Bosma - son, brother, friend, husband, father....all around good guy. 

A couple of weeks ago, he tried to sell his 2009 truck on Kijiji. A couple of guys came to test drive it, but their real intention - a thrill kill. The family - Christians struggled to understand why.

And that tornado that destroyed so much. How do people even rebuild after that?

At Tim's funeral....his sister made a firm declaration, 'no matter what - we won't let go of hope. And we're going to trust something good will come out of this.'

Faith, hope - incredibly powerful stuff.  This week I'm grateful for:

-My faith  - it's an anchor that holds me steady and strong no matter what happens.
-Hope - a force that can overcome anything and everything. And something I've learned - 'giving up is never an option.'
-Family and friends....they're there in the fun times....the rough ....the sad - all times.
-Gift of prayer. Just knowing someone's praying for me makes a huge difference. Somehow it gives me greater courage and strength. 
-And mostly....His love that taught me love is stronger than anything else. Love that goes the distance. Love that never gives up or lets go. Love that sticks around and love that's the basis for hope and faith and everything good.    

Linking with  Spiritual Sunday and Faith Filled Fridays 

17 comments:

Launna said...

It is unbelievable what some people will do to other people... we do have to hold on to hope.

The tragedy of Oklahoma is so sad... I feel for those people and devastation they have to live through :/

Just Be Real said...

Holding on soooo tightly. Hugs my friend.

Room Enough said...

Tim's story really broke my heart. Senseless. And other top stories of the past weeks...

But no matter what, God gives those who have to go through the aftermath the strength and the courage to move on.

It hits me hard that there are people who do not believe in prayer anymore. To whom will they turn, from whom will they get the strength they need?

Thank you for this week's Thankful Thursday post. As always, it lifts up my spirits!

Room Enough said...

PS... BTW, this is me, your friend Lidia.

Chatty Crone said...

This is exactly what my devotion was on this morning. It is easy to trust God when things are going well - it takes a true believer to trust when things are so bad. sandie

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

We live in a fallen world and as long as we do, these horrific things are going to happen. We have no control over the weather and it is really sad what man will do to his fellow man.
Faith in God has seen me through many trials and I'm so thankful He never gives up on me either. When I am weak, He is strong. Praise His name forever!
Wonderful post, Nikki.

Blessings,
Sandi

Never Forsaken said...

I am grateful for faith hope and love too...I am so happy that God has placed the Holy spirit within each believer so that we are never disconnected from Him, especially when called to pray or seek His comfort and peace when we become fearful or discouraged...And then we have fellow believers who can always help us through the tough stuff...I always feel better knowing people are praying for me too ;)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Oh my, that is such a sad story. My heart aches with them. How can people be so evil. Also my prayers are with the people in Oklahoma. I can't imagine what they are going through.

Connie said...

Very moving post. It is unbelievable what struggles some must face. Faith and hope are the only things that get us through sometimes. I can't imagine being in the place of those affected by the tornado in Oklahoma.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Amen..thanks for saying it so well..OK just up the highway from us...Granbury just an hour from us...and yet, He is still on the throne

Debbie said...

What a horrible story! I love that his sister is not forsaking hope. True hope, the hope that is only found in Him, is the only thing that keeps us together at times.

A high school friend found out her beautiful 21 year old daughter had leukemia three weeks ago. Last week, two weeks later, she passed away.

Hope. It's all those parents have that is sure right now.

Anita Johnson said...

What a heartbreaking story and the devastation from the tornado is devastating. With you, I cling to the Rock of my Salvation.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

That is so sad about the car...then he lost his life. Yep giving up is not an option

Denise said...

It has been a week of tragedy and hardships in many forms, and there are times when it causes us to feel like we are lost and without hope. But in order to rise above all this devastation, we have to face misfortune that threatens to knock us down. Only through God’s power and strength, can we climb and soar above our problems, for when we are fragile God is strong!

Blessings dear Nikki; have a blessed holiday weekend!
Denise

Anna said...

Beautiful post and so true!

A Plain Observer said...

Sometimes hope is all we have to hold on to and I also find comfort and the prayers of others

Sharon said...

Hope.

When all is said and done, it is ONLY the hope of the Lord that sustains us through living this life.

H olding
O n
P raying
E very day

GOD BLESS!