Repost: Give thanks in ALL circumstances

Today I'd like to share a post from September 24, 2011 originally posted here...

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1 Thessalonians 5:17-18  NIV

¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


Give thanks in all circumstances.  All?  Really?  Yep, that's what it says - in all circumstances.  It's easy to give thanks when things go well.  When we are being treated well, when good things happen, when we receive above and beyond our expectations, when the sun is shining and there are no storm clouds on life's horizon.  It's easy to smile, or jump up and down in joy, lift our hands to God and say "Thank you, God. Thank YOU!"


But what about when things aren't so great?  What about when life seems to be about tearing you down instead of building you up?  What about when those bad things that only happen to other people happen to you?  What about when your family members turn their backs on you or your friends suddenly don't want to spend time with you any more?  What about when you lose your job all of  sudden or your car is gone?  What about those times?


How can you say thanks for the times of pain and suffering?


Have you ever looked back on one of those times and realized that in the end, it was a blessing in disguise?  That you learned something big that will affect how you live your life in the future?  What if, through that difficult experience, you gained knowledge to help someone else who might be going through the very same situation?  What if it opened your eyes to see things from someone else's point of view?  What if it taught you something about yourself that needed to change?


"In all circumstances" doesn't mean just the good times, but also the not so good, and yes, even the bad times.  Give thanks in all circumstances.  Hate doing those humdrum chores around the house?  At least you have a house....or dishes to wash...or food to eat off those dishes you have to wash. What about when the car breaks down...AGAIN...but you have friends you can call who will give you a ride, or loan you a car, or even just listen to your frustration and empathize.  The chronic pain you suffer makes you tired and maybe a little blue...but maybe someday someone will cross your path who you can help through the same kind of pain.


We don't know where all these situations and circumstances will ultimately take us.  But we can still give thanks for God's presence, for His undying love, for His foresight and knowledge of how He will use all these things for good in some way.  Jesus came to our earth as a human being to share in all these things with us.  He's been there.  He understands fully what it means to be human, to hurt, to fear, to worry.  He understands the emotions we feel.  He gets the anger.  He knows.  And He is there to help us get through all those things.


So give thanks in all circumstances...and trust Him.

Thanks for Grace-gifts

Giving thanks to my Father for the daily grace-gifts:

• central air that cools my home on triple-digit days
• moments of silence
• the opportunity to serve...just by listening
• anticipation of vacation time at the beach
• small breaks to share "Mental Medicine" with a friend  :)
• people in my life who could have left our relationships, but stayed and bless me over and over
• the assurance of eternal life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
• second chances
• God's daily provision
• the people I work with
• my Compassion children - Grelty, Godless, Vishal, Carlos - how I love them

Living in gratitude, every moment, every day = joy unlimited!

Giving thanks....

It's been a while since I counted the graces, the gifts, the blessings that come each and every day...so I want to do that today.  I don't know off-hand what "number' I am on...so I am just going to list some for today, and get back to numbering later...here goes:

• finally relief from the pain of having three wisdom teeth pulled
• new faucets in the kitchen and bathroom - no more leaking, and we finally have cold water in the kitchen again!  :)
• a letter from a new sponsor child, Carlos, who lives in Mexico
• bright blue, sunny skies
• watching my son learn new things - he worked on his car this weekend and was able to fix it with only a little help from his dad
• my daughter, who volunteers to help with VBS prep at the church
• my boyfriend, whose laughter I love to hear
• my little zoo at home that adds delight to daily life - 3 parakeets, 2 dogs, 2 cats, a rat, and a fish
• time to sit by the river this morning and pray

When you thank God regularly, you realize how much joy you truly have in your life....












Linking here today....

Joy and gratitude

I have to admit, my attitude lately has been rather stinky...not so joyful, not so positive, but really rather stinky.

The sun's been shining.

My kids are all healthy and doing well in school.

My bills are paid.

I have a comfortable, warm place to live.

People who love and support me.

ah...and there it is...I've been forgetting to be grateful.

I've been forgetting to look at the positive and instead dwelling too much on the negative....the $5 change the kid at the concert forgot to give back to me and I forgot to get...the cost of this, that and the other that threatens to suck my bank account dry...the lack of sleep that makes me drag...

So let's take a look at some positives and get back to being "thankful always"...

219.  for the shining sun and the warming up days
220.  for the signs of spring - bulbs almost ready to bloom, geese flying back to the area, birds singing in the trees in the early morning
221.  my kids are all healthy
222.  ...and doing well in school
223.  tuition is due for the next quarter at the community college...and I don't know how it will be paid but I do know that this is a good opportunity for faith and trust...
224.  my other bills, however, are paid and up to date!
225.  I do have a comfortable, warm, affordable place to live my days and rest my nights
226.  I have a job that I love going to each day...
227.  ...with people I enjoy spending my work days with...
228.  ...doing ministry
229.  I have family, a boyfriend, and many friends who love and support me.
230.  my training to be a Christian Life Coach is going well and I'm excited about this new opportunity!
231.  I got to see an excellent concert at my oldest son's university last night
232.  ...and inadvertently gave an extra donation to their music program.  :)


Oh hey!  That's better!  There's a loosening in the chest, a lightening of the spirit, a little lift to the corners of the mouth...thank you, dear Father, for all the many blessings.

Five Minute Friday - on Saturday: Opportunity

Five Minute Fridays are back at Lisa-Jo Bakers blog
Here are the rules:

Writing regularly and for even five minutes stolen here and there during early mornings or late evenings or during nap times and any fringe moments one can carve out can be free therapy for any writer’s soul.
So, let’s do this thing. Let’s write.
Set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..


OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Opportunity…

GO

So, because I sometimes like to know the actual definition of a word I have used and heard all my life....I looked up "opportunity" in the dictionary.  Here is what I found:

Definition of OPPORTUNITY

1

: a favorable juncture of circumstances <the halt provided an opportunity for rest and refreshment>

2

: a good chance for advancement or progress 

So, as a Christian how do these definitions apply to my life?  Well, let's take five and ponder this...

"A favorable juncture of circumstances"....that could be all sorts of things that God has offered in His grace and love.  Let's take a look at the life of Jesus.  The Holy Son of our heavenly Father....came to earth to be born as a poor, vulnerable human infant.  We just celebrated that birth, a birthday that 2000 years later is still celebrated with beautiful, reverent, candlelit services and softly sung hymns.  Jesus grew up learning the trade of a carpenter, sandals full of dirt, journeys taken on foot for many miles and many days.  When He started His ministry here on this earth, He was reviled, made fun of, chased out of towns, spat upon, beaten and ultimately crucified in a death that could be described as nothing more or less than inhumane torture.  

A favorable juncture of circumstances?  Perhaps not.  Or perhaps, by a heavenly standard....very much so. The circumstances of Jesus life all led to that moment of His death and following resurrection.  His cry of "forgive them Father" wasn't only for those Roman soldiers and the bloodthirsty crowd that cried out for his death....but for every human being before and after that very moment that His eyes closed and He breathed His last.  That moment that Mary and the other women realized that what the angel at the tomb told them,“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."  was true...that Jesus was no longer dead, but truly, gloriously, powerfully alive isn't a moment reserved for just those women...but for all of us as well.  

What Jesus did here on earth, through His life, through His model of a pure and holy God-loving and God-fearing existence, through His sacrifice on the cross was a favorable juncture of circumstances to provide an opportunity FOR US.  An opportunity to live.  An opportunity to learn.  An opportunity to give.  An opportunity to show the world what it means to love, to share, to teach, to hold each other accountable, to give thanks for the daily life that we have...no matter what the circumstances.  An opportunity to love our God and live in gratitude for what He offers....opportunity....

STOP

I must admit that I kept going when my timer beeped...but this was surely an opportunity to make progress in my walk with my Lord....  :)

Hope you have a blessed day, full of opportunity... 

 

Lessons from Sunday School...The Widow's Offering

Today I will go and sit in my little classroom at church, with my little three-year-old "bitties", as I fondly call them.  I love these children.  I love seeing the sparkle in their eyes, I love the way they fidget, I love the way they smile, I love the way they learn.  Little three year-old sponges, who soak it in and delight in learning new things.

Today we will talk about the widow and her offering of love and faith and trust in her Lord.  I will read the story to them out of the Gospel of Mark chapter 12, verses 38-44.  The story of how Jesus spoke and taught the people at the temple.  How he spoke of the hypocrisy of the scribes - how they puff themselves up in their importance, take the best seats, make long prayers in pretense.  Then he sat, and watched the people drop their money in the treasury.  Many people came and gave.  Many rich people gave out of their riches, giving large sums.

But then, that little widow.  I like to think of her as almost shy, quietly walking to the treasury box, her eyes on the floor.  Her movements slow, but sure.  Her hand reaches out, the sleeve of her robe possibly a little threadbare.  And from her hand, drop two little coins - two little copper coins, which together add up to a penny.  As they drop into the box, perhaps clinking on the other offerings given by those before her, she turns and walks away.  Her gift given.

And Jesus calls his disciples to him and points out her example.  He tells them that though her gift is small and meager in comparison to some of the other gifts, in His heavenly economy, it is greater, yes greater, than those other gifts.  Others gave out of their abundance, which, don't get me worng, they are also called to do.  But they gave and still have enough to be comfortable.  But the widow, she gave all that she had.  All.  She was a poor woman, yet that did not stop her from giving.  I would venture to say that she had a thankful heart, a great faith in her Lord.  That though she gave all she had, she knew her Heavenly Father would take care of her.  She reached her hand out in faith and let those coins drop into the box.  All that she had.

Will God use our gifts we give out of our abundance?  You bet He will.  He tells us in another parable that whoever has much, and takes care of it the way a good steward should, they will receive more.  But how often do we give sacrificially?  How often do we give our all?  How often do we share all that we have with others less fortunate?  How often do we hold out our hand in hospitality to give out of our own poverty?  How often do we open our entire self up and give it to our LORD?

In this coming time of holiday festivities, as we give thanks for what we have....we should also be thinking of how we can give.  How we can share with the world around us.  How we can step out in faith, knowing that God blesses our giving.  How we can be like the widow and offer all that we have to our Father in Heaven to use as He wills.  Not just part of our heart, not just part of our mind, not just part of our strength...but all of ourselves...out of the poverty of our sin, can we give Him ALL of us?  Imagine how He will use you, when you freely, in faith, give your all to your Lord.....

Choosing joy...a repost

Chin up.  Shoulders back.  Put on the armor of God and feet forward.  I admit it...I've been wallowing in self-pity.  Sadness, depression, fear.  Allowing Satan to speak his words of lies into my heart.  Well, no more.  Satan can take his lies and keep them to himself.  I am grateful for who I am, what I have, and what my Father has in store for me.  It's a new day, full of potential.  I will pray for the one I miss each time I think of them, but I will not allow their choices to break me.  It is a new day to put on confidence in who I am in God, in what I have to offer, and to step forward and Shine for Him. 

I can do all things, through Christ, who gives me strength.  Phil 4:13


I would like to repost something here.... a post I wrote some time ago about choosing joy...


I've been thinking about joy today.  Elusive sometimes, isn't it?  And yet, it's within our reach.  It's within the moments of every day.  It's there for us to choose.  "To choose?" you might ask.  Yes, to choose.  When you wake in the morning, do you say to yourself "Today I am going to have a crummy day?  Today I choose to be grumpy.  Today I choose to look at the wrong side of the fabric and live my life with fear, anxiety and desperation.  Today I will let bitterness and anger rule in my heart."  Of course, you don't.  Who would choose to have a bad day?


On the other hand, however, how often do you get up in the morning and say "Today, I choose joy!  Today I will look at the brighter side of things.  Today I will trust God to direct my footsteps.  Today I will look on Him for all I need.  Today I will say "Yes" to His purposes for me.  Today I will be grateful for the things I have, the gifts I am blessed with, the people who grace my life."


Ok, so the first one is a little extreme.  But what if you wake in the morning and open your eyes, take a deep breath and say "Today, I choose joy."  How would that change your outlook?  Maybe just try it right now.  Breathe in deep, and as you slowly let it out let your heart say these words...."Today, I choose joy."


Today I choose to trust in God.  Today I choose to give all my trials, fears, worries to Him.  Today I choose to live a life of thankfulness.  Today I choose to love those around me with the love of God...not my own weak version of it.  Today I choose to forgive and let go of the things that hurt me.  Today I will let those who matter to me know it.  Today I will give as God would have me give.

Today, I choose joy.

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I thank you, God for all you have given me.  For all that has come into my life...even for brief periods.  For those that leave gaping holes and hurts, I turn them over to You and trust that You will use those holes and hurts for good.  Thank you, Father, for forgiving me and for holding me fast in Your righteous and strong right hand.  Help me now to move forward, eyes on the goal...Your goal. 
Amen

Counting thanks...

Today I am grateful for:

# 205- 211
• family who loves, who shares
• my uncle who held me tight in his arms yesterday and told me how much he loves me, reminded me of how he threw me in the air as a child and never once let me fall
• my beautiful aunt who looked into my eyes and told me I looked so pretty
• the pain in my heart that reminds me that I am alive
• the fear, yes - even fear, that reminds me to look to my Rock, my Shelter, my Stronghold who is my First Love and Savior
• friends who surround me and pray for me
• the rain that cleanses the world 

Letting go of lies...#3

2 Corinthians 12:9

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

 

My Lenten practice this year is to let go of one lie I have believed about myself each week of Lent.  This week that lie is "I am not enough."  It's a hard one to let go of because I have believed it for so long...and the Teller of Lies likes to make sure I hear it...either from others or just over and over in my own head.

 

Once when I was young I received a letter from a young man...he told me many things in that letter.  But the one thing that stood out was when he told me that I couldn't possible satisfy him for the rest of his life.  That I wasn't enough.  And that stayed with me.  My marriage of 22 years has failed....and in my mind that has been yet another message to me....that I am not enough.

 

I've had a tendency toward perfectionism a good portion of my life.  I had to get straight A's in school, had to do as much as I could...get things done just right, the house clean just so (which it never was or is!)  And when I couldn't live up to my own, very high and sometimes impossible standards....I knew it....I wasn't enough. 

 

As a mom, I've made more mistakes than I want to admit.  I have often felt a failure.  When I've used words too harsh, imposed consequences too tough, held expectations too high...made tears fall from my children's eyes...oh, I have believed I am not a good enough mother.  When someone close to me said they didn't even like my children???  I believed I was not enough...  But a recent letter I got from my daughter who is 13,  assured me that she treasures me, that even though I believe in my own failure...my beautiful girl says I am not...letters from my boys at the same time told me of their love for me...so maybe....I am enough for them....

And what does God say?  "My grace is sufficient for you...."   God's grace falls over me, washing away the lie....telling me that through Him, because of His grace...I am enough.  I AM enough.  I might make mistakes....not everyone out there is going to like me (ack!)...I may still feel down on myself sometimes...but God loves me.  ME! And His love and grace make me whole.  Make me enough.  

Thank you, my Father God...for making me enough...for covering me in Your grace...I lay this lie at the foot of the cross.  I lift up my face and praise You.

Counting thanks...

At the end of the day, when I'm so tired and the day seems to have been so long...so easy to just go to sleep and be done with it.  And yet, it's the right time to remember and focus on the blessings of the day...to say thanks...to breathe in gratitude...and so...counting graces....

115. unwrapping forgotten "treasures" to decorate for spring
116.  being asked for my ID when ordering a bottle of wine - 44 years young!  :)
117. a wonderful dinner and conversation with a beautiful friend and mentor, who is truly a gift from God
118.  inspiration to write - it's been a while and it felt good to share
119.  laughing with Kira while driving her to school today
120.  re-connecting with a friend
121.  gift of a "lucky" bamboo plant
122.  flowers from my sister on a rough day

3 gifts in the kitchen
123.  a new mug that reminds me of the love of a friend - and God's grace
124. not having to cook dinner tonight - a gift from another kitchen!
125. quiet moments just to stand and look out the window

3 gifts loud
126. lovely music from the EWU wind ensemble
127. the trombone choir - wow!!
128.  Christian music on the stereo to keep me awake driving home late at night

129.  an evening out to spend in fun and fellowship - fiesta!
130. hugs and snuggles with my godson, Cammie
131.  sitting next to my godson, Matthew, at dinner

132.  talking to my Daddy on his birthday

3 gifts in Christ
133. peace that passes all understanding
134.  His love that surrounds me and fills me daily
135.  redemption

136.  watching my son being blessed by his friends - Party at Kyle's!  :)
137. enjoying the noise and bustle of teenagers partying at my house - and the subsequent quiet afterwards!
138. a comfortable evening watching movies with Kyle.

139.  playing bells at church!

3 gifts read
140. the story of Esther in service today - I love her example
141. notes of encouragement from a friend
142. Psalm 77

143.  fellowship with friends for an hour today
144.  anticipation of a new Bible study - getting ready to start Beth Moore's Revelation study
145. a pleasant evening laughing and talking with the kids.
146. creating open space in my house - little spots of peace!

Grace after grace...

Counting the reasons to say thanks....

81. feeling the mojo and creating cards.
82. Kira's last basketball game - they lost, but she played well and it was exciting.
83. blessed to be able to give flowers to the sweet team mom who provided snacks after games!
84. a stressful day, but an evening of fun ahead!
85. an extra night with the kids and didn't have to cook dinner!
86. a missed call, but a voicemail that made me smile.
87. long conversations and lots of laughter
88. creating little works of art
89. a clean kitchen because we all worked together
90. shoe shopping with Kira and a fun saleswoman
91. quiet time to relax and rest and reflect
92. dinner and pretty toes with Jenny
93. the start of my Walk with Christ weekend
94. communion with new friends
95. gifts galore
96. lessons on faith
97. the shedding of tears in the safety of friendship and love
98. forgiveness
99. making s'mores
100. experiencing agape over and over and knowing deep within my soul that Jesus loves ME, that I am a beloved daughter of God.
101. a wonderful, memorable awakening
102. the gift of a book from a new beloved and very special friend
103. more hugs than I could ever count
104. gift after gift after gift - with no expectations or strings attached
105. dinner with family and friends
106. a long, hot shower
107. a new birthday
108. a chance to serve the Lord
109. realizing I paid the bills and bought groceries...and there is still money left!
110. texts from a new friend
111. messages of love and encouragement
112. God provides financially - and not just for needs, but for the occasional special treat to brighten the day, too!
113. greetings that remind me of God's love
114. the sweet smell of flowers!

Singing on Sunday - Jeremy Camp - Carried Me

One of my favorite poems has always been Footprints.  The cross I wear daily has footprints on one side, and the words "It was then that I carried you." on the other side.  

I am so grateful that He does carry me...

"Jesus, you have carried me, when I could not stand...."

"Jesus, you have carried me, it was always in your hands....."

The Joy Dare 2012

As I continue to count 1,000 gifts, I joined in Ann Voskamps Joy Dare for 2012.  So starting where I am in my list of gifts I will count at least 1000 gifts in 2012....

40.  A message that reminds us that when we give God glory, we find joy and peace.
41. friends to start the New Year with.
42. the promise held in my "one word" for 2012 - shine
43. an answered prayer
44.  an "I love you" text from Kira
45. a movie ticket from church friends...went to see We Bought a Zoo and loved it
46. surviving my first solo outing at the movies!  :)
47. thankful for those who covered for me in Sunday school and serving communion so I could stay home and rest in bed today.
48.  grateful for the friend who listened on the phone when I needed to unload a little
49.  thankful for forgiveness for my bad attitude

2012...Beginnings

It's the beginning of a new year.  For some, the beginning of new resolutions, goals, habits.  For some, the beginning of a new paragraph, page, chapter in life.  For some, a day to start with a clean slate..a new beginning.

I went to church this morning and enjoyed gathering with my Christian family to worship, listen, learn, pray, and share in the eucharist meal.  The message this morning was about how giving God glory, worshiping Him, leads to peace and joy.  It was a beautiful message and one I needed to hear.  And as we prayed for forgiveness this morning, one verse kept coming into my mind.

This verse:

Psalm 51:10
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

So on this day of new beginnings, I pray to my Father, my God, the Creator of all that is...to give me a new beginning, a new slate, a clean heart.  I can hold tight to His promise of forgiveness of my sins..knowing that He will not hold them against me, but will remember them no more:


Jeremiah 31:33-35
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the LORD.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.” 

I pray that He will renew a steadfast spirit within me...that I will hold fast to all His promises and trust His truth.  A steadfast spirit that will glorify Him in all I do, turn to Him for all I need, praise and thank Him daily for all my blessings.  A steadfast spirit that will shine the light of His love to all those around me...to His glory...that I may find to joy in Him, and peace.  I wish these things for you, as well.

So here's to new beginnings.  To a cleansed heart, a steadfast spirit.  Here's to an awesome year of living for Him in the abundance of His grace.

Shine in 2012!

All the little things....

I thought I would share with you today the beginnings of my list of "One Thousand Gifts"....I also have a new page on my blog where I will add to my list and keep it all in one place...


November 22, 2011

1.  love and a smile from 17 year-old Kyle
2. entertaining talks on the way to school with Kira
3. a job I love
4. co-workers I love even more
5. knowing Nathan is coming home tomorrow!
6. friends who love and encourage me
7. an opportunity that scares me...and excites me, too
8. open doors, closing doors, doors yet to come
9. furry family members that love unconditionally
10. talking to Dad on the phone today


November 23, 2011

11. the ache in my heart that tells me that my heart still feels
12.  hard eucharisteo - missing special people
13. the noise of several kids and several instruments in the house
14. the sound of rain outside
15. the groceries newly placed in the cupboards
16. the anticipation of spending time with family tomorrow
17. texts from an out-of-town friend who is in town for the weekend, and a chance to get together with her in a couple of days!  :)

November 24, 2011

18. a beautiful Thanksgiving morning
19. remembering to run out at 6:15 this morning to put the garbage cans out before the trucks came!
20. a cup of coffee in the morning and quiet time to reflect on my blessings

(Gr)Attitude Adjustment

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I love seeing everyone's lists of things they are thankful for this year.  We have so many blessings in our lives, so many things that are good and positive!  Myself included!  I read Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts not too long ago...and in fact, have just started reading it again.  She dares us to live our lives in thankfulness, opening our hearts and minds, our very lives, to God's grace....and being thankful for every moment - good and bad - for His grace, His gifts.

I realized the other night that I spend far too much time feeling sorry for myself.  I AM a happy person.  I LOVE to smile, laugh, have fun.  I love to see the good in things.  I love to be with people.  I like hugs and high-fives.  I like quiet moments alone to reflect, to pray, to breathe.  I like sunshine, and rain, and warm days that go on forever.  I like holding my cat, playing with my dog, watching my fish slide through the water, and talking to my bird.  I love my children and all the laughter and chaos they bring.  BUT, I let the stress of this life crowd those things out far too often.  I let the upsets, the grudges, the fears, the strains overrule the good.  And I forget that those things that seem bad...are lessons in the making and don't always turn out to be such a bad thing.

I lost my journal that I started writing my list of One Thousand Gifts in....so last night I started a new one.  And an attitude adjustment....or shall I say, a GRATITUDE ADJUSTMENT.  I want to live my life to the fullest.  I want to see the good...and the bad...as opportunities to learn, love and grow.  I want to grow old and look back at my life and see true joy shining in the memories...and NOT grudges, anger, resentment, bitterness, regret.

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13

Happiness isn't created by other people doing for you, giving to you, being there for you...true happiness comes from within YOU...true JOY comes from knowing Jesus and letting Him cover you with grace and love.  And when we make the effort to be thankful in all things...we will experience a much different life than if we dwell on the things that make us sad or angry.  If we express our gratitude, our joy will grow because His grace will overflow...

Gratitude for Grace

As I sit here at my desk this morning, with my coffee next to me and a blank screen before me...I think about the shoeboxes we packed at our church last night for Operation Christmas Child.  113 boxes of love and grace, gifts for children who have so little.  I think of the videos I have seen of children receiving those boxes - the joy, the smiles on their faces, the excitement of receiving something that was packed hundreds of miles away...just for them.  And I am humbled.

I have so much.  And I am not always content with what I have.  I have two pair of shoes right now that are falling apart and in need of replacement...and yet across the world...even here in my own community...are people who have no shoes.  Not even falling apart shoes...and I have two.  Not counting the several other pairs upstairs under my dresser.

I have a home to live in.  I grumble because I do not own my own home.  I fuss because I want one to call my OWN.  Yet, I have a roof over my head, walls to keep the weather away, clean floors to walk on, and a wonderful landlady who loves my family.  The children I sponsor through Compassion International....they live in homes made of plywood or tin with dirt floors, bags over their windows, roofs made of materials that may provide shelter from the sun but not much else...

I have food to eat - enough that I have three meals a day, and several snacks throughout.  If I miss a meal, it is by choice for the most part.  Not because of desperate need.  There are mothers in this world who wonder each day how they will feed their beloved children even the smallest of meals once a day.  They watch their child slowly starve, while they themselves go without as well. 

I am humbled.  And grateful for my oh so old, definitely NOT HD tv, my couch that has seen better days, my food pantry that may not be as full as I like it but has plenty of nutrition for my family, my car that needs constant work, my falling apart shoes....my home full of what to many would seem extravagances.

I am grateful for the grace God extends to me every day.  For each morning I wake, for each breath I take, for each person who crosses my path, for the gift of living in God's blessing.  I am grateful for my Savior who loves me for me, who gave His life for mine - the ultimate loving sacrifice and gift.  What more do I need?

And so I pray that I will be an extension of His grace....shining His light...sharing His hope...giving His love...blessed to be a blessing.

My mama heart

Last night I watched my daughter, and about 30 other middle school children, walk onstage and sit in a chair at her school's National Jr. Honor Society Induction Ceremony.  The assistant principal and the counselor spoke words of all these kids have achieved.  Of their good choices.  Their extra activities.  Their dedication to learning.  A guest speaker, who is also a friend from church, spoke of the opportunities they will have in high school...the chances they will have to learn and grow and find their way in the world.

I watched my beautiful daughter sign the registry and receive her pin and certificate.  I heard the pledge they all made.  My mama heart swelled with pride and love.  I have so many hopes for her, my third child.  For all three of my children, who make me so proud.

And I thank God each and every day for giving me the gift of them.  They are each a unique creation.  They have been such a joy to watch grow and learn...and yes, sometimes frustrating too...but always a joy.  God has allowed me to hold them, guide them, love them.  My oldest is at college - in his third year - with plans to be a music teacher.  He is an excellent musician, a wonderful young man, smart and funny.  My middle boy is a senior this year...soon to graduate and strike out on his own.  Oh, how I don't want to let him go!  And yet, I know I must.  He is so funny, smart, so big-hearted.  And also musically talented. He has dreams and hopes.  I love to see his ever-present smile and hear him laugh.  My daughter, she is a super-quick wit.  She makes me laugh so hard!  I love the way her brain works, and the way she cares for others, and the way she also loves music.  I love watching her make goofy faces. 

God has blessed me.  And I am so grateful. 

Thankful Thursday

A life full of grace is a life full of thankfulness....

I am thankful for....
...my children who light up my days
...my church family and coworkers at RLC
...the warmth of friendship
...the grace of God that gives me strength
...music
...a place to call home
...the words of a friend
...laughter that lightens a mood
...the quiet, still darkness of early morning before the day really gets started.

And this verse to ponder today:

Mark 10:45 (NIV)

⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Wishing you a blessed day, with much for which to be thankful, and moments to serve others as God would wish...... 

Grateful today...

....for my children....who I love so very much.
....for sisters and brothers.
....for sisters and brothers in Christ.
....for friends who support with a word, a smile, a quiet listening, a hug.
....for the baby snuggles I got yesterday with lovely little Lilly.
....for the quiet dark early in the morning.
....for the love of God that lights my life from the inside.
....for opportunities to go forward...even when I'm scared.
....and knowing that I can lean on Jesus and He will dispel that fear.
....for the people who come into my office at work...coworkers, friends, members of the church family, those who just need to talk for a while...
....for big belly laughs that sound so joyful.


And I am grateful for each of you for sharing a moment of your day with me by stopping by to read.  Take a few moments today...every day...to think of a few things you are grateful for...and see if it doesn't change your attitude just a little.  Live in gratitude, in thankfulness for what He has given you.  And look at the challenges in your life and find the positives - the things you can learn from, the things you may be able to share, encourage, or help someone else through later.  Whisper a word of thanks to our Creator, our Father, our Rock.  Be grateful today...and choose joy!