I read this quote a few years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. Thankfulness really does protect the heart. From greed, selfishness, discontent, anxiety and many other things. I regularly write in a "thankfulness journal" so that I am intentionally giving thanks to the Lord for the many things in my life, big or small. And I even try to thank Him for the not-so-fun things or the difficult things. It's in those times that I practice thankfulness that I experience deep peace. As Luke and I raise our kids one of our desires is to see them develop hearts of gratitude and thankfulness as well. This year on Thanksgiving we did a family project, creating our own "thankfulness tree". It was fun to come up with ideas of things we could write on leaves to say thank you to Jesus for. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ...
In preparation for taking communion last Sunday, one of the elders of our church posed this question: "Are the best things in life earned or received ?" Immediately I thought of the best things in my life: my husband, my kids, God's overwhelming love, and Christ's salvation. And then I thought: There is no way I earned (or deserve) my husband's love. He loves me for who I am, flaws and all. He loves me no matter what kind of day I've had, the way I have treated him, or if I have failed in some area. And then my kids. They are pure gifts! Yes, they are definitely received....received with much gratitude, awe, and trepidation at the weight of the responsibility to raise them. And finally, God's amazing love and grace displayed through His gift of His Son. Not earned, but received. Because a gift, a true gift, is received, not earned. I've lived much of my life trying to attain some degree of perfection or acceptance from o...
There’s been a slow steady drizzle all day. Like tears streaming down from heaven. Dreary and grey outside. Similar inside for many of us as well. The events of the school shooting yesterday are sadly not new for this area but the trauma, fear, and sadness are felt afresh. I can only attempt to put into words the emotions that a mama’s heart experiences at the news that a school has an active shooter in it. Ten short minutes away. A school where some of my dear church families send their kids. Lord, help us. And then the news that my own kids’ school was placed on lock-out. These are kids. Innocent kids. Who just went to school on a normal Tuesday. And this happening so soon after all the fear caused by hundreds of school closings during a manhunt a few weeks ago. It really was more than a mama’s heart could handle. But my mind went to the mamas and teachers and friends and family members of the students going through this unspeakable ordeal. My prayers fueled by empathy and sad...
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