Thank You, Lord, for Another Year

As 2013 comes to a close, I want to thank You, Lord, for all that I have experienced this year.  I thank You for the good, the bad, the ups, the downs, the trials, the tribulations, the triumphs, the joy, the pain, the tears, the smiles, the happiness, and the blessings – the countless, countless blessings.

I thank You, Lord, not only for the good things that I have been through, but also the heartaches.  You took what was sent to destroy me and turned it into a thousand blessings.  You took my broken pieces and made me whole again.  You remade me into what I am today.  I have never been so blessed! 

When I am sad, You are my joy.  When I am weak, You are my strength.  When I am troubled, You are my peace.  I am happy, because of You.  I am strong, because of You.  I have peace, because of You.  I am everything, because of You.  Without You, I am nothing.  Thank You.

The new year, like a new born child, is placed in our hands as the old year passes away.  The days, weeks, months, years we have to come are gifts from You.  They carry Your blessing.  Lord, may we welcome them with open arms, open minds, and open hearts.

I pray, Lord, that as this year is ending, that all the good in it remain with us and all that was harmful be left behind.

I pray that this new year is filled with Your kindness.  I pray that we are glad and rejoice in You all the days of our lives.  I pray that we gain wisdom of heart.  I pray that we respond to one another with love, Your love, in all circumstances.

I pray that you make me an instrument of Your peace.  Where there is hatred, let me sow love.  Where there is doubt, let me sow faith.  Where there is despair, let me sow hope.  Where there is darkness, let me sow light.  Where there is sadness, let me sow joy.

I pray that I may not seek so much to be loved as to love.  That I may not seek so much to be understood as to understand.  That I may not seek so much to consoled as to console.  For it is in giving that we receive. 

Lord, I pray that you continue to mold me like the potter molds the clay, into what You will me to be.  I pray that I follow the path You have carefully laid for my life.

Lord, in the midst of life’s uncertainties in the days ahead, assure us of the certainty of Your unchanging love.  I pray that we turn to You for the stability and comfort we will need.  I ask that You help us not to lose our way in the midst of life’s temptations and the pull of our stubborn self-will.  Help us have the courage to do what is right in Your sight, regardless of the cost.

As I look back over this past year, I thank You, Lord, for Your goodness – far beyond what I have ever deserved. 

I thank You, Lord, for the promise and hope of this new year.  I look forward to it with expectancy and faith.

All these things I ask and praise You for, in Jesus precious name.  Amen.

The Attitude of Gratitude

The Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, appreciation:  a feeling or attitude in acknowledgement of a benefit that one has received or will receive.

Gratitude is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full.  Gratitude not only can be deliberately cultivated, but it can increase levels of well-being and happiness to those who cultivate it.  How cool is that?!  In addition to those perks, it is also associated with increased levels of energy, optimism and empathy.  An attitude of gratitude can literally transform your life!

The Lord calls us to be thankful in all circumstances.  It is His will for us to be grateful.

Quotes

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ― Epicurus

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” ― Maya Angelou, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ―Cicero

Scripture

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT)

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:20 NLT)

“This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NLT)

“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)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 NLT)

Living a Life of Gratitude Can Make You Happy

Really…the simple act of thinking about whom and what I am grateful for can make a big difference in my life?

Yes!  Try it out.  Sit for a moment, humble yourself, and think about who all and what all you are grateful for.  I’ll be willing to bet, afterward, you’ll find yourself feeling blessed and a wave of happiness will come over you.  Like that feeling?  Do this on a regular basis.  Call it your “gratitude session.”

So why does this work?  And whom/what should I be grateful to/for?

·         What’s Important – Gratitude will remind you of what is truly important.  It is hard to complain about all the little things when you are grateful for the big things.  It’s hard to complain about a sniffle or sneeze when you hear of someone else who is fighting for their life with cancer.  It is hard to get stressed about that drip in the faucet, that unfinished project, etc. when you are grateful that you have a roof over your head.  When we look at the big picture and are grateful for what is truly important, the things that once were bothering us, don’t seem so big, nor as important anymore.

·         Thank Others – Being grateful reminds you to thank others.  A single “thank you” can make a huge impact on someone’s life.  Everyone likes to be appreciated for who they are and what they do.  It doesn't cost you a thing to say thank you and be grateful, and it makes someone else happy…what a wonderfully free gift you can give!  And, making someone else happy will make you happy.  Try it.  It’s hard not to smile, when someone is smiling at you for something you've said or done for them.  Smiles and thanks are free, and catching!

·         Positive Reminders – Being grateful reminds you of all the positive things in life.  As you focus on all the positives, the negatives get pushed to the background.  Focus on the positives enough, and the negatives start to fade away and become less significant, if not completely insignificant.  It makes you happy about and appreciative for the people in your life.  It makes you appreciate all the blessings you have.  You will find that you are blessed more than perhaps you realized you were.

·         Turns Negatives to Positives – Kids driving you batty?  Be grateful you have those children and that they are healthy.  Work problems getting to you?  Be grateful you have work, when so many are struggling in this economy.  Wishing you had more?  Be grateful for what you have, for there are so many out there that would be blessed to have a fraction of what you've got.  Be grateful for the challenges that come your way, it means your life isn't boring.  Be grateful you can learn from these challenges and that they are making you a stronger person.  Turn that gray cloud into a silver lining!

·         Keeps us Humble – Being grateful reminds us to be humble.  Often we are greedy, yearning for more.  We are too busy looking at what we don’t have, what we would like to have, rather than being thankful for what we do have.  Sometimes we neglect to give thanks because we have taken what we have for granted.  When was the last time you gave thanks for the simple things?  Giving thanks keeps us from taking the blessings of life for granted.

·         Who to be Grateful For – Your loved ones that do so much for you, coworkers who help you out with that workload when you ask them, friends that are always there when you need them, strangers who have shown you acts of kindness, everyone!  Be thankful for all the many people who add so much color and warmth to your life…your wife, your husband, your children, your family, your friends, etc.  Each one enriches you and is a personal gift directly from the hand of God.  Thank yourself for the things you've done, as it is important to recognize your own accomplishments as well.  And most importantly, thank God for the life He has given you.  He has given you so much!

·         What to be Grateful For – Be grateful for everything you have been given, big and small, good and bad.  The big good things, obviously impact our lives.  But the small good things impact our lives as well, sometimes just as much as the big things.  Wait, did you say to also be grateful for the bad things?  Yes, I did.  I’ll speak more to this in the next section.

Life’s Storms

So, you said to be grateful for the bad things.  Why?  The bad things mold us into the people we are today.  I believe the most difficult time to be grateful is when we are in the middle of a challenge, a setback, a problem, or a trail.  When a storm starts raging, giving thanks is rarely our first reaction.  It’s never easy to be thankful during adversity, but it is always right. 

The difficult times are the ones in which God seems to be most at work in our lives.  He strengthens our weak spots.  He comforts our hurting hearts.  He draws us closer to him and increases our dependence upon him.  He takes the bad things, the things that Satan does to us in an effort to destroy us, and uses them for our good.  He turns those bad things into blessings, even if we aren't always able to immediately see it.  Praise Him during the storm and afterward, for He knows exactly what He is doing and what plans He has for each and every one of us!

Why God Commands Us to Give Thanks in All Circumstances

God wants us to give thanks to Him in good times because thanksgiving promotes God’s glory and develops humility in us.  Every good and perfect gift is from above.  Giving thanks makes us appreciative for what we have been given.  We appreciate life more when we make it a point to focus on all the wonderful things we have been given; in other words, when we take the time to count our blessings.

God wants us to give thanks to Him in difficult times because it is an act of faith.  It takes faith to thank God for difficult circumstances.  We must believe that He has a plan for us that we cannot see.  We must believe that His wisdom is beyond our own understanding.  This requires more than just superficial faith.  God wants us to learn to walk by faith and not by sight.  We cannot always understand why things happen in our lives.  By depending on God through all times, good or bad, we can know peace even in the confusing and difficult times.

“Good Timber” by Douglas Malloch 

The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain, 

 
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil, 

 
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease: 
The stronger wind, the stronger trees; 
The further sky, the greater length; 
The more the storm, the more the strength. 

 
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both. 

 
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, if you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.  During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you are tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.

~ Author Unknown ~

Grateful All Year Long

Gratitude isn’t something that should just pass from our minds with the passing of a season.  It’s not just an exercise we should perform just at Thanksgiving and Christmas time.  It is an attitude, a God-focused response to every circumstance throughout each moment of each day of each year.

Some Things I Am Grateful For

If I listed all that I am grateful for, I would never stop writing.  So, here is just the tip of the iceberg. 

I am grateful for my husband, whom I love with all I am and all I have.  I am grateful for my children, who are the best blessings we could ever be given.  I am grateful for my parents, who are always there when I need them.  I am grateful for my family, my in-laws, and my friends.  I am grateful for my job, my talents, and the success I have had with both.  I am grateful for my heath, the ability to get around well, the weight loss I have achieved, the ability to weight train, and the ability to run around and play with our children.  I am grateful for our home, which my husband built with his own hands, and his talent to have been able to build such a home for him and his family.  I am grateful we are so blessed and that we are not struggling when there are so many out there that are.  I am grateful we are provided for – food, clothing, shelter, water, etc. 

I am grateful that God changed my life.  I am grateful for the times of crisis that I thought I could not survive, but did, by His strength, not by my own.  I am grateful beyond measure and words that the Lord answers my prayers.  I am grateful that He hears me when I cry out to Him and He is quick to respond.  I am grateful He is a God of restoration and can rebuild things and make them new again, even better than they were before.

I am thankful that God is good and that His love endures forever.  I am grateful that His faithfulness will never cease.  I am grateful that I am a child of God.  I am grateful for my salvation. 

I am grateful.

Photo > Unknown Blessings

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT)

Does “Xmas” Really Take Christ out of Christmas?

This post is in no way meant to ruffle feathers.  It is just meant to educate.  I implore you to read the entire post through before you think I am being disrespectful.  This was something I have been curious about and now that I have the facts, find quite interesting.  Perhaps you will too.  The history of the word "Xmas" is actually more respectable, and fascinating, than you might suspect.

Most of us have heard this all of our lives – Spelling Christmas as “Xmas” is taking Christ out of Christmas.  I’ll bet a lot of us have even heard it said this month, perhaps this week, maybe even today.

So, is it true?  Is it disrespectful?  Is it sacrilegious?  Let’s find out…

Misconceptions

The notion that ‘Xmas’ is a new and vulgar representation of the word ‘Christmas’ seems to stem from the erroneous belief that the letter ‘X’ is used to stand for the word ‘Christ’ because of its resemblance to a cross, or that the abbreviation was deliberately concocted as a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas by taking the “Christ” out of “Christmas”.

The X

The Basics

The first letter in the Greek word for ‘Christ’, Χριστός , is ‘chi’.  The Greek letter ‘chi’ is represented by a symbol similar to the letter ‘X’ in the modern Roman alphabet.  The Greek word Χριστός comes into English as ‘Christ’.

The Details

The word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated in English for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used.  "Christ" was often written as "Xρ" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as 1021.  This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters χ (Ch) and ρ (R) used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (Greek for "Christ"), and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ.  The labarum, an amalgamation of the two Greek letters rendered as ☧, is a symbol often used to represent Christ in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian Churches.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the OED Supplement have cited usages of "X-" or "Xp-" for "Christ-" as early as 1485.  The terms "Xtian" and less commonly "Xpian" have also been used for "Christian".  The OED further cites usage of "Xtianity" for "Christianity" from 1634.  According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, most of the evidence for these words comes from "educated Englishmen who knew their Greek".

In ancient Christian art, χ and χρ are abbreviations for Christ's name.  In many manuscripts of the New Testament and icons, Χ is an abbreviation for Χριστος, as is XC (the first and last letters in Greek, using the lunate sigma); compare IC for Jesus in Greek.

The Labarum

The labarum, often called the Chi-Rho, is a symbol representing Christ.  There is general agreement that it is likely the oldest known monogram for Christ.

The “mas”

The “mas” part in Xmas and Christmas is from the Latin-derived Old English word for “Mass”.

Etymology of the Word “Christmas” and “Xmas”

"Christmas" is a compound word originating in the term "Christ's Mass".

It is derived from the Middle English Cristemasse, which is from Old English Crīstesmæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038 followed by the word Cristes-messe in 1131.  

Crīst (genitive Crīstes) is from Greek Khrīstos (Χριστός), a translation of Hebrew Māšîaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ), "Messiah", meaning "annointed"; and mæsse is from Latin missa, the celebration of the Eucharist.

The form "Christenmas" was also historically used, but is now considered archaic and dialectal; it derives from Middle English Cristenmasse, literally "Christian mass".

"Xmas" is an abbreviation of Christmas found particularly in print, based on the initial letter chi (Χ) in Greek Khrīstos (Χριστός), "Christ", though numerous style guides discourage its use; it has precedent in Middle English Χρ̄es masse (where "Χρ̄" is an abbreviation for Χριστός).

Legitimate?

‘Xmas’ is indeed a perfectly legitimate abbreviation for the word ‘Christmas’.  In fact, ‘Xian’ is also sometimes used as an abbreviation of the word ‘Christian’.

Other proper names containing the name "Christ" besides those mentioned previously are sometimes abbreviated similarly, either as "X" or "Xt", both of which have been used historically, e.g., "Xtopher" or "Xopher" for "Christopher", or "Xtina" or "Xina" for the name "Christina".

Should I Be Offended?

None of this means that Christians aren't justified in feeling slighted or offended when people write ‘Xmas’ rather than ‘Christmas’, but the point is that the abbreviation was not created specifically for the purpose of demeaning Christ, Christians, Christianity, or Christmas.  It’s a very old artifact of a very different language.

Whether the use of ‘Xmas’ offends you or not is a personal decision.  I’m not here to tell you whether you should or should not be offended.

Personally, whether or not the word ‘Xmas’ offends me depends entirely on the writer’s intentions.  The meaning isn't measured in the word itself, but the sentiment and intent behind the word.

If the writer’s intentions are to intentionally remove ‘Christ’ from ‘Christmas’, then yes, I would be offended.

(Of course, I would now, being educated of its meaning, chuckle at this writer as they clearly do not know the true meaning of the abbreviated word.  Their effort to remove Christ was in vain, as the "X" means "Christ" and they are unknowingly leaving Him right where He belongs.)

If the writer is educated and his intentions are to use the word for what it truly means, then I would not be offended at all.

Etiquette

So, should I use ‘Xmas’?  Again, that’s a personal decision you have to make.  I’m not here to sway you one way or the other.

Personally, due to the fact that most folks are not educated on the true origination of the abbreviation ‘Xmas’ and its true meaning, I wouldn't use it in normal circumstances.  Since the misconception is that the abbreviation ‘Xmas’ is a removal of ‘Christ’ from ‘Christmas’, and most folks have this misconception and find it offensive, intentionally using it around those who would be offended is not something I would do.

The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, while acknowledging the ancient and respectful use of “Xmas” in the past, states that the spelling should never be used in formal writing.

“The abbreviation Xmas (sometimes spelled Exmas) for Christmas should be avoided in formal writing.  It is appropriate only for advertising copy and is usually considered substandard even there.  Oddly enough, the abbreviation has a long and established history in English, dating back to its Old English form used in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of the twelfth century.  The X is actually the Greek letter chi and has been used as a symbol for the name of Christ (Christos) since the first century.

Christ is ALWAYS There!

So, whether it's "Merry Christmas", "Merry CHRISTmas" or "Merry Xmas", remember, Christ is ALWAYS there!  Try as someone might, you just can't take the Christ out of Christmas!

The Geek in Me

And now a funny, because, yeah, I'm nerdy like that.  All you fellow Algebra and math geeks out there will get a kick out of this one.  Enjoy!

1)  X + Mas = Christ + Mas

2)  X + Mas = Christ + Mas

          - Mas              - Mas

3)  X = Christ

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/xmasabbr.asp

http://books.google.com/books?id=SJyp_PS1rSkC&pg=PA411&vq=Xmas&source=gbs_search_r&cad=0_1#v=onepage&q=Xmas&f=false

 http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/what-is-the-chi-rho/

Lord, I Am Weak

Lord, thank you for reminding me of these verses.  Your power is displayed in my weakness and it gives me courage, peace and hope.

I recognize I have limitations and shortcomings.  I depend on You, Lord, for my effectiveness rather than on myself - my own energy, effort, talent, thoughts.  By admitting my limitations, it helps to develop my Christian character.  By admitting my limitations, it deepens my worship with You.  By admitting my limitations, I affirm Your strength.

When I am strong in my own abilities, I am tempted to do Your work on my own, and that leads to pride.  When I worry, it is as though I am not believing You will get it right.  Forgive me for this, Lord.

When I am weak, I allow You to fill me with Your power, and then I am stronger than I could ever be on my own.

I know you do not intend me to be weak, passive or ineffective.  Life provides enough hindrances and setbacks without us creating them ourselves and adding to the weight on our shoulders.  When we try to tackle the weights of this world on our own, we usually fall and fall hard.  It is when we trust in You that we rise above the problems, the worries, the obstacles, the hindrances, the shortcomings, the setbacks and issues.

Thank you for reminding me, Lord, that when those obstacles come, I must depend on You.  For ONLY Your power will make me effective for You and help me do work that has lasting value.  For ONLY Your power will get me through the rough times, the hardships, the pains, the fear, the worries, the setbacks and issues.

When I turn it all over to You, it does not mean I am weak, it just means that I know You are strong enough to take it on for me.  Complete surrender, trust and faith in you is all I need.  And by giving it up to You and getting my hands out of it, I move aside to allow You to get Your hands fully in it.  I allow You to do works in my life that I am unable to do myself.  I allow You to guide me on the path You know is best for me.  I allow You to flourish my life with blessings, even when I do not deserve them.

I know you see the big picture, whereas I only see a tiny portion.  YOU know what is best, and I give it all to You, Lord.  Lead us, guide us, and protect us.

I humbly thank you and praise you, Lord.  Thank You for humbling me, when I need it...and I definitely needed it today, Lord.  You never fail to correct me, when I need correcting.

I thank You, Lord, for reminding me that I cannot do anything on my own.

I thank You, Lord, for reminding me that I am guilty of placing too much on others, perhaps expecting too much, not recognizing and being understanding enough when others are going through their own storms.  I pray You, and they, forgive me for this.

I pray, Lord, that You use me as a beacon of Your light.  That You shine through me into them and display YOUR strength, YOUR understanding, YOUR peace, YOUR hope, and above all, always above all, YOUR LOVE.  Use me as Your tool, Lord, as you see fit.  I pray You use me as a blessing on others.

You have placed me on this Earth to be a Godly wife, a Godly mother, a Godly daughter, a Godly family member, a Godly friend, a Christian in and through all times.  You have placed me here to do Your works.  Thank You for reminding me of this.  Thank you for your peace, which transcends all understanding.  Thank You.  Thank You.  Thank You.

I thank You, Lord, that when I call out to You in desperation, earnestly, honestly, persistently, with all my heart and spirit, with my hands and heart turned up toward you, You listen and answer quickly.  I thank You, Lord, that You have shown me how to listen for Your still, soft voice and that I can recognize it.  I thank You for humbling me so that I can hear and understand You when you speak to me.  I thank You for speaking on my heart today.  And most of all, I thank You for your forgiveness.  That You love me, even when I don't deserve it.  Thank you.

All these things I most graciously thank and praise you for, in Jesus precious name I pray.  Amen.

Photo > Thank You God for Our Families and Loved Ones

Photo > Make the Best of Everything You Have

Become Part of the Bike: Trust and Lean with Him

"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight..." (Isaiah 45:2 NKJV)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

When learning to ride a motorcycle, your first instinct when entering a curve is to lean in the opposite way of the bike, believing it will counteract the weight and keep you balanced and upright.  We are hesitant and fearful of leaning with the bike, believing that we will fall and get hurt.

The thrill and success comes when we let go and stop trying to control the bike.  When we let go of this fear and lean with the bike, we navigate curves successfully.  We become one with the bike and find ourselves gliding smoothly around the snaky curves.  Motions become fluid and natural.

We go through our lives, much in this same manner.  Instead of following the path the Lord has laid out for us, we lean in the opposite direction.  We want to do what feels safe and comfortable to us.  We want to do what we think is the right path.  We don’t want to fall.  We don’t want to fail.  We don’t want to get outside of our comfort zones.

It is when we let go and lean with Him that our lives navigate more smoothly.  He sees every twist, turn, bump and obstacle in the road ahead.  He navigates us through life when we lean with Him and relinquish our need for constant control over our lives.

Let go and let God.  Become apart of the bike.  Trust Him and lean with Him!

Photo > No One on Earth Can Break Me

Faith + Nothing

Republished with permission from fellow Living Faith Baptist Church member, Josh Stone.
(Thank you, Josh, for allowing me to share this!)

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. -Romans 4:4,5

Understand this! God does not, nor ever will owe us anything! That's exactly what most people think when they add to faith+nothing. When you believe that you can do this, or do that for your salvation, that means that once you have done that which you believe is required then God owes you salvation. That cannot be! Salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8). You don't earn gifts. They are freely given. I guess that it's just human nature as to why people cannot comprehend faith+nothing. You will probably read about this same topic from me over and over. Why? Because it is crucial that you understand Salvation is all about Him and nothing about us. The Apostle Paul was dealing with this same problem in his missions. The Judaisers were going around and adding to faith+nothing. They were claiming that circumcision and law-keeping must be added to faith. Here's the concerning part. Paul explains in Galatians 5, that if they were to add to Grace, then Christ would profit them nothing. In other words, if you think that you have to add to Christ's finished work on the cross, then you have just cancelled out Grace entirely! It must be fully Grace, or it's nothing at all! It's so simple that our human minds can't comprehend it! At the same time, it's so deep that our human minds can't comprehend it. Surely, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Faith- taking God at His Word, plus nothing!

Photo > Thank You God for Loving Me

Reflecting on the Day Our Twins Arrived - 9/16

Reflecting on the Day Our Twins Arrived

9 years ago today, our twins arrived at 32 weeks gestation.  The barometric pressure change caused by Hurricane Ivan caused my water to break the night before.  At 2 months early, naturally we were worried and scared.

As the doctors watched closely while I labored, it was suggested that a cesarean section might be the best course of delivery.  Current sonograms suggested that our son, who was head down and would come first, was smaller than his sister, who sat transverse atop him.  

Due to being in a head down position throughout almost the entire pregnancy, getting accurate measurements on him, specifically his head, wasn't the easiest of tasks.  The doctor’s fear was that he was smaller than his sister and he wouldn't ‘pave the way’ for her to come easily since he would arrive first in a natural birth scenario.  

I KNEW this precious boy was bigger than his sister.  His head measurements had been bigger than hers during earlier scans.  I KNEW his head was bigger than hers.  I just KNEW it.  I KNEW his leg measurements, which were shorter than his sister’s, were not indicative of his size…he was just built like his wonderful Daddy.  He wasn't smaller, he was just built differently.  He like his father, she like me.

I KNEW the best way for these preemies to get here would be naturally.  They needed the fluid to be squeezed from their tiny, little lungs during a trip down the birth canal...as nature intended it to be.  Otherwise, they held a greater risk of breathing difficulties when they arrived.

I prayed.  I prayed HARD.  REALLY HARD!  God spoke to me in His still, small voice and a wave of calmness that I cannot even begin to describe swept over me.  I don't have the words to make others understand completely how and what I felt in that moment and the time afterwards.  I KNEW giving birth to them naturally was the correct decision.  I KNEW that God wouldn't lead me to a decision that would bring our babies or us to harm.  I TRUSTED Him with complete FAITH and BELIEF that His knowledge was greater than my understanding or anyone else's.

Against doctor’s suggestions and the worried faces and words of my family, the decision to give birth naturally was relayed to the doctors.  My husband stood beside my decision, which meant more to me than he will ever begin  to possibly know.  (Thank you - the other half of my heart - for standing strong beside me, even when others weren't so trusting and sure of my decision.)

Surrounded by my husband, a staff of doctors, NICU workers, nurses, and other hospital staff, our precious son and daughter came into this world.

Our son arrived looking around and checking out this world before he even got completely into it.  His gorgeous blue eyes were wide and open.  (Those gorgeous blue eyes are still wide open to the world, curious and ever wondering about everything!)  His welcoming wail was a beautiful sound!  Our firstborn son.  His father's namesake.  Built just like his Daddy.  Oh, our precious boy!!!  The pride, joy and happiness on my husband's face will forever be burned into my memory!

Our daughter, who was transverse, didn't want to turn head down after her brother came.  Even though he paved the way for her, she stretched out, enjoying her newly found extra space in my womb.  Feet first and stunned, she was pulled into the world.  (Still today, she likes to pave her own way; stubborn and ready to go at things in her own way.  It gets her into trouble sometimes, but when she's older and knows how to channel it, she will be a mighty force!)  She was so quiet when she arrived that her father and I have never experienced such a moment of fright in all of our lives.  When her piercing cry finally broke the silence of the room, it was the most beautiful sound we had ever heard!  Her Daddy and I locked eyes in relief and happiness as our second daughter, another sweet little girl who was already wrapped around his little finger, made her presence known to us all.  (And she hasn't been silent since...hahaha!)

Both of their lungs were great and they never had to have any assistance breathing.  They spent a short stint in the NICU learning to suck and getting over some jaundice.  A little over a couple of weeks later, our perfect little miracles came home to join our family of 3 now turned to a family of 5.  

Our eldest daughter, who was 3 at the time and is now 12, adored them from the moment she saw them.  Now our family is a family of 6, as two years after the twins arrived, our youngest son came.  Our family is complete and I can't imagine life without them!

Happy birthday to our twins who are 2 of our 4 pride and joys!  You make our lives worth living and bring joy to our lives every day!  We are truly and amazingly blessed!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to me on that stormy September day and leading me to the right decision for our precious twins.  Thank You for the wonderful husband You have given me who stood by me and that decision which You placed in my heart.  Thank You for the immeasurable faith You provided me with then.  Thank You for the immeasurable faith that You continue to provide to me now, which has grown even greater than it was that day.  

Thank You for continuing to give me guidance where sometimes there appears to be no light or when the storms are raging.  Thank You for constantly reminding me that it is Your Will, not ours, that directs our paths in this life.  Thank You for reminding me to follow You, not myself or the flesh of this world.  For only You know what is best for all of us.  

I trust You, Lord.  I trust You and know that just as You did 9 years ago on the day our twins arrived, You still speak to me and lead me the way You want me to go.  I know if I ask You for your guidance in my decisions, You are quick to assist me.  

You are constantly working on me and molding me into the Godly woman, wife, mother, daughter, and child of God that You desire me to be and I thank and praise You for that.  You are constantly working on our lives, our family, our home and our hearts…thank you for that!  I pray and thank You that You continue to work on us all and bond us with an unbreakable and immeasurable bond. 

I pray and thank You that you guide us in raising these precious children You have given us to be the Godly men and women you desire them to be.  I ask and thank You for the guidance You provide us with in being Godly role models and examples for our children.  For just as we look to You, our Heavenly Father, for guidance on who and what we are to be, our children look to us, their earthly mother and father, for guidance and examples on who and what they are to be and become.

Thank You for reminding me constantly to listen to Your voice, not my own will and desires, in my life.  Thank You for forgiving me when I fail, picking me up when I fall, and putting me back on the course You have for me.  I thank You now for doing the same in the future, for I know I will fail and fall again...many times.  Thank You for always being there for me and not forgetting me, even when I have forgotten you.  Thank You for 'jerking a knot in my tail' when I've needed it and knowing that you will do it again and again when needed.  You correct me when I need correction, just as we correct our children, as I am your child.

Thank you for blessing us more than we have ever deserved.  Thank You for all that You have done, are doing now, and plan to do for us in our lives – myself, my husband, our children and our family.  I pray You keep my faith strong and my ears open, always waiting for Your voice and guidance.

I thank You for your peace which transcends all understanding.  I thank You for restoration of things that are broken.  I thank You for rebuilding me and not ever giving up on me, on us, or our family.  I thank you for giving us Your love, even when it is not deserved.  I thank you for Your forgiveness.  I thank You for our salvation.  I thank You for everything!

Thank You, thank You, thank You!  In Jesus’ precious name, I thank and praise you, Amen.

Photo > Hebrews 11:1 - Faith

Photo > Give Good

Photo > A Prayer for Today

9/11 Reflections

Today 12 years ago, I was at work and we were all watching in horror on a TV in one of the offices. We all hugged one another and cried. I sped home to our daughter. She was about 2 1/2 months old. I couldn't wait to get home, see her smiling face, hold her and love on her. I couldn't wait for my husband to get home and wrap my arms around him. I couldn't squeeze either of them tight enough or love on them enough.

As we reflect back today and remember all those who were lost and those who were left behind with lost loved ones, we need to graciously and humbly thank God for the multitude of blessings that He has given to each and every one of us.

We all need to squeeze our loved ones a little tighter today and make sure they know how much we love and cherish them. Things can change in a blink of an eye. There are thousands out there that would love another opportunity to squeeze their loves ones today. We shouldn't take a single moment for granted.

I want our children to know that they are the world to me and I love them with all I have. I want my husband to know he is the other half of my heart and I love him with every fiber of my being. I thank God every day for giving me my husband and wonderful kids. They are my life.

I want my family to know that I love each and every one of them so much. I want my friends to know that I love them and am happy to have them in my life.

So hold your loved ones a little tighter today. Hug them...a lot. Tell them how much you love them and what they mean to you.  And thank God for placing them in your life!!!

Photo > Faith is Like Wi-Fi

Prayer - Pray Effectively

I've blogged about praying without hindrance, discussing the things that can make your prayers ineffective.  So, what are some keys to effective prayer?

Ask – It goes without saying that if you want a prayer answered, you must first offer up a prayer.  God can certainly meet all of our needs without us asking Him, but the Bible clearly states that He wants us to ask.  God knows that when we ask we will be more likely to give Him the glory of the results.

“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT)

Direct Your Prayer to God – How often do our prayers contain little or no thought of God himself?  We often fill our minds full to the brim of thoughts about our own needs instead of filling them with thoughts of God himself.  In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus encouraged us to respectfully consider to whom we are praying.  We should take our eyes off of our needs, our situations, and our distresses and place them on Jesus.  We should align our will with His will.

“6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7 NLT)

Pray in Jesus’ Name – Jesus is our intermediary to our Heavenly Father.

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:13 NLT)

Forgiveness – Ask for forgiveness for your sins.  Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers.  

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 NLT)

Forgive others if you are holding a grudge against anyone.  

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25 NLT)

Being forgiven and being forgiving will make your prayer more effective.  God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

  

Pray Passionately – Our prayers should have intensity.  We shouldn't pray just to be praying (i.e. just going through the motions), but have heartfelt feeling behind our prayers.  Offer true thanks.  Give true praise.  Pray out loud, pray with your body and pray with concentration.  Pray earnestly!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16 NLT)

Pray Desperately - Pray with agony when your situation is distressful.  Many times our prayers have little power because we put little or no heart into them.  We can’t expect God to put much heart into a prayer that was offered up with little heart.  Our prayers must mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God.  Desperation puts us in a place where we have to turn to God in prayer.  Scripture is full of examples of desperate prayers.  In desperation, God sees how serious we are about what we are asking.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

Be Humble – Do not make demands to God.  Bring your requests to him with humility and with a humble heart.

Align Your Will With His - Adjust your prayer according to the will of God.  There are many things that we desire, but God knows what the best possible result is for us at each and every moment. 

“14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT)

Pray His Promises – We can claim the promises God has made to us.  When our requests are things God has already promised to grant us, we increase our praying with confidence.

Have Faith – Faith, enduring, waiting.  Effective prayer doesn’t give up when results are not immediately seen.  It continues to pray and believe for an answer no matter how long it takes.  Remember, God works in His time, not ours.  He knows the best answer and the best time to provide it.  Keep on praying!

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT)

Let Go and Let God – Your prayer’s power is increased when you let go and turn over whatever you are praying about to God.  If you have any doubt about God’s ability to answer your prayer, turn it all over to Him and ask Him for the faith to believe in His Will and abilities.

Be Thankful – Thank God not only for the answers you do receive, but also for those you don’t or the unexpected answers.  Send Him thanks for all He has blessed you with, all He has done for you, all He is doing for you, and all He is planning to do for you.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Pray as a Body – Prayer and praise have even greater power when entered into with other believers.  There is power in united prayer!

““I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.”  (Matthew 18:19 NLT)

Jesus means that if two or more people share the same burden, are sure of God’s will, and are in agreement with the Spirit of God and one another as they pray, they will see dynamic results.

Pray Alone – Don’t just pray in church or in group settings alone.  Get by yourself and get alone with God to devote yourself to prayer.  Have one on one conversations with God as well as participating in group prayers.  Scripture teaches us to not only pray together, but to pray alone as well.

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 NLT)

Pray Effectively - Pray effectively and see results done God's way an in His timing.  Don't give up and never stop praying!!

Prayer - Pray Expecting to Get Answers

Ever prayed for something and did not expect God to answer and He didn't?  Your lack of faith could be why your answer did not come.  If we want God to answer our prayers, we must have faith and expect an answer from Him.  This shows Him that we truly believe in Him and His Word.  Do not doubt His power!  Expectant prayer shows God that we are confident in His goodness!

“5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6 NLT)

God will direct you in your life, but you must first do two things:  1 – You must ask Him, and ask with the proper attitude.  2 – You must ask in faith, expecting Him to answer.

“21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matthew 21:21-22 NLT)

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NLT)

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT)

Does this guarantee that we will always get exactly what we ask for?  No.  We must remember, although every proper prayer is answered, sometimes the answer is not what we asked for.  Sometimes, we get a “Yes”.  Sometimes, we get a “Yes, but not the way you expected”.  Sometimes, we get a “No”.  Sometimes, we get “Wait”.  We don’t know exactly what God’s will is for every situation.  God never makes a bad decision or answers incorrectly.  His Will is ALWAYS the best for us.  God always acts out of love, grace, wisdom and perfect timing.

Prayer is not an argument or negotiation with God in which you attempt to persuade Him to move things your way.  Prayer enables you to move yourself in His way!  Stay in Christ by maintaining a healthy, constant relationship with Him.  Once you do this, you will see your will coming in line with His.  Your requests will begin to mirror what Christ wants to do in your life and in the lives of those around you.

“14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

Make your requests the best you can with the wisdom He has given you, and then do what Moses told the people to do:  “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:13 NLT)

Remember, when Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives, he stated “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Luke 22:42 NLT excerpt).  Jesus knew that God’s will was best.  We too, should always remember that God knows what is best for us and will work in our lives accordingly when we ask Him.

Photo > Find God, Find Love

Photo > Prosper

You Harvest What You Plant

“Right Actions Lead to Right Feelings”

During lunch today, I read the following, powerful words in the footnotes of my Life Application Study Bible within the book of Romans:  “Right actions lead to right feelings.”

You Reap What You Sow

This reminded me of some scripture from Galatians.  Galatians 6:7 states, “You will always harvest what you plant.” 

We've all heard this scripture stated as, “You reap what you sow”.  It is inevitable truth and fact - you get what you grow.  You don’t plant corn expecting pumpkins to come up.

EVERY Action We Have Has a Result

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6:8 NLT)

If you plant negativity, you will reap negativity.

If you plant bitterness, you will reap bitterness.

If you plant disdain, you will reap disdain.

If you plant hatred, you will reap hatred.

If you plant sorrow, you will reap sorrow.

If you plant evil, you will reap evil.

If you plant to please your own desires, you will reap a crop of sorrow and evil.

If you plant love, you will harvest love.

If you plant joy, you will harvest joy.

If you plant respect, you will harvest respect.

If you plant blessings, you will harvest blessings.

If you plant forgiveness, you will harvest forgiveness and peace.

If you plant peace, you will harvest peace.

If you plant to please God, you will reap joy and everlasting life.

What kind of seeds are you sowing?  What kind of harvest do you expect to come from your planting?

I Don’t Like What I've Planted…

I've planted the wrong seeds.  My crop will be or is bad.  I don’t want to harvest what I have planted!  What do I do?  DIG THOSE SEEDS AND BAD PLANTS UP!

It is NEVER too late to rid your garden of bad seeds and plantings.  Repent of your sins, ask God for forgiveness, be washed clean and turn away from those sins.  If your bad plantings have hurt others, ask their forgiveness.  Turn away from those actions which are reaping a harvest of sorrow, bitterness, grief, hatred, negativity, etc. – negative actions that have negative results; those that reap a bad crop.

You are in control of what you plant and harvest.  Plant seeds of joy, respect, forgiveness, peace, blessings, love, etc. - positive actions that have positive results; those that reap a good crop.  Plant to please God and you will reap blessings more abundant than you can imagine or hope for.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You today for Your harvest of blessings.  I thank You that when I plant something that I shouldn't  You allow me the opportunity to dig those bad seeds and plants up and You wipe them clean from my garden.  I thank You that when I plant goodness, I receive goodness.  I thank You that when I plant to please you, regardless of what others have sown around me, that you will bless me with a harvest more abundant than what I can imagine, ask or hope for.  I thank You for Your love, peace and strength.  All these things I praise Your for, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.