Thursday, July 8, 2010

Thankful Thursday


Well, once again it is time for Thankful Thursday. I pray that you are all feeling thankful for many things this week. I certainly am, my heart is filled to overflowing. Last week was so wonder filled, thank You Father God. I had a great vacation with my lovebug, I spent time with my sister, which is always a gift. My report on my thyroid ultrasound was amazing, big praise to my Father God. I have been so very happy. So, of course, satan has not been happy. When we are happy, he is miserable, so he has to find a way to bring us down. Wednesday, he tried to bring me down in a big way. As most of you know, my dad had never really been a part of my life, until the end of 2008, after my big brother passed away. God began a great work in my dad's life, and he became a part of my life. Today, unfortunately, I saw the old dad pop up once again. Words that always hurt me deeply, were once again said to me. My dad has become involved in what is known as a pyramid scheme, and he wants me, my sister, my brother, his two stepsons, and all of his grandchildren to become involved in it with him. Lovebug and I decided we did not want to be involved. Well, yesterday, when I told my dad that we were not interested in being a part of it, he was not happy with me at all. He said obviously, he wants more for me than I want for myself, that I had totally disappointed him. He said, oh well, this is certainly not the first time you have screwed up, and, we know it will not be the last time you screw up Denise, don't we? The way he looked at me, and the words he said, cut deeply. They brought back so many painful memories from the past. I stood there feeling like a total failure, and a major disappointment to my dad. As he drove away, my heart sank. I slowly turned, and walked back into my apartment building. Once inside our apartment, I closed the door, and began to cry, great big sobs from deep inside, as a little girl would cry. You see, that is what happens when my dad reappears(the old dad). But, you know what? My heavenly Father was there with me yesterday, as He always is, and always has been. He picked me up, dried my tears, spoke words of love to me, not words of condemnation. You see, I am not perfect, and my Father realizes that, and loves me regardless. He accepts me, warts and all. Once again, my heart will heal, thanks to my Father. I love You Father God, and I love, and forgive you dad.

41 comments:

More Than Words said...

Oh, Denise. I'm so sorry that you were hurt so badly by your father. I'm so thankful that we have a Father who loves us more than anyone can on this earth, and He will never let us down.

Just Be Real said...

Satan is a miserable little demon.

Denise appreciate you sharing your hurt and I am very sorry. ((((Denise))))

Rocks said...

sending you my love Denise...and I know all the love from your friends and from our Father in Heaven eases the pain in your heart.

Blessings!!!

Nana Jul said...

You ran to the right Father, and told him, even though he already knew! He WAS right there with you as you heard the words that sting. He held you as the tears poured out. And He will Lift you up again. Forgiveness is the KEY. I'm so glad Daddy God comforted you. I'm shouting Hallelujah for your good report on your tyroid!!
Keep looking to Jesus to tell you who you are! You are the aroma of Christ! Love you,
Julie

Perfectly Blended said...

Such a heartwarming experiencing. Truly God is to be praised!

Diana Ferguson said...

Denise, my thoughts and prayers go up for you. Continue to cling to our Father!

Whidbey Woman said...

You are growing in faith through this trial. I am sorry that you were hurt again, but you know who can ease your pain. Keep leaning on Him!

Michelle said...

Thanks for sharing today, I will pray for you. God is good and only he can heal all our hurt.

Karen said...

When those we love, hurt us the most...our broken heart can only be repaired by trusting the One that always loves, always cares, and is always there...you are not a disappoint to Him, but the apple of His eye...

You are in my prayers....

Cranberry Morning said...

I am so sorry you had to suffer that emotional pain, Denise. May God give you peace and comfort and JOY today.

...and I'm glad you said 'no' to the pyramid scheme.

Martianne said...

God made each of us warts and all and loves us all the more when we come to him in honest prayer... May he continue to shower you with blessings and peace as you trun to him to help bear your corsses. He is always there!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I'm sorry that your dad hurt you like that. But, I think that you made the right decision. How he feels is his problem not yours. It is comforting to know that even when we disappoint our heavenly Father he will always forgive us and be ready to take us in.

luvmy4sons said...

Oh my...no wonder my post ministered to you today. Oh sweet sister. Those wounds cut so deeply. I am so very, very sorry. Thank you for your honesty. I am so humbled by your willingness to quickly lean on Jesus and forgive. I know God is so pleased with your heart. It is so precious. Do not believe the lies of the enemy that poured forth through your father.

Jesus,

Please touch Denise's father today. Correct, convict, and convert him Lord. May he come to understand how his words wounded and may he find the peace that comes in asking forgiveness and receiving it. I lift up Denise to You and ask Your touch upon her. May she feel Your presence in a very real way today Lord and know that peace that passes understanding. She comes to You in pieces that you might make her whole. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Under Her Wings said...

Somehow God uses our earthly parents with all their imperfections to develop true character in our lives if we allow Him to do so. Keep honoring your dad in every way possible, and lean on your Abba Father for the support and strength to endure those hard times. My eyes stung with tears as I read your post; I am weeping with those who weep. May you be richly blessed as you obey your Heavenly Father.

Karen said...

The memory of those words of shame and control from a wounded earthly dad will grow fainter and the Words from your Heavenly Daddy will linger in your mind. Wonderful words that bring life. Praying for you, Denise.

Linda said...

That is the way of the enemy, but isn't God's way just the very best! We live in victory through Christ and nothing this world has to offer can compare to what we have in Him. Few have ever gained much from a pyramid scheme, but we have every thing and more in Christ. Blessings to you sister for knowing the presence of Him in your hour of need. Those who draw near to Him will always find Him with arms wide open. God bless.

Shelby said...

Denise, I am so sorry for your hurt. Those we love have such capacity to hurt us. Just keep your eye on Abba, the Father who loves you more than anything. And keep your thankful heart.

I love you.

GranthamLynn said...

Oh Denise I wish I had read this before my earlier email. I am so sorry you had such a bad day yesterday. I hope my long winded email cheered you a little. Your hurt of yesterday reminded me of what I wrote the other day. I know how it is when loved ones allow satan into thier spirit. I know what it is like when you love someone and they treat you that way. I miss my daughter so much. Psalms 34:18 is God's reassurance to me.
I am praying for you today. BTW you did the right thing by standing up and doing what you believe is right. Even though it hurt God will glorified.
Hugs,
Sherry

Anonymous said...

I love you bunches, sweet friend and I am so sorry for your hurt. I am praying for you, always. Thank you so much for your sweet comments that you faithfully leave. You make my day so bright. :-) What a sweet blessing you are in my life. Thanks for always being there!

(((HUGS)))

Julie

Joshlin said...

It is the hardest time in our lives when someone we love hurts us. Lucky for you, you know that your Father is right next to you always. Have a blessed day dear Denise!

Aunt Angie said...

Denise--this sister knows that stabbing pain. I have seen the enemy use the very ones closest to us to hurt us--but remember---"Greater is HE that is in YOU than he that is in the world"...I had to remind myself that very verse this morning!

I love you sis!

Wendy said...

Denise,
My arms are around you and I'm holding you and crying with you. You have responded in such a beautiful Christ-like way. Keep on, dear sister. It is just like satan to attack after such a wonderful time, but he's a loser, and you are on the winning side. Praise God, we know the end of the story.
Lots of Love,
Wendy

(Sorry this is so long, but I felt that the Lord wanted me to share this Scripture with you.)
Psalm 31: (read the rest of the psalm sometime, too)
"My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee: which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.(emphasis mine) Blessed be the Lord: for he hath showed me his marvelous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry you were treated that way. You did not deserve that at all. I'm so joyful our Heavenly Father was there to lift you up.

((Denise)

You Are Loved!

RCUBEs said...

So glad that you are deeply rooted in His love that you are able to see things through His eyes. Praying for the Lord's protection to cover you and your family. Praying for the Lord to continue to work in your earthly father's heart. Take care sis. God bless.

becky aka theRAV said...

Denise, I am so sorry you had to experience or re-experience this with your dad. But you amaze me woman! You always bounce back. You go girl! I am so proud of you! I think you did the right thing by not joining in the pyramid. You have to do what feels right for you. I am always telling my son not to give into peer pressure. Peer pressure doesn't always come from just peers. It can be family too.

Sandy said...

I am so sad to hear of you being hurt by your Dad, but so glad that you do have so many awesome things to be thankful for! Glad that you had a great vacation with your husband and got to spend time with your sister. Thank you for sharing!

Mylene said...

Psalm 27:10 says "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."

Your heavenly father will never say any harsh thing to you. He will consistently love you and cherished you as His daughter.

Cheer up! Don't Satan snatch your joy. I will pray for you and your father.

Heart2Heart said...

Denise,

My heart goes out to you for the words the enemy chose to use to hurt you through your father, and I am thankful that God worked it all out once more for good in showing you just how much you are truly worth to not only Him but to all of us as well.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Beth in NC said...

Denise, I am so sorry. :o( Parents have such power with their words over us -- no matter what age we are. You're right, the heat has been turned up.

I pray those words will no longer sting and that God's Truth will wash away those lies in Jesus' Name.

Thank you for encouraging me this morning. I feel much better, but if you want a laugh: After I posted on my blog our PHONE LINE was disconnected "from lack of payment" (BUT I PAID IT.) I was on the phone for a good hour or more with AT&T. It was their fault. I was in tears. THEN my daughter ran into the back of my leg (accident) with one of those tiny grocery carts. Fun day!

:o)

Love & hugs,
b

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

It's just really sad when parents behave so selfishly, when they don't understand the blessing that children are, regardless of their ages, regardless of their choices. Frankly, it would have been hard for me not to tell him that his being involved in a pyramid scheme was very disappointing and really "screwing" up, but that's the human nature coming out.

The good news is we have a Heavenly Father whose love for us is unconditional. May you find comfort in that today and every day.

LisaShaw said...

Dear sister,

I prayed for you as I read your heart. I prayed also that the LORD would touch your father's heart and bring about conviction and change unto the glory of GOD. I pray the LORD's arms around you for in HIM is comfort, peace and strength.

You're a precious soul...the LORD loves you and I rejoice with your other praise reports!

GOD IS GOOD!!! The devil is a liar so we'll not give him any air time let's JUST PRAISE THE LORD together right now...

HALLELUJAH to Your Holy Name LORD GOD!!! We love You and thank You for all You are doing in Denise and Eddie's life. You are faithful and we love You.

Love ya!

gmontalvo13 said...

thoughts and prayers to you!

Laurie said...

Just reading your post brings back memories for me of my relationship with my dad, which was not always pleasant. When he died, I did not know if he ever turned his life over to Jesus. But when I came to the Lord in my 30s, I was so thankful that my heavenly Father loves me unconditionally.

I am also glad you had a great vacation to hold the memories of!

I am thankful for you!
Laurie

Cathy said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about that my sweet friend. That is just terrible. You have such a sweet tender heart. Thank God for our heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally. I'm so glad He comforted you. Love and Hugs ~

Saleslady371 said...

Sending you big hugs and prayers my friend. I loved it that you heard Heavenly Father's voice in all that hurt. I'm thankful that He comforted you. Great that you can forgive.

I love you,
Mary

partialemptynester said...

You, beautiful, beautiful sister in Christ!!!! I am SOO sorry for your hurt and pain, but like everyone else has said, You KNOW who your Daddy is and He is who has His big, strong, invisible arms around you right this very minute!!!! Love you, love you, love you, precious girl!!!!!!!!!

jo.attalife said...

Denise, you were right and wise in refusing to be part of the scam. You have grown in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, you did not screw up by applying that wisdom and knowledge. You were also right to allow yourself to cry and feel the hurt and pain, and you were right to run to the Father of Grace, Mercy and Truth.
You were victorious in all this, I salute and affirm you!!!
You are a daughter much loved by the heavenly Father. I love you too.

Brooke said...

Aren't we blessed to have a Heavenly Father that is free from the flaws our earthly ones have?

Lisa Smith said...

You are so loved. I am so sorry you had to hear these words, feel this pain. I love how you to turn to the truths of God's word as healing balm.

Bernadine said...

So sorry that you were wounded by your dad. Praying for you.

Joan Hall said...

Oh sweet Denise - I am so sorry this happened to you. Sending you a big {{{{{{HUG}}}}} and lifiting up prayers for both you and your Dad.

Love and blessings,
Joan