Blessings sometimes come our way
Wrapped in scarlet ribbon
Tucked inside the pain
Of somber circumstance
Enveloping our jewels
In grief – casting
A forward step
In the shadow
Of death
LORD – what should be our perspective –
How should we respond –
Should overflowing gratitude
Always be our attitude –
Should we allow
An evil report
To overshadow
The good
You give
My child – I walk with you on your journey –
My presence is your shelter –
My strength is your comfort –
My promises guarantee your
Victory – I will heal
Your pain – so
Be glad – The Great
I AM
Is yours
By Carol Ann Hoel © June 13, 2011
_____________________________
Philippians 4:4-8 – The Bible (KJV) – Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Cah4el's Blog 
Blessings inside of pain. Is suffering contingent to receive blessings?
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No, Thank God, suffering is not required to receive blessings. Proverbs 22 says – The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Yet some suffering is likely in life, since Jesus Himself said that in the world we will have tribulation. He tells us to cheer up, because he has overcome the world. I think, perhaps, jewels that are wrapped in pain may both be good, even the pain, because God brings good out of everything that happens to us. During pain, we find it more challenging to be glad. We can only be glad by faith, expecting good to come from all our circumstances. Blessings to you, Carl…
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Thank you
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Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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Good morning, well, I guess it is afternoon now. Hope you had a nice weekend, Carol. Your cup runneth over with His words, thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.
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Good morning, Patti. So nice to see you here. I appreciate all your encouragement. We had an enjoyable weekend, indeed. I hope you did, too. Have a blessed week, also…
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I think that when I am hurting, I am able to recognize my blessings more readily than when I’m not. I mean, when things are going well, it’s easy for me to take my many blessings for granted and I forget to be thankful.
Thanks for sharing your encouraging words!
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I, too, am more sensitive to my blessings when my heart is troubled. Thank you for your insightful comment. I appreciate your taking time to stop by. Blessings to you, Janna…
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Beautiful post Carol Ann. Jewels wrapped in pain, salvation in Jesus. That salvation covers every part of life. Loss, ill-health, sorrow, eternity… If we look to Him all we can say is, “Thank you.” His pain takes-up/covers all our need, puts everything into perspective, and gives us hope.
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Thank you for your comment. Your comment says it all better than my poem, which emphasizes our pain. You have pointed to the pain of Calvary endured by Jesus, our Lord, for us. Yes, “thank you” is all we can say for all that He allows in our lives. Thank you for shining the light of perspective. Blessings to you, Elizabeth…
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I love this Carol and Phillipians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses although it is difficult to have an attitude of gratitude when I focus on me rather than God.
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Thank you for stopping by, Jeanne, and for your sweet comment. If we could only always see from His eyes, yet we experience pain and we hurt. Then it take His sweet Spirit to pull us out of ourselves so that we can focus on Him and have the joy that only God can give. Thank you, and a double thank you for your beautiful photography and your blog. Blessings…
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very thoughtful. i believe we should follow our heart, for thats where god resides.
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Thank you for your comment, Trisha. I appreciate your visit. Blessings to you…
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I needed to read this this morning, Carol Ann. I have a relative who has just been diagnosed as terminal. It’s been very hard to see any light in such a bleak situation. Blessings, my friend.
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I’m sorry to hear that your relative must endure such a hard trial. Yes, it’s hard to understand and embrace sorrow. I don’t think God expects us to be glad, except to trust Him that He will bring good out of it. Only God can bring beauty from ashes. Blessings to you, Bonnie…
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