Let's be thankful

I write in my prayer/praise/thankful journal a few times a week. During the month of November I am trying to write at least one  verse a day with my thankful entries.

I would love to encourage you to take a few minutes each day to write something that you are grateful/thankful for. It will give you a "boost" as you begin your daily routine.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

I need to be thankful for everything, not just the things that make my life easy but the hard things too. Not just the “happy” times but the “sad” times as well.

As I was thinking of all the things I’m grateful for I made up this little quote: “Gratitude is the attitude that should rule my life”

Today’s 5:

1.      Paula coming to Bible study

2.      Laughter

3.      Mark

4.      Yarn

5.      More than enough

Joy dare- 3 gifts at noon

1.      Lunch

2.      Water – I have an abundance of clean water at my “fingertips”. No matter where I am I can get a clean glass of water.

3.      A walk – I walk after lunch most days

Friday, November 13, 2015

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20

Today’s 5

1.      Cass & Syd coming over yesterday – don’t see them as much – soo0 busy with different activities

2.      Family

3.      Samaritan’s purse and operation Christmas Child

4.      Bible

5.      Morning coffee

We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction – Harry A. Ironside

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. – Wm A. Ward

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Today’s 5:

1.      Went to see Harvey with Cass, Syd and Mark

2.      Kim’s family safe in France

3.      My mom still here 87 years old

4.      Books

5.      God’s love in the midst of sorrow

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Terrorist attack in France last night leaving many dead 129+

God is still in control.

People make wrong choices Genesis 6:5

Oh Lord use this tragedy to draw people to you. Help them to see your love. James 4:8

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Today’s 5:

1.      Children and grandchildren here for Mark’s early birthday

2.      Good church service

3.      Great turn out at Cedars 15 in attendance

4.      Beautiful day

5.      “Found” new breakfast place

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17 KJV

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17 NLT.

Am I representing Christ in everything I do?

Monday, November 16, 2015

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

It was an old saying of the rabbis, “At a future time all sacrifices shall cease, but praises shall not cease.”

Today’s 5 – praising and thanking God:

1. Mobility

2. Sight

3. Hearing

4. Touch

5. Taste

I still have all my senses. Praise Jesus!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. I Chronicles 29:13

God’s glorious name, there are so many names of God; names that show me His many attributes and His wonderful greatness. I looked in old journals and found a few:

Jehovah Jireh – the Lord will provide  Gen 22:14

Faithful God  Deut 7:9

Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there  Eze 48:35

Bright and Morning Star  Rev 22:6

Jehovah Nissi – the Lord my banner  Ex 17:15

Alpha and Omega – first and last, the beginning and the end  Rev 1:8

El Shaddai - Lord God Almighty  Gen 17:1

El Elyon - The Most High God  Ps 57:2

Yahweh - Lord, Jehovah  Gen 2:4

Jehovah-Raah - The Lord My Shepherd  Ps 23

Jehovah Rapha - The Lord That Heals  Ex 15:26

Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness  Jer 23:6

Jehovah Mekoddishkem - The Lord Who Sanctifies You  Lev 20:8

El Olam - The Everlasting God  Isa 26:4

Elohim – God  Gen 1:1

Jehovah Shalom - The Lord Is Peace  Judges 6:24

O Lord, help me to praise YOUR glorious name. Let me mediate day and night on the goodness of the Lord. Ps 107:8 

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Esther’s letter

29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. 30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book. Esther 9:29-32

A second letter, Esther’s letter, is written and sent to all the Jews. This letter is to confirm the days of Purim. She was verifying Moridecai’s letter and encouraging the Jewish community to never forget this time in their history. The letter was sent with “words of peace and truth”.

Jewish communities took heed to this writing and celebrate yearly the victory given to them by the Almighty God in Heaven.

Take a few minutes today to thank God for everything in your life, it may be small, it may be big, it may be good, it may be bad, but in everything there is a lesson. Thank Him for his goodness and graciousness in all trials and tribulations.  

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13;15

Remember to be thankful!

Have a blessed day,
Donna

A year in Review

Every year the TV, radio and newspapers will do a “year in review”. It might be the top news stories, which famous personalities died during the year, the top 100 songs of the year or the biggest tragedies of the year. No matter what the list contains, there is someone throughout the year keeping a record.

As I thought of this I started to review my year by assessing goals I set in January. I usually write them down and then review once in a while throughout the year to see if I am still “on track”.

Here is my list:

·        Do at least 1 Bible study: Examples: Kay Arthur, Jerry Bridges  

·        “Establishing a heart for God” Bible study and Journal

·        Read/listen to Bible through in a year (chronically)        

·        Read 4 Christian nonfiction books: Biographies, growth, counseling        

·        Encourage/help others (Acts of Kindness)           

·        Send notes/cards monthly                       

·        Memorize verses

·        Praise/prayer  Journal     

·        Nanc certification - work on                    

·        Giving Jar             

·        Walk a mile at least 3 times a week                     

·        Write at least  6 blogs a month   

How did I do? Well I completed seven of the items listed above, three of them were partly completed and two I did not do at all. Do I feel like a failure? Absolutely not, I did many things not on my list and I learned daily that I need to follow Jesus’ lead.

As I reviewed last year I see blessing abound. God richly blesses us (all of us) daily. The political and economic environments around the world  have not always been strong, but God is still in control. Each and everything that is happening in the world today is not happening without His knowledge. I cannot get depressed about the world’s affairs but I can pray and ask God for wisdom and inner peace in times of duress.

The Bible is filled with assurance and comfort here are just a few verses:

… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5

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 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5 -6

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

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8 

For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5 

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:28 

I will close my review with some entries from my thankful journal:

·        Jesus – I shudder to think of where I would be without Him

·        Bible – His precious word for guidance, wisdom, counsel… for everything

·        Health

·        Grandchildren

·        “Establishing a heart for God Bible study” Bible study journal

·        God’s protection

·        Surviving the blizzard of 2013

·        Neighbors – I have awesome neighbors who are there for us

·        Quiet time

·        Children

·        Family

·        God’s bountiful blessings Ps 68:19

·        Job

·        Ability to pay my bills

·        Coffee

·        Memories

·        Birds chirping – it means I can hear

·        Sunsets and sun risings – it means I can see

·        Balancing a checkbook – it means my mind is still functioning

·        Friends

I could go on and on, however, this is just a sliver of my thankfulness to the Great and Wonderful Creator for all He has done and will do.

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalm 32:11 

Rejoice in this verse means to “spin around” “be glad, joyful”. I have so much to “spin around” for. How about you? Start the New Year with a thankful journal and you will be pleasantly surprised when you do “a year in review”.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The 5W’s of Thanksgiving

As the month of November comes to a close I wanted to share my 5W’s of Thanksgiving. Enjoy and remember to be thankful each and every day for all your blessings.

Who should be thankful?

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.  Psalm 30:12

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

What should we be thankful for?

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. II Corinthians 9:15

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; I Thessalonians 1:2

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalm 30:4

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

When should I be thankful?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; I Chronicles 23:30

Where should we be thankful?

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. I Chronicles 16:8

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Psalm 35:18

Why should I be thankful?

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. I Chronicles 16:34

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: A new Queen

15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther 2:15-17

Now it is Esther’s turn to go before the king. Just like the women before her, Esther was allowed to ask for anything she needed. Esther did not ask for anything, she was satisfied with the items she had.

Everyone who saw Esther was impressed with her beauty. It was not just outer beauty but inner beauty that Esther possessed. Inner beauty radiated to the outward appearance.

The king was also “taken” by Esther. He loved her above all the other women and set the beautiful jeweled crown on her head. Esther the orphaned Jewish girl was now the beautiful queen of King Ahasuerus who ruled over 127 provinces.

What can we learn from this small portion of scripture?

©  Esther was humble v15a

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

©  Esther was satisfied  v15b

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:8

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrew 13:5

©  Esther had a quiet spirit v15c

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. I Peter 3:4

©  Esther had inner beauty 

…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7

The “hand of God’ can be seen in this portion of scripture, His name is not mentioned but God was with Esther each step of the way.

As I look at the life of Esther and the circumstances that she found herself in, I thank God for my life. Instead of griping and complaining about the situation we need to thank God for His guidance and sovereignty.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Advice to live by

Chapter ten is a mini version of the book of Proverbs full of advice, counsel and warnings. Let’s look at what Solomon is teaching:

Ecclesiastes 10:1  Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

When flies die and are in a perfume the perfume will stink, if you have a reputation of being wise and honourable you will ruin it with foolishness. Solomon is saying think before you do something, you do not want to ruin your “good name” with a foolish mistake.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 

* * * * * * * * 

Ecclesiastes 10:2-3  A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.

Wise and foolish go in opposite directions. One can tell the difference between the wise and foolish by the way they act and speak.

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Ecclesiastes 9:17

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28 

* * * * * * * *  

Ecclesiastes 10:4  If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

Take control of your anger, if someone over  you (i.e. ruler, boss) is angry don’t leave or quit but assess the situation and humble yourself. You need to respect the position of the one over you.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: … Hebrews 13:17 

It is not easy to do the right thing, but meditating on the word of God daily will help us to know the right way to go.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Authority

1 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? 5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. 6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. 7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be? Ecclesiastes 8:1-7

Authority is a word that most human beings hate to hear, unless of course, they are the ones in authority. Solomon does not waste any time talking about authority and what one’s responsibility is to authority. Here in the US we do not have kings, but we do have leaders that we need to respect and show authority to.

There are bosses, or people in authority, who we may not think deserve our respect. Nowhere in the Bible does it say respect authority if you like them or respect authority if they are nice to you. Hebrew 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Years ago, I worked for a boss that was not nice nor did this person do things “above the board”. At the very beginning of my work relationship with them I told them I would not lie or do anything dishonest. The reply to me was, “I would never ask you to lie.”

I had a co-worker who disliked the boss and would say unflattering things. One day as she was complaining to me and asked how I could stand working in the same office, I said, “I need to respect the bosses’ position, the one that was over me in the workplace.” I did not agree with most of what the boss did but I still needed to respect the position. It was  a hard thing to do and I did have a few confrontations, behind closed doors, but the Lord did take care of the situation for me. I found another job. It does not always work out that way, we need to ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance with difficult authority.

Solomon then talks about “time and judgment” or discernment. We need discernment when we speak to those in authority. Instead of just “speaking our mind” we need to pray and ask for wisdom to show us when to speak and when to not speak. Ecclesiastes 3:7

There are times when we may need to go against authority. Those times may include disobeying the laws of the land or the laws of God, in that case we need to remember Acts 5:29 “… We ought to obey God rather than men. “

Do you have a difficult boss? Do you dread going to the workplace? Ask God to give you grace to obey the authority He has put over you. Pray and ask for discernment each day to know when to speak or not to speak. God will show you the way. It may be hard, and most days it will be hard, but God is there.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Depression sets in

17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 18  Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. 19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity. 20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun. 21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? 23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity. 24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? 26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 2:17-26

Wow! If you weren’t depressed when you started to read this section you certainly would be at the end. As I read this portion of scripture I thought, “why am I doing Ecclesiastes”. Most of the book is depressing but instead of falling into despair, we can learn from Solomon. There are many good subjects in the book – but more on that at a later date.

Solomon is still searching, as he will be for most of the book, to find happiness and contentment. As this portion shows he is getting down right depressed.

He hates everything. He hates life. He hates all the labor he has accomplished. What good is everything I do, he says, because when I die it is all going to someone else.

In these 10 verses the words “under the sun” are repeated 5 times, the words, “vanity” or “vexation” are repeated 6 times. He appears at “wits end” with life in general. As we know his focus was on the wrong “things”.  He should have been focused on God and not on everything else around him.

What about you?  Are you focusing on the situations in your life? The situations may be serious problems such as sickness, death or accidents in your immediate circle of family or friends. The situations may just be some “drama” in your circle of family or friends, things that maybe you should not even be caught up in. Whatever the problem may be God is the solution.

·        He is waiting for you to come to him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 

·        He is there no matter what the problem. I will never leave or forsake you.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 

·        He loves you and wants to comfort you.

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Taunting remarks

[1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. [2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? [3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. [4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: [5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. Nehemiah 4:1-5

Sanballat is not happy when he hears the wall is being built. He is extremely angry and mocks the Jews. He doesn’t stop there but goes out and starts to mock and put them down to anyone who will listen. He goes to his brothers as well as the whole Samarian army. “Just look at what the feeble Jews are doing. Will they really be able to make the wall of the city strong? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish the work? Will they get stones out of the burnt dump?”

His fellow conspirator, Tobiah, is there with gloomy thoughts too, “The work is a mess, if a fox goes up on the wall it will fall down.” Discouragement, opposition, conflict, resistance is on all sides of Nehemiah and the people that are working on the wall.

What does Nehemiah do? He runs to a corner and cries! Absolutely not, Nehemiah does what he does best, prays. He cries out to God, “God turn what they are saying around to be on their own heads, don’t let their sin be covered up. God by provoking us they are provoking you. Nehemiah is not known for “mincing” works. He calls sin, sin.

Nehemiah is on a mission to repair the wall of Jerusalem. He will let nothing stop him.

Does God want you to do something? Maybe He wants you to speak to someone about Him? Maybe He wants you to do something at church? Maybe He is speaking to you about … Only you know. Keep at the task at hand, God is there for encouragement. Don’t be discouraged by what others say.

…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Encouraged by God

[19] But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? [20] Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:19-20

What do we have here? The same two names appear that were recorded in verse 10, but they have another conspirator with them, Geshem the Arabian. I call them the discouragers, you know the type; no matter what is said the next words out of their mouth is discouragement or something negative. They laughed, threaten and yelled, what do you think you’re doing?

Nehemiah was ready with an answer, “God will prosper us, so we are going to get up and start working. You on the other hand have nothing to do with this work or city so don’t trouble yourselves with our affairs.”

Nehemiah was not fearful of the three instigators but knew the Lord was with him.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The end of a year

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

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

Today is the last day of 2011. Where did the year go? This year was challenging, to say the least, for my husband and I. We have so much to be thankful for, thanking God for each and every step of the way.


Top 10 blessings of 2011
1. Being saved and knowing Jesus, I don’t even want to think of a year without Him

2. Mark can walk. It has been a hard year for him. There were a lot of setbacks with his back and legs. He walks with a cane because his legs are still numb. Praise God he can walk.

3. My job. In this economy anyone who is working needs to be thankful. I am thankful to have a job especially with Mark not working. My boss has been very supportive during the entire year, with me taking time off or coming in late or leaving early.

4. A home to live in.

5. My children, Sandi, Mark and Rob. I am so thankful for each of them and their unique personalities.

My daughter is a wonderful testimony and help to all around her. She is willing to help wherever needed in whatever situation. She is a great mother with two awesome sons.

It has been a hard year for Mark Jr. and his back, constantly working even though in pain. He has built his business during this economic decline. He is the father of two amazing daughters who adore him.

Rob, my silent warrior, has had some hard times this year, even though he does not say much.

Thank you Lord for each of them and richly blessing us.

6. My grandchildren, Grant, Cassidy, Sydney and Gabe. What a tremendous blessing and joy each of them bring to my life.

7. Living in a free country. I don’t know how much longer it will be free but thankful that I live in the US..

8. God’s precious word and quiet time each morning with Him.

9. Ladies Bible study, good discussions around the word of God.

10. Bible studies at the assisted livings. Thank your Lord for allowing us the privilege of knowing these precious people.

This is a very short list of my many, many, many blessings. As you reflect on 2011 count your blessings, name them one by one.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The Unchangeable God

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 23:19

But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Psalm 102:27

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

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

Albert Barnes says, “He is always the same, at all seasons of the year, and in all ages; there is no change in his character, his mode of being, his purposes and plans. What he was millions of ages before the worlds were made, he is now; what he is now, he will be countless millions of ages hence.”

Have a blessed day,
Donna

I have a great life!

I work at a yacht club, lots of crazy busyness in the summer months, not so busy from Labor Day on. As a matter of fact it slows down to a manageable pace. We can actually get work done in a timely matter, not so in the summer. One will start a task and get “sidetracked” all day by questions, other jobs that need to be done “yesterday” and so forth and so on. Some days I leave at the end of the day exhausted and think, “I got none of my work done” but I did accomplish lots of other odd jobs that needed to be finished.

We have a junior sailing program, where sailing is taught to children from 5 to 18. The sailing instructor staff is made up of high school (junior instructors) and college (senior instructors and sailing coaches) students, who know the craft of sailing. We hire instructors from all over the country who have been brought up in the sailing world. Most of our instructors have been sailing since young ages, participating in regattas (sailing races); it is in “their blood.”

One of the instructors, returning for her third year, is a young woman from the Midwest. She has a jubilant, exhilarating spirit, always happy and upbeat. The students as well as the parents adore her. She will stop by my office every few days just to say “hi” and tell me a story about a regatta she just attended with her students. I look forward to seeing her smiling face.

The other day she stopped by and was chatting about her day off. She had worked almost 3 weeks without a day off and never complained about it. The next day she was going to the Red Sox game with some friends. Remember this is Red Sox nation, everyone in New England loves the Sox (well almost everyone). She was so excited she was bursting inside, going to a Red Sox game was one of her “must do things” while in New England.

When I got a chance to get a word in, I said, “You have a pretty exciting life”. Her reply was, “I have a great life! I am so blessed.”

What a wonderful statement, as Christians do we see our life as a “great life”. I reveled in this statement for the next few days. I have a great life, my reasons are a little different than my friend, the sailing instructor, but a great life it is.

Here are just a few of my reasons:

God has made each and every day for me to enjoy.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

God has provided me with many benefits the most important is His salvation.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippines 4:19

The Lord has blessed me with three wonderful children, and four amazing grandchildren.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3

God is always with me.
…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:5

God loves me.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

I serve a great and marvelous God.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 1 Chronicles 16:12

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Verses of comfort

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

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

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:28

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

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

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

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5 -6

Have a comforting day,
Donna