Well I'm behind... again... but this time I have a better excuse, God has been doing SO much in my mind and heart and I had to wait until I had adequate time to record His gracious work in my life!
First of all, I love Easter, my favorite day of the year, but with the anticipation of Easter come the memories of Easters past, and my past two Easters bring some painful memories. I think those painful memories are at the core of Christ's working in me. This past week has left me lonely and searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, and it wasn't until this morning that I realized the painful memories of my last two Easters were the reason for this searching. This leads me to the first list of three blessings, "3 gifts entwined": Brokenness, confession, forgiveness. These attitudes didn't come right away, but when I started to realize what I was doing in trying to fulfill my loneliness with ANYTHING but Christ, oh the tears came. First because there is zero fulfillment outside of His love, and second because of the heart break I caused my Savior, yet again!
Usually after a period of deep brokenness, confession and forgiveness, I struggle with guilt. I'm happy to accept the initial wave of freedom and forgiveness, but then the devil tries to get me back down with shame and guilt! This brings me to the second list of three blessings: "3 gifts of His promises". In the midst of my shame and guilt my Savior gently whispered, "I love you" "I have a plan for you" "I am WITH you". When He's showering me with those promises I wonder how I ever got lonely in the first place!
Now, despite the love and promises from my Savior, I still seem to think that I deserve less from people, that because of sins I've struggled with, mistakes I've made, that I'm damaged goods. That's a lie! Not because I in myself have any worth, but because I have the Holy Spirit living in me and when my God looks at me He sees His perfect Son! I am a new creation! Which now brings me to the third list of three blessings: "3 gifts uncovered". What He uncovered for me where things I've known my whole life, but things I had forgotten, or maybe just lost track of: I am a daughter of the King, I am a new creation in Christ, I am loved.
It was an emotional, confusing, beautiful few days! But guess what was the culmination of all of it! CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Easter couldn't have come at a better time! I was so ready to celebrate His resurrection! The fourth list of three blessings: "A gift heard, held, hoped for", Hallelujah, it is DONE! I get to live in the light of the empty grave! My gentle Shepherd is leading me home.
Happy Easter! Sunday is here, and the tomb is empty!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Blessings
Wednesday, March 27th: Gonna break the rules today, just wanna list some blessings! :)
1. The perfect cup of coffee
2. A delivery just on time
3. Fellowship and dinner with my parents.
4. Sunshine! Can I get an amen?!
Thankful for life and breath.
Enjoy today, hunt for those blessings, He's handing them out!
1. The perfect cup of coffee
2. A delivery just on time
3. Fellowship and dinner with my parents.
4. Sunshine! Can I get an amen?!
Thankful for life and breath.
Enjoy today, hunt for those blessings, He's handing them out!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sunshine
Tuesday, March 26th: "3 Gifts almost gone"
1. Cold weather! Bring on the sunshine, flowers and spring rain!
2. Kate's formula. As her powdered formula is running out (waiting for a late shipment) I'm thankful that people worked hard to come up with an alternative method of nutrition for mothers with adopted babies, or mothers who simply cannot breast feed.
3. This last one doesn't fit the category for today but I'm very thankful for it:
The privilege to be a part of the CPC choir! Last night after a long quiet day at work I got to worship with over 100 energetic souls eager to praise our Risen Savior! What a blessing!!
Also thankful for an encouraging-reminder text from Kimberly! Thanks friend!
1. Cold weather! Bring on the sunshine, flowers and spring rain!
2. Kate's formula. As her powdered formula is running out (waiting for a late shipment) I'm thankful that people worked hard to come up with an alternative method of nutrition for mothers with adopted babies, or mothers who simply cannot breast feed.
3. This last one doesn't fit the category for today but I'm very thankful for it:
The privilege to be a part of the CPC choir! Last night after a long quiet day at work I got to worship with over 100 energetic souls eager to praise our Risen Savior! What a blessing!!
Also thankful for an encouraging-reminder text from Kimberly! Thanks friend!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Winning the Battle
As I was falling asleep last night, or at least trying to, I was thinking through all of the difficult things that have kept me from writing. The hard things I've had to do, the injustices done to me, the hard days and events ahead, and I was thinking through how to write about them to start off this post! I wanted you all to read about my hard life and feel my pain with me. Not the spirit of this "Joy Dare" at all! It's because I've been focusing on the hard and not-fun things in my life that I haven't been able to see, much-less write down, the good things. I've been giving up on, and therefore loosing, the battle for joy! No more, no more, no more!
On that note, who wants to text me everyday and say, "Make sure you wrote down those 3 gifts today!" "Have you counted your blessings today?" "What are you dwelling on today?" I certainly can't win this fight alone!
Here's hoping this is my last catch-up post, at least for a long time!
Friday, March 22nd: "3 Gifts found in His Word"
I read an article on Friday that ministered to my heart, met me right where I was at, so thankful that God plants those blessings for me. The Article was by Jon Bloom on the "Desiring God" blog. It was entitled, "When Jesus Makes You Wait in Pain" referencing when Jesus made Mary and Martha wait for His miracle in Lazarus's life. My three gifts found in the Word that day came from this beautifully written article:
1. "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where He was." John 11:5-6
2. "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. and he said, "Where have you laid Him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. John 11:33-35
3. "Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40
How deep the Father's love for us!!
Saturday, March 23rd: "3 Gifts found in women today"
Friday night and Saturday I had the pleasure of spending time with Lauren Branks! So thankful that the Lord has brought her, and the rest of my new small group, into my life! It was a relaxing and refreshing time away!
1. Sweet Fellowship
2. Laughter
3. Understanding and friendship
Sunday, March 24th: "3 Gifts spoken"
1. Encouragement from, and laughter with, missed-friends!
2. Truth and conviction from the pulpit
3. "I will pray for you"
Monday, March 25th: "A gift sung, written, painted"
1. A song by MercyMe on the radio, "... then You spoke my name..." I am His!
2. Text from my boss, "We're just going to stay home - it is crazy out there. See you tomorrow!" Snow Day!
3. God's glory painted all over in the beautiful snow! I have been begging for spring, but God, in His grace, has given me a fresh perspective on the snow! He is our majestic creator, and all of it is beautiful!
Joy is sometimes a battle, a battle that I loose when I choose to focus on all that is or could be going wrong. But look at all that is going right in the midst of it! I have NO excuse to be unhappy, none at all!
Happy snow-day, friends! :)
On that note, who wants to text me everyday and say, "Make sure you wrote down those 3 gifts today!" "Have you counted your blessings today?" "What are you dwelling on today?" I certainly can't win this fight alone!
Here's hoping this is my last catch-up post, at least for a long time!
Friday, March 22nd: "3 Gifts found in His Word"
I read an article on Friday that ministered to my heart, met me right where I was at, so thankful that God plants those blessings for me. The Article was by Jon Bloom on the "Desiring God" blog. It was entitled, "When Jesus Makes You Wait in Pain" referencing when Jesus made Mary and Martha wait for His miracle in Lazarus's life. My three gifts found in the Word that day came from this beautifully written article:
1. "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where He was." John 11:5-6
2. "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. and he said, "Where have you laid Him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. John 11:33-35
3. "Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40
How deep the Father's love for us!!
Saturday, March 23rd: "3 Gifts found in women today"
Friday night and Saturday I had the pleasure of spending time with Lauren Branks! So thankful that the Lord has brought her, and the rest of my new small group, into my life! It was a relaxing and refreshing time away!
1. Sweet Fellowship
2. Laughter
3. Understanding and friendship
Sunday, March 24th: "3 Gifts spoken"
1. Encouragement from, and laughter with, missed-friends!
2. Truth and conviction from the pulpit
3. "I will pray for you"
Monday, March 25th: "A gift sung, written, painted"
1. A song by MercyMe on the radio, "... then You spoke my name..." I am His!
2. Text from my boss, "We're just going to stay home - it is crazy out there. See you tomorrow!" Snow Day!
3. God's glory painted all over in the beautiful snow! I have been begging for spring, but God, in His grace, has given me a fresh perspective on the snow! He is our majestic creator, and all of it is beautiful!
Joy is sometimes a battle, a battle that I loose when I choose to focus on all that is or could be going wrong. But look at all that is going right in the midst of it! I have NO excuse to be unhappy, none at all!
Happy snow-day, friends! :)
Friday, March 22, 2013
Catching up!
Tuesday, March 19th: "3 Gifts Eaten"
1. Warm cookies
2. Creamy pasta
3. Hot tea (drinking counts right?:)
Wednesday, March 20th: "3 times you laughed today"
1. Laughed with a cheerful cashier at goodwill.
2. Laughed with baby Kate full of smiles
3. Laughed with a friend
Thursday, March 21st: "a gift salty, sweet, just right"
1. Yummy grilled cheese
2. Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast
3. 30 minutes to relax with the perfect cup of coffee :)
1. Warm cookies
2. Creamy pasta
3. Hot tea (drinking counts right?:)
Wednesday, March 20th: "3 times you laughed today"
1. Laughed with a cheerful cashier at goodwill.
2. Laughed with baby Kate full of smiles
3. Laughed with a friend
Thursday, March 21st: "a gift salty, sweet, just right"
1. Yummy grilled cheese
2. Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast
3. 30 minutes to relax with the perfect cup of coffee :)
Monday, March 18, 2013
Glimpses
Saturday, March 16th: "3 Hard Eucharisteos"
I don't like these, I don't wanna write about them, it's painful. (Hence the fact that I'm finally doing so two days late.) I've been battling a hard fight against loneliness, it's an oppressive thing, an unwelcome thing, dare I say a selfish thing, a sinful thing? Ouch! Sometimes it's easier to be lonely than content with where I'm at, easier to wallow in self-pity than rejoice with those who rejoice, easier to focus on the pain than the beauty brought out of it, easier. Don't get me wrong, loneliness is a real, painful feeling, and when we're there, God meets us where we're at, but I think it's the staying there, the dwelling on it, that's selfish. I say all that because the three hard things I have to be thankful for are hurts when I choose loneliness, and blessings when I choose joy.
Breathe in, breathe out...
1. Wedding season. A year ago when wedding season was approaching, I was full of excitement and counting down the days! I love weddings! But lately, each new engagement announcement and sparkling wedding invitation in the mail brings a sting of pain. A glaring reminder kind of pain. But with those memories, I need to also remember my joy when I was in that season and how I wanted EVERYONE to share in it! Weddings are still beautiful, joyful occasions and absolutely an event to be thankful for! So while I'll be walking through this season one day at a time, clinging to my Savior, I know He can give me the strength to give thanks for each new marriage!
"His strength is made perfect in my weakness"
2. Glimpses. Lately God has been showing me that through my heart break I'm given tiny glimpses into the pain I cause Him when I reject Him, when I choose to listen to my flesh, when I choose to ignore the Spirit. Tiny glimpses. I may think I've been rejected after giving my all, but Christ really did give His ALL, and I still reject Him daily! I'm thankful for this new perspective hopefully resulting in a fuller surrender, but more than that, I'm thankful for Christ's sacrificial, unconditional love for me!!
3. Time alone. I don't have much to say about this, other than: when I am alone, and wishing I wasn't, that's when I have the sweetest time with my Savior! He never let's me really be alone, He's always right there. Who am I to deserve such a blessing?!
Sunday, March 17th: "A Gift turned, folded, hung"
After all of that painfully raw honestly, I'm gonna give thanks for some more shallow blessings, but blessings none the less! :)
1. Pumpkin pancakes turned (flipped:) on the hot griddle.
2. A soft, warm fleece blanket folded on my bed.
3. Way too many clothes hung in my closet.
Monday, March 18th: "3 Gifts Red"
1. Sundried tomatoes in my scrambled eggs.
2. Fuzzy red pajamas on a cuddly baby.
3. Words of encouragement and challenge from the "Desiring God" blog. (Their logo is red! :)
I don't like these, I don't wanna write about them, it's painful. (Hence the fact that I'm finally doing so two days late.) I've been battling a hard fight against loneliness, it's an oppressive thing, an unwelcome thing, dare I say a selfish thing, a sinful thing? Ouch! Sometimes it's easier to be lonely than content with where I'm at, easier to wallow in self-pity than rejoice with those who rejoice, easier to focus on the pain than the beauty brought out of it, easier. Don't get me wrong, loneliness is a real, painful feeling, and when we're there, God meets us where we're at, but I think it's the staying there, the dwelling on it, that's selfish. I say all that because the three hard things I have to be thankful for are hurts when I choose loneliness, and blessings when I choose joy.
Breathe in, breathe out...
1. Wedding season. A year ago when wedding season was approaching, I was full of excitement and counting down the days! I love weddings! But lately, each new engagement announcement and sparkling wedding invitation in the mail brings a sting of pain. A glaring reminder kind of pain. But with those memories, I need to also remember my joy when I was in that season and how I wanted EVERYONE to share in it! Weddings are still beautiful, joyful occasions and absolutely an event to be thankful for! So while I'll be walking through this season one day at a time, clinging to my Savior, I know He can give me the strength to give thanks for each new marriage!
"His strength is made perfect in my weakness"
2. Glimpses. Lately God has been showing me that through my heart break I'm given tiny glimpses into the pain I cause Him when I reject Him, when I choose to listen to my flesh, when I choose to ignore the Spirit. Tiny glimpses. I may think I've been rejected after giving my all, but Christ really did give His ALL, and I still reject Him daily! I'm thankful for this new perspective hopefully resulting in a fuller surrender, but more than that, I'm thankful for Christ's sacrificial, unconditional love for me!!
3. Time alone. I don't have much to say about this, other than: when I am alone, and wishing I wasn't, that's when I have the sweetest time with my Savior! He never let's me really be alone, He's always right there. Who am I to deserve such a blessing?!
Sunday, March 17th: "A Gift turned, folded, hung"
After all of that painfully raw honestly, I'm gonna give thanks for some more shallow blessings, but blessings none the less! :)
1. Pumpkin pancakes turned (flipped:) on the hot griddle.
2. A soft, warm fleece blanket folded on my bed.
3. Way too many clothes hung in my closet.
Monday, March 18th: "3 Gifts Red"
1. Sundried tomatoes in my scrambled eggs.
2. Fuzzy red pajamas on a cuddly baby.
3. Words of encouragement and challenge from the "Desiring God" blog. (Their logo is red! :)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Gifts Given
Wednesday, March 13th: "3 gifts round"
1. My round, chubby, bundle-of-love nephew! (He's the reason I'm so behind in my blogging! Time with him takes priority over everything!)
2. The sun! Wednesday was a pretty cold and cloudy day, but the sun made a welcome appearance! We're getting glimpses of spring! :)
2. Dinner around the table with mom, dad, Erin and jack! Love it!
Thursday, march 14th: "3 Gifts found in silence"
1. Time to think, maybe even space to think, noise takes up lots of room in my brain!
2. Rest, true rest.
3. Peace.
Friday, March 15th: "3 gifts given-away"
1. Time
2. Love
3. Encouragement
Whenever someone gives any of these to me I am always blessed beyond measure! Especially time, in today's world of busy schedules the gift of time is priceless.
1. My round, chubby, bundle-of-love nephew! (He's the reason I'm so behind in my blogging! Time with him takes priority over everything!)
2. The sun! Wednesday was a pretty cold and cloudy day, but the sun made a welcome appearance! We're getting glimpses of spring! :)
2. Dinner around the table with mom, dad, Erin and jack! Love it!
Thursday, march 14th: "3 Gifts found in silence"
1. Time to think, maybe even space to think, noise takes up lots of room in my brain!
2. Rest, true rest.
3. Peace.
Friday, March 15th: "3 gifts given-away"
1. Time
2. Love
3. Encouragement
Whenever someone gives any of these to me I am always blessed beyond measure! Especially time, in today's world of busy schedules the gift of time is priceless.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Honk!
Monday, march 11th: "3 Gifts Read"
Well to be honest, I didn't have a particularly "thankful" Monday. Mondays are the hardest days for me to be thankful, and then I was supposed to be thankful for three things I read, I work at it, but I just don't love reading. On those days when I'm not feeling thankful, on those nights when I just wanna go to sleep and wake up to tomorrow, those are the nights when I need to fight for my joy and write down those three things, it's a fight my friends!
In her blog yesterday, Ann Voskamp wrote about a man who continually drove by a sign that read, "Honk if you're happy!" Long story short, he learned that it was the honking that made him happy. She drew the conclusion to gratitude and how it's not happiness that makes us grateful, but in fact gratitude that makes us happy. This is a concept I'm definitely learning to be true. In order to be grateful, I need to think grateful thoughts, and in order to think grateful thoughts I need to fill my mind and heart with true and good things. That being said, here are three of the things I read yesterday that helped fill my mind with grateful thoughts:
1.) Ann Voskamp's blog
2.) Hebrews 12:2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
3.) GREAT news in a text from a friend about her adoption journey! He keeps His promises!
Tuesday, March 12th: "A gift in wind, in water, in white"
In wind: Oh I really am not a fan of wind! It messes up my hair, makes it hard to wear a skirt, blows things over... Not a fan! But today, a really windy day actually, I found an aspect of the wind I can enjoy. I'm all tucked in and warm at work, don't have to brave the cold, and I can enjoy the sound of the wind through the fire place, a beautiful sound reminding me of my Creator's powerful existence!
In water: I love water! So thankful that I have access to clean fresh water in abundance! So many go without it!
In white: fresh, crisp onions for some guacamole! Yum!
Well to be honest, I didn't have a particularly "thankful" Monday. Mondays are the hardest days for me to be thankful, and then I was supposed to be thankful for three things I read, I work at it, but I just don't love reading. On those days when I'm not feeling thankful, on those nights when I just wanna go to sleep and wake up to tomorrow, those are the nights when I need to fight for my joy and write down those three things, it's a fight my friends!
In her blog yesterday, Ann Voskamp wrote about a man who continually drove by a sign that read, "Honk if you're happy!" Long story short, he learned that it was the honking that made him happy. She drew the conclusion to gratitude and how it's not happiness that makes us grateful, but in fact gratitude that makes us happy. This is a concept I'm definitely learning to be true. In order to be grateful, I need to think grateful thoughts, and in order to think grateful thoughts I need to fill my mind and heart with true and good things. That being said, here are three of the things I read yesterday that helped fill my mind with grateful thoughts:
1.) Ann Voskamp's blog
2.) Hebrews 12:2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
3.) GREAT news in a text from a friend about her adoption journey! He keeps His promises!
Tuesday, March 12th: "A gift in wind, in water, in white"
In wind: Oh I really am not a fan of wind! It messes up my hair, makes it hard to wear a skirt, blows things over... Not a fan! But today, a really windy day actually, I found an aspect of the wind I can enjoy. I'm all tucked in and warm at work, don't have to brave the cold, and I can enjoy the sound of the wind through the fire place, a beautiful sound reminding me of my Creator's powerful existence!
In water: I love water! So thankful that I have access to clean fresh water in abundance! So many go without it!
In white: fresh, crisp onions for some guacamole! Yum!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Happy Sunday
Saturday, March 9th: "3 Gifts Carved"
1. Time carved out for a worry-free, joyful day with mom
2. Excess, in a sense, "carved" out of my closet! Love purging! :)
3. Time carved out for a girls night!
Sunday, March 10th: "3 Gifts in Christ"
1. "My chains are gone, I've been set free," Forgiveness of and freedom from sin!
2. "For I am His and He is Mine" Being bought with His blood!
3. "Jesus commands my destiny!" For purpose in life - His purpose for me!
Overall I'm thankful for a full, community-filled weekend! Ready for a purpose-filled week working to do everything for His glory, Happy Sunday!
1. Time carved out for a worry-free, joyful day with mom
2. Excess, in a sense, "carved" out of my closet! Love purging! :)
3. Time carved out for a girls night!
Sunday, March 10th: "3 Gifts in Christ"
1. "My chains are gone, I've been set free," Forgiveness of and freedom from sin!
2. "For I am His and He is Mine" Being bought with His blood!
3. "Jesus commands my destiny!" For purpose in life - His purpose for me!
Overall I'm thankful for a full, community-filled weekend! Ready for a purpose-filled week working to do everything for His glory, Happy Sunday!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Noises in the Kitchen
Yesterday was a full day! Ran a couple errands with baby Kate, helped her mom get ready for a baby shower, rushed home to hug my nephew, had dinner with friends, and then choir rehearsal! Wonderful, full day! All the while I was supposed to look for "3 Gifts in the kitchen", I love the kitchen! I'm probably about as anti-feminist as you can get, tell me the woman's place is in the kitchen and I'll start making dinner. Not only do I love all of that tasks for women in the kitchen, but as I've written about before, the kitchen brings people together, cause it's the place with all the food! So, sign me up, I'm ready to assume the role of a stepford house wife! :)
1. Moist cupcakes
2. Music playing
3. Sauce simmering
Today was a perfect Friday, and on this perfect Friday I was looking for "3 Gifts loud", that's a fun one:
1. Joyful noises from baby Jack
2. Loud music with the windows rolled down on my ride home
3. The sunshine, not audibly loud, but loud in its welcome boldness!
1. Moist cupcakes
2. Music playing
3. Sauce simmering
Today was a perfect Friday, and on this perfect Friday I was looking for "3 Gifts loud", that's a fun one:
1. Joyful noises from baby Jack
2. Loud music with the windows rolled down on my ride home
3. The sunshine, not audibly loud, but loud in its welcome boldness!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Needy Soul
Despite the snow craziness of March 2013 it's been a great week so far, and I'm sure it will only get better because snuggle time with Jack and shopping with mom are still to come! In these pas couple of days Christ has brought me joy in giving me purpose, in bringing me needy people. It's pretty amazing what being needed will do for the soul. We are a needy people, but also a people that loves to be needed. I think with being needed, comes a sense of purpose, it's a sweet reminder from our Savior that we are here for a reason! Ultimately our pupose here on earth is to glorify and enjoy Him forever, and to be Christ to the world. And what better way to be Christ to the world than to help a fellow wanderer in need.
Tuesday, March 5th: "3 Gifts Found"
1. A great book to read
2. Joy in being needed
3. Warmth in the midst of a cold, snowy night
Wednesday, March 6th: " A gift bent, broken, beautiful"
My bent, broken and beautiful gifts came in the from of conviction, heart ache/confession and then forgiveness. I can't go into detail here, but God is faithful to convict and break my sinful heart, and oh so faithful to forgive! Time and time again! Even right after I've confessed and accepted forgiveness, I sin again so quickly! So thankful for grace! So thankful for my sweet Savior!
Also thankful for the wonderful blessing of getting out of the house with little Kate to wander around Target with a great friend! It's the little things, even though this felt like a big one! :)
Happy Wednesday friends! :)
Tuesday, March 5th: "3 Gifts Found"
1. A great book to read
2. Joy in being needed
3. Warmth in the midst of a cold, snowy night
Wednesday, March 6th: " A gift bent, broken, beautiful"
My bent, broken and beautiful gifts came in the from of conviction, heart ache/confession and then forgiveness. I can't go into detail here, but God is faithful to convict and break my sinful heart, and oh so faithful to forgive! Time and time again! Even right after I've confessed and accepted forgiveness, I sin again so quickly! So thankful for grace! So thankful for my sweet Savior!
Also thankful for the wonderful blessing of getting out of the house with little Kate to wander around Target with a great friend! It's the little things, even though this felt like a big one! :)
Happy Wednesday friends! :)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Perspective
Well I'm a little more than behind! I have yet to write in March!
For various reasons I couldn't get myself to the keyboard this weekend. I was bogged down, and letting myself be bogged down, by heavy emotions. While learning to stop and focus on my blessings everyday really has changed my life and my perspective on life, there are days when I really have to work at, and days when I fail at it. Then yesterday morning at church, Dr. Hamilton said something that woke me back up! He was talking about gratitude and said that when we are focusing on our blessings, even the blessing of life and breath in our lungs, the temptation to sin is lessened! If that's true, then taking the time to record the many blessings He has bestowed, and working hard to fight the battle for joy, are more than worth the effort.
So here we go!
Thursday, February 28th: "3 Gifts from the past - that help you trust the future"
1. Countless answered prayers
2. Faithful guidance
3. Purpose in pain
Friday, March 1st: "3 Gifts at 3pm"
1. Being at a good job, not at home looking for one
2. Medicine to calm a hurting baby
3. Only 3 more hours of work, before a restful weekend
Saturday, March 2nd: "3 Gifts green" (really? This was a hard one, do you remember Saturdays' weather?!)
1. Yummy avocado on my BLT! :)
2. A warm sweater
3. The promise of spring in everyone's joy about March, even though I can't see it yet!
Sunday, March 3rd: "3 Gifts Wore"
1. Smiles, and looks of love and concern, worn during sweet talks with friends. (Love catching up over coffee, LOVE it!)
2. Sunday's best worn all over church, love the hustle and bustle and sweet community felt all over College Park Church!
3. Attitudes of adoration and all out worship, worn by the congregation of College Park, I've said it before, but I love the perspective I get singing in the choir! I so enjoy seeing so many worship with lifted hearts and hands, it's beautiful!
Monday, March 4th: "3 Gifts hard to give thanks for"
1. Quiet lonely times at work. God has me here, and He has lots for me here in the quiet.
2. Having to start my car to warm it up early in the morning! I have a car, that starts! And I live in a safe place where I can let it warm up! And my heat works! So many more blessings than curses!
3. Mondays, I just don't like them. But I'm alive and well, I have a great job, had coffee with my parents before work, and I get to have dinner with a friend after, why am I complaining!? Even Mondays are a blessing!
For various reasons I couldn't get myself to the keyboard this weekend. I was bogged down, and letting myself be bogged down, by heavy emotions. While learning to stop and focus on my blessings everyday really has changed my life and my perspective on life, there are days when I really have to work at, and days when I fail at it. Then yesterday morning at church, Dr. Hamilton said something that woke me back up! He was talking about gratitude and said that when we are focusing on our blessings, even the blessing of life and breath in our lungs, the temptation to sin is lessened! If that's true, then taking the time to record the many blessings He has bestowed, and working hard to fight the battle for joy, are more than worth the effort.
So here we go!
Thursday, February 28th: "3 Gifts from the past - that help you trust the future"
1. Countless answered prayers
2. Faithful guidance
3. Purpose in pain
Friday, March 1st: "3 Gifts at 3pm"
1. Being at a good job, not at home looking for one
2. Medicine to calm a hurting baby
3. Only 3 more hours of work, before a restful weekend
Saturday, March 2nd: "3 Gifts green" (really? This was a hard one, do you remember Saturdays' weather?!)
1. Yummy avocado on my BLT! :)
2. A warm sweater
3. The promise of spring in everyone's joy about March, even though I can't see it yet!
Sunday, March 3rd: "3 Gifts Wore"
1. Smiles, and looks of love and concern, worn during sweet talks with friends. (Love catching up over coffee, LOVE it!)
2. Sunday's best worn all over church, love the hustle and bustle and sweet community felt all over College Park Church!
3. Attitudes of adoration and all out worship, worn by the congregation of College Park, I've said it before, but I love the perspective I get singing in the choir! I so enjoy seeing so many worship with lifted hearts and hands, it's beautiful!
Monday, March 4th: "3 Gifts hard to give thanks for"
1. Quiet lonely times at work. God has me here, and He has lots for me here in the quiet.
2. Having to start my car to warm it up early in the morning! I have a car, that starts! And I live in a safe place where I can let it warm up! And my heat works! So many more blessings than curses!
3. Mondays, I just don't like them. But I'm alive and well, I have a great job, had coffee with my parents before work, and I get to have dinner with a friend after, why am I complaining!? Even Mondays are a blessing!
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