Attitude of Gratitude - You On Purpose

Today I am grateful that we are all “wired” differently – so unique in looks, size, shape, perspective, life experience, dream, goals, and gifts. Truly our gifts are meant to bless one another…and God’s gifts have been so gracious and so very big, yet required only a word on His part. Amazing that we will look in the mirror and find every fault – each new sign that we are a day older and criticize what God called “very good” and created “in His image.”

While we may see the beauty in others – we do not see what they see in us. How we take for granted that great and awesome heritage and the One Who delights in us so. Remember you are important enough that He knows your name – and yes, even the number of hairs on your head.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful , I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

When we look around – let us not only see the beauty in another, but join in the celebration He intends – LIVING ON PURPOSE – and proclaiming loudly:
O Lord, what a variety You have made! And in wisdom You have made them all! The earth is full of Your riches. Psalm 104:24

Attitude of Gratitude - Blessing - on Purpose

In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Hebrews 10:24 (TLB)

Today we all rest warmly in the knowledge that we live with a roof over our head and I can imagine a bounty of blessings that are beyond the imagination of others in our country and world. So today – whether your wealth is of joy, love, monetary, gratitude – show it. Live it out ON PURPOSE.

There's often someone struggling with packages in a store - a door held open with a smile would be a gift at that moment. What about the person with the stressed look and one item in the grocery store who had the unhappy luck of finding no free lines - surely they are on their way somewhere and fretting being late. Wouldn't a welcome switch in line be a gift?
How about helping your neighbor with the lights or what about the neighbor you've noticed normally celebrates big and there's no sign this year....wouldn't a beautiful wreath and a "how are you?" bless them?

ON PURPOSE - Let's outdo one another showing love and compassion for others and each other.

Attitude of Gratitude - Forgiven and Free to Be

There is a story of a little boy who – while playing with a slingshot – killed his grandmother’s duck that she loved to watch swim in her pond. The boy became his sister’s slave as she blackmailed him with the information - leaving him to doing her
chores as well as his own. Finally, breaking down, he confessed to his grandmother, who kindly confessed to him that she had known all along for she’d been at the kitchen window when the duck was killed and saw the whole thing. She was only waiting for him to come to her – he was already forgiven.

So it is with our Father in Heaven. This season finds remnants and memories of the past and broken relationships, of failures as another year closes, of deeds for which we would not be proud to have displayed in the town square (gossip, a drink too many, an unkind word or action, an untoward thought, a slip into an old addiction… the possibilities are many and as unique as each individual).

The good news is that Your Father was standing at the window and saw – you’ve been forgiven –and He doesn’t want you succumbing to the shame that continues to heap upon you unless you receive His forgiveness.

Today is a NEW DAY - Rejoice and be glad in it! Forgive yourself and be mindful that others are struggling through the same story – different details. Be kind and loving to them, too. You never know what visions/thoughts are keeping them down. Beloved, let us love one another – for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He
who does not love, does not know God for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
Let’s be beacons of hope, light and life and touch all of those around us. It is a legacy.

Attitude of Gratitude - Roadblock or Building Block?

I am reminded today by processes and events that surround us daily, how we have the opportunity to be roadblocks or building blocks to peace, harmony and ultimately love in every circumstance. We’ve been taught since childhood that we are …to love one another. As I have loved you…. (John 13:34b-35a)

What does that look like? I believe it is a turning away from strife and speaking ill of another. I believe it is in the gratitude for this day that is allowed to flow and be passed on to those around you. Regardless this day of my own illness, injury, tiredness or sadness, I have a choice and with it an opportunity to make a difference for good this day…to live this day on purpose and for a greater purpose than mere existence.

Nicole Nordeman put it this way in one of my favorite songs – Legacy.

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qLL6W2-gJo

This is my goal…to leave that kind of legacy.
So, 19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19)

Saying Thank You - Every Day!

While tomorrow is a day devoted - once a year - to saying thank you for all that we recognize as blessing in our lives, how much more wonderful would everyday be if we celebrated in attitude and action in the same way? Would there be more smiles and greetings to neighbors and strangers? Would there be more gratitude-filled prayer? Would we be a greater blessing to those around us if we rose each morning to say thank you: first to our Maker and then throughout our day?

I'm taking the challenge and standing on the truth. "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." Psalm 5:3

Enjoy the music in the link below. It is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and I am hoping you will be blessed. I know their music in glorious praise blesses me and I am grateful!

http://www.last.fm/music/Brooklyn+Tabernacle+Choir

Attitude of Gratitude - Safe to Live Out Loud!!

Today I am grateful for all that I have and the time (unknown) that I have left to enjoy.

Our days are numbered but none of us knows that number. So today – I choose to give it all I’ve got…. To shine bright, dream big and be honest in kindness and love.

I grew up in a family that camped on vacation. Memories, lessons and times that were very dear to me and have served me well throughout my life. My sister and I had a habit of running ahead on the trails to find the next new and exciting sight to behold, whether it was a babbling brook, a banana slug, or a cool big rock to climb and sit upon. Every moment held excitement and that bottled up energy inside so full of life. Every once in a while, however, I would have the great “luck” to have a snake meander across the path separating me from the rest. (I’m not so much into snakes.) One time a train was coming – my family had said – just jump over it – but I had visions of the snake jumping up and biting me as I jumped across… so I froze. My father came and I jumped toward him as he held his hand out to me.

There has always been safety in my father’s grasp or embrace. As times come that loom in front of us as “a snake” we must remember that our Heavenly Father’s grasp is there. His hand extended – His arms open saying – “jump, I’ll catch you.” In that leap of faith – we are free to live – to dream – to love all of those around us as we are called to do in this life.

The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

So today – jump, leap and run arms wide open into life and live this new day – running ahead, smiling, giggling, looking for the new and exciting sights along the way for your Father is with you.

Think on these things....

During the past several weeks the weather has been thoroughly unpredictable. I've seen forecasts change day by day for any specific date. At the same time, I have observed people in a variety of situations in my life behave just as unpredictably. I know I've had periods of being "out-of-sorts."

Just as the wind has knocked things about a bit of late, we can feel as though we've been knocked about emotionally by others when they act unpredictably. Always, always, however, we have a choice. We can choose whether to "return fire" or to continue toward a day that blesses and honors the time given. Our reactions often reflect exactly what we have been focusing on. That is why we've been given these instructions:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

So, when there are mysteries swirling all about, be ready with those things that bring life....those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy. It helps in thinking the best of another - or sometimes just seeking to understand. Here is some help...

"Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you." (Author unknown)
Truth: Today holds 24 hours. The way they are spent is entirely up to you. What will this day add/subtract from your legacy?