Gifts for which I am Thank-Full

Today I was reminded that God has blessed me with an abundance of gifts. They are mostly in the form of people. And they are many.

It's not about what He's given me. It comes down to the simple fact that He is the giver. I am only the recipient of His gifts. And for that I am grateful.

Here's my photo-book of thanks-

My family: supportive, loving, and funny.

So much dry humor in our household!

Friends for life.

I pretty much consider them my sisters.

They inspire and challenge me and point me towards Jesus.

Another soul sister.

She's getting married in 5 weeks and I couldn't be happier for her.

Love the accountability we share with one another!

More than cousins. Forever friends.

Time with them is always precious.

 

And last, but not least,

HE has been an incredible blessing over the past (almost) 2 months.

I am still in awe of God's goodness.

 

James 1:17--

"Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows."

 

Have you thanked God for the gifts in your life today?

Enduring discipline

One word: Discipline.

What comes to mind? For me recently, it has involved both physical and spiritual aspects, exercising my body as well as my heart and soul.

This past weekend I ran in my first ever 5K to support a local crisis pregnancy center.

Brother and I ran it along with our cousin.

 

I never imagined myself actually completing a race, but as I crossed the finish line, it felt so good! As I've reflected on this experience, I can't help but think of how my heavenly Father has been disciplining me lately in spiritual aspects.

 

Some days it hurts so badly. Other days I welcome it.

 

Hebrews 12:7-11 says,

 

" Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." [emphasis added]

 

Regardless of whether you are the discipliner or the disciplinee, the process is a difficult one. With that in mind, our Lord disciplines us because He loves us. I'm sure you've heard that line before-

"This hurts me more than it hurts you!"

When my heart hurts (almost literally), I have to remember that my Father's does too. He wants what is best for me and takes me from where I am to where I need to be. Point A to Point B. I see the beginning; He sees the end. And am I ever grateful for that!

 

The race may be a long one, but He will be ever by my side, encouraging me in His always gentle way. Time to lace up my shoes for the run!







It. Has. Meaning.

One resounding thought continues to resonate within my heart::

It has meaning. Every single situation that we go through has purpose.

via

He sees the big picture in the puzzle of our lives even if we can only focus on the one missing piece.

The Creator knows where it is and when He wants to give it to us. We just have to be patient.

If you're anything like me, the patience words evokes sighs and eye-rolling.
[Ok, maybe that's a little dramatic, but you get the point.]

Patience is hard. Which is why I've been doing a bible study on it with a dear kindred spirit. :)

If you are so inclined to doing one yourself, I'd highly recommend the book we're using:

Patience: cultivating Spirit-given character// a six-week study by Calvin Miller.

I'll even give you a taste of it's treasures:

- "Patience isn't something we develop; it is something God develops in us as he takes over."

- "Patience is something that sustains us while we wait for God's will to be revealed. Patience reminds us that God's timing is not our timing. Patience is quiet confidence in God's promised provision."

-"What does patience look like? It looks like God standing on the eastern shore of the Red Sea waiting for Israel to take that step of faith. It looks like the loving father awaiting the return of the prodigal son. It looks like Jesus Christ standing at the door and knocking. Patience is yielding to God's perception of our circumstances in light of his view of the future."

And those are all taken from the introduction!

Needless to say, I am learning so much and being challenged greatly. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love when I sense God working in my heart and life! To Him be the glory.

My prayer is Exodus 9:16-

"But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

Blessings to you as you strive to be a patient Christ-follower!

Give Thanks

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

Today (actually the past week) I've been struggling to give thanks in ALL circumstances. This seems so trivial, but I haven't been feeling well lately due to a cold, fever, sinus congestion, fluid in my ears, and a very sore throat. I likely picked it up from my kiddoes at school. One of the joys of being a teacher in the winter.

It caused me to have to cancel some fun plans with friends and family two weekends in a row. Needless to say, it has caused some discouragement and I admit, some tears too.

Another reason that today was rough was because it's been two years since my dear grandpa went to be with the Lord after a very brief battle with cancer. We love and miss him so dearly so the anniversary of his death is always hard. I can only imagine how my dear grandma feels after loving him for 50 plus years.

I have been blessed with caring friends and family who have known just when I needed a hug recently and a card of encouragement. 

I can't help but feel guilty about feeling down and out when I know there are so many others hurting around me due to more challenging circumstances. But I guess our Father knows and cares about each need, no matter how big or how small.

My challenge to you is to give thanks in all of the circumstances you are in. God has a purpose and a plan for each valley and mountain we climb.

Be blessed!

He cares

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall."

Psalm 55:22

Warning: I think this may be the start of a series.

I know I've said it before, but I really mean it this time!

I simply can't understand how some people get to the point in their life where they make devastating decisions which drastically affects the lives of others.

Well, I guess I know the root of it anyway. One phrase sums it up- believing lies and falling into sin as a result.

Several times throughout the past few weeks, I've heard of some saddening and unfortunate situations that hit just a little too close to home.

But more than that, they hit especially close to my heart.

I don't know why, but for some reason, God has given me the gift (if you want to call it that) of carrying people's burdens.

When I hear about a hurting individual, it makes my heart ache and I can't help but call out to our loving Father on their behalf.

Thoughts of them overtake far less pressing matters.

When this happens, I can't help but think that He cares even more than I do.

What a comfort to know that He has ALL things in control at ALL times in ALL seasons of our lives and He will see us through. That thought alone brings me comfort and I hope it does to you as well.

*As far as the series goes, I may make a few alterations so please bear with me. At this point, I think I may be sharing the ways in which God cares- in my own life and through other examples, including some from the Bible.

So tonight rest in His promise that...He cares!