Attitude of Gratitude - Quakes and Love

This week (as of 11:17 p.m. 12/28/2011) California and Nevada experienced a total of 731 earthquakes. They weren't strong enough to be notable and weren't even found newsworthy enough to make the evening news. They vary between 300 to 1000 per week in number, dependent upon what else is happening along the Pacific rim and the tektonic plate that bounds it.

While often unnoticed, should any one of them "rock our world," we would certainly take notice. It is much like walking in the grocercy store - shopping amidst those whose worlds have been rocked by foreclosure, illness, death or other relational pain. We don't even notice unless they act in some way out of the ordinary: show tears, talk to themselves or seem to speak aloud at one who is not present. And what do we do to ease this pain?

As we set our goals for 2012, have we included a measure of our growth in love for others? Does our legacy include description of one who loved all and loved well?

The greatest commandment - love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' ..and the second like it love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)

In looking away from ourselves toward another and treating them as we'd hope to be treated - with sensitivity, kindness, honesty and love, perhaps we can help to calm the quakes of life and provide at least a stepping stone of solid ground for another. In the midst - your kindness will be remembered...it will be a part of your legacy of love on this earth. How do you wish to be remembered?

Attitude of Gratitude - A Little Pencil

I found this quote by Mother Teresa, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Oh, to be recognized as a "love letter to the world" because of a great, consistent love poured out upon each and everyone we come into contact with each day. Just think about that for a moment. How would that change your world: at home, at work, at the market, as you drive? I wonder - would my neighbor know a new person? Would my family recognize me? How I aspire to love unconditionally always without any expectation of return or "fairness." It is only then - in dying to self and selfishness - that God's love letter can be written upon my life and to the world. It is only then that we can fulfill 2 Corinthians 5:20, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Those who know me, have often heard me say, if the church (we all), was being the church as intended with an outpouring of unconditional love, people would be beating down the doors to come in and be loved. I am grateful that we have a Book to guide the way that we might each be "a love letter to the world."

Attitude of Gratitude - A True Friend

William Ward said, "A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."

How wonderful to know such a great friend as this. I had the pleasure of having lunch with such a friend today and receiving a wonderful message from another. I am indeed blessed beyond measure...but while either would take a call in the middle of the night if I needed them, there is one that is closer than a brother, who encourages our heart when we feel "no one could fully understand" and knows our inmost being so well that when "we do not know how to pray as we should, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." (Romans 8:26)

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let it awake in us a desire to know this true friend as He knows us that others may see Him in us and come to know such great love as this...and let us be inspired to be a "true friend" to others.

Attitude of Gratitude - Act from love

Mother Teresa once said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

People may not always act the way we would or believe they should in a given situation, but if we give them (as we'd hope they would us) the benefit of the doubt and go forward in love, we have hurt no one, and allow them to pass through that irregular moment unharmed and (better yet) loved unconditionally. We may be puzzled by the actions of others, but we've no right to judge and act upon our own assumptions. When we assume someone's motives or thoughts, we've trespassed into area where we don't belong, for "...[God] alone know[s] the hearts of all the sons of man." (1 Kings 8:39b)

Simply, we all have moments where we act out of our own woundedness and wound another and vice versa. That's why we have not been called to judge, but rather to love. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

With no greater commandment than those, I'd say love should be our rule as we walk through this day. Remember, there may be someone particularly wounded today who needs you to act in love.

God bless you day mightily - do it with love.

Attitude of Gratitude - It's Not too Late - Dream!

Success requires the vision to see, the faith to believe and the courage to do.

Often we look at ourselves and say…it’s too late, I’m too old, too young, etc.. Today, though, I ask you again to dream… to dare to allow the vision that you push away to wash over you. See it clearly. Embrace it. Hang on to it and believe. And right now… today… take one step toward it.

You will have exhibited belief and courage; not only in yourself, but in mankind. You don’t know who’s watching you and may be inspired to allow their own dream and vision for their life to flourish, take flight and carry them right along with it.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [and women] of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

How amazing that we live in a country where – because the Bible was the root of our founding father’s design – we have the freedom to “fly”, to “be”… to dream and ACT ON IT.

NOW GO DO IT!!!! And have a lot of fun along the way.

Attitude of Gratitude - Fireflies & White Carpets

As a little girl on a trip to Texas to see family at Christmas, I was thrilled to see my first fireflies. At first just a few, and then, they seemed to fill the night in front of the car's headlights. It was amazing the way the shining little little lights danced in the headlights and then it appeared as though we were being engulfed by a swarm! My husband had a similar experience when he awoke to a surprise and ran to tell his parents about the pretty white carpet someone had placed in their yard.....You guessed it, both were "first snow" experiences.

It is amazing all that God has created and how - even now when snow falls, I feel the child-like wonder rise up in me again. I want to skip and run from window to window to see it and declare - It's snowing!

Give thanks to the LORD of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, for His lovingkindness is everlasting; to Him who made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness is everlasting; To Him who spread out the earth above the waters...who made the great lights...the sun to rule by day...and the moon and stars to rule by night, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 136:3-9

Enjoy this day... with thanksgiving and purpose!

Beautiful Feet - Good News

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Amidst the turmoil of our times, when people turn against one another rather than working together toward a common goal, it is wonderful to hear good news. Today, I was blessed to hear such news....to know that a friend is a friend indeed.

How wonderful to make another feel as grand as I today. I would love to be that bearer of good news to another. I'm going to look for new ways to share good news every day!

Let's seek to have "beautiful feet."

Attitude of Gratitude - Being Known

“Cheers” was a very popular show in the ‘80s, now syndicated and I’m sure one can find reruns should you so desire. I would at least watch the opening because I loved the theme song…”♫sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name♫♪…”

I think deep down we all want to know others and to be known. It’s wonderful to walk into a crowded room and have people turn to say hello with recognition and warmth that can only be found in those that have some knowledge/history with you. Aren’t we especially blessed when we’ve met someone only once and upon seeing them elsewhere they remember our name? It’s just a good feeling.

Psalm 139:1-6 in part “…you have examined me and know all about me…You know my thoughts…where I go…lie down….everything I do. Even before I say a word, you already know it. You are all around me….and have put your hand on me….I can not comprehend.”

Not sure you want anyone to know quite that much? Well your creator does and He loves you and me more than can be imagined, beheld, comprehended. We are sons and daughters – princes and princesses – heirs of the Almighty. Hold your head high and be identified as such. Beautiful/Handsome, talented, gifted, loved,and known.

So, as I start this new day, full of possibilities and promise, I rise – remember who I am and again – hope to remind you of who you are.
Arise, shine for the Lord is King!

Your reflection is amazing!

Isn’t it amazing that even in the tiniest drop of dew on a blade of grass you can see the reflection of the sunshine, blue skies and even a fluffy white cloud or two? If such amazing sites can be had from this tiny offering, imagine all that you can reflect in the world.

You can reflect all of the life giving things that surround you – as you were created in the image of the Creator and God is love. 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 love shine through as you open the door for another, smile and wave in recognition, take cookies to a neighbor, mow the strip of grass between the houses, or pull up your neighbor’s trash can to his/her home side on your appointed pick up day. All are little things, requiring only moments of our time, but love IS in
the little things.

So today – go out and enjoy doing the little things for others. It’ll make your heart smile – I promise. 

Today is an amazing day! Hopefully from you will flow the goodness and joy of your heart. Have you kept a vigilant watch on what you “receive” into your eyes, heart and mind?

Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life….Proverbs 4:23
In moments of stress, turmoil and wear… what flows in your mind and heart? May it be filled with grace and gratitude and abundant life. Today – I am filled with gratitude for a life filled with love, laughter and grace.

Join me…. It is a great day – filled with life. Let’s live it on purpose and grace.

Attitude of Gratitude - You Can Count on This

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5

How amazing to know that regardless of the gook and grime in our lives – the uncertainty and everchanging tide – we can count on this…. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life. He remains faithful and on the throne.

Of all the "attitudes" we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. Zig Ziglar

Make this day one to remember for how it helped to build your legacy. Debby

Attitude of Gratitude - Gift of Love

Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
MOTHER TERESA

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. 1John 4:7-8

As people become irritated and unhappy during this season – dealing with shoppers, traffic, and the hustle and bustle in general, let’s show people who we are by greeting everyone with a smile. Who knows what the next person is thinking…. Their mind may be on a loved one in the hospital and so they bumped into you – or they may be facing the first year without a parent, relative or friend and are finding it bewildering.

Let’s be God’s arms to reach around and love to use our face to spread His love.
Remember… it may not be that another is arrogant or unkind “on purpose” but we can sure “love on purpose.”