Here it is Thanksgiving week. Probably the time of year we are most aware of the need to be grateful. If you are a mom, you are especially sensitive to raising children who have a tendency toward thankfulness – especially with overindulgent Christmas right around the corner. Sometimes I wonder, though, if we only emphasize this attitude in November and not the rest of the year.
Certainly our culture is not teaching thankfulness as a state of the heart. I think I’ve figured out our problem. What is the opposite of gratitude? My best guess….complaining. We can never be grateful if we are prone to grumbling. It’s easy to detect in children – but let’s turn the magnifying glass around to ourselves. How do we as women measure up? Do we see the glass half empty or half full? Is everyone and everything against us or do we recognize the hand of God at work in our lives? Not sure which camp you’re in? Ask the person closest to you and insist they be honest!!
I looked up some of these words in the dictionary and here’s what I found:
Complain – bringing a grievance or resentment
Grumble – to murmur or mutter w/discontentment; to make ill-natured complaints; to growl or snarl in deep tones or low sounds
Yuck. Am I the only one out there pegged by that truth? Keep reading – it gets better!
Gratitude – thankfulness; kindness awarded by favor received
Contentment – satisfaction; habitual satisfaction; freedom from dissatisfaction, anxiety or agitation
Felt any of those symptoms lately? Anxiety. Agitation. Dissatisfaction. Wouldn’t you like to be free from those negatives? I know I would.
I have good news. “Being grateful is a choice – not a feeling based on circumstances. It reflects a humble, self-forgetting attitude. Your focus is on either what God has done or hasn’t done. Contentment has nothing to do with what’s going on in my life and everything to do with what’s going on in my mind.”*
Being thankful is a learned response. Train yourself in it. Remember that God has allowed everything in your life for our good and His purpose. (Rom. 8:38) Recall all the blessings He has showered into your life. Nothing comes to you or me unless it has passed through His hand. His mighty Hand. We can trust that He is good and He is for us because that is a constant theme running through the Bible.
Never forget that He didn’t invite us into relationship with Him to make us happy – rather to make us holy – set apart to Him. He is drawing us to Himself because He loves us! Just the phrase “to Himself” – that He wants us near Him - should excite us!!
“If we don’t believe that we are deeply dependent on God for all we have or hope to have, then the very spring of gratitude and faith runs dry.”*
Some of you are saying, “Yes, but life is hard. I’ve been suffering. I’ve experienced a lot of pain and loss. How do I overcome all that and become grateful?” I hear you and I am sorry for what you’ve experienced, but God has made a special provision for those of us in this situation. It’s called a sacrifice of praise. In other words, when we can’t come up with it on our own, we sacrifice to praise. We lay down all the hurts and praise Him anyway.
Psalm 50:23 “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me.”
“Why is it a sacrifice to give thanks to the Lord? Because being thankful forces us to take our eyes off ourselves and put them on the Lord. Giving up our self focus is the kind of denial that pleases God.”*
One thing I know for sure (from my experience and that of my children’s) is that we are never more miserable (not to mention miserable to be around) than when we are focused on ourselves, expecting everything to go our way or others to behave in such a way that will satisfy us. Or when we have to have what we want when we want it. Ugh.
v Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
v 1 Tim. 6:6 “Godliness w/contentment is great gain…”
v Phil. 2:14 “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked generation.”
I like the concepts up above better and would rather have them describe me: freedom from dissatisfaction; a self-forgetting attitude, content.
So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare for Christmas, I’ll leave you with one more passage from Hebrews 13:5 in the Message version “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?”
Now that’s what I’m talking about. What more is there to be grateful for? Happy Thanksgiving, faithful reader. I pray you have a peaceful, contented, restful, self-forgetting holiday that’s totally satisfying!!
*Quotes from “Thanksgiving A Time to Remember” by Barbara Rainey
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Is It A Little Too Early?
I know we’re not even past Halloween yet, but I seem to be fast forwarding to Thanksgiving in my mind. Why, you ask? As I sit here thinking about my week, I can’t help but pray “Thank you, Lord.” I have so much to be thankful for. Here’s what I mean….
Monday I took a walk with my neighbor and her baby. And I was thankful. For not being too busy to spend time with her.
Tuesday I spent the evening with the Apples of Gold gang. And I was thankful. For a home cooked meal (by someone else) and a beautiful home to eat it in (not mine).
Wednesday I had a teacher conference regarding one of my kids. And I was thankful. Not for the reason we were there, but for a teacher in the public school who is committed to praying for my child and seeing God do a work in that one’s life.
Thursday I was home alone almost all day. In spite of the projects I had going I stopped and went outside. And I was grateful. Grateful for blue skies, warm temperatures and leaves so beautiful they take your breath away. And a God who is with me wherever I go, even sitting on a swing in the park.
Yesterday I went out to lunch with my husband and then we hung around a bookstore together reading magazines we’re too cheap to buy and drinking coffee that’s too expensive. And I was so thankful. For a man who likes to be with me, and shares my same interests.
Earlier today my living room was filled with girlfriends praying and planning for the women of our church. And I was grateful. For prayer and laughter and purpose.
Tonight I’m sitting here listening to my son’s 17 or so friends from the 10th grade class playing a game together in my living room. And although it’s loud, I’m grateful to have them all here. Grateful to see how he acts with his friends…and I still like him.
Have you noticed the common thread in my pre-Thanksgiving list? People. Friends. Family. God. Fellowship! When I think of the things I’m thankful for – it’s almost always about people. I’m so glad that God gave us each other. Time spent with others can be so fulfilling. He never meant for us to try and live this life alone. I’m sure it’s not even possible. It certainly wouldn’t be any fun. And I’m all about fun!
People add the richness and diversity to life. They bring support, laughter and comfort. Yeah, sometimes they bring pain, conflict and hurt feelings but that’s part of life that grows us. And when no one is around and you feel lonely, you can count on the presence of God to be there with you.
If you’re reading this, I’m thankful for you, too. And I hope when you start working on your Thanksgiving List (you do make a list every year, don’t you?) that it’s full of people you simply couldn’t do life without! And if it isn’t….thank God in advance for the friends He’s going to give you because you’ve asked.
Thank you, Father, for giving us a piece of yourself with skin on. I believe it’s never too early to start celebrating….Happy Thanksgiving!!
Monday I took a walk with my neighbor and her baby. And I was thankful. For not being too busy to spend time with her.
Tuesday I spent the evening with the Apples of Gold gang. And I was thankful. For a home cooked meal (by someone else) and a beautiful home to eat it in (not mine).
Wednesday I had a teacher conference regarding one of my kids. And I was thankful. Not for the reason we were there, but for a teacher in the public school who is committed to praying for my child and seeing God do a work in that one’s life.
Thursday I was home alone almost all day. In spite of the projects I had going I stopped and went outside. And I was grateful. Grateful for blue skies, warm temperatures and leaves so beautiful they take your breath away. And a God who is with me wherever I go, even sitting on a swing in the park.
Yesterday I went out to lunch with my husband and then we hung around a bookstore together reading magazines we’re too cheap to buy and drinking coffee that’s too expensive. And I was so thankful. For a man who likes to be with me, and shares my same interests.
Earlier today my living room was filled with girlfriends praying and planning for the women of our church. And I was grateful. For prayer and laughter and purpose.
Tonight I’m sitting here listening to my son’s 17 or so friends from the 10th grade class playing a game together in my living room. And although it’s loud, I’m grateful to have them all here. Grateful to see how he acts with his friends…and I still like him.
Have you noticed the common thread in my pre-Thanksgiving list? People. Friends. Family. God. Fellowship! When I think of the things I’m thankful for – it’s almost always about people. I’m so glad that God gave us each other. Time spent with others can be so fulfilling. He never meant for us to try and live this life alone. I’m sure it’s not even possible. It certainly wouldn’t be any fun. And I’m all about fun!
People add the richness and diversity to life. They bring support, laughter and comfort. Yeah, sometimes they bring pain, conflict and hurt feelings but that’s part of life that grows us. And when no one is around and you feel lonely, you can count on the presence of God to be there with you.
If you’re reading this, I’m thankful for you, too. And I hope when you start working on your Thanksgiving List (you do make a list every year, don’t you?) that it’s full of people you simply couldn’t do life without! And if it isn’t….thank God in advance for the friends He’s going to give you because you’ve asked.
Thank you, Father, for giving us a piece of yourself with skin on. I believe it’s never too early to start celebrating….Happy Thanksgiving!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
See what I mean?
Nothing like good home hospitality. Enjoy these photos from a luncheon I hosted for 3 of our missionary women and 8 friends. It was a blast. Highly recommend it. For those of you who attended, I hope you had as much fun as I did. You're the best!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Happy
It's 8:15 and the kids are in bed reading. We've had quite a week. Missions Conference at church. This means getting the kids home from school, homework done, throw food at them (not usually the healthy kind), rush off to church for a meeting and late bedtimes. Every night for a week. We all love it! A different missionary(ies) speaks and presents what they are doing for God somewhere in the world.
It's a rewarding time for meeting wonderful servants of Christ. Today was a highlight - which is fitting since it was the last day. Friday night I was given the opportunity of having 3 missionaries for dinner after church. Not usually a big deal except that Sundays are a little tricky for us as we have many responsibilities. Still, I won't turn a missionary down.
Add to the meal preparation - extra guests. My boys two special friends from nearby were here for a visit. And we invited a favorite couple from church. Along with my 5 - that makes twelve. I was a little stressed about having enough food, making sure it was ready within a reasonable time of their arrival, etc. etc.
Surprisingly, I was at ease as soon as the house was full. We stood around the island in the kitchen. Everyone had a glass in their hands and we decided to go around introducing ourselves so everyone knew everyone. As I listened to each one (especially all the kids), a certain happiness came over me. I gazed at each one and found myself thankful. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the two boys I'd love to adopt. Thankful for the couple we looooove so dearly. And thankful for three missionaries I was beginning to know. Thankful we were all together in my kitchen. Yup. This is what it's all about.
I'm glad I said yes to the opportunity. I'm glad I didn't give in to the fear of "too many people not enough food". Or the stress of the end of a long week, kids who had to do homework and the daydream of a Sunday nap. We enjoyed the conversation and company immensely. I thank God for the body of Christ and for good old fashioned home hospitality. I'm happy!
It's a rewarding time for meeting wonderful servants of Christ. Today was a highlight - which is fitting since it was the last day. Friday night I was given the opportunity of having 3 missionaries for dinner after church. Not usually a big deal except that Sundays are a little tricky for us as we have many responsibilities. Still, I won't turn a missionary down.
Add to the meal preparation - extra guests. My boys two special friends from nearby were here for a visit. And we invited a favorite couple from church. Along with my 5 - that makes twelve. I was a little stressed about having enough food, making sure it was ready within a reasonable time of their arrival, etc. etc.
Surprisingly, I was at ease as soon as the house was full. We stood around the island in the kitchen. Everyone had a glass in their hands and we decided to go around introducing ourselves so everyone knew everyone. As I listened to each one (especially all the kids), a certain happiness came over me. I gazed at each one and found myself thankful. Thankful for my family. Thankful for the two boys I'd love to adopt. Thankful for the couple we looooove so dearly. And thankful for three missionaries I was beginning to know. Thankful we were all together in my kitchen. Yup. This is what it's all about.
I'm glad I said yes to the opportunity. I'm glad I didn't give in to the fear of "too many people not enough food". Or the stress of the end of a long week, kids who had to do homework and the daydream of a Sunday nap. We enjoyed the conversation and company immensely. I thank God for the body of Christ and for good old fashioned home hospitality. I'm happy!
Monday, October 1, 2007
It's The Little Things
Have you ever read through the Bible in a year? I've done it a few times now and there is no greater thrill than when you move from the Old Testament where you've been reading daily for 9 months and plunge into the New Testament where you'll finish out the year (except, of course, when you complete the goal!). Nothing says January more than Genesis to me and I love the new challenge each time I take it. This year our church decided to read it collectively in chronological order and each Sunday the daily readings for the week are posted in the bulletin.
Last Saturday while I was reading I noticed that Monday was October 1st. I also noticed I was to read the book of Malachi on the 30th. Hmmmmm.....I know Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, but is it chronologically too? I also know that the schedule is usually 9 months Old Testament, 3 months New Testament. It would make sense since October 1st marks the last 3 months of the year. Could it be time for the New Testament and some stories about Jesus? Did this milestone sneak up on me? I got so excited I could barely stand it. I nearly called the secretary because I couldn't wait to get to church and find out for myself the next day. Decisions!! What to do? It's like snooping to see your Christmas gifts ahead of time.
I decided to wait it out. But Sunday morning I charged into that building (like a kid on Christmas morning) and got myself a bulletin first thing and sure enough - the Gospels of the New Testament are all over this week's schedule. A goal accomplished...at least through the Old Testament. I’m almost there! (I'll let you know on Dec. 31st if I make it all the way!)
Why such a big deal? If you have ever committed to this particular goal, you know why. All year reading the Old Testament can seem long and sometimes boring. But the truth is that all these accounts are just a teaser for the coming of Christ. Waiting to see when God is going to break through and finally send the long awaited for Messiah. It is exciting! I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich in characters, history, tragedy, comedy, miracles and everything you wanted to know about God. But there’s something special about stepping into the time when Jesus was here on the Earth and in a way walking with Him while reading these sacred pages. It has been worth the wait. He never disappoints.
I hate to think about how much time I’ve wasted in my life on the pursuit of things that don’t matter, things that won’t point me to Christ, things that don’t open my eyes to what He’s doing in this world right now. But spending this year in His Word, tracing His fingerprints and sovereignty down through the ages from creation to today and getting to know the God who loves me and has a plan for my life – this is a worthy pursuit.
It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, don't you think?
Last Saturday while I was reading I noticed that Monday was October 1st. I also noticed I was to read the book of Malachi on the 30th. Hmmmmm.....I know Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, but is it chronologically too? I also know that the schedule is usually 9 months Old Testament, 3 months New Testament. It would make sense since October 1st marks the last 3 months of the year. Could it be time for the New Testament and some stories about Jesus? Did this milestone sneak up on me? I got so excited I could barely stand it. I nearly called the secretary because I couldn't wait to get to church and find out for myself the next day. Decisions!! What to do? It's like snooping to see your Christmas gifts ahead of time.
I decided to wait it out. But Sunday morning I charged into that building (like a kid on Christmas morning) and got myself a bulletin first thing and sure enough - the Gospels of the New Testament are all over this week's schedule. A goal accomplished...at least through the Old Testament. I’m almost there! (I'll let you know on Dec. 31st if I make it all the way!)
Why such a big deal? If you have ever committed to this particular goal, you know why. All year reading the Old Testament can seem long and sometimes boring. But the truth is that all these accounts are just a teaser for the coming of Christ. Waiting to see when God is going to break through and finally send the long awaited for Messiah. It is exciting! I love the Old Testament so much. It is rich in characters, history, tragedy, comedy, miracles and everything you wanted to know about God. But there’s something special about stepping into the time when Jesus was here on the Earth and in a way walking with Him while reading these sacred pages. It has been worth the wait. He never disappoints.
I hate to think about how much time I’ve wasted in my life on the pursuit of things that don’t matter, things that won’t point me to Christ, things that don’t open my eyes to what He’s doing in this world right now. But spending this year in His Word, tracing His fingerprints and sovereignty down through the ages from creation to today and getting to know the God who loves me and has a plan for my life – this is a worthy pursuit.
It's the little things in life that bring the most joy, don't you think?
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Lessons Learned in Kenya
It's hard to answer the question "How was your trip?" with a neat and tidy, concise statement. I've noticed since returning that God continues to reveal more about Himself and His purpose in it as the days go by. One thing I asked Him early on is "What has to change right now because I spent 2 weeks in Kenya this summer?" These are the immediate life lessons I believe He's requiring of me.
1. Treat everything created in God's image with respect. They each bear likeness to God. Look for good in everyone. Each one has a story - get to know it!
2. Love everyone. Even those hard to love. God's kind of love is not suspicious. Don't presume to know what others are thinking or what their motives are.
3. Die to self. Be generous w/my time and schedule. Stop being so self-driven. Give preference to others.
4. Be more hospitable. Share food and home. Lavish love of Christ on others in my home.
5. Do "good deeds" - the mark of a New Testament Christian.
6. Empower those in need, don't enable them. Be sure those I help depend on God, not me.
7. Trust God. Not self. Live out on the limb where God has to make life happen. No more operating in the comfort zone of my human abilities.
8. Live simpler. Downsize distractions of this world's pleasures.
9. Rely on prayer. Pray for others. Pray more. Don't try to manage own life.
10. Avoid sarcasm, jokes at someone else's expense and self-depracating humor. All my words should bring honor to God. Build other's up, everything else is not kingdom building.
11. Vigorously reject judgmental, condescending, negative presumptuous thoughts about others. Sinners can't rightly judge other sinners-not our job!
12. Dream! If I don't chase my own dreams, I'll live someone else's.
It's funny, I went on an overseas mission trip in hopes of changing the world for Christ (as much as you can in 2 weeks) and turns out Christ wants to change me.
1. Treat everything created in God's image with respect. They each bear likeness to God. Look for good in everyone. Each one has a story - get to know it!
2. Love everyone. Even those hard to love. God's kind of love is not suspicious. Don't presume to know what others are thinking or what their motives are.
3. Die to self. Be generous w/my time and schedule. Stop being so self-driven. Give preference to others.
4. Be more hospitable. Share food and home. Lavish love of Christ on others in my home.
5. Do "good deeds" - the mark of a New Testament Christian.
6. Empower those in need, don't enable them. Be sure those I help depend on God, not me.
7. Trust God. Not self. Live out on the limb where God has to make life happen. No more operating in the comfort zone of my human abilities.
8. Live simpler. Downsize distractions of this world's pleasures.
9. Rely on prayer. Pray for others. Pray more. Don't try to manage own life.
10. Avoid sarcasm, jokes at someone else's expense and self-depracating humor. All my words should bring honor to God. Build other's up, everything else is not kingdom building.
11. Vigorously reject judgmental, condescending, negative presumptuous thoughts about others. Sinners can't rightly judge other sinners-not our job!
12. Dream! If I don't chase my own dreams, I'll live someone else's.
It's funny, I went on an overseas mission trip in hopes of changing the world for Christ (as much as you can in 2 weeks) and turns out Christ wants to change me.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
You're Invited....
Hi friends,
Thanks for coming to my blogspot. I would like to invite you to view 3 slide shows below (scroll down) that we've created to share our first overseas missions trip with you. Many of you know that this summer Scott, Drew and I joined 12 others from our church and travelled to Kenya for 2 weeks. The pictures tell some of the story. We have much more that we would love to share with you in person. In the meantime, though, please take some time to experience through our camera what God played out in real life for us. And don't forget to post your comments. I plan to update this blog with stories from the trip from time to time, so check back or subscribe so you stay current.
Thanks for coming to my blogspot. I would like to invite you to view 3 slide shows below (scroll down) that we've created to share our first overseas missions trip with you. Many of you know that this summer Scott, Drew and I joined 12 others from our church and travelled to Kenya for 2 weeks. The pictures tell some of the story. We have much more that we would love to share with you in person. In the meantime, though, please take some time to experience through our camera what God played out in real life for us. And don't forget to post your comments. I plan to update this blog with stories from the trip from time to time, so check back or subscribe so you stay current.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)