Just Stop Asking!

Instead of asking Jesus to be with you...
   Thank Him that He is always with you, in you, under you and above you! (Matthew 28:20, Colossians 1:27, I Corinthians 3:11, Acts 2:33)

Instead of asking God to bless you and others...
   Thank Him that He already has blessed you and others who are in Him!...With every spiritual blessing! (Ephesians 1:3)

Instead of praying to God for strength...
  Thank Him that He is your strength! (Isaiah 12:2, I Peter 4:11, Ephesians 6:10)

Instead of asking God to forgive you your sins...
   Confess and thank Him that He has forgiven you, every sin, once and for all! (Hebrews 7:27, 10:12, Colossians 2:13. Side note: When Jesus was sharing with His disciples a pattern for praying to our Father, He had not yet died for our sins.)

Instead of asking Jesus to give you His peace and joy...
   Thank Him that He gave all of us who are in Him, His peace and joy! Yes, just accept and believe what He has already given you! (John 14:27, 15:11)

Instead of telling God that you want more patience, love, kindness, gentleness...
   Thank Him that you are indwelt by His Holy Spirit! These characteristics are His fruit! We do not produce them; we bear them! Then continue to walk in His Spirit! (Galatians 5:16, 22, 23, 25)

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15

I'm crazy about you three!
oxo-Mom

ps~Nick...Haiti?! So excited to see what God does!
Ali, no more stylish blue boots! Yay! You are a tough cookie!
Greg, in any more weddings? 27 Tuxes?! :-)