Tomorrow night I am going to a Christmas dinner with my Hopekeeper's group. I am really looking forward to all the good food and fellowship! I am nervous, however. I have been asked to speak at the dinner. Anyone who knows me knows I love to talk! But I am not used to standing up in front of people and talking. What do I say? What do I talk about?
I have been praying for God's guidance on what He wants me to talk about. I am still not real sure but He is planting seeds in my mind and heart. I have decided not to worry about it, not to write down notes, not to memorize anything. I am just going to get up and say whatever God leads me to say! I know He will give me the right words.
Getting out of our comfort zone can very difficult. It is hard sometimes to meet new people, start a new job, do anything out of the ordinary for us. But who knows what we may be missing by not getting out of our comfort zone and by staying in the same routine we are always in? We may be missing blessings God has for us by refusing to step out of our comfort zone. And we may be causing others to miss God's blessings.
Jimmy Carter once said "Go out on the limb. That is where the fruit is." That is what I intend to do tomorrow. I am going to go on the limb, way out of my comfort zone, and see what blessings God has in store for me!
Lord, please help us to get out of our comfort zone and truly receive the blessings you have for us. Give us the courage and strength we need to get out of our comfort zone. I thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to speak tomorrow. Please give me the courage that I need to speak and I pray for the words you would have me say.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Psalm 119: 130-131
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A LONG BUT BLESSED DAY
It has been a really, really long day. I am not used to getting up at 6 in the morning anymore! My body truly cannot handle a 12 hour day. I am physically and mentally exhausted. But, as exhausted as I am and even though I know it will take me a few days to recover from today, it has truly been a great day. I got a lot accomplished, made a few dollars, met a friend for lunch, handed out some flyers for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner that my friend is organizing, purchased a vacuum cleaner for my daughter which she desperately needs for her allergies, talked to another friend on the phone - just a good day overall.
I am so grateful when I have days that I can do things and accomplish things because there are many days where I can't. I feel blessed that God has given me days that I can feel part of the world and not so isolated. And even though there are days that I am unable to do much of anything, I still feel truly blessed for the life God has given me.
Even though I am exhausted tonight, I am very happy. I once read where someone said "It is better to wear out doing good than to rust out doing little or nothing." I am so grateful that today was a day that I was able to wear out doing good!
Lord, instead of complaining and be depressed about the days that I can't do anything, I pray that You will help me to be grateful for the days like today that I can do things. Help me to see all the many blessings Y0u have given me. Show me ways, Lord, where I can serve You even on those days when I am limited. Help me to see that everyday is a beautiful day when we serve You, in any way we can. I thank you, Lord, for all that You have done for me and all the blessings You have bestowed on me. I truly am blessed.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
I am so grateful when I have days that I can do things and accomplish things because there are many days where I can't. I feel blessed that God has given me days that I can feel part of the world and not so isolated. And even though there are days that I am unable to do much of anything, I still feel truly blessed for the life God has given me.
Even though I am exhausted tonight, I am very happy. I once read where someone said "It is better to wear out doing good than to rust out doing little or nothing." I am so grateful that today was a day that I was able to wear out doing good!
Lord, instead of complaining and be depressed about the days that I can't do anything, I pray that You will help me to be grateful for the days like today that I can do things. Help me to see all the many blessings Y0u have given me. Show me ways, Lord, where I can serve You even on those days when I am limited. Help me to see that everyday is a beautiful day when we serve You, in any way we can. I thank you, Lord, for all that You have done for me and all the blessings You have bestowed on me. I truly am blessed.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
Friday, June 13, 2008
KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
Have you heard the story of the young college student who wrote her parents a letter telling them of her new boyfriend? She told them that he had dropped out of college in his junior year to marry his girlfriend but they had divorced about a year ago. She told them that they had been dating for several months and that she had dropped out of college so she could marry him.
On the next page of the letter, the young student told her parents that everything she had told them on the first page of the letter was false. She had, however, failed one of her classes in school!
It was obvious in this letter that this young girl was trying to make her parents keep the fact that she had failed a class in perspective. We should all do that in life. We complain and feel sorry for ourselves and the problems we have. In reality, there are others who would change places with us anytime!! That is not to say that we don't have problems and that there aren't times that we struggle with things in life. But we should keep things in perspective and thank God for the blessings that He has given us!
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember our blessings and to keep our problems in perspective. Help us to remember that our struggles can help us grow stronger if we keep our faith and trust in You.
Many, O Lord My God, are the wonders You have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
On the next page of the letter, the young student told her parents that everything she had told them on the first page of the letter was false. She had, however, failed one of her classes in school!
It was obvious in this letter that this young girl was trying to make her parents keep the fact that she had failed a class in perspective. We should all do that in life. We complain and feel sorry for ourselves and the problems we have. In reality, there are others who would change places with us anytime!! That is not to say that we don't have problems and that there aren't times that we struggle with things in life. But we should keep things in perspective and thank God for the blessings that He has given us!
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember our blessings and to keep our problems in perspective. Help us to remember that our struggles can help us grow stronger if we keep our faith and trust in You.
Many, O Lord My God, are the wonders You have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
Sunday, June 8, 2008
HELP ME TO FORGIVE AND BE GRATEFUL
I am so frustrated and angry. I live in a condominium complex and we have a communal laundry room. Everyone has their own washer and dryer but they are all in one room. I have lived here for over two years, have grown to love it, and love the neighbors that I know.
Well, I went to do my laundry this morning and someone had stolen the empty laundry basket that was on my washer, all of my fabric softener and fabric softener sheets, and one bottle of detergent. They were kind enough to leave one bottle of detergent. I was so angry. I know it doesn't seem like much but I save every penny I can and laundry supplies are not cheap. But more importantly, it was a horrible feeling to know that someone stole from me.
Of course, I got all in a dither and decided that I was moving! It didn't matter that my home is perfect for me - the right size, the right location, the right price, and, for the most part, great neighbors. I didn't care - I was moving!!
I went outside to sit on my porch and read the paper (the real estate ads!). I have worked hard to make my patio look nice - put lots of plants out, got new chairs, and hung my bird feeder. I love to watch the birds come up to the bird feeder. They will actually come up to it and eat even while I am sitting right there on the porch. It makes me happy to watch them and always puts a smile on my face!
Well, while I was out there steaming about my laundry supplies and looking through the ads, I looked up and there were several birds on the feeder and several more actually walking around my porch. I put the ads down and watched the birds. I began thinking about how grateful I am for my home, how much I truly like it, how perfect it is for me, and how easy it would be to just put my laundry supplies away where no one can get them. My problem would be solved and I am still happy in my home.
God has so truly blessed me with my home and everything in my life. I am so grateful that He opened my eyes on this situation - instead of continuing to be angry and frustrated, He gave me a solution and a peace about the situation. Although I have to admit, I am still a little angry, I feel sorry for whoever stole my things. I would gladly have let them borrow some if they needed it instead of them stealing it. But I am more grateful for the wonderful neighbors that I do have, the ones who have been true friends and have helped me in so many ways. God led me to this home and I believe He wants me to stay here.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for the peace You give me even in bad situations. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and help me to be a good example to them in these situations.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35
Well, I went to do my laundry this morning and someone had stolen the empty laundry basket that was on my washer, all of my fabric softener and fabric softener sheets, and one bottle of detergent. They were kind enough to leave one bottle of detergent. I was so angry. I know it doesn't seem like much but I save every penny I can and laundry supplies are not cheap. But more importantly, it was a horrible feeling to know that someone stole from me.
Of course, I got all in a dither and decided that I was moving! It didn't matter that my home is perfect for me - the right size, the right location, the right price, and, for the most part, great neighbors. I didn't care - I was moving!!
I went outside to sit on my porch and read the paper (the real estate ads!). I have worked hard to make my patio look nice - put lots of plants out, got new chairs, and hung my bird feeder. I love to watch the birds come up to the bird feeder. They will actually come up to it and eat even while I am sitting right there on the porch. It makes me happy to watch them and always puts a smile on my face!
Well, while I was out there steaming about my laundry supplies and looking through the ads, I looked up and there were several birds on the feeder and several more actually walking around my porch. I put the ads down and watched the birds. I began thinking about how grateful I am for my home, how much I truly like it, how perfect it is for me, and how easy it would be to just put my laundry supplies away where no one can get them. My problem would be solved and I am still happy in my home.
God has so truly blessed me with my home and everything in my life. I am so grateful that He opened my eyes on this situation - instead of continuing to be angry and frustrated, He gave me a solution and a peace about the situation. Although I have to admit, I am still a little angry, I feel sorry for whoever stole my things. I would gladly have let them borrow some if they needed it instead of them stealing it. But I am more grateful for the wonderful neighbors that I do have, the ones who have been true friends and have helped me in so many ways. God led me to this home and I believe He wants me to stay here.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for the peace You give me even in bad situations. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and help me to be a good example to them in these situations.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35
Monday, June 2, 2008
GOD IS ALWAYS THERE - EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT!
Sometimes you just don't know, or appreciate, how much God has blessed you with. It And sometimes you feel so all alone in the world. It always seem that there is someone else who has a nicer house, nicer car, nicer clothes, etc. It is so easy to feel sorry for yourself and not appreciate what you have.
God has truly blessed me in so many, many, many ways. Lately I have not acted like I realize that or for that I ask His forgiveness. He has blessed me with a home that I have truly come to love, a daughter who is the most precious thing to me, friends who are like family. He has blessed me with fortunes beyond believe - not monetary but just the everyday things - there is truly nothing in life that I need or want. I pray for His forgiveness in not being more appreciative, for being envious of others, for wanting more or thinking I need more when I know in my heart that He will provide for all my needs. Even though I feel so all alone sometimes, I have come to realize that I am never alone. It has taken me a while to snap out of this funk and to listen to what He has to say, but I am grateful that He is still there and will always be there!
God has spoken to me in so many ways lately. One of the many ways is through people that I don't even know personally, that I have come into contact with through this devotional site. I thank God for those that He has brought into my life and I thank them enough for caring to let me know.
I praise you, God, for all your wondrous blessings in my life! I thank you for your forgiveness for my sins. I pray that You will help me to realize that although I don't have all the riches in the world that I have all I need in You! Praise You, God! Thank you for letting me know that I am never alone because I belong to you!
For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7,8
God has truly blessed me in so many, many, many ways. Lately I have not acted like I realize that or for that I ask His forgiveness. He has blessed me with a home that I have truly come to love, a daughter who is the most precious thing to me, friends who are like family. He has blessed me with fortunes beyond believe - not monetary but just the everyday things - there is truly nothing in life that I need or want. I pray for His forgiveness in not being more appreciative, for being envious of others, for wanting more or thinking I need more when I know in my heart that He will provide for all my needs. Even though I feel so all alone sometimes, I have come to realize that I am never alone. It has taken me a while to snap out of this funk and to listen to what He has to say, but I am grateful that He is still there and will always be there!
God has spoken to me in so many ways lately. One of the many ways is through people that I don't even know personally, that I have come into contact with through this devotional site. I thank God for those that He has brought into my life and I thank them enough for caring to let me know.
I praise you, God, for all your wondrous blessings in my life! I thank you for your forgiveness for my sins. I pray that You will help me to realize that although I don't have all the riches in the world that I have all I need in You! Praise You, God! Thank you for letting me know that I am never alone because I belong to you!
For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7,8
Friday, March 14, 2008
SO TRULY BLESSED!!!!
Sometimes it is so hard to be faithful. Sometimes the circumstances of life make you just want to give up. They make you wonder why you should be faithful and good if only to find yourself in the bad circumstances you are in - bad health, poor finances, lack of relationships.
But then you have one of those days like I have had today where everything seems to be right. I have to admit I haven't felt very well but that just hasn't seem to matter today. I have talked to a friend who is out of town whom I miss a lot when I don't see her. I have done some redecorating of my house - didn't spend much money, must changed things around and it truly feels like home. And I had a truly great financial surprise today - to my benefit. God has truly blessed me!!
While things over the last few years have not been easy, while keeping a good attitude has not always been easy, I have been so richly blessed and instead of giving up, my faith has truly grown stronger. I am a much better and stronger person than I was when this journey that I have been on began. I am so grateful for a God who never gives up on me and blesses me in ways that I don't even see at the time!!
Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! Help me to keep growing in my faith and in Your word!
A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20
How Great is Our God, My Savior My God, Wonderful Maker
But then you have one of those days like I have had today where everything seems to be right. I have to admit I haven't felt very well but that just hasn't seem to matter today. I have talked to a friend who is out of town whom I miss a lot when I don't see her. I have done some redecorating of my house - didn't spend much money, must changed things around and it truly feels like home. And I had a truly great financial surprise today - to my benefit. God has truly blessed me!!
While things over the last few years have not been easy, while keeping a good attitude has not always been easy, I have been so richly blessed and instead of giving up, my faith has truly grown stronger. I am a much better and stronger person than I was when this journey that I have been on began. I am so grateful for a God who never gives up on me and blesses me in ways that I don't even see at the time!!
Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! Help me to keep growing in my faith and in Your word!
A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20
How Great is Our God, My Savior My God, Wonderful Maker
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
NO GREATER JOY
I was just going to run a few errands today and then come home. But my daughter called and we decided to have lunch together. I love spending time with her. With her school schedule, work schedule and social life, our time together is less which makes it even more precious!
I am having to realize that she is growing up (she is actually grown up!), and I am having to let go. I know that we will always be close, but she has a life of her own now - and I am so proud of her.
She has done so well in school. She knew from the beginning what she wanted to do with her career, and she has never wavered. She has worked so hard in school to be able to obtain her goals in the future. I am so proud!
She has worked hard at her job. She knows I don't have a lot of money and she works hard to have the extra cash she needs.
She is always there to take care of me when I need help. Sometimes I can't drive or do much around the house. She is always there to help me and support me.
But what I am most proud of is where her heart is. Although she doesn't attend church every Sunday, I know her heart is with Jesus. She is compassionate, caring, and loving. That is what makes me the most proud!! I don't know if she will read this today or not, but I know she knows how proud of her I am. I thank God everyday for her!
Lord, thank you for my child! She is truly a blessing to me! Even if we don't always see eye to eye on things, Lord, please help me to always show her how proud of her I am and how much of a blessing she is to me!
I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. 3John:5
I am having to realize that she is growing up (she is actually grown up!), and I am having to let go. I know that we will always be close, but she has a life of her own now - and I am so proud of her.
She has done so well in school. She knew from the beginning what she wanted to do with her career, and she has never wavered. She has worked so hard in school to be able to obtain her goals in the future. I am so proud!
She has worked hard at her job. She knows I don't have a lot of money and she works hard to have the extra cash she needs.
She is always there to take care of me when I need help. Sometimes I can't drive or do much around the house. She is always there to help me and support me.
But what I am most proud of is where her heart is. Although she doesn't attend church every Sunday, I know her heart is with Jesus. She is compassionate, caring, and loving. That is what makes me the most proud!! I don't know if she will read this today or not, but I know she knows how proud of her I am. I thank God everyday for her!
Lord, thank you for my child! She is truly a blessing to me! Even if we don't always see eye to eye on things, Lord, please help me to always show her how proud of her I am and how much of a blessing she is to me!
I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. 3John:5
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
THANK YOU, JESUS
We have been so used to thinking of giving thanks for the blessings in our lives that we find it hard to think in terms of being grateful for God's gifts that are hidden in experiences that we try to avoid.
We need to give thanks to God for the opposition we meet, the resistance that has forced us to put forth our best efforts, and the disputes that have compelled us to re-examine our arguments and eliminate the flaws.
We need to praise God for the struggles that have made us grow, the defeats that have made us humble, the losses that have made us cautious, and the dangers that have kept us alert.
We need to thank God for the risks we have had to take that have shown us hidden strengths we didn't know we had.
We need to be grateful for the enemies we have made, for to have no enemies means we have not taken any issue with the wrong, defied evil, or rallied to the defense of the oppressed.
We need to be grateful for our critics who tell us the truth about ourselves.
But above all, we need to thank God that good has come out of evil, that struggles we would have preferred to avoid have turned into blessings, that because we are confident and secure in his love and goodness we have found strength and courage to face whatever comes - to run the race that is set before us.
Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings, even those we don't see as blessings as the time. Thank you for the strength you give us to run the race you have set before use.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but alto to have who have long for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
WE FALL DOWN - CHRIS TOMLIN
We need to give thanks to God for the opposition we meet, the resistance that has forced us to put forth our best efforts, and the disputes that have compelled us to re-examine our arguments and eliminate the flaws.
We need to praise God for the struggles that have made us grow, the defeats that have made us humble, the losses that have made us cautious, and the dangers that have kept us alert.
We need to thank God for the risks we have had to take that have shown us hidden strengths we didn't know we had.
We need to be grateful for the enemies we have made, for to have no enemies means we have not taken any issue with the wrong, defied evil, or rallied to the defense of the oppressed.
We need to be grateful for our critics who tell us the truth about ourselves.
But above all, we need to thank God that good has come out of evil, that struggles we would have preferred to avoid have turned into blessings, that because we are confident and secure in his love and goodness we have found strength and courage to face whatever comes - to run the race that is set before us.
Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings, even those we don't see as blessings as the time. Thank you for the strength you give us to run the race you have set before use.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but alto to have who have long for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
WE FALL DOWN - CHRIS TOMLIN
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