You might have heard the warning, "If God only let us keep the things we were thankful for, how much would you have left?"
I don't like that question. First, blessings aren't about us. God doesn't give us gifts because we deserve them, because we obey him, or because we are properly thankful. He gives us blessings because he loves us! That's it, plain and simple. He delights to give us good things, as our perfect heavenly Father.
Second, that question is entirely LAW. Again, we have nothing to do with the gifts God gives us--it's all from him, and by his grace.
However, it does make me ponder...how many blessings do I have that I haven't thought about? What things do I take for granted? How has God blessed me in ways I don't often notice?
The simple answer is, everything. Everything is gift. But singling things out, praising God for individual blessings, is acknowledging his role as Creator and Provider of all good things.
Day 24 of the Joy Dare says to list "3 things blue." Well, today the sky is blue. Bright, clear, winter blue. It's so beautiful!
Yesterday I had on a blue-and-white striped blouse, one of my favorites. I really like how I look in it.
Joshua has a necklace with a pendant that he got to commemorate getting his Eagle award in Boy Scouts. It has a blue stone. It's a reminder of how much he has learned and grown over the years, how responsible and trustworthy he is, and the accomplishment for which I am so proud of him.
Today, day 25: "One grace borrowed, one grace found, one grace inherited."
borrowed... A lovely (also newly married) friend is loaning me textbooks for a class. I love using used books, especially literature textbooks, because of the notes and markings left by the previous reader.
found...hm. For once I can't think of anything. I know there must be something :) but nothing that I can think of has gone missing and turned up again, at least not recently. I read a poem by a classmate entitled "Lost and Found" that was delightful and uplifting. I suppose that could count!
inherited...that's easy. :) Much of the furniture in our house (couches, end table, bed) were 'inherited' from other people--all of whom, I am glad, are still alive, but who didn't need the items anymore. There is much history in our home's furnishings--lots of stories, lots of love.
All these things are blessings...and thanks to this Joy Dare, I've realized that and given thanks to God for them. All is gift!
Showing posts with label Joy Dare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joy Dare. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
His Mercies are New Every Morning
...and so are his graces! And I have to remind myself that, although blogging regularly is necessary in a sense, it's not a requirement. So I'm okay with the fact that I haven't posted in a few days. :)
It hits me, some more days than others, how much I mess up in life. When I walk into the house and books, clothes, papers, et cetera are scattered all over the living room...dishes are piled up in the sink and on the counter...worse, when I snap and yell at my husband and let my words come before my thoughts can check them. When I gossip. When I'm lazy.
But then (as my husband is often quick to remind me), I realize just how much God loves me...because he loves me despite all those imperfections. He gives me a fresh start EVERY DAY. He sees past the sinfulness...he sees the redemption of Christ that covers me, the Holy Spirit who lives in me. He sees me beautiful, pure, holy--his. That doesn't ever change.
And despite all my sinfulness...God blesses me beyond what I can imagine. He gives me SO much more than I need. There are times when I think that I don't have all I need. When the cupboards are getting low. When money is tight. The list goes on.
But then I realize...I have food. I have clothes. I have a warm home.
And most importantly, I have things that money can never buy:
a husband who loves me and takes care of me
friends I can count on and trust
family who are always there for me
God. His love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, joy, comfort, salvation!
And every morning...those gifts are always there for me. Again.
So on that note...
Time to catch up with the January Joy Dare!
Day 21: One thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly-beautiful.
-snowflakes falling a little when we were in Minnesota
-remembering the day two months ago when our car broke down, as we stopped at the exact same rest stop on the way to get it again. Not the greatest memories...but it was a time of learning, growing, and strengthening our marriage.
-"new" car engine. not a beautiful thing. but it is...because it runs. :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
-clean sheets. very wrinkled (from not being folded!), but very fresh-smelling. :)
-hubby smoothing my hair as he held me on the couch. <3
-the worship folder unfolding in my lap, holding lovely hymns, encouraging Scripture, the liturgy of Holy Communion
Day 23: 3 gifts found in Christ
(only three?)
-promise...of forgiveness, of resurrection, of eternal life
-comfort...from fear, from illness, from worry
-love...unconditional, unending, unchanging
{Quick update: after 14 hours in the car on Saturday, we have our car back!!! Joshua's parents were incredibly gracious enough to drive us up to Minnesota to get it. The engine has been replaced and although there are a few little things that need looking at, by the grace of God we got home without a hitch. In fact, it was a blessing to spend so much time with Joshua's parents, and then so much time just the two of us--without the distractions of computer, TV, housework or homework!
So we are fully independent again, thank God, and enjoying being able to drive to school and work.
Especially since it finally snowed yesterday! Today it was warmer than it's been in a while, so most of the snow has already melted, but it was lovely. (It's been a weird winter.)
EVEN MORE BLESSINGS!}
It hits me, some more days than others, how much I mess up in life. When I walk into the house and books, clothes, papers, et cetera are scattered all over the living room...dishes are piled up in the sink and on the counter...worse, when I snap and yell at my husband and let my words come before my thoughts can check them. When I gossip. When I'm lazy.
But then (as my husband is often quick to remind me), I realize just how much God loves me...because he loves me despite all those imperfections. He gives me a fresh start EVERY DAY. He sees past the sinfulness...he sees the redemption of Christ that covers me, the Holy Spirit who lives in me. He sees me beautiful, pure, holy--his. That doesn't ever change.
And despite all my sinfulness...God blesses me beyond what I can imagine. He gives me SO much more than I need. There are times when I think that I don't have all I need. When the cupboards are getting low. When money is tight. The list goes on.
But then I realize...I have food. I have clothes. I have a warm home.
And most importantly, I have things that money can never buy:
a husband who loves me and takes care of me
friends I can count on and trust
family who are always there for me
God. His love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, joy, comfort, salvation!
And every morning...those gifts are always there for me. Again.
So on that note...
Time to catch up with the January Joy Dare!
Day 21: One thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that's ugly-beautiful.
-snowflakes falling a little when we were in Minnesota
-remembering the day two months ago when our car broke down, as we stopped at the exact same rest stop on the way to get it again. Not the greatest memories...but it was a time of learning, growing, and strengthening our marriage.
-"new" car engine. not a beautiful thing. but it is...because it runs. :)
Day 22: one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded
-clean sheets. very wrinkled (from not being folded!), but very fresh-smelling. :)
-hubby smoothing my hair as he held me on the couch. <3
-the worship folder unfolding in my lap, holding lovely hymns, encouraging Scripture, the liturgy of Holy Communion
Day 23: 3 gifts found in Christ
(only three?)
-promise...of forgiveness, of resurrection, of eternal life
-comfort...from fear, from illness, from worry
-love...unconditional, unending, unchanging
{Quick update: after 14 hours in the car on Saturday, we have our car back!!! Joshua's parents were incredibly gracious enough to drive us up to Minnesota to get it. The engine has been replaced and although there are a few little things that need looking at, by the grace of God we got home without a hitch. In fact, it was a blessing to spend so much time with Joshua's parents, and then so much time just the two of us--without the distractions of computer, TV, housework or homework!
So we are fully independent again, thank God, and enjoying being able to drive to school and work.
Especially since it finally snowed yesterday! Today it was warmer than it's been in a while, so most of the snow has already melted, but it was lovely. (It's been a weird winter.)
EVEN MORE BLESSINGS!}
Friday, January 20, 2012
Joy Dare Days 19 and 20
Day 19: a grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might have never been.
In the kitchen: oh, so many! A friend over for chicken pot pie yesterday. Doing dishes with my hubby. Baking bread.
In the weather: well, there's been no snow, just lots of cold...but that makes walking to school easier.
That might have never been: a conversation with a beloved friend that was so very needed, but would have never happened if we hadn't sat at the same table in a class last year.
Day 20: 3 gifts you saw only when you got close-up.
Hmm. That's a harder one! One, pasta in the pantry that I forgot was there until I was digging around on the shelf. Such a lovely surprise!
Two, an adorable little squirrel outside the library, who, when I paused to watch him in his antics, rose up on his hind legs and twitched his cute little nose.
Three, quite a bit of spare change in a purse that I haven't used in a while, found while looking for something else in said purse.
Not so hard after all. :)
It's amazing how many blessings I can realize when I think about and look for them!
In the kitchen: oh, so many! A friend over for chicken pot pie yesterday. Doing dishes with my hubby. Baking bread.
In the weather: well, there's been no snow, just lots of cold...but that makes walking to school easier.
That might have never been: a conversation with a beloved friend that was so very needed, but would have never happened if we hadn't sat at the same table in a class last year.
Day 20: 3 gifts you saw only when you got close-up.
Hmm. That's a harder one! One, pasta in the pantry that I forgot was there until I was digging around on the shelf. Such a lovely surprise!
Two, an adorable little squirrel outside the library, who, when I paused to watch him in his antics, rose up on his hind legs and twitched his cute little nose.
Three, quite a bit of spare change in a purse that I haven't used in a while, found while looking for something else in said purse.
Not so hard after all. :)
It's amazing how many blessings I can realize when I think about and look for them!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
God speaks to me!
The realization of this hits me every now and then.
I have the very words of God, THE God, the only God, the One who created the entire universe including me... I have his words in a book in my lap.
How crazily incredible IS that?!?!?
And it's all about how he loved the world SO much that he sent his Son Jesus to save the entire world from their sins. And that whoever believes that can spend eternity with God in heaven. That's the whole story of the Bible--salvation. It's amazing!!
Today's Joy Dare is to find "3 blessings from God's Word."
Well. That's not too hard! :)
In my Christian Doctrine (specifically Lutheran doctrine) class this morning we were talking about the Holy Spirit. Several passages from John were particularly wonderful:
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor--to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17
I find so much comfort in this. Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death and eventual ascension into heaven, which meant he no longer would be physically with them. But Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit--the Counselor, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. And that same Spirit lives in and with me.
Another passage from the same chapter (it's a discourse that includes quite a lot on the Holy Spirit) is verse 27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Oh, I worry and fear so much. I let Satan take away the peace that God longs to fill me with. I worry about the future, about finances, about health, about so many things...but God has that all under control. He doesn't want me to worry about it because I don't have to. Instead, he wants to give me his peace. Such grace!
A Bible verse that came to mind today is actually from Esther. Her cousin Mordecai told her of a plot that a Persian official had against the Jews, Esther's people. Esther had been made the Queen of Persia, Xerxes' wife, and she was the only one who could interfere in order to save her people. Mordecai said to her, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b). I'm not in royal position, but I think God puts us in certain places for very specific reasons. Not all the time, perhaps, but certainly some times. Today I realized one reason he had me sit beside someone in a class last year. This girl and I have become very good friends, and we understood today one extremely important reason why God brought us together: he knew we would really need each other, and that we could be a mutual comfort, encouragement and support to one another.
God's Word is SUCH a blessing...and those are some of the ways he blessed me with his Word today.
Linking up with Women Living Well and Deep Roots at Home
I have the very words of God, THE God, the only God, the One who created the entire universe including me... I have his words in a book in my lap.
How crazily incredible IS that?!?!?
And it's all about how he loved the world SO much that he sent his Son Jesus to save the entire world from their sins. And that whoever believes that can spend eternity with God in heaven. That's the whole story of the Bible--salvation. It's amazing!!
Today's Joy Dare is to find "3 blessings from God's Word."
Well. That's not too hard! :)
In my Christian Doctrine (specifically Lutheran doctrine) class this morning we were talking about the Holy Spirit. Several passages from John were particularly wonderful:
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor--to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17
I find so much comfort in this. Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death and eventual ascension into heaven, which meant he no longer would be physically with them. But Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit--the Counselor, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. And that same Spirit lives in and with me.
Another passage from the same chapter (it's a discourse that includes quite a lot on the Holy Spirit) is verse 27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Oh, I worry and fear so much. I let Satan take away the peace that God longs to fill me with. I worry about the future, about finances, about health, about so many things...but God has that all under control. He doesn't want me to worry about it because I don't have to. Instead, he wants to give me his peace. Such grace!
A Bible verse that came to mind today is actually from Esther. Her cousin Mordecai told her of a plot that a Persian official had against the Jews, Esther's people. Esther had been made the Queen of Persia, Xerxes' wife, and she was the only one who could interfere in order to save her people. Mordecai said to her, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b). I'm not in royal position, but I think God puts us in certain places for very specific reasons. Not all the time, perhaps, but certainly some times. Today I realized one reason he had me sit beside someone in a class last year. This girl and I have become very good friends, and we understood today one extremely important reason why God brought us together: he knew we would really need each other, and that we could be a mutual comfort, encouragement and support to one another.
God's Word is SUCH a blessing...and those are some of the ways he blessed me with his Word today.
Linking up with Women Living Well and Deep Roots at Home
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
When God Interferes in My Life
Today's Joy Dare:
A gift that made you pray, a gift that made you laugh, a gift that made you quiet.
I prayed when I heard the sirens signaling an emergency. Thankful for those whose job it is to come to the rescue.
I laughed when, helping a fellow student in the library, difficulty in finding a book meant we spent half an hour chatting and getting to know each other. And I had never seen her before! God works in wonderful ways!
I was quiet listening to our friend Joseph talk, explaining how we communicate, how Joshua and I can communicate better, how I can be a better wife to my husband. And I was quiet hugging Ruth goodbye (just till Sunday), realizing fully how much her friendship has come to mean to me.
I love how God uses gifts like these, to trigger emotional and spiritual responses and to tell and teach me things. When he wants me to think of him, to speak to him, he uses various circumstances to get my attention. When he wants me to know he's watching out for me, that he loves me, he puts people in my path to remind me of that. When he wants to teach me something, he puts words in the mouths of those around me to tell me what I need to hear.
Often when I'm sad God will bless me with a gorgeous sunset, a rainbow in a cloudy sky, a hug from a friend, a note in the mail, or something else to cheer me up and remind me of his love.
When I'm angry and not handling it well he'll put a thought in my head or words on a page (like a Bible verse in my school planner that I noticed the other day when I was upset) to bring my sin to my attention and draw me to repentance.
Sometimes when I feel alone or am missing someone, God will place me in the path of just the right person to make me feel loved and remind me that I'm never alone.
And when I'm joyful, I sometimes feel a greater joy when I realize that HE is the source of my happiness. When I recognize him as the Giver of all things.
A gift that made you pray, a gift that made you laugh, a gift that made you quiet.
I prayed when I heard the sirens signaling an emergency. Thankful for those whose job it is to come to the rescue.
I laughed when, helping a fellow student in the library, difficulty in finding a book meant we spent half an hour chatting and getting to know each other. And I had never seen her before! God works in wonderful ways!
I was quiet listening to our friend Joseph talk, explaining how we communicate, how Joshua and I can communicate better, how I can be a better wife to my husband. And I was quiet hugging Ruth goodbye (just till Sunday), realizing fully how much her friendship has come to mean to me.
I love how God uses gifts like these, to trigger emotional and spiritual responses and to tell and teach me things. When he wants me to think of him, to speak to him, he uses various circumstances to get my attention. When he wants me to know he's watching out for me, that he loves me, he puts people in my path to remind me of that. When he wants to teach me something, he puts words in the mouths of those around me to tell me what I need to hear.
Often when I'm sad God will bless me with a gorgeous sunset, a rainbow in a cloudy sky, a hug from a friend, a note in the mail, or something else to cheer me up and remind me of his love.
When I'm angry and not handling it well he'll put a thought in my head or words on a page (like a Bible verse in my school planner that I noticed the other day when I was upset) to bring my sin to my attention and draw me to repentance.
Sometimes when I feel alone or am missing someone, God will place me in the path of just the right person to make me feel loved and remind me that I'm never alone.
And when I'm joyful, I sometimes feel a greater joy when I realize that HE is the source of my happiness. When I recognize him as the Giver of all things.
Seeing Joy
Every day I see the work of Satan around me:
Worry. Fear. Anger. Discontentment. Gossip. Maliciousness. Meanness. Sadness. Grief.
Sometimes it seems like those things are the only things people feel and do and think. Like Satan's taking over the world.
In some ways, he has. God's given him some temporary, limited control over the earth--just for now. But God is still at work. His Holy Spirit is still active and changing lives and hearts. Jesus' sacrifice was all that was needed for the salvation of the whole world, once for all, and it has not nor will it ever be nullified.
The Gospel changes hearts. What Christ did for us on the cross took away the power of Satan in our lives. Sure, he still has ways of affecting our lives. Sin is still a big part of the world, and it's still part of every person, including believers.
But knowing what we know about what God has done for us changes everything. Having an eternal perspective on life means that we don't have to despair. The things that define who Satan is don't have to define us.
In Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives, we can know love. Peace. Contentment. Kindness. Goodness. Gentleness. Selflessness. Comfort. Happiness. Joy.
Ann's Joy Dare for today asks for "3 ways you witnessed happiness today."
I witnessed happiness in a four-year-old holding her daddy's hand.
In a good-looking, head-over-heels-for-each-other couple hand in hand.
In my friend eating bread that I made yesterday.
And I experienced happiness myself:
In a hug from my husband.
Nearly two hours to read a good book undisturbed.
Several compliments on my outfit today.
Singing in choir beside a lovely friend.
So yes, Satan still has an influence on my life. But God has a bigger one. He's the one who has taken over my heart. He has "turned my mourning into dancing." The hope I have in eternal life means that this life can be one of joy.
Worry. Fear. Anger. Discontentment. Gossip. Maliciousness. Meanness. Sadness. Grief.
Sometimes it seems like those things are the only things people feel and do and think. Like Satan's taking over the world.
In some ways, he has. God's given him some temporary, limited control over the earth--just for now. But God is still at work. His Holy Spirit is still active and changing lives and hearts. Jesus' sacrifice was all that was needed for the salvation of the whole world, once for all, and it has not nor will it ever be nullified.
The Gospel changes hearts. What Christ did for us on the cross took away the power of Satan in our lives. Sure, he still has ways of affecting our lives. Sin is still a big part of the world, and it's still part of every person, including believers.
But knowing what we know about what God has done for us changes everything. Having an eternal perspective on life means that we don't have to despair. The things that define who Satan is don't have to define us.
In Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives, we can know love. Peace. Contentment. Kindness. Goodness. Gentleness. Selflessness. Comfort. Happiness. Joy.
Ann's Joy Dare for today asks for "3 ways you witnessed happiness today."
I witnessed happiness in a four-year-old holding her daddy's hand.
In a good-looking, head-over-heels-for-each-other couple hand in hand.
In my friend eating bread that I made yesterday.
And I experienced happiness myself:
In a hug from my husband.
Nearly two hours to read a good book undisturbed.
Several compliments on my outfit today.
Singing in choir beside a lovely friend.
So yes, Satan still has an influence on my life. But God has a bigger one. He's the one who has taken over my heart. He has "turned my mourning into dancing." The hope I have in eternal life means that this life can be one of joy.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Audible Blessings
Have you ever considered what a gift it is to be able to hear? Many people who cannot hear would be quick to remind those of us who can that it is a gift not to be taken lightly.
I don't often consider the blessings that I can hear. But there are so many!! Music. Birds. Wind. The voices of those dear to me. Words of grace, forgiveness, Gospel.
Today there are three in particular:
...the voice of my sister on the phone. Today is her thirteenth birthday. My little sister...a teenager! She's growing up so fast. She has so many gifts and talents, she's so beautiful, she loves Jesus, and she is such a joy to her family and friends.
...the voice of my husband. He speaks words of love, forgiveness, instruction, encouragement, and reassurance to me. He is my best (earthly) friend!
...the alarm clock. It IS a blessing! It wakes me up so I don't oversleep. It helps me begin another day: a day in which I have so many opportunities to serve God and serve others. (See my previous post!)
More than anything, I want to hear the voice of God. There are times when I wonder how I can possibly do that. After all, God doesn't often speak audibly. But he has spoken to us through his Word, the Word, the Bible. It is there that I can "hear" everything he has to say to me: how he loves me, what he has done for me, what he has planned for me.
May my ears be open to hear His voice.
I don't often consider the blessings that I can hear. But there are so many!! Music. Birds. Wind. The voices of those dear to me. Words of grace, forgiveness, Gospel.
Today there are three in particular:
...the voice of my sister on the phone. Today is her thirteenth birthday. My little sister...a teenager! She's growing up so fast. She has so many gifts and talents, she's so beautiful, she loves Jesus, and she is such a joy to her family and friends.
...the voice of my husband. He speaks words of love, forgiveness, instruction, encouragement, and reassurance to me. He is my best (earthly) friend!
...the alarm clock. It IS a blessing! It wakes me up so I don't oversleep. It helps me begin another day: a day in which I have so many opportunities to serve God and serve others. (See my previous post!)
More than anything, I want to hear the voice of God. There are times when I wonder how I can possibly do that. After all, God doesn't often speak audibly. But he has spoken to us through his Word, the Word, the Bible. It is there that I can "hear" everything he has to say to me: how he loves me, what he has done for me, what he has planned for me.
May my ears be open to hear His voice.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
In the Presence of God
Today's Joy Dare asks us to list "something above you, something below you, something beside you."
We're in the presence of God's gifts all the time. We're in the presence of God all the time. Sometimes I forget that. There are times when I want to forget it: when I'm doing things I know I shouldn't, when I say things to hurt others, when my thoughts don't honor God. There are times when it doesn't seem like God is there.
But he always is.
Looking for his blessings in everything is a reminder that God is all around me. He is there in the hug of a friend. He's there in the sunshine, even on a cold day. He's in a squeeze from my husband's hand. He is there in the quiet, in the night, in the silent presence of people who love me.
God is even within me. He is there hearing all my thoughts, hearing my joy, my desperation, my successes, my sorry. He feels what I feel. He sees all the worst things of me, and loves and forgives me still.
Today, he's blessed me with
something above me: the roof over our heads. A home, keeping us safe and warm and protected.
something below me: the comfy couch I'm sitting on, hand-me-down from my grandparents.
something beside me: a coat that helped protect me from the cold. books for school. my beloved husband.
We're in the presence of God's gifts all the time. We're in the presence of God all the time. Sometimes I forget that. There are times when I want to forget it: when I'm doing things I know I shouldn't, when I say things to hurt others, when my thoughts don't honor God. There are times when it doesn't seem like God is there.
But he always is.
Looking for his blessings in everything is a reminder that God is all around me. He is there in the hug of a friend. He's there in the sunshine, even on a cold day. He's in a squeeze from my husband's hand. He is there in the quiet, in the night, in the silent presence of people who love me.
God is even within me. He is there hearing all my thoughts, hearing my joy, my desperation, my successes, my sorry. He feels what I feel. He sees all the worst things of me, and loves and forgives me still.
Today, he's blessed me with
something above me: the roof over our heads. A home, keeping us safe and warm and protected.
something below me: the comfy couch I'm sitting on, hand-me-down from my grandparents.
something beside me: a coat that helped protect me from the cold. books for school. my beloved husband.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Intentional about Thankfulness
One thing Ann's Joy Dare is definitely teaching me is to be on the lookout for God's graces in everything, every day. We take so much for granted--but when I stop to really think about it, every. single. thing. in my life is a blessing from him. I would have NOTHING without the grace of God! That's a rather sobering thought. I would be so lost and destitute without God. But it's also a joyful thought: I have God, or rather he has me--and he HAS given me all these good things! He really does love me so much that he's blessed me with everything I need and so much I don't need. He has given me the greatest blessing imaginable: forgiveness through his Son, and the promise of eternal life through the same.
Today Ann asks us to look for "3 yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy."
~the yellow cheese, melted and warm, between toasted slices of bread that I ate for supper.
~a hand-knitted shawl, so soft and cozy, that I love snuggling under while I read or watch a movie. It's a gift from a kind and thoughtful lady.
~the yellow billiard balls on the table where Joshua and I played a couple of games this afternoon. He's so encouraging--maybe that's why I won both games! :D
What blessings were in your life today that you might sometimes take for granted?
Today Ann asks us to look for "3 yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy."
~the yellow cheese, melted and warm, between toasted slices of bread that I ate for supper.
~a hand-knitted shawl, so soft and cozy, that I love snuggling under while I read or watch a movie. It's a gift from a kind and thoughtful lady.
~the yellow billiard balls on the table where Joshua and I played a couple of games this afternoon. He's so encouraging--maybe that's why I won both games! :D
What blessings were in your life today that you might sometimes take for granted?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Taste and See...
that the LORD is good!!
The Joy Dare for today seems to be talking about taste. It is in a way...but life is "tasted," or experienced, in so many ways that aren't with the tongue. "Experience life and see that the LORD is good!" I think Ann Voskamp would like that.
Today's Joy Dare: "A gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's Just. Right."
Sour: trying to figure out Wordpress.com for a new blog! No, no, I'm not abandoning this one. Not with all the work I've put into it. The new site is for a class...I will post a link to it once there's actual content on there. :) But it's confusing...I'm so settled into Blogger. (If any of you use Wordpress and could help me, I'd be most grateful!)
Sweet: oh, so many things today. Fudge from Christmas that's still delicious. Chocolate chip cookies that my hubby made the other day. Clementines with supper. My husband, for doing dishes and making supper on my busiest night of the week. Sleeping in and snuggling with him this morning.
Just. Right. Oh, that tomato-cheese sandwich hit the spot tonight. Such a yummy supper. And the words that came from my pen in class this evening. They were just right. Just what I needed to write. Just what I needed to hear. Have you ever experienced God speaking to you through your "own" words? That's what happened to me today. Maybe someday I'll post that poem.
"Just Write": what my lovely professor told us today. Three pages a day. Six days a week. All semester. I have a brand-new journal: let's do this.
The Joy Dare for today seems to be talking about taste. It is in a way...but life is "tasted," or experienced, in so many ways that aren't with the tongue. "Experience life and see that the LORD is good!" I think Ann Voskamp would like that.
Today's Joy Dare: "A gift that's sour, a gift that's sweet, a gift that's Just. Right."
Sour: trying to figure out Wordpress.com for a new blog! No, no, I'm not abandoning this one. Not with all the work I've put into it. The new site is for a class...I will post a link to it once there's actual content on there. :) But it's confusing...I'm so settled into Blogger. (If any of you use Wordpress and could help me, I'd be most grateful!)
Sweet: oh, so many things today. Fudge from Christmas that's still delicious. Chocolate chip cookies that my hubby made the other day. Clementines with supper. My husband, for doing dishes and making supper on my busiest night of the week. Sleeping in and snuggling with him this morning.
Just. Right. Oh, that tomato-cheese sandwich hit the spot tonight. Such a yummy supper. And the words that came from my pen in class this evening. They were just right. Just what I needed to write. Just what I needed to hear. Have you ever experienced God speaking to you through your "own" words? That's what happened to me today. Maybe someday I'll post that poem.
"Just Write": what my lovely professor told us today. Three pages a day. Six days a week. All semester. I have a brand-new journal: let's do this.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Glimpses of Light
Today in church we celebrated Epiphany (which was on January 6, as always): the revealing of Jesus' coming to the Gentiles, the wise men who visited him from the East. A theme of Epiphany is light--Jesus brings light into the world, showing the Way to eternal life to everyone, Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) alike. He was the Light in a dark world, illuminating the world's sinfulness, and drawing people to himself. Now we, as his children, children of the Light, are reflections of him, just as the moon reflects the sun.
The moon is not the sun; it is smaller and depends on the sun for its own light. But the moon reflects the sun, sharing the light of the sun into a world dark with night. In the same way, we do not produce the light of Christ on our own, but he shines in and through us, illuminating the world like candles in a dark room. Jesus said in the book of Matthew, "Let your light so shine that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Today's Joy Dare is about light: "light that caught you, a reflection that surprised you, a shadow that fell lovely."
In our bedroom and bathroom in the afternoon, the west-facing windows are filled with light from the setting sun. The rooms simply glow, bathed in golden light.
The china cabinet in the living room is reflecting the light coming through the window. In the glass cabinet doors I can see the curtain and the colors of the setting sun in the sky behind it.
The room is mostly dark at the moment, everything bathed in shadow. Joshua's face, sitting at his desk, is profiled against the window behind him, each feature outlined perfectly, dark against the still-light window.
This week I want to be looking for glimpses of Light--the Light, Christ, in others around me. And I hope to be a light in the world, shining Christ for everyone to see.
The moon is not the sun; it is smaller and depends on the sun for its own light. But the moon reflects the sun, sharing the light of the sun into a world dark with night. In the same way, we do not produce the light of Christ on our own, but he shines in and through us, illuminating the world like candles in a dark room. Jesus said in the book of Matthew, "Let your light so shine that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Today's Joy Dare is about light: "light that caught you, a reflection that surprised you, a shadow that fell lovely."
In our bedroom and bathroom in the afternoon, the west-facing windows are filled with light from the setting sun. The rooms simply glow, bathed in golden light.
The china cabinet in the living room is reflecting the light coming through the window. In the glass cabinet doors I can see the curtain and the colors of the setting sun in the sky behind it.
The room is mostly dark at the moment, everything bathed in shadow. Joshua's face, sitting at his desk, is profiled against the window behind him, each feature outlined perfectly, dark against the still-light window.
This week I want to be looking for glimpses of Light--the Light, Christ, in others around me. And I hope to be a light in the world, shining Christ for everyone to see.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Graces from Others
Why is it so hard sometimes to accept things from others? Is it pride? A desire to take care of ourselves? The yearning for independence--from parents, from employers, from anyone? Or would we rather just give instead of receive? That's better, after all--not taking from others but giving to them instead. That's what Jesus did, isn't it?
If we're looking to the Savior for our example, yes, he constantly gave of himself to others. But he had no home of his own once he left that of his father. He had no way of earning money. He had to rely entirely on the love, generosity and grace of other people for his food and lodging. He had to receive gifts from those to whom he was the Gift.
If Christ accepted gifts, blessings, grace from others, than I can do no less. After all, God chooses to bless me through other people. That's what today's Joy Dare is about: "Three graces from people you love." I like how Ann phrased this. It's not just "Three graces from other people." It's "Three graces from people you love," those with you often, those who know you best--those you desire to serve the most. Those from whom it is sometimes hardest to accept grace.
God has blessed me, offered me grace, through people I love, and very recently:
My grandparents offering a ride to church on the morning of their commissioning (for their fourth missionary trip!).
Friends spontaneously having us for supper.
My husband reminding me that I can give it all up to God, simply trusting, not worrying, taking the control from me and helping me put it in His hands.
How has God shown his grace to you through people you love this last week? I would love to hear how he's blessed you! Please share in the comments. :)
If we're looking to the Savior for our example, yes, he constantly gave of himself to others. But he had no home of his own once he left that of his father. He had no way of earning money. He had to rely entirely on the love, generosity and grace of other people for his food and lodging. He had to receive gifts from those to whom he was the Gift.
If Christ accepted gifts, blessings, grace from others, than I can do no less. After all, God chooses to bless me through other people. That's what today's Joy Dare is about: "Three graces from people you love." I like how Ann phrased this. It's not just "Three graces from other people." It's "Three graces from people you love," those with you often, those who know you best--those you desire to serve the most. Those from whom it is sometimes hardest to accept grace.
God has blessed me, offered me grace, through people I love, and very recently:
My grandparents offering a ride to church on the morning of their commissioning (for their fourth missionary trip!).
Friends spontaneously having us for supper.
My husband reminding me that I can give it all up to God, simply trusting, not worrying, taking the control from me and helping me put it in His hands.
How has God shown his grace to you through people you love this last week? I would love to hear how he's blessed you! Please share in the comments. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)