Category: Gratitude

Posted on

Cleaning House

Ever spent days getting ready for guests?  You clean and clean, but there always seem to be more and more dirt.  Things overlooked due to our over committed schedules get attention.  Piles of things that needed to be put away or organize, are now a priority because someone’s coming.  Increased time and energy is expended to make the house sparkle and shine.   With laser focused eyes, you notice every little speck, and the whole place gets a deep cleaning.    Everything gets put in its place-all neatly tucked away or displayed.  What about you?  How are you looking?  Do you need a deep cleaning?  Is there a blemish in your character that needs some attention?  Are there piles and piles of issues that should have been put away, or better yet throw out?  What thing have you buried so deep that needs the cleansing power of Christ ?

I remember for years mom would have us do a spring cleaning.  We spent days getting into every nook and cranny of the house.  Everything was completely washed. Walls scrubbed, mattresses aired out, nothing was off-limits.  We clean the house from top to bottom.   It was an annual ritual.  We didn’t like doing it, or the amount of time it took, but in the end when all was completed there was contentment, and blessed peace.   And it looked good.

Sometimes, we need to do a “deep cleaning” on our body temple.  This physical space our spirits occupy belongs to God, and He expects us to keep it clean and in good condition for His work.

When was the last time you did a deep cleaning?  If it hasn’t happened in a while, then I recommend you start today.  Get into every crack and crevice.  Wash your mind, body and spirit with the healing power of Christ’s living water.   God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind [2 Tim 1:7].   Use the power of God and begin cleaning your spiritual house today, and experience the blessed peace of Christ.  You will look good inside and out. Romans 12:1-2

Posted on

Deep Knowing

My husband and I made an 11 hour road trip yesterday to see our granddaughter perform in a dance recital.  Watching her and others dance, I thought, at what moment do we recognize our special gift or talent? What triggers the thought this is what I want to do, this is who I am, this is what I came to do?   I’ve read that some can recall in vivid detail the moment they realized their gift or purpose.  They called it a “deep knowing” which they stated made them realized this is why God made them.  With this knowing they move into the flow of their giftedness.

There are plenty of distractions, lost opportunities which delay, or prevent this discovery.  Lots of people go through life feeling there is nothing special about them.  That they are not valued, and have nothing to contribute. Some abused, and discarded souls fail to launch sensing their only purpose is to experience pain, and not to experience the feeling of being in their destiny.

What I witnessed yesterday was the beginning stages of recognition.  It was evident on some dancer’s faces, in their movements and in their eyes. There was a yes, this is what I am supposed to do.

Why is this important?  God wants us to recognize who and what we are.  He wants us to express our gifts and talents.  Expressing our gifts shows our gratitude to Him, and give the world a chance to experience more of God.  The Bible tells us, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from Him”. Our source and connection to the Creator and Source of All Things is the creative lifeline. We were made in his likeness and image, and because of it, there is a longing to express beauty, love, peace. [Genesis 1:25-27] 

The moment you begin the journey of discovery you change.  Life flows differently.  Just as some of those young people yesterday began discovering their gifts, it can happen to you.
It has been a joy and privilege to watch the flower of discovery unfold in our grandchildren.   I believe their journey of learning who they are, and what God made them for will culminate in pure joy.  As they move forward, and they will come closer to God, and their purpose. Ecclesiastes 8:6 states, “to every purpose there is a time”, and there is an eternal plan for us.  While we are here, we are called to demonstrate to the world who we truly are [Ephesians 3:11].

Everyone was given something unique in which to express their connectedness to the Holy One.  It’s quite remarkable.  Just as Jesus’ purpose was to reveal His deity, and destiny to mankind, so to are we.  Do you know your purpose?  Are you expressing your true gifts and talents? Do you know what they are? If not, take the journey of discovery.  The world needs to experience those precious gifts.  Don’t hide them under a bushel.

Liturgical Dance performed by Elder Cassandra Henry. All rights reserved. Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 2008.

 

Posted on

Graduation

Graduations are times of immense joy for both the graduate and their families, friends, and loved ones.  When the graduate receives his or her diploma, the long days of study, hard work and sacrifice seem worth it for this one moment.

Our family is gathering to celebrate a graduation.  It is particularly meaningful, because of the events of the past two weeks.  The enemy tried his best to take the life of this young person.  However, those attempts were no match for the powerful intercessory prayers of his parents, family and friends, and the grace of God.    When it was all over, we praised God for His grace, and for allowing us to complete this test.

I looked up the definition of graduate, and it means someone who holds a degree.  Graduation signifies the completion of all the requirements necessary to become a degree holder.      We are all enrolled in God’s University.  This heavenly tabernacle of instruction is life changing and eternal for both disciple, and teacher.  There are many courses to take, and completion of each is necessary to successfully pass, and withstand the fiery tests of our adversary.   Spiritual courses such as prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, meditation, study are all critical requirements. Our book encourages us to “study thyself to show thyself approved, a workman who needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Belief in The Son of God is prerequisite for entry into the university.   One of our professor emeritus, Peter outlined in one of his syllabi [2 Peter 3:18], that we are to grow grace and in the knowledge of Jesus, our Master Teacher.  Jesus told us to remain connected Him-the True vine [John 15:4] for knowledge of Him changes and sustain us through each tests, as we strive to finish the course.  Although, some tests, and trials may be difficult and long, in the end He promises that we will graduate, and become a degree holder.

For those who prayed for the life of this young person, we are pausing to celebration, and recognize this test was successfully completed, and the grade turned in.    Maybe, you are pausing to celebrate a crucial victory in a young person’s life that has, or is about to graduate.  Remember, you’re still in school, and another course is just around the corner.  No need to worry though, we already have the best Teacher and the best Book.

Posted on

Memorial Day

Memorial Day signals the first official day of summer. What are your plans for the day?  Going to a family picnic, or the pool? Maybe you’re off to do a bit of shopping, or going to visit with friends or loved ones.   Whatever your plans remember the reason for the day.  The purpose of Memorial Day is to salute those who fought and died while serving in the armed forces.

God established memorials early in mankind’s history.  Memorials are mental markers.  They help to recall the significance of an event.  They are also visible reminders used to teach and pass on history to the next generation.

So, pause for a moment to give thanks for servicemen and women for their sacrifices, and remember those still serving, including their families. And while you’re at it, please give thanks for those saints past and present who suffered, died, and offer prayers for those experiencing persecution right now for the gospel.  They also deserve our prayers for advancing the cause for Christ.

 

Posted on

Humility Plus

A gracious friend recently shared she is studying and working on the spiritual discipline of humility.   1 Peter 5:5 [NIV] states,  “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”   Familiar with some works by noted author and theologian Jonathan Edwards, I reviewed an article he wrote on the subject, and found it to be in alignment with this passage.  Edwards stated that, “The man who is under the influence of a humble spirit is content with such a situation among men, as God is pleased to allot to him, and is not greedy of honor, and does not affect to appear uppermost and exalted above his neighbors.”  Humility is not arrogant, proud, exalted, it does not seek to be in the front row.  Humility is no respecter of person. It lovingly considers our status to be equal children made in the image of God.  Edwards summarized his article by pointing out that humility:

  • Seek for a deep and abiding sense of your comparative lowness before God and man.
  • Know God.
  • Confess your nothingness and ill-desert before Him.
  • Distrust yourself.
  • Rely Only On Christ.
  • Renounce all glory except for Him.
  • Yield yourself heartily to His will and service.

Self-examination and quiet reflection is designed to gain insights.  I certainly have and will continue to do so on the topic.  For in looking at this essential characteristic, I know I must continue work on being more humble.  Our culture does not extol this virtue.  Let’s face it, there are not as many stories shared about the truly humble.  Could you, at this moment name 10 people who you consider to be humble?  Who would be on your list?  Family members, celebrities, sport figures, politicians, historical personages, etc?  Right now millions of people around the world, myself included have spent precious resources developing and organizing information to promote themselves, their causes or interests.    Self promotion is the new normal, and much of it does not lend itself to being humble.   As children of God, we are instructed not to think more highly of ourselves.  Because there is an inherent danger in promoting a message, and being the messenger.   Even Jesus, at different times told those he healed to not broadcast who healed them to others.  Clearly, our Lord understands the insidious temptations involved, as well as our own self-interests.  He experienced it during his earthly ministry.  There were those ready to thrust Him into being a King even among his disciples.  But Christ came to serve.

In Isaiah 57:15, scripture tells us God inhabits the humble, and requires us to walk humbly with Him Mic.6:8.   Our Lord gave us the perfect portrait of humility when He emptied himself, and became a willing servant, even to the cross.  Picture the evening when he washed the disciples’ feet.  How could the Lord stoop to do such a thing?  Our Lord is always the benchmark. Humility speaks to us to open a space in our hearts for others.  The disciples needed an example, and now in this age there are many, many others needing real life examples of Christ-like humility.  When we perform our work with a humble spirit we bring glory unto the Lord.   No matter the occupation, season, calling or the recipient, it is to be carried out just as Jesus washing those feet.   Oh yes, humility is an essential part of the Christian experience, and it creates true servants of the most High God.

 

Posted on

Remembrance

Our son Shawn would have been 42 years old.  Travelling the road marked grief is long, and sometimes very lonely. The journey is different for each person. Although the stages – markers have been identified, no two individuals walk in the same direction, the same manner and pace.  And the imprint left by the loss is different as well.  You are changed at the core of your physical, emotional and spiritual DNA.  And those changes will either cloud or clarify how you look at life, your relationship with others, yourself and God.  As you recall the memories of your loved one, you will make a choice to move toward hope and love or not.

Remembering can hurt, but it does not mean constant pain.  John 16:32 [HCSB] records, “I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”    We have a Savior who understands, and is with us. He is our present help at all times.  Because he knows and understands, we can go to him anytime with our grief, our sorrow, and our pain.  He is our Shalom-our precious peace that passes all understanding.

I can celebrate Shawn’s life and legacy, and thank God for the time given us.  Resting in His glorious peace provides hope when the road seems cloudy.

Posted on

Making A Difference

Last evening I watched several clips from NBC’s Making A Difference segment.  Story after story about various individuals who step out of their comfort zones to help others.  From a town who gave a wounded soldier and his bride a fairy tale wedding ,to a group that holds monthly potluck dinners to send funds to women in developing nations. Amazing tales of sacrifices to make life a little better for those in need.

What struck me the most was each person said, “I had to do it”, as if their very life depended upon these acts of generosity. There were no regrets or thoughts about what if I can’t do it, or should I do it? It was just a solid resignation that it had to be done.  No matter what the cost, they felt compelled to act.  As a result, not only were the recipients changed, but the givers were also transformed.

Isn’t that how Jesus felt in the garden that fateful night when he said “not my will be done”?  Although he wrestled, and drops of blood fell upon his brow he gave up himself to give the ultimate gift to the world.  And because of it he made the biggest difference in our lives.

It was a pleasure watching each story.  I was moved, and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and generosity, even by those who faced major ordeals.  Be encouraged to make a difference in the lives of others. The benefits far outweight risks. You will be transformed, and so will those around you.

Posted on

A.C.T.S. of Gratitude

Gratitude and appreciation are elusive things.  The busyness of our lives creates barriers to them.  We rush from one activity to the next, from one person to the next, from one situation to the next. Even technology robs us from hitting the pause button with its endless tweets, dings, bells, whistles, ringtones.  Before we can complete a sentence, or a thought some new piece of information, or news flash breaks in our consciousness and leads us off down the road.   Or even worst, a memory of some mistake, sin, forgotten assignment, misplaced word or a gregarious act steals our peace, and before you know it you’re drifting away.   However, when we do pause from the tyranny of things, or the focus of what should not have happened, and turn our attention to those layers upon layers of blessings, gratitude comes in.  Our heartspace opens,  and joy drives up with peace, love, and the entire fruit of the Spirit. [Galatians 5:22-23].  It is a beautiful thing.

Clipper Creative Art Service

Gratitude makes us truly appreciate the:A=actions made by Our Lord, and others on behalf of us,

C=challenges of life with faith and blessed assurance that all things work together for those who are the called, according to His purposes,

T=triumphs of the journey because of Christ’s gift of salvation,

S=sacrifices Christ made on Calvary because of His great love for us.

Our A.C.T.S. of gratitude causes us to respond in a grateful manner which demonstrates our deep appreciation for this life, and for the life to come.