Thankful Entries

The days are speeding by, it seems like yesterday was the first day of summer. Where does the time go?

               I keep a thankful journal and try to write often. One of my goals this month is to write something daily, whether a list or a verse. I’d like to share my entries:

Sunday November 1, 2015

               A month of “thankful” verses, verses with thank in them or verse that have helped me and I’m thankful for.

               Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalm 100:4

Monday November 2, 2015

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

Today’s 5:

1.      Light in the morning

2.      Walking

3.      Breathing

4.      Nice weather

5.      Ability to pay bills

Joy dare – 3 gifts worn:

1.      Comfy sweatshirt

2.      Slippers

3.      Warm jacket

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

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

Each and every day –daily, God loads us up with wonderful blessings, the greatest being salvation.

Today’s list:

1.      Beautiful sunset on ride home yesterday

2.      Bible study at Whaler’s Cove

3.      Sunshine

4.      Great fall weather

5.      Warm oatmeal

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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

               This verse makes me happy and thankful. Be glad means to “brighten up”. Rejoice means to “spin around” Shout for joy means  “to creak.. to shout..aloud for joy” .

               What a great way to start the day. Oh, Lord help me to meditate on this verse and keep my heart © “upright” in You.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

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

               O Lord, help me to proclaim your greatness and praise your wonderful Name.

Joy dare – 3 gifts acorn –small

               What a funny thing to be thankful for – small things, but there are many small things that hold large significance.

1.      Ants – we learn so much from an ant by just watching – hard workers – diligent – can carry 10-50 times body weight Proverbs 6:6

2.      Seeds – I have been “sprouting seeds” and it is amazing after 4-5 days that little seeds “sprout” to become part of my salad – miracle of God

3.      A grain of sand- everything God made

               Just trying to think of small things can be mind boggling, so many in the plant and animal kingdoms that are good. God’s perfect plan He made it all. Thank you Lord!

Friday, November 6, 2015

               This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

           
 Meanings of rejoice (spin around) and glad (brighten up) are the same as Psalm 32:11, Praise God!

               Put on a happy face (and really mean it) and be a blessing to someone. Help me Lord to do this each and every day!

Have a thankful day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Feasting and gladness

16 But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another. Ether 9:16-19

The battles are ended and victory belongs to the Jews. The death toll outside of the king’s city is high, very high at 75,000. Again it is mentioned that the Jews did not take any spoil.

The goal was to defend their lives. They fought so they could live. When the conflict ended they gathered together to rest and rejoice by feasting. The Jews in the king’s provinces fought on the 13^th and celebrated on the 14^th day. The Jews in Shushan fought on the 13^th and 14^th days and celebrated on the 15^th day. Remember, Esther asked for another day of battle in the palace city.

The scriptures say it was “a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another” verse 19. The Jews had so much, so very much to be glad about. How about you? Can you celebrate today as a “gladness” day? Take a few minutes to name things you are glad about.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:2

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31:7

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

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. Psalm 40:6

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Psalm 104:34

The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: The letters are “in the mail”

14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace. 15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. 17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. Esther 8:14-17

The letters are sent and the decree given, the Jews will have the right to fight their oppressors. It almost seems like a collective sigh goes out from all the Jews.

Mordecai goes out in royal apparel with the crown and fine garments that the king has given him. There is rejoicing and the people are beside themselves with happiness.

They were happy because now they would have a “fighting chance”. A feast was held and “many people of the land became Jews…” The tables have been turned, instead of cursing and putting down the Jews perhaps the people could “see the hand of God” in the turning of events.

How about you? Can you rejoice and be glad of the “events” in your life? Can you see God working?  Here are a few verses of encouragement.

Be glad:

You are a Christian

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

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; Psalm 31:7

You can trust in God:

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. Psalm 64:10

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. II Samuel 22:3

He is your strength

... God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

... for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

You are alive

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

You are redeemed:

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:11

Jesus is coming again

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3

 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

Celebration!!

[31] Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate: ... [35] And certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph: [36] And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them. [37] And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. [38] And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall; [39] And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate. [40] So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me: … [43] Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. [44] And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. [45] And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. [46] For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. [47] And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron. Nehemaih 12:31-47

Nehemiah takes the princes of Judah and divides them into two big groups. The first group walks south while the second group walks north. The groups consisted of many people marching and playing instruments. People came from all over to join in the celebration. There were people from within the walls as well as people who built homes outside the walls participating in the great and wonderful dedication.

Whole families took part in the festivity. Sacrifices were made; singing with accompanying musical instruments filled the air with wonderful sounds and melodies to the Lord. The people were so happy praising and rejoicing that it could be heard far away.

Do we praise and rejoice in the Lord for all His blessings to us? As the song writer wrote, “count your blessings name them one by one.”

Here are some praise and joy verses to get you started:

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11

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

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

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

[1] Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. [2] Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. [3] Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. [4] Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. [5] Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. [6] Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 150

Have a blessed day,
Donna