Gratitude when you hit the rocks

As I've gotten older and learned life's lessons toward peace, I've also become a bit of a tenderfoot. When it's smooth sailing, the path soft upon my feet with the wear of experience and rough road smashed down over time into a path of soft dirt, I become accustomed to the little dirt clods on occasion. But when the road becomes rocky with sharp edges, I'm startled by the pain and pause. To be honest, at that moment of pain, I have a hard time considering it all joy.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3

It is necessary to consult a map - THE map (if you will) - so as not to make things worse or react in emotion born of pain, casting truth aside. God is with you. He is for you. And He will see you through this time for He will never leave you nor forsake you as a child of His and He will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. These are truths upon which you can stand fast during times of uncertainty and pain. In holding fast to them we can be assured of growth in our love, faith, strength and very witness. And as you express your gratitude for these very truths, you may find yourself rejoicing, yes rejoicing, even in the midst of the trials.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials (1 Peter 1:6)

And the path will seem to smooth before you.

Grateful for Groanings & Great Friends

Of late I have become painfully aware that an event over a month ago has left a gaping wound in my heart. I've tried to forgive - indeed know I must - but the pain comes back full throttle every time I see those involved. For them maligning a friend seems to be all in a day's fun. While I was not at the event, I feel as though I was nearly drowned in the waves of the ripples that flowed from their not-so-idle gossip. I know it affects my demeanor and I certainly am not overflowing with the love of God toward them. Ugh!! I've come to the point where it is a struggle to even pray about it. I am, however, grateful - so very grateful for the Holy Spirit that dwells within, because as I cry out, He intercedes on my behalf...

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; Romans 8:26

So, tonight I will pray - again - for resolve, for the ability to forgive, for truth to shine brightly and God to transact business with my heart for only He knows the hearts of all involved and God changes things.

So grateful...incredibly grateful for the dear, trusted ones of my life...my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. You make my heart well up with joy at the thought of you and your witness. Thank you - for I do continually praise my God for you.

Figuring or Trusting?

Dissheveled, but feeling some of the calm….still wondering what tomorrow holds, I am often left disquieted with a bit of apprehension looming until I look skyward and nearly audibly hear the Lord whisper in my ear…..

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Oh that my faith was my first hold. I, however, am guilty of trying to figure out….explain or make sense in some way of an event. So I ask the Lord and endeavor to hold to my heart verses that remind me where my head, heart and understanding belong. So today I acknowledge that He has created and named me - knows me better than I know myself as He sees my innermost being… knows my heart (when I can be so misunderstood by others) and yet, He still calls me His own!!!!

Join me in the journey to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not unto your own understanding. I count on your understanding from Him as well as He guides and directs you.

As we hit mid-week, let’s take a deep breath…"Trust in the Lord with all [our] hearts, and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, acknowledge Him, and let’s let Him direct our path."

I believe in you!!!

Trust

Have you ever been so taken aback by something so devastating that your knees nearly buckled from under you? Have you had to take time, quietly, in your heart to try to figure things out? Judging from recent news, I would imagine you have.

Luckily, we have a guide, directions to look toward - One in whom to place our trust and hope...our perfect Creator, Lord God Almighty.

Trust in Him with all your heart - He will never lead you astray or disappoint....or hide from you.

In thee, Oh LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Psalm 31:1

The Voice of God

Lately the skies have been filling with clouds and sometimes yield amazing light shows, sunsets or just a sticky day. I must admit, I am often looking forward to the prospect of an amazing lightning display and accompanying thunder. I have always found the storms exciting, and if you will excuse the pun, electrifying. I am mesmerized and somewhat comforted as I strain to hear the voice of our Creator in the storm.

"Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, And His lightning to the ends of the earth. ⁴"After it, a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard. ⁵"God thunders with His voice wondrously, Doing great things which we cannot comprehend. Job 37:3-5
I love to stand in the midst of the blowing winds and pelting rain filled with wonder and wearing a smile.
Washed over by the rain - refreshed and renewed - awakened by the lightning and thunder. It is awesome!

We have the opportunity to do that everyday - as the clouds of sour economic news, unexpected health, job or marriage woes - we can smile take comfort in God's voice and even be renewed...we can stand in the belief that great works are at hand which we cannot comprehend. With calamity all around, his health failing and misery at every door, Job held fast to his belief in Almighty God and His promises. He is faithful.

As the storms rage in our lives, His voice can be heard above the din, it is but ours to awaken and know that it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)I

I see thunderheads building in the forecast.....awaken and live!
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Pure Gifts

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

 

Pure – without imperfection, innocent – unadulterated. When I see the shades of color in the sky – there is one that I’ve never seen successfully reproduced. My heart sings at the viewing and delights at the wonder of God’s artistry. As I view the blooming flowers or the cherubic face of a baby or small child…or the clasped hands of an elderly couple who have weathered many storms, but whose love is perfect in the moment….I stand in wonder.

Find that which is pure around you and revel in it…let it sw eep you off your feet and make you smile.

Please - join the blog page today. Your comments are welcome.

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Speaking in Love or Just Telling it Like it is

There was a movie with John Candy entitled "Only the Lonely" where Maureen O'Hare (who played John Candy's mother) was always "telling it like it is." The problem was that she did so whether it hurt others or not...often the former was the case. She would point out "short comings" or "faults" of others that they were certainly aware of, but she had a talent for knocking people off their feet in so doing. She would leave them devastated and reeling from "just telling it like it is." While comedic in the movie setting (for the most part), it is not when we encounter it in our daily lives. Is there someone in your life who makes you feel like you are never quite good enough?

I would have to ask, "where is the love?" While speaking the truth in love may help someone to better understand themself and assist them in growing, "just telling it like it is" without regard for another's feelings is not love at all, but rather mean spirited and unkind. I am so grateful for our amazing Creator who tells us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made...and that my soul knows it full well."

I am so glad that God believes in us and administers words of healing, and that He has taught us how to recognize those in whom we can trust with our heart by how they cherish and recognize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I am blessed each day to be told how much I am loved among other uplifting, wonderful things that help me to bloom in this world. It has not always been so...there have been times when I was so low, another "telling it like it is" from someone "close" to me would drop me. I pray in those times for you that you are able to draw from the rich resource of the Word and be washed over by the truth - that you are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made and that your sould will shine forth welling up from inside so that you DO KNOW IT FULL WELL.

Enjoy your day, indeed the week, and may God bless you and show you who "tells the truth in love" and who does not not in your own life. I am praying for you.

Plans & Dreams

Thought this would be a good time to remind you – At every crossroad – continue to follow your dream. Whether it’s hot, cold, muggy or mild outside – the dream you hold within should be sparkling in your eyes and give your face that beautiful countenance of light with a dash of joy as though you hold inside something just bursting at the seams to come out.

As we look to our friends – the spark can start a fire within them as well… and even to those with whom we come in contact.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.

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A New Day Dawns

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, just trying to keep our footing in the sand that seems to be washing from beneath our feet, let alone trying to move forward….

Good news!! Today is a new day full of new challenges, opportunities and even a new friend or two. Remember – nothing today is by accident. There will be amazing people dropped before you for whom a mere smile will trigger a conversation or an elevated spirit in both of you.

Remember your big rocks – those items of greatest importance in your life. Get at least one in to your day today: it may be as simple as a phone call to a friend, getting in a work out, reading a chapter in a book, or simply planning your week or day for tomorrow. You will derive energy and a sense of accomplishment great enough to propel you into the remainder of your day and even tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose, for there are great plans for you that have already begun.

Remember… dream big and each small step will account for more than you bargained for. Your legacy is depending on it.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:5-7)

Gratitude in the Midst of the Heat

The heat is on this week with record temperatures that can wear on us physically and emotionally, but the morning brings a new, bright and amazing day filled with opportunities that can only be realized with the passage of time…. And time only comes my way but once, so I will endeavor to live this day well with love and kindness.

Truly, there is eternal value is in the way we greet a stranger, treat a loved one or a not-so-trusted one. The “things” will pass away, but our spirits remain.

I received this message on a calendar given to me by my friend, April. It is written by Thomas Chalmers.

Live for something…Write your name in kindness, love and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with… You will never be forgotten.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

So today, put on your best clothing - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and go out to meet the world. Perhaps in this wonderful frock, we will be quick to give thanks, to love, listen and show mercy. I'm praying for success in the attempt, but I know if I give it over to God, He is able and I am able through Him.

Let's go change our world!

Thanksgiving every day

"Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 Daniel's life was a practice of praise daily and lion's mouths were closed.


Imagine! What if we all expressed our gratitude to God at least 3 times a day. Imagine the concert of praise that could be heard in the heavens and the change that could be made right here on earth. As I've become more and more aware of the wonder that surrounds me each moment, the incredible gifts found therein, I take the time to express my praise and low and behold I am changed.


Won't you join me in choir of praise? Commit to 30 days and you'll be hooked...just watch those around you and how everything changes.

Change and a whisper

Change seems all around me these days and for several months. It's no use "waiting it out" for stabilization...I've been "on hold" in some ways and it's time to get on with living this day with all that it holds - even if on wobbly ground. As the change swirls around me I close my eyes and when I am listening, really listening, I hear that still small voice that says to me...."Be still, and know that I am God; …." (Psalm 46:10)

Another version says – “cease your striving and know that I am God;”

I love to hear that whisper to my heart, my very spirit. I am grateful for that promise today… and I am still in wonder at the beauty, the majesty of our earth and that the Almighty Creator of all of the Universe takes time to speak to me from a love that we can’t come close to imagining, but He calls us to accept. It is truly a miracle that in my infinitesimal being – He speaks to me, loves me and even knows my name. Miracle of miracles – He came here to save us… and I stand in awe – grateful, amazed, blessed and embraced.

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A Temple of Praise

In the quiet of the morning or the bustle of the day you can create a temple of praise.  It takes but a single action.  Gratitude in the moment in and for the small things.  Sarah Ban Breathnach said Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)

Our gratitude is holy.  It is showing our thanks for the very act that saved/saves us and there is so much we have to be grateful for…for clouds that change even as we gaze…for warmth of human touch…the scent of a flower on the air…the smell of fresh baked bread or grandmother’s perfume…the sight of one who cares.

Look today and see what you find in the moment you passed blindly by just the day before and be grateful.  You are here to enjoy this moment…that this time may not pass in vain.  

Blessings in Disguise

This weekend I truly felt the words of Laura Story's "Blessings". More specifically...."what if your healing comes through pain... And what if the trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights are Your mercies in disguise?" (I encourage you to listen to the whole song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOFAaUGfRE)

We'd never have avoided a catastrophic event if not for a headache that took us to the doctor. As a result there were some very hard nights as a merciful and loving God healed one who might have otherwise met his end instead...mercies so amazing and such a blessing in disguise.

Do you find yourself going through a hard night, pain, or a storm in your life? Can you fathom that it is a blessing to be revealed at a later time?

 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:6-7) 
If you're going through one of these times, tell someone that they may know and come around you with prayer and support and then may join you in the praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed in the situation.

I am so very grateful for those amazing friends and family who shared in this great blessing in disguise. May God be glorified!

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 it a Great Day!! Debby