Dear family and friends,

The hardest thing I know to do is give thanks in all things. I am just being candid. But we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." God's will for you? Yes, that is what it says. Then why, is it so difficult to do? My answer? Because I have let other things and voices take the lead. That can change though.

The Holy Spirit is our helper, as Jesus said in John 14:16..."And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever and that is the Spirit of truth," Jesus would never lie! He knew the troubles we are facing and calls us to trust Him for another day.

I woke with a song this morning that I haven't sung in a very long time. Looking it up I found the author of it and how this song came to be. I would like to share it with you now.

"Precious Lord take my hand, lead me on, help me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Thru the storm, thru the night, Lead me on to the Light, Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near; When my life is almost gone, Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall; Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home."

This song was written by Thomas Andrew Dorsey in 1932.. Not the big famous bandleader Tommy Dorsey. This Thomas was the son of a Black revivalist preacher. Born in Georgia in 1899. He began playing piano at a vaudeville theater and later moved to Chicago where he took classes to learn composition and arranging. Soon he was on stage playing barrelhouse piano in speakeasies and leading jazz bands. He was converted in 1921, and began writing gospel songs. It took over three years before anyone bought his song, "If you see my Savior." By 1932 he was leading music in St. Louis, when he got a telegram saying his wife had died along with his baby boy.

He began to feel that God had done him an injustice and he didn't want to serve Him anymore or write any more gospel songs. The next Saturday, while alone in a friend's music room, he had a "strange feeling" inside--a sudden calm and quiet stillness. He said, "As my fingers began to manipulate over the keys, words began to fall in place on the melody like drops of water falling from the crevice of the rock." And so came this song, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

Why do I share this with you? Because we all fall on hard times and experience grievious trials that test our faith. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One Who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." For myself, the "them" are the lies of the enemy, self-pity and depression. Be not afraid anymore!

We are learning to pray through our problems just like Philippians 4:6-7 says..."Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Did you see anywhere in that scripture that it is okay to worry even a little bit? Does it say that we are to present our requests to others before coming to God? Can any person give you God-like peace beyond understanding? Will anyone else be able to guard your heart and mind? Only in Christ Jesus and only before the Father will we rest, trust and know complete security.

Pray this with me from Psalm 86:6-7..."Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me." In the glorious name of Jesus Christ, amen.

As we close Heartstrings for today, I pray that you will let our Precious Lord, take you hand. He only is our peace. Trusting God with you, Patricia.

Abundance is...I am led by His precious hand