Be grateful

Here are more entries from my thankful/grateful journal. I love to read old journal entries and meditate on all the Lord has done. Please feel free to leave a comment of the things you are thankful for.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Our Anniversary 44 years

Rob’s birthday 36 years

Wow! Where did the time go?

              

               Today is Rob’s birthday. He has been though some hard personal times but has gotten through them. I am so proud of him. He spent many years in active duty in the Navy and continues to serve now in the reserves. He has been to the Middle East a number of times once with his reserve unit. He is a quiet man and a hard worker. He is finishing up his Master’s with only one more class to go after this semester.

               I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.

               Our anniversary is also today. Rob was born on our 8^th anniversary. We have had ups and downs like most but praise to God we are still together. Most of the time I think we balance each other. I praise God for His faithfulness and provision.

               The most important thing is not to dwell on the bad or sad times but to learn from them. If I was to write a list I know the good times would far outweigh the bad times. It’s all a matter of perspective. I want to see the glass ½ full not ½ empty.

I praise God for:

• 44 happy years together
• 3 great children
• 4 wonderful grandchildren
• Always having enough food
• Always having a warm house
• A comfortable bed
• Great extended family
• Cars that get us there
• Memories of grandparents, parents and other family members who have passed away
• Living in a free country
• Memories of our first years together – struggling to find 35 cents to buy a bottle of soda
• Susan Parker sharing the gospel with me
• My salvation
• Answered prayer
• More than enough

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

“Prayer and supplication (request) with thanksgiving”, in this verse thanksgiving means gratitude; actually grateful language (to God, as an act of worship). Wow! When I thank God I am actually worshipping Him. I am showing gratitude for all He has done.

Today’s 5

1. Coffee
2. Quiet time with God
3. Morning walk with Mark
4. Beautiful sunrise
5. Warm weather

Sunday, November 29, 2015

16  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:16-17

Today’s 5

1. Missionaries Larry, Kathy and Linda Carlisle to Uruguay at church today
2. Missionaries willing to go to foreign lands to tell others about Jesus
3. Paula doing better
4. Mexican food
5. Our church’s willingness to support missionaries

Monday, November 30, 2015

Today is the last day of November. In a few short weeks we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior and Lord. The week following  a new year will be upon us. Where does the time go? Even though November is ending our praise and thanks to God should never, ever end.

Each and every day we should look for opportunities to thank God. Can you breathe? Did you wake up this morning? Can you look out your window and see something? You get the picture. Thank God for all his wonderful blessings.

Dear Lord,

Help me each day to wake up thanking you. May my mind be focus on you daily. Let me meditate on your holy word and hid it in my heart that I might not sin against YOU. Let me daily remember the benefits that You provide. Thank you for all you have done above anything I could ask or think.

In Jesus precious name, Amen.

1  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5

In everything give thanks, 

Donna

More than enough

The month is "flying" by. Have you started a thankful/grateful journal? If not, why not? I have more journal entries to share.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Today’s 5

1. Giving Church

2. 30 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse

3. Thanksgiving baskets to two families

4. “Surprise” party by church family for mark’s birthday

5. Spent afternoon with Sydney (she won Mexican train)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15

Monday, November 23, 2015

“It’s habits that can imprison you and it’s habits that can free you and when thanks to God becomes a habit, so joy in God becomes your life.” –Ann Voskamp blog

Today’s 5

1. A job –thankful I have a job and am able to work

2. 3 meals a day plus

3. Warm bed

4. Clean water

5. Clothes for all seasons – living in NE this is a biggie

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

I praise and thank God for His glorious salvation. Where would I be without it? I shudder to even think about it. Thank you Lord for sending Jesus to save even me!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Today’s 5

1. Thanksgiving service at church

2. Lunch with co-workers

3. ½ day of work

4. Morning coffee

5. Sunshine

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 106:1

Thursday, November 26, 2015

THANKSGIVING

Today’s 5

1. Family and friends at the Thanksgiving table

2. Dom & Caroline opening their home for all of us.

3. Freedom to travel, even to Brockton. There are countries that people are not allowed to freely come and go.

4. Beautiful sunny day about 60 degrees.

5. Abundance of food

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; Psalm 104:14

Joy dare – 3 gifts preparing

1. The turkey and most of the fixings prepared by Caroline and Dom

2. Carrots and turnips prepared by Mark

3. Pies and desserts prepared by Mrs. P, Sarah and Trisha

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Where has the year gone?

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Where has the year gone? In just one day we will enter a new year, 2015. It seems like yesterday that I was in high school and thinking about “how old” I would be in 2000. It is now 15 years later and I’m still marveling over the New Century.

What was this year like for you? Did you do a lot of traveling? Where family members “added” as in a marriage or a new birth? Did you do something you always wanted to do? Did you complete anything on your “bucket list”? Did you make goals at the start of 2014? How did you do?

Each year I make “goals” for the coming year, activities that will enhance my spiritual and physical life. I write them down and review a few times a year. I am a “list” person, I write it down and cross off as I complete things. It helps to “see” the accomplishments. Whatever works for you do it; we are each unique and what works for me will probably not work for you. Find what makes you comfortable and do it.

Making goals for the coming year should not be hard. Start out with small things. If you already walk 1 day a week make it two. If you read a chapter a day in the Bible try to read it through in a year, there are so many “reading plans” that one of them will probably work in your schedule. There is also a Bible reading plan to read it through in two years.

Think outside the box. Look for opportunities in your community, school, work, and church that you can do or help with.

Here is a list that can get you started:

à       Attend a Bible study

à       Keep a thankful/grateful journal

à       Read the Bible

à       Memorize scripture to help with problems/issues

à       Volunteer

à       Encourage/help others

à       Exercise regularly

à       Pray and ask the Lord for guidance

As you look forward to next year, take a few minutes to reflect on 2014. Like most families, our family had sad and happy times this year. We suffered the sudden lost of my beloved brother-in-law, Thomas, but it drew us closer together. Cousins renewed friendships with cousins and old friends mourned with us. Everyone banded together and dropped whatever they were doing to be a help and an encouragement. We have so many happy memories of things we did with him, of this I am so thankful.

I will close with some entries, written throughout the year, from my thankful journal:

à       Protection from storm

à       Cup of tea

à       Food

à       God’s glorious creation

à       Morning sounds of birds and squirrels – I can hear

à       Mark doing well after surgery

à       Breakfast with friends

à       God’s wonderful creation

à       Kayaks

à       Family

à       Job

à       Coffee

à       Bible – daily comfort from God’s word

à       Stove – I don’t have to cook over a camp fire

à       Refrigeration – keeps my food cold

à       Winter coats

à       Ireland trip with the family – blessing and within budget

à       Neighbors – we are so blessed with great neighbors

à       Knitting

à       Annual “tea” with granddaughters

à       Beautiful sunrise – I can see

à       God’s mercy

à       Skype with grandsons

à       Children

à       God’s faithfulness

à       God’s greatness

à       God’s comfort and peace in tragedy

I could go on and on of my thankfulness to God for all He has done and will do.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Start the New Year with a “goal list” and maybe a thankful journal and you will be pleasantly surprised when you review next year.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Praise & Worship

And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Nehemiah 8:6 

When was the last time you really praised and worshipped God? In the busyness of the season may we never forget to praise and worship the LORD!

Thank you Lord, for your greatness and wonderfulness, help me to never take your word for granted. There are people right now suffering for believing in You. Help me Lord to have a heart of praise and worship each and every day.

Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Psalm 41:13

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. Psalm 72:18 -19

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. Psalm 63:4 

Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. Lamentations 3:41

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Seek out Wisdom

23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:  Ecclesiastes 7:23-25

Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. I did take a little sabbatical from Ecclesiastes during November and December but I need to jump back in. For the next few weeks I will continue my thoughts and lessons on the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes reminds me so much of Proverbs. There is  a great deal to grasp, learn, absorb. It is loaded with “little gems”, “principles to live by”, “wisdom”.  All of this will do us no good unless we apply it to our everyday life.

The word wisdom is mentioned 234 times in 222 verses.

Let’s take a look at the 5 W’s of wisdom:

Whose wisdom should we desire?

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33 

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:17 

What is wisdom?

From the Hebrew Strong’s #2449; wisdom (in a good sense): - skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines wisdom as:

1 a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : knowledge

b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : insight

c : good sense : judgment

d : generally accepted belief wisdom

among many historians — Robert Darnton>

2: a wise attitude, belief, or course of action

3: the teachings of the ancient wise men

Where do we get wisdom?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 

When do we get wisdom?

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 

Why would we want wisdom?

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5 

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 

Ask God for His wisdom to:

·        Give discernment

·        Act correctly  -according to His Word

·        Redeem time correctly

·        Share His Word with knowledge

May our prayer be this year: O Lord, teach us to number our days and apply our hearts to Your wisdom to do and say the correct things today. (Psalm 90:12)

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Blessings

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2

Blessing upon blessing, we are so blessed to have the things we have.

To live in a free country, there are many people who do not live in a free country.

Thank you Lord for this blessing

To have food on my table, not just today but every day, not one but three meals a day plus snacks.

Thank you Lord for this blessing

To wake up in a warm house snuggled in blankets.

Thank you Lord for this great blessing

To turn on the tap and get clean, fresh water.

Thank you Lord for this blessing.

Thank you Lord for the Living Water and I will thirst no more.

Thank you Lord for blessing upon blessing.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Attitudes

Attitudes, we all have them whether good or bad. Have you ever noticed the type of attitude you have will affect your whole day? I have really been thinking about attitudes lately.

My husband was out of work since the end of December. He injured his back, went through physical therapy, an operation and more physical therapy. He used crutches, canes, wheelchair, and walker, and some days could not stand on his own power. Through all of this his attitude was excellent. He did not blame God or someone else for what he was going though, he took it all in stride as another day in his life. He was positive through this entire time, he kept working toward his goal of getting better. Slowly, some days slower than others, he has gotten his strength back, he is not at 100% but he continues to work toward the goal. He may never be at 100%, this may be his “new normal” but his attitude and hard work has gotten him where he is now– how we think affects how we act.

I worked with a person who complained about everything, and I do mean everything. No matter what the situation something negative was said, the weather was too hot in the summer but way to cold in the winter, the phone rang too much or not enough, people asked too many questions or did not ask enough. The negativity was constant and I had enough; I was starting to capture the “negative” bug myself. Finally when I heard for the umpteenth time that another job was better than the one she had I said why don’t you apply? The excuses started but it made her realize I did not want to hear all the pessimistic comments. Negative attitudes can affect everyone. Negatively will “rub” off on us if we let it.

Sometimes it is hard for Christians to stay focused on the Lord. Our mind works overtime and the negative attitudes start to cultivate in our thoughts. We look around and see others doing so much better than we are, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually. The “grass is greener” syndrome is everywhere even in the Christian realm.

What can we do to have better attitudes?

Realize where the negative comes from
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Ephesians 2:2

Think differently
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:23

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Praise God for what you have
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

Meditate on the blessings of God
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Don’t compare yourself to others
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. II Corinthians 10:12

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Happy Father’s Day

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; II Corinthians 1:3

Today is Father’s Day, thank a father who has been an encouragement to you. Think with me of fathers you know. Do you have great memories of your dad or grandfather? Can you remember playing a favorite game with them or maybe having a “scary” story told by them? Maybe you don’t have fond memories as I do but do not despair.

You have a great Father in Heaven. James calls him the Father of lights, he never changes. He is better than ten earthly fathers. God is always there right by our side. He is a kind and compassionate Father. The Bible is rich in descriptive words explaining our Great and wonderful Father in Heaven. Here are a few verses to get you started:

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17:6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Have a blessed day,
Donna