Gratitude | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Gratitude’

Autumn Blaze

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Godly Character, Joy, Praise, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, Ephesians 1:3, Fall, Godly Character, Gratitude, Joy, Our Purpose for Living, Philippians 4:11, Praise, Psalm 63:3-4, Reflecting God's Character, Spiritual Blessings, Worship on October 20, 2014| 13 Comments »

“The land is lit with autumn blaze.”

–Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

I’ve been anticipating these few weeks of October ever since we moved back to the Midwest in June—the gilding on tree-covered hillsides, the crimson coats on sumac trees, and, of course, the swaths of gold and vermilion among the maples.

The trees appear dressed for a grand party!

Indeed, autumn was the season I missed most during our forty years in Florida.

So Friday afternoon I sat on our second-story deck, to observe more closely the magnificent display in our back yard. You see, a shallow woods stands sentry between the houses on our street and the houses behind us. Among the tree-fellows, chestnut, elm, oak, and others stretch their colorful arms heavenward.

But already the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.

Elm leaves somersault while they plummet, flashing sparks of sunlight from their luminous topsides.

Oak leaves drift downward, gracefully zigzagging side to side.

But whether they tumble or drift, the leaves of all deciduous trees will eventually fall, having fulfilled their purpose: photosynthesizing light, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

As human beings, we, too, have purpose to our existence: to live for the praise of God’s glory (Ephesians 1:11). What an honor is ours, to inspire others to give praise to the King of the universe.

And how might we do that?

Reflect God’s character, like the elm leaves flashing in the sunlight. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we can shine as lights (Matthew 5:14)–offering assistance or a listening ear, being a positive voice and example, exercising self-control and patience.

Give praise to God at every opportunity. As tree leaves fall, the lacey branches are exposed, all reaching upward toward the sunlight. Our hearts should be raised toward the Light of Life, the Son of God.

(“My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” — Psalm 63:3-4)

We can:

Praise him in the morning for the opportunities of the day ahead.

Praise him in the afternoon for the blessings and accomplishments already enjoyed.

Praise him in the evening for his guidance and care throughout the day, his strength for the challenges, and the blessing of rest yet to come.

Be content (Philippians 4:11). God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Begin to name those blessings and note how your heart begins to swell with elation–blessings like:

relief of forgiveness

liberation from guilt

assurance of hope

confidence of access to his presence

certainty of eternal life.

(How long might the list grow if we continued?)

Just as autumn blazes around us, may our hearts blaze to live for the praise of God’s glory!

(Photo credits: www.galleryhip.com; http://www.media-cache-akO.pinimg.com.)

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Stone vs. Rock

Posted in Appreciation, Faith, God's Power, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Praise, Prayer, tagged 1 Samuel 2:2, Faith, God, God our Refuge, God our Rock, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Gratitude, Hebrews 5:9, Isaiah 26:4, Praise, Prayer, Psalm 61:2-3, Psalm 62:1-2, Psalm 62:5 on September 25, 2014| 12 Comments »

Back in the 1970s somebody came up with the idea of worry stones—small, smooth pebbles that people could rub between their fingers to release their worries. (What a great money-maker, huh? Collect some free pebbles, clean ’em up and sell for 100% profit. Genius.)

According to enthusiasts, the constant rubbing activates the nerves at the base of the thumb, releasing endorphins. As a result, a sense of calmness purportedly settles in the user’s mind.

Even if that’s true, what happens when the person stops rubbing? Since the worry has not been resolved; isn’t it likely to return? I can’t see myself rubbing a stone until I fall asleep at night, can you?

Here’s a better idea. Instead of going to a small pebble for worry-relief, go to the Rock.

What Rock, you ask?

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).

Next question: Why go to the Rock?

1. God our Rock is more stable and reliable than Gibraltar.

The Rock of Gibraltar has become a symbol for stability, having stood sentry on the southern coast of Spain for centuries. Some say it dates back to the Jurassic Period.

But our God is older still, isn’t he.

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:4).

And he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Now that’s reliable.

2. God our Rock is more sheltering than a deep cave.

(Verteba Cave, Ukraine)

During World War II, a small group of Ukrainian Jews found a way to escape the Nazis. They lived underground in caves for a year and a half.

At night they foraged for food. They even built showers and latrines deep inside.

But imagine living every day in pitch blackness and in fear of being discovered.

One day it happened. Nazi soldiers stumbled upon their hiding place. A courageous woman spoke for the group, as German guns pointed straight at her.

“What are you afraid of here?” she said. “Is the Furhrer going to lose the war because we live here?” Miraculously the soldiers left without doing anyone harm.

The band of Jewish villagers found relative safety in those caves, and in April, 1944, the cave dwellers were liberated, able to return to the light.

But God our Rock offers guaranteed eternal safety for our souls. His Son, Jesus “became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9)

3. God our Rock is more protective than Masada.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the mountaintop fortress, towering 1500 ft. above the Dead Sea. The refuge was built by Herod the Great, from 37 to 31 B.C., to showcase his power.

Infamous for his brutality, Herod had good cause to be paranoid. He spared no expense to make sure this desert fortress could withstand attack and provide long-term refuge. His plan included protective casement walls, an ingenious water-collection system and cisterns for storage, storehouses, barracks, palaces, an armory and more.

Impregnable? Almost.

When Herod died, Jewish rebels were able to overtake the Roman guard remaining at the fortress. A thousand Jewish zealots lived atop Masada for three years.

Yet nothing or no one on earth can compare to God our Rock.

“Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,” cried David. “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:2-3).

And how do we avail ourselves of God’s refuge? Through gratitude, praise, and prayer. We can:

Thank him for his promises, for the times he has protected and provided in the past. We must feed our confidence in God rather than our fear.

Praise him for his glorious attributes that he is bringing to bear upon our situations–attributes such as power, wisdom, trustworthiness, and love.

Affirm our faith. If we occupy our minds with expressions of trust, there won’t be room for thoughts of worry.

“My soul finds rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;

my hope comes from him”

(Psalm 62:1-2, 5).

(Photo credits: www.ehow.com; http://www.kids.brittanica.com; http://www.noplaceonearthfilm.com; http://www.masada.org.il.)

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I Shall Not Want

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Godly Character, Jesus, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Contentment, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Gratitude, Jesus, Joy, Matthew 11:28, Praise, Psalm 119:130, Psalm 23:1 on July 10, 2014| 14 Comments »

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, KJV).

Many of us memorized those words as children. And many of us may have thought, “Wow! That means, God will give us whatever we want!”

So we prayed for new bicycles, the latest gadgets, and swimming pools in our backyards—absolutely certain that if God gave us these heart desires, we’d be completely satisfied.

Some of our prayers were answered affirmatively. A new bicycle with sparkling spokes actually materialized under the Christmas tree. Or Aunt Louise heard the pleas for Mattell’s Magical Music Thing, and sent it as a birthday gift.

But the wise and introspective among us may have realized early on that:

1. When one desire is fulfilled, another quickly takes its place.

Years ago I heard that a famous actress had accumulated seven houses, each one decorated differently from the others. Why? Because changing locations eased her boredom. ( I wonder how long after each home was completed she decided to purchase another?)

2. God isn’t in the business of making wishes come true.

Some desires become reality; some do not. If he did provide our every whim, we’d become spoiled and self-centered.

So how are we to make sense of David’s introductory statement? It sounds like a whopping exaggeration. “I’m one of God’s flock! I’m gonna live on Easy Street!”

Hardly. David is saying, “God is my loving Care-Giver. What I enjoy in my relationship with him far outweighs anything else this world has to offer. I really don’t want. Another. Single. Solitary. Thing.”

Now there’s an attitude of devotion to cultivate! How can we become that contented?

One place to begin is with gratitude and praise.

Think of all we enjoy as a result of our relationship with God. Peace, joy, and provision, quickly come to mind.

Here are a few more:

Companionship with a perfect Friend—every moment of every day–into eternity. He is always listening, always watchful, always diligent.
Hope. No situation is beyond the abilities of our Almighty God.
Settledness, because he is in control, and “makes good things even out of hard times” (Erica Hale).
Truth. We don’t have to muddle through life like a do-it-yourselfer with no instruction manual. “The unfolding of [God’s] words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

The truth of the matter comes down to this:

No possession or position, no person, and no place will fill our hearts with satisfaction.

Peaceful, joyful contentment is the outcome of one determination: affirming that in God we have all we need.

Perhaps Jesus was teaching us the way to contentment when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Are you weary of the dissatisfaction that results from striving for the next desire? Are you burdened by unfulfilled wishes and dreams?

Come to Jesus. Count the scores of blessings he has already provided in the past, is currently providing this very moment, and has already prepared in the glory of heaven yet to come!

Rest in contented gratitude and praise–free from want.

* * * * * * * * * *

What helps you rest in contented gratitude? Please share in the Comments section below!

(Photo credit: www.kingjamesbible.org.)

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Splashes of Joy

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Deuteronomy 26:11, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Gratitude, Joy on July 2, 2014| 20 Comments »

(Very similar style to our new home–only ours is even prettier!

Photo credit: www.houzz.com)

Two weeks ago today we arrived at our new home in Ohio, to begin retirement near our sons and their families. Steve’s forty-year chapter of pastoring churches has been completed.

Times of transition almost always prove challenging. The month of June was no exception for us. Saying good-by to our loving, supportive congregation in Florida was difficult. I wanted to split myself in two, leaving half of me there, and moving the other half north to be near family. Either that, or convince the whole church to move with us. Alas.

And then there are all the questions such as:

Will the family still be as enthused about our close proximity a year from now? In ten years?
Will we be able to find a loving, supportive church, where we can make friends and enjoy new opportunities for service?
Will we be able to tolerate winter again, after four decades in the South?

But I already know the answers—in part.

If the family loses their enthusiasm for our presence, whose fault is that?!
I can trust God’s leading to the church home he’s already hand-picked for us. He wants us to grow and serve even more than we do.
Of course we can survive winter! Billions of people do it every year. Besides, the warmth of family will more than compensate.

And warmth of family is just one of many joys proffered by this new chapter in our lives. In fact, I’ve become “misty-eyed from splashes of joy”* a number of times in this process:

Last get-togethers (at least for a while) with old friends, accompanied by much reminiscing and laughter.
A surprise party and reception where love permeated the very air we breathed.
The dozens of thoughtful cards, notes, and gifts received.
A real estate agent and moving company representative who both turned out to be Christians.
The ride from Florida to Ohio with our younger son, Jeremy. (He’s a very funny guy!)
The first glimpse of our new home, especially the spacious, newly renovated kitchen. (We had made decisions from Florida, trusted our son, Eric, with the details, and had seen the process only in pictures.) Just like the homeowners on HGTV, I cried.
The stunning tree-top view out the kitchen/sitting area windows and from the deck, because the house was built into the side of a hill.
A raccoon we’ve named Ralphie, whose home is clearly visible from our back windows and deck. We’ve chuckled at his antics.
Friendly neighbors—one of whom works at Home Depot and has already helped us with an electrical problem.
And of course, the privilege to pop over to Eric’s and Hilja’s—to enjoy their delightful cooking and company and Baby Elena.

I could list more, but you get the idea. Perhaps the phrase “splashes of joy” isn’t quite accurate. It’s been more like a flood.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Oh, Father, how I rejoice in all of the splashes of joy, the good which you have given to me and my house (Deuteronomy 26:11)—INCLUDING the house!

* (Someone else’s expression–not mine—though I wish it was.)

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All Day Long

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, God's Gifts, Gratitude, Joy, Praise, Psalm 16:11 on May 8, 2014| 16 Comments »

“Nancy, come here!” Tabbitha called, as she poked her head through the door of my classroom. Tabbitha taught across the hall from me. It was still early morning, and students hadn’t begun to arrive yet.

“I want to show you something!” she beckoned. Tabbitha’s smile and sparkling eyes gave me a hint that, whatever her surprise, it was going to be good.

Quickly she led me out of the school building and back towards the parking lot. She stopped at a row of low, scraggly bushes that grew along the sidewalk.

“Look!” Tabbitha cried, pointing down at one of the bushes.

I looked but saw nothing. “What am I supposed to see?”

“Right here,” she said, and moved her finger closer to the object.

My eyes finally focused on what she saw: a shriveled brown pouch adhered to a branch. A chrysalis.

I couldn’t remember ever seeing one in the wild before, only in a butterfly habitat.

We studied the chrysalis closely, marveled at the miracle within, and wondered whether the end result would be a butterfly or moth.

“Actually, I have to tell you. I didn’t spot the cocoon,” Tabbitha confessed. “Brooke did.”

Of course. Tabbitha’s daughter, Brooke, was four years old at the time–closer to the ground to notice such details as an odd protrusion on a low stem. But Brooke was also an observer. Her little eyes and ears didn’t miss much, and her mind was always active—learning, wondering, connecting,

As for me, I hardly even noticed there were bushes along that sidewalk, much less a miracle taking place among them. My mind was always busy with the to-do list, lesson plans, students needing special attention that day, the emails to be answered, the meeting after school, etc., etc.

Little Brooke taught me a lesson that morning: Pay attention!

God is revealing himself to me every day—his creative genius, his loving care, and his wisdom. He arranges little serendipity gifts for me to discover. My challenge is to be watchful.

The blessings are there, the joy available–not just in grand rainbows and sunsets that grab my attention, but in the sheen on rain-washed leaves or in the mesmerizing flicker of a candle flame.

Joy is not the result of happy events, a collection of lovely things, or even near-perfect relationships with family and friends. Joy is experienced in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11). And when God and I together enjoy his creation, his people or his engineering of events, the joy becomes rapturous.

However! I have been a slow student to learn the habit of attentive living. I’m still developing a praise-frame of mind.

But when I pause long enough to enjoy a cocoon on a stem, a group of children on a playground, or the smile on the face of a friend, I want to extend that pause into a prayer:

Oh, God, thank you for lavishing gifts of love upon me each day. Thank you for filling me with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11), all day long, now and forever. Yet there is more! Thank you that, as I celebrate these blessings together with you, my joy is expanded even further. Help me to become attentive like little Brooke. And perhaps, as I express my contentment in you and in all your gifts, your heart will be filled with joy as well.

(photo credits: www.princetonaturenotes.blogspot.com; http://www.discovermagazine.com; http://www.brantfordfire.ca.)

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Christ in Us

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, God's Provision, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Salvation, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Christ in You, Colossians 1:27, God's Provision, Good Friday, Gratitude, Intimacy with God, Jesus, John 17:26, Maundy Thursday, Salvation, Suffering on April 17, 2014| 8 Comments »

Tonight, the Thursday before Easter, we remember the Last Supper and the heart-wrenching scene in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was there Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

In a matter of hours from that moment, Jesus would face unimaginable pain and suffering. Yet his prayers were not only for himself that night. He prayed for his disciples, and he even prayed for us—those who would believe in him in the future. (I marvel at such selflessness in a time of supreme crisis.) His desire was that God’s love and his presence would be in us (John 17:26).

As a result of his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, Jesus made possible the fulfillment of that prayer. Our crucified, resurrected, and ascended Christ indwells every believer (Colossians 1:27).

Think of it! The all-powerful, all-wise Lord of the universe lives within us! Such an overwhelming, puzzling concept. What could that mean in practical terms?

I like Sarah Young’s explanation: We are intertwined with him in an intimacy involving every fiber of our beings (Jesus Calling, p. 332).

It means that God makes available to us everything we need:

Power to handle life’s challenges (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Wisdom to determine right actions from wrong (James 1:5).
Access to talk to him at any time (Hebrews 4:16).
Personalized purpose, to fulfill a God-ordained plan (Jeremiah 29:11).
Hope that can never be disappointed (Isaiah 40:31).
Resources that can never be exhausted (Philippians 4:19).

It means that in Christ we have:

Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12).
Everlasting life (John 3:16).
Overflowing joy (Psalm 16:11).
Deep peace (John 14:27).
Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7).

Sometimes I act like the Israelites on their trek to the Promised Land. Remember the manna God provided so they wouldn’t go hungry? It tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). That sounds like baklava!! Yet they became so accustomed to the provision, they began to complain. Manna wasn’t good enough after a while. “Yes, Lord,” they may have said. “You have been very gracious to provide manna. But we need meat!”

These blessings of “Christ-in-us” listed above are more precious even than miraculous manna. How could I take such astounding blessings for granted? Add to that the incredible price Jesus paid so I could enjoy those blessings. How dare I think, Yes, Lord, you have been very gracious, but I need more.

* * * * * * * * * *

Dearest Jesus, as I contemplate your deep distress in the Garden, your suffering at the hands of Roman soldiers, and the unfathomable pain you endured on the cross, my petty wants become inconsequential.

Oh, God, forgive me for allowing familiarity to dull the senses—the senses of awe and gratitude for the sacrifice you made. Willingly. Lovingly.

“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (from “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”).

So be it.

(Art credit: www.ldschurchnews.com.)

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Blessing Boosters

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Joy, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Contentment, Gratitude, Joy on March 27, 2014| 20 Comments »

Year ago, someone wrote a tongue-in-cheek article, “What Your Favorite Color Says about You.” It was quite amusing. Sure wish I had saved it. Alas.

Anyway, I remember thinking, Oh, this will be so much fun to share with the girls at lunch. Those girls would be the other fourth grade teachers at my school.

Sure enough, my colleagues not only enjoyed it, they laughed till they cried. In fact, I did, too. A few times I could hardly get the words out before a giggle-fit would overpower me.

Had the happy-tears come while reading to myself? No. I don’t even think I laughed out loud. Only when I shared it.

And once again I experienced the phenomenon:

To share a joy is to expand the joy.

It’s a blessing booster!

C.S. Lewis explained such occurrences this way (and with extreme eloquence, I might add): “We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment.”

Yet sharing joy to expand the joy is not the only way to appreciate more fully God’s blessings.

Paying attention to details also heightens our awareness of God’s glory around us. Let’s face it: How often do we miss his blessings because we’re so distracted?

I’m still striving to learn this blessing-booster: living aware. Too often my thoughts are focused on events, what-ifs, the to-do list. I need to:

Take note of the graceful sway of Spanish moss in the trees.

Breathe deeply the aroma of a crisp spring morning.

Listen to the happy chirps of a sparrow.

Truly taste the nutty goodness of freshly brewed coffee (not just gulp it down).

Focus on the cool smoothness of a rose petal.

To live aware is to experience constant joy in the wonder around us.

Another blessing-booster is the natural result of living aware: gratitude. Expressing contentment for what we already have, even the little things, can profoundly effect our spirits.

For example, I am deeply grateful for:

Steve’s three squeezes when he holds my hand. It means, “I love you;” and we’ve been passing that silent message back and forth for over forty years.

Color. Any color of the rainbow. God could have created the world in shades of gray. It probably wouldn’t have mattered. But the variety, the interest, and infinite number of combinations add such great pleasure to our lives.

The dimples on a baby’s hand. The epitome of cuteness.

As I contemplate each one, I smile, because:

To be full of gratitude is be full of joy.

And perhaps that’s the best blessing-booster of them all.

* * * * * * * * * *

What blessing-booster expands your joy? Tell us about it in the Comment section below!

(Photo credits: www.writeamberwrite.com; http://www.bridgetolife.de/administrator/moss-tree; http://www.peacefulplanetcommunication.com)

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Top Choices

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Galatians 6:7, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Luke 6:45, Meditation, Philippians 4:8, Praise, Worship on February 6, 2014| 6 Comments »

Paul told his beloved friends in Philippi: “You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

As a meditative exercise, I decided to choose one event, object, or truth which embodied adjectives from this verse. Which examples below are similar to choices you would make? What might you select that would be different?

One important truth:

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That one was rather obvious, wasn’t it. The veracity and certainty of eternal life colors every moment of life with peace and joy. How incredibly splendorous!

One supreme example of nobility:

First, a definition. Nobility includes qualities of high moral character such as honor, generosity, and courage.

I have been blessed and influenced by many noble people. Any one of them would be worthy to contemplate and hold up as an example: family members, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, missionaries, colleagues, friends.

So if I stick my hand into an imaginary hat filled with their names on slips of paper, I might pull out…M. and L.

M. lost his job unfairly and in a hurtful way. But they persevered through that dark time with honor and courage. These two are also known for generosity and hospitality, in their church community and beyond.

One person of good repute:

Again, I have to put my hand into that hat and pull out . . .

…Rachel Asherman, my grandmother. To this day her grandchildren arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28), because of her kind, gracious ways. Everyone loved Grandma Rachel.

One example of holy authenticity:

The Bible. How grateful I am for the reliability of God’s Word—filled with wisdom, promises, and encouragement. The more I learn of archaeology, prophecy, history, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding its authenticity.

One item that demands compelling attention:

An impossible choice! As I contemplate towering mountains and tiny snowflakes, colorful flowers and majestic trees, soaring birds and fluttering butterflies, radiant rainbows and ethereal sunbeams, crashing waves and delicate seashells…my heart is filled with wonder and appreciation. And yet there is so much more!

God created such astounding beauty to display his attributes to us. With his power he carved out ocean beds. In wisdom he designed the evaporation cycle. With creative genius he splashed color over the earth–even out into the galaxies. His engineering prowess is highlighted in a honeycomb, and his artistry in a rose.

“The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)!

So where might that glory be most evident? Perhaps at the birth of a baby, when the little one takes that first breath of life and greets everyone with a wobbly cry. And surely there is glory in that moment when the parents first glimpse this new little person who will forever be entwined around their hearts.

Who is not compelled to give attention to that wonder? “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4)!

One example of graciousness:

A dear friend, Dixie, died of a brain tumor a number of years ago. Her treasure of life stories included great heartache, but you wouldn’t have known that to look at her. Dixie seemed to live in a cloud of contentment and peace, never showing anger, never gossiping, never complaining. Her example is still an encouragement to me today.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the bounty of beautiful things and inspiring people you have brought into my life. Meditation on all your blessings can keep me happily occupied for hours!

But you have ordained greater purpose in the exercise, because there is power generated by our thoughts. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,” Jesus said, “. . . for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”

That means the more I meditate on your goodness, the more goodness will come out of my mouth. And the more goodness that comes out of my mouth, the more will be evident in my life, because a man [woman] reaps what [s]he sows (Galatians 6:7).

May I make choices, moment by moment, that will demonstrate the overflow of your Spirit.

Top choices.

(Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.flicker.com; http://www.whattoexpect.com.)

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Praise 101

Posted in Encouragement, God's Presence, Hope, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Encouragement, God's Ways, Gratitude, Hope, Praise, Psalm 103:2-6, Psalm 145, Psalm 28:6-7, Worship on February 3, 2014| 9 Comments »

“I can’t remember the last time I felt truly happy.”

“Nobody understands what this situation is like.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve experienced one or more of the emotions behind those statements, including: discouragement, self-pity, hopelessness, and fear.

When circumstances seem out of control and problems defy solution, what can we do?

A good place to start: praise God.

I know. That seems an odd course of action and counter-intuitive. But that’s what God instructs us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Now why would that be?

Reason #1: Praise is a powerful weapon against those emotions listed above. It fosters peace and contentment by taking our minds off our problems and focusing our attention on God.

David shows us the way in Psalm 103. In verse two he says, “Forget not all [God’s] benefits.” Then he lists a number of them: forgiveness of all sins, healing of all diseases*, redemption from the pit, God’s love, compassion, righteousness, and justice (vs. 3-6).

What would your personal list include? What specific ways has he provided for you, guided and protected you, fulfilled promises to you, and empowered you?

“Praise is the honey of life

which a devout heart extracts

from every bloom of providence and grace.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon

Reasons #2: Praise invites his presence, and with his presence comes his strength and help.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” (Psalm 28:6-7).

I have to be honest here. There have been times when my praise to God had to be squeezed through gritted teeth. And the first words of affirmation did not immediately lift me into golden clouds of euphoria.

What I can tell you is this: Depression, discouragement, self-pity, and hopelessness were kept at bay. And I felt the presence of God around me, giving me strength to press on.

How has praise brought God’s strength and help into your life?

Reason #3: Praise lifts our spirits and gives us hope. When words won’t come, we can turn to the psalms. Chapter 145 offers one example of eloquent praise:

“God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. ..

“God is all mercy and grace–not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace…

“Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right–the trademark on all his works is love…

“My mouth is filled with God’s praise” (vs. 3, 8-9, 16-17, 21, The Message)!

Can you feel the hope, comfort, and strength stirring in the depths of your soul?

Keep praising!

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, yes, Lord, may my mouth be filled with your praise, whether I’m celebrating on a mountaintop or plodding through a valley. Thank you for the delight of the former and your comfort and care through the latter. I praise you that all things are under your control. With a grateful heart, I put my hope and trust in you.

* All of our diseases are healed: 1) instantly and miraculously, often as the result of prayer, 2) slowly over time, often with extended prayer and medical intervention, or 3) eternally, when we reach heaven.

(photo credits: www.pxhere.com; http://www.stockvault.com.)

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Keeping Christmas

Posted in Christmas, Excellence, Faith, Godly Character, Holiness, Jesus, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 9:15, Christ, Christian Service, Christmas, Faith, Godly Character, Gratitude, Henry van Dyke, Jesus, Keeping Christmas, Obedience, Perseverance, Philippians 1:6, Romans 3:23 on December 23, 2013| 12 Comments »

No doubt we would all agree: Christmas is much more than carols, cookies, and cards. The heart of this holiday goes even deeper than the love we express with presents. It is a celebration of God’s inexpressible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).

And those of us who accept God’s gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, ought to live our lives with overflowing gratitude. The motivation behind our words and deeds should be the same sacrificial love which motivated Jesus.

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933, photo credit: Wikipedia)

What might that look like in everyday life? Henry van Dyke* made several suggestions through these thought-provoking questions:

“Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you;

To ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world;

To put your rights in the background, and your duties in the foreground;

To own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life;

To close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness—

Are you willing to do these things even for a day?

Then you can keep Christmas.”

Ouch. If God made these stipulations into law, and only law-abiders were allowed to celebrate Christmas, I’d be left out. My thoughts and motivations are not always pure. I do not consistently put others’ needs before my own. My focus is not always on what I can give.

But Rev. van Dyke’s essay does not end on that hopeless note. He adds one more glorious line.

“But you can never keep it alone.”

Of course not! “We are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us” (Romans 3:23, The Message).

However. God does not expect instantaneous perfection, the minute we invite Jesus into our lives. “God who began the good work within [us] will keep right on helping [us] grow in his grace until his task within [us] is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns” (Philippians 1:6, The Living Bible).

Hallelujah!

(Photo credit: www.worshipkids.com)

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

(also by Henry van Dyke)

* * * * * * * * * *

*Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) was an author, educator, and clergyman. His lengthy list of accomplishments included professor of English literature at Princeton, minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg (by appointment of President Wilson), and author of many poems, stories, and essays. “The Other Wise Man” and “The First Christmas Tree.” are among his most popular works. He also wrote the lyrics for a number of hymns, including “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The first verse is quoted above.

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