Praise the Lord!

Nate Madden had this Psalm read on Sunday morning and I have been enjoying the meditation of it. I wanted to share three thoughts with you regarding the works of the Lord in my life.

Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise

Psalm 111

Last week, Brandon was recognized as one of the top 5 managers in the company and will be going to the corporate office in August to share the secrets of his success. It's no secret to us that his store is successful because the Lord chooses to bless his hard work and dedication. It is the manner of His provision for our daily needs and He has provided for us graciously. I am not sure that is the 'secret' that the Oakley executives are looking for though!!

On an opposite note, our station wagon bit the dust (again) last week and we've decided to call it quits with that one. For the time being, we are going to be a one car family while we try and save money for another vehicle and reduce the debt we will unfortunately find ourselves in. I've been stressing a little about this as we have NO room in the budget for a car payment. However, as I've meditated on this Psalm, I've been encouraged by remembering all the good things the Lord has done for us and I'm getting excited by what is quite obviously another opportunity to allow His work in our lives in marvelous and unexpected ways!

The third rememberance that this Psalm brings to mind for me is the much more serious case of Katie Bloom and her family with whom my thoughts and prayers have been a lot lately. Isn't it wonderful to know that our God is the God who delights in revealing Himself to us, who cares for us and whose soveriegn hand in our lives is always to His glory?

Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1