Whoa Nellie!

For years, there have been things in the past that when I talk about ‘giving thanks in all things’ I clarify, when I am being super transparent, that I am just not sure I can bring myself to thank God in/for them.

I always feel a bit of a ‘ping’ when I do this, but some things wreaked so much havoc in our lives.  The depth of the trauma so deep and so painful, I’ve teetered on giving thanks for those situations.

I would sort of waffle on that fine line of accepting the things that happened and actually trusting my Father enough to thank Him in all things.

I feel like I was able to forgive those involved.  I thought I totally accepted the situation, but did I really?  I recently heard myself say again, ‘I just don’t know if I can “thank” Him for that’.  ( I know it was not actually from His hand, but the enemy’s hand, but God allowed it)  As I said it, something just didn’t feel right.  Why don’t I thank Him?  Do I not trust Him to the uttermost?  There was unrest in my soul over it, but I felt closer than ever to saying, ‘Thank You’.

Today, reading a quote from Ann’s One Thousand Gifts Devotional

{That which I refuse to thank Christ for, I refuse to believe Christ can redeem.}

Is that what my refusal to thank Him for says?  That I don’t believe He can redeem it?  Whoa!  If this is true, and I believe it just might be, well, it feels like a dagger to my heart.  Of course I believe my Jesus can redeem all things.  When I see what He has done in my life . . . are you kidding me?

I have repented for having unforgiveness towards my Father, for accusing Him, for not trusting Him. I have thanked Him for every.single. painful circumstance in my life.  Sweet freedom and refreshment comes!

Have you been able to thank Him in ALL things??  I mean ALL things?  It’s hard, isn’t it?  I know.  It’s called radical obedience.  His Word says to ‘give thanks in all things’.  Notice it says “ALL”.  Praying for you.

Back To Routine . . . ahhh

The last couple of weeks have been anything BUT routine and the ‘naming’ and counting has been sporadic at best.  I long for it, this seeing Him in everything, naming the gifts, thanking Him.  I jot them down here or there, but long for the routine of seeing them all.day.long, in each moment.  I am praying this week to get back to ‘normal’.  (what is normal anyway?) 

How are you doing with your counting and naming His gifts?  Do you find it ‘easy’ to fall out of the habit of gratitude still, as I do?

 

• for a husband who takes off his coat when he is late for work and refuses to leave until he prays with me asking God to help us discern why I feel the way I feel.  I was having a mini-meltdown, he was late for work but he laid down his life for me . . . is there a greater love than to lay down your life for a friend?  So blessed to be his friend (and wife)

 

• seeing a special someone who shared that she reads my blog and is inspired.  What joy and amazement it brings my heart to know that the Lord uses the messy of my life to touch another heart.  I shake my head in  wonder and ‘name’ this opportunity, GIFT.

 

• visiting with the elderly, putting a ‘show’ on for them with children singing and playing piano.  These people who have lived, and lived long, have such tenderness in their hearts, and we get to spend time with them!

 

• meeting a man who has been married 72 years!  His bride was upstairs baking cupcakes, we’ll meet her next time.  The wonder of 72 years married to the man of my dreams.  Beautiful!

 

• seeing cousins I haven’t seen in a long time.  Hey, weren’t we always going to be children playing in the orchards and woods, riding bikes and skinning knees? 

 

• ‘urge to purge’ in a deeper way.  As the spiritual purging continues the physical follows.  I’ve always been a purger and an organizer, but apparently there is grace to take them to new heights, and I am LOVING the ride.

 

• watching home videos and adoring what I watch. I am pretty sure I am one of the richest women in the world.

 

• gardening with the whole family, planting cabbage and kale.

 

• counting and naming “gifts”, the joy it brings.

When You Just Can’t

Last week was a particularly difficult week in my pursuit for giving thanks and joy. I am not entirely sure why the battle has intensified lately, except for the fact that I whole-heartedly believe that victory, stability of mind and spirit and joy are all the result of ‘giving thanks in all things’. And, I have an enemy of my soul who absolutely does not want these things in my life. The more I pursue it, the more I believe and see the victory to be had, the more intense the battle.

I have two examples of how this plays out in my life. One day was very difficult, increasingly so as the day went on. By right before dinner time, which is when I go for a short walk, I had lost it! I mean seriously lost it! I huffed and puffed (not from exertion) all throughout my walk and came back in worse shape than when I started. The only hope was for the night to go by quickly and to go to bed and look for new mercies in the morning! Been there?

The next day was playing out the same as the day before. I made myself go for my walk, even though all I really wanted to do was storm around the house and rant and rave and pounce on anybody who dared cross my path. As I walked, I felt the Spirit well up in me encouraging me to ‘give thanks’. Right, give thanks?! I literally could not think of anything! Then I remembered a verse that I felt the Lord showed me that I could use for moments such as these when I absolutely was lost for anything at all to be thankful for.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)

So I started with that. It was pathetic, ladies, really, my crude attempts at giving thanks were pathetic, at best. I began to thank Him for the smelly cows that I was walking by. Thank You that I don’t live across the street from the smelly cows. Thank You that I don’t live this close to this busy road. Thank You for the yellow chain over there. Thank You for the color yellow. Thank You for the color orange, (orange snow fence) Thank You for cows. Thank You that we get to eat cows. Thank You for the pine tree. Thank You for brown trees that will surely turn green, eventually. (you have to imagine that my tone was not at all sounding all thankful and cheery)

Do you see how primitive my attempt at ‘eucharisteo’ was? You know what? It worked! While I cannot say that I was ‘walking on sunshine’, but by the time I got home I was in a much better place. My eyes didn’t feel nearly as heavy. I didn’t bite anybody’s head off the whole rest of the night. I even had a few smiles. I can tell you, it was a stark difference from the day before, when I hadn’t given thanks.

So, I write all this to encourage you to not give up in your pursuit. To know that any attempt at ‘eucharisteo’ is better than no attempt. And, to give you an example of how God even honors our tottering steps of faith. Oh, and to share my “go-to” verse for something to give thanks for on those really, really bad days!

Beginning at 1,001!

• morning devotions
• I BELIEVE LIST
• rooster crowing
• birds singing
• Elijah fussing
• Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
• broken crocks
• spilled sauerkraut

• Sarah Grace praying for peace for mama
• recognizing a spirit of heaviness
• reading to Elijah
• Isaiah working for me
• baking cookies and bread
• the smell of Elijah’s hair after being outside
• ‘giving thanks’ working!
• my heart whispering, “Spring, Spring”
• each little face in this house
• Brian’s heart
• Plump robin in tree

Celebrating Number 1,000 and a Give Away

I have finally made it to ‘1,000’ in my gratitude journal!! Yeah!

To celebrate I would like to give away a new copy of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. I know many of you probably have this book, but if by chance you do not or if you know someone you would like to bless with a copy, see the end of the post for details.

I wanted to encourage anybody who has not started this wonderful discipline yet. If I can do this, a busy mama to nine, a recovering perfectionist, and a woman who has to work at being disciplined, than you can do it too! I promise!

It has taken me awhile to reach 1000, but I did not let that discourage me. I actually started my Gratitude Journal back in October of 2009, so you can see, it has taken awhile. I would put it down, this practice of recording grace, for months at a time for various reasons. I was sick for a long time, I have been lazy, I have been unthankful, many other reasons (or excuses ).

This past January, in my effort to relentlessly pursue thanksgiving, I have made it a moment by moment practice to record the grace He pours out. I can honestly say that my heart has changed, truly change. This is big for me, I can tend to be hard on myself and not notice change, but this is an obvious change to me.

You can do this! You will be so glad you did. It can be as simple as a steno pad or as elaborate as you chose. It doesn’t matter, just start seeing His graces all around, and begin recording them.

(you may click on the pictures to enlarge)

Occasionally there would be something especially sweet from one of the children that I would include. I also put ribbon around some of the pages.

This a spread that I included what our weekly menu was so the children could see what we had for dinner when they look back. Also, it seems the Lord speaks to me in ‘themes’, and the picture below expressed a lesson in Faith I was learning at the time.

More ribbon for a border. I just pick pictures that I love. Whether they be flowers, food, kitchens, ect.

The ‘theme’ currently is peace.

I often included quotes or poems that were speaking to me at the time. Below are quotes from One Thousand Gifts.

Nine hundred and ninety nine . . .

One Thousand!!

I do not find it coincidental that the page on which my one thousandth gift was recorded was a beautiful spread of purples and greens, with a gorgeous bench speaking rest to my soul. Only my Father knows how much I LOVE purple and green!!

I hope you have been inspired to begin counting if you have not yet, and encouraged to continue on if you are wondering if you will ever get there. You can do it!

I continue on with 1,001 and beyond . . .

To enter the give-away just leave a comment naming ten (10) gifts the Lord has given you! I will draw the winner on Friday morning, March 18, 2011. (Sorry, only open to US residents)

Are You Letting Your Light Shine?

Could we really be a people of praise? Of thanks? What would happen if the world saw believers giving thanks in all things? I mean, really living the life of ‘eucharisteo’?

What would happen if when we lost jobs, lose children, experience heartache, are betrayed by those we love . . . what would happen if they saw us offer up thanks instead of grumbling and complaining, pointing fingers and casting blame? What COULD happen?!

Might they wonder Who is this God that they love so much that they thank Him even in pain and calamity?

Might we show ourselves to be sons and daughters of the Most High God in the midst of a crooked generation? Might we shine as lights in the world?

I don’t know about you, buy I want to relentlessly pursue living a life of obedience, giving thanks in all things. Care to sing with me?

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Don't let Satan blow it out,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine til Jesus comes,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

The counting continues . . .

• snow
• waking up talking to You
• ability to organize
• breakfast with Brian
• making lip balm
• asking anybody who breathes if they need lip balm
• daughter in apron ready to Spring clean brothers bedroom
• children, on their own Spring cleaning
• finishing my cookbooks
• making bread
• flirting with Brian all morning
• stressing out—needing You
• snuggling with Levi
• grandson’s porcelain white skin
• watching him sleep and breathe
• everything is “O tay”
• heart so in love with my husband
• letting the peace of Christ rule in my heart
• listening to teaching on being a godly wife
• Southwest Turkey Burgers
• sweet potato fries!!!!!
• I was made for him

The Secret of “IN”

When I first started my very own gratitude journal back in October of 2009 I would try to keep my journal out and write down thoughts throughout the day, but the counter never stayed clear enough and by noon I couldn’t even find my journal. I took to writing down the things I could remember from my day in the evening.

This was fine, it worked for where I was in life, and it was a precious time of worship with my Father as I remembered all He had done in the day. But something was missing.

Back then I think I missed something that I now see and has made all the difference in how ‘giving thanks in all things’ is transforming me.

Fast forward to now, after reading One Thousand Gifts, I purpose to keep my planner with me (that has special paper made just for my gratitude list) and write down the ‘gifts’ as they happen. (as best I can, of course)

I cannot tell you how this had made the difference in real change happening in my heart! The joy and peace I am able to walk in ALL~THOUGHOUT~ THE ~ DAY is amazing. I think I found the secret!!

It is not just thanking Him for/in all things, it is inviting Him into the moment, by noticing and thanking Him, IN the moment!! Actually giving thanks IN all things. I hadn’t seen it before, but IN, at that very time, right there “IN” the moment!!!!

Doing it anytime is certainly better than not doing it. But, for me, this doing it IN the moment has been unexplainably life transforming!! When I stop and choose to see Him, (thank You Holy Spirit for faithfully stopping me!!) I can usually avert a big hissy fit, on my part, and obey the Word of God that says to Rejoice Always!!

Maybe I should clarify, I am LEARNING to do this! I don’t want to give the impression that I walk around the house perfectly joyful and praising my Jesus all day long with never a sin or ingratitude in my heart! I am LEARNING to do this, okay?

Have you found the ‘secret’ of “IN” all things??

And so the counting continues . . . have you started yet?

• greatest joy of the week, discovering my sweet Sarah Grace’s ‘gratitude list’. Beyond precious things on her list.

• She ‘gets’ it!
• beautiful morning prayer time each morning
• deliverance for Isabella
• blue skies

• treasure found on walk
• sunshine and snow
• walking with children
• Elijah walking in his snowsuit
• making meatballs and sauce
• everybody helping in kitchen
• Mr. Smit plowing the rest of the drive
• huge piles of snow
• snow forts (or snow forks to Elijah)
• my new juicer!
• joy in my heart
• exercising for the first time in a long time
• hot tea, cold hands
• quiet morning time
• Brian ‘hooking me up’ each morning
• finding new sweet worship songs
• Pane con Formaggio
• wonderful evening of hospitality
• teaching Elijah joy

• coconut chocolate chip sourdough bread and carrot raisin sourdough bread
• offering to read a book to Elijah and him telling me not until I read him the Bible
• coffee on a Saturday morning with my man
• talking with a dear friend about Ann’s book
• a different Elijah
• way more peaceful Saturday
• excitement over surprising Victoria
• pretty papers
• 
  

It is Well . . .

This week, while I was struggling to contend for joy and thanksgiving, the hymn, “It is Well With My Soul” by Haratio Spafford was bubbling up inside of me.

I went to YouTube to play it and sing along and I stumbled across this version, sung by Brian Doerksen. I sat there with tears streaming down my face feeling quite humbled. I had heard of the history behind the writing of this hymn, but seeing it right there with real photos was quite touching.

I was cut to the heart with shame over the petty things I had let frustrate me and render me barren of thanksgiving. How could someone suffer such horrible loss pen such beautiful words, while I wallowed in self-pity?

I repented. I began to give thanks with new vigor after this.

Continuing on with the counting . . .

• a fresh word
• determination to win this battle
• praise report about Joanne
• playing the ‘Southern Belle”
• giggling children
• heart shaped Salisbury steak
• blessing of training children
• getting organized
• being organized
• being a mom
• snuggly nap
• memorized all of Ephesians 1
• beginning Ephesians 2
• bad dreams that remind me that my life is amazing
• struggles ALL morning
• clean house, for now
• making bread
• sweet children
• teaching “joyful obedience”
• responding with gentleness (surprise!)
• forgiving because they know not what they do
• warm heater at my feet
• a little girl’s halting reading as she learns
• the wonder of being young and learning new things
• the wonder of being old and learning new things
• seeing change in my heart
• doing the ‘to-do’ list
• clean dresser
• 1 John 3
• husband waking me up each morning
• ORDER!!
• worship time each morning
• consistency
• dreams, again
• maybe, sorta understanding ‘coming full circle’
• learning to cry out
• sweet fellowship with sweet family

Making Thankfulness a Habit

Is it not ridiculous the many things we have to be thankful for in our everyday lives if we just take the time to slow down, to notice, to count?

I have found a way to keep up my ‘Thankful List” everyday, finally. I have tried leaving my beautiful Gratitude Journal out on the counter to record throughout the day. That didn’t work, as that counter NEVER stays cleared off. (I am thankful for that counter though )

I have tried to keep a little notebook with my scripture memory booklet, but for some reason that didn’t work either.

I keep my ‘planner’ (which I hope to show you soon) with me all throughout the day. I have placed a dated, lined paper behind my daily ‘to-do’ list so I can easily fill it in as I notice things. I also put “Thankful List” on the very top of my daily to-do list every day, in HUGE print. This seems to be working. I am practicing every day, it will become a habit. I will ‘relentlessly pursue’ thanksgiving, by His grace.

What have you found that works to make recording your ‘blessings’ a habit? Daily.

I am thankful for:

• the call to corporate prayer and fasting
• receiving “One Thousand Gifts”

• after much patience and diligence, Luke gets a truck
• “I wuv you Mimi”
• working with ‘kitchen helpers’
• Belly and Josiah, best friends
• crying out and being delivered
• tears
• a clean toilet!
• Brian finding me searching the file cabinet
• laughter with the man I love
• BEAUTIFUL snowflakes

(click on picture to enlarge and see beauty)

• I get to do school
• REPENTANCE, and refreshing
• more unraveling of my heart
• scheduled prayer time, daily
• a ridiculously sweet note from Brian

  ---

My Beloved,

I just wanted to thank you for being my bride and the mother to our children. I am so thankful for how much and how you love me. I already thought you were the best Mama in the world, but I am extremely thankful for how God is turning your heart towards our children in a greater way. I am thankful for how you challenge and encourage me in this area as well as many others. I LOVE and am thankful for you passion for the things you believe in, like, or dislike. I am thankful for the helpmate you are and how you fit around me. I am thankful for the unity of life and purpose that God has blessed us with. I love you Michelle!

May God bless you this day and eonian!

Love,

Your adoring husband

---

• Lattes and oatmeal
• overnight with Brian
• time with my Maker

• conviction, repentance and deliverance
• quiet, all day
• worship, dancing
• learning contentment
• bright moon, sparkly diamonds on the snow
• warm, cozy bed—sweet sleep
• frosty trees, glistening snow

In an Effort to Relentlessly Pursue Thankfulness

It was a couple of years ago, I think, that I stumbled on Ann’s blog. (Forever changed, that’s for sure) I set out right away to make a Gratitude Journal. I did ‘okay’ with keeping up with it.

To be honest, I struggle to stay thankful in all things. I can be disciplined in many areas, but this one eludes me. I will not give up. That is why Thankfulness is something that will be relentlessly pursued, this year, Lord willing.

You see, I believe this principle, being thankful in all things . . . naming your ‘gifts’ . . . seeing Him in every. moment.of.your.life . . . slowing to be present and rejoice in the moment . . . I believe this to be absolutely vital to my victory in this life, maybe yours too?

So, I join the community, the accountability to post online some of the things I am thankful for each week.

• Discovering Doctrine together as a family (I recommend the eBook, as you will want the ability to just print up the amount of pages you need vs. making copies)
• wonderful Saturday working side by side with the man I love with joy ALL day
• family movie night, the WHOLE family Faith Like Potatoes (extremely inspirational!)
• little girls with mama hearts
• sick little boy and his sad baby blues
• frozen pond=happy children

• traditional meals every week; Saturday: burger night, Sunday: Roast Chicken
• schedules, lists, goals, planning
• corporate prayer and fasting
• can’t get enough of “I wuv you Mimi'” and “ I miss you Mimi” (I love you, Levi!)

Contending For Joy

Father, I see it! I see this battle for joy! The enemy does sit there and scoff, laughing maybe, at the seeming impossibility of finding joy amidst the ‘mess’ of everyday life. The ‘mess’ of my own heart, the ‘mess’ of theirs, the pain, the sorrow all around.

“Ha, I dare you to find joy ‘here’ in this mess.” I can almost see him motioning as he sweeps his hand across my days. I almost hear the taunting with each passing emotion . . . wait, it’s a challenge! Can I find joy amidst ‘this’ mess?

Yes! An emphatic YES! I will contend for joy! I will contend for giving thanks, for praise!

I choose to rejoice and be glad in this day. I choose JOY! I will enter into His presence with thanksgiving and joy.

Why does the enemy fight so hard to keep us from joy, from thanksgiving? Well, for one thing, he hates us. (smile) Maybe, in part, it is because it has to do with what You were showing me last week. The joy of the Lord is my strength. In Your presence is the fullness of joy. I enter Your presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Where am I the strongest? In Your presence.
When am I the strongest? When I am rejoicing.
How do I get there? By thanksgiving and praise.

I see, Father, why of all the ‘basics’, (prayer, meditation, reading the Word, etc.) that rejoicing, giving thanks seems to be the biggest battle right now.

I choose to contend for this one. I am choosing, this day, to serve You with gladness~to find joy~ to give thanks~to praise.

Open my eyes, O Lord, to see that when the battle is the most intense I need to sing, to praise, to thank. Give grace, I pray, to obey . . . R.E.J.O.I.C.E. A.L.W.A.Y.S. and I.N. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. G.I.V.E. T.H.A.N.K.S!

I contend for joy!

Around the Same Mountain...Want to Join Me?

The Lord has once again been showing me the importance of Joy, Thanksgiving, Gratitude, Praise, ect. We all know so much about these things and even try to implement them in our lives. I seem to be consistent with these for a very short time only to be swallowed up with life, and joy, thanksgiving, gratitude and praise seem so far off in the distance.

Recently I was meditating on the verse we all know and love in Nehemiah. What is it ladies, you know right?

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

(Truth be told, it's only part of a verse, but that is the part I will talk about.)

I have always thought that I had to some how get His joy and then I would have strength. I have prayed for His joy. I have confessed joy. I have meditated on this scripture.

Well, as I was seeking the Lord for wisdom and revelation on this verse, this was my thought process.

'could it be joy "in" the Lord?' ' as I am joyful 'in' You, then I am strengthened?'

I looked up the Hebrew word for 'joy', H2304 (from H2302) meaning rejoice. Rejoice! So, REJOICE in the Lord and I will have strength! (Maybe this was a no brainer for you all, but not for me)

Then I looked up 'strength', H4581: a fortified place, a defence.

Wow, it was becoming clear to me that as I rejoice/praise Him not only am I strengthened but I find myself in a fortified place. Which speaks to me of a safe place, a place where the enemy can't get to me quite so easily.

Then I came across another verse, Psalm 16:11,

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

In His presence is fullness of joy, that joy I desperately need for victory, for strength. Hmmm, how do we enter into His presence, where that fullness of joy is?? That's right, Psalm 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Are you seeing this yet? Are you lacking that strength you need for your day? Do you seem to barely be one step ahead of the enemy most days? Praise, give thanks, rejoice!!!

It has been on my heart to get more consistent with my Gratitude Journal again and now I see why. I see how that is the answer to many of my struggles. Rejoicing, being thankful, praising.
Might be a simple message, but I'm a simple woman. Isn't it so cool when He lets us peek behind the 'why' to His commands? He tells us to rejoice, be thankful, to praise, and we should simply because He says so. But how cool when He shows us why.

Let's Do This Together!!

Good morning, Ladies! I have been overwhelmed with the joy of the Lord yesterday and today. As I was reading Psalm 71 today I was struck by how many times we are exhorted to 'praise the Lord', to 'tell of His righteous deeds'.
Below are various verses from Psalm 71.

My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day.

But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteous acts and of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is more than I know.

I will come in the strength and with the mighty acts of the Lord God; I will mention and praise Your righteousness, even Yours alone.

O God, You have taught me from my youth, and hitherto have I declared Your wondrous works.

Yes, even when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not, [but keep me alive] until I have declared Your mighty strength to [this] generation, and Your might and power to all that are to come.

My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which You have redeemed.

My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are put to shame, for they are confounded, who seek and demand my hurt.


You probably know as well as I do that recounting, praising, thanking and telling of His wonderful faithfulness is smattered from one end of the Bible to the other.

Let's obey that admonition. Joy truly does bubble up when we stop focusing on the 'woes' of life and start magnifying the Lord. So, let the LORD be magnified this morning! Just off the top of you head list five things you are thankful for or want to praise Him for. Don't stress yourself out, whatever comes to mind, spend the few seconds to type them in the comment section. If it is a particularly difficult morning it might feel like a stretch, but look around, there are literally tons of things to be thankful for. I'll start.

1. a beautiful day of rest yesterday
2. joy returning to my heart
3. the opportunity to teach and train today
4. one more day to glorify my God (help me, Father ;-)
5. schedules, menu plans and lists

Your turn! Imagine a day filled with 'declaring' His goodness . . . all the day long!! Join me!?

Power of Praise

The Lord has been speaking to me even more lately about the power of praising and thanksgiving. I say 'even more' because it seems like this message is a constant for me.

What I am wondering is, 'Might there just be a powerful spiritual principle to this praising the Lord?'

One of my favorite Old Testament stories on the power of praise is in 2 Chronicles 20. Please read it if you have a chance to get the full effect of the story.

The verses that speak to me today are:

2 Chronicles 20:21,22

When he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were [self-] slaughtered;

When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushments against their enemies!

For me, when by His grace, I am able to praise and thank Him for all He is in my life, all the blessings, all the mercy, the darkness flees! It is so easy to forget this when I feel so swallowed up by the concerns of life . . . the overwhelming task of discipling these children. . . health issues . . . loving the unlovable . . .hurts and heartaches . . . disappointments . . .

The last thing I feel like doing is praising God, and He gently reminds me of the power of praise. I choose praise, and even when I can't seem to, I pray for grace to praise. The darkness lifts, my heart feels lighter, and hope and joy return.

I think all we truly need can be summed up with one word. JESUS.

Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

It is by praise that we enter His courts.

Somehow, praise brings Him to the forefront. We know He never leaves us nor forsakes us, but somehow praise seems to instantly bring an awareness of Him. Most likely because my eyes are now on Him instead of all my troubles.

Below are a few quotes I have read in the last week alone. They are from a devotional called Daily Moments In His Presence.

"Praise Me out of a heart full of love. Praise Me for every blessing and every victory. Yes, praise Me when the most difficult thing to do is praise. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even your faith, and praise is the voice of faith."

"So praise, My children, and never cease in your praising, for in the midst of it I will manifest Myself, and you will understand that when I demand of you your praises, it is for your highest good. Praise will transform the humblest dwelling to a hallowed haven."

"Praise Me, and rejoice while I work it all out for My glory."

Lift up your eyes and begin praising Him right now!

Gratitude Journal

Have you heard of Ann Voskamp's Endless Gifts and her Visual Journals? If not, you really should go check them out. I read about them and was so taken with them I just had to join in. Her journals are so beautiful and inspiring.



The Lord was speaking to me to purposefully notice blessings in my day to help with the depression I was struggling with. I would do it, when I remembered, but more often than not, I forgot. This is when I read about Ann's Endless Gifts and her Gratitude Journals, I knew it was the Lord encouraging me to join in.



I was determined to not over think this and jump right in, very hard for me to do. ;-) I went to Hobby Lobby and Michael's to find the perfect journal. I'll share some thoughts with you that might help you.



1. You want at least 60lb paper, but 70lb would be better. I still have some ink bleed through with 60lb.



2. I usually always go for spiral bound journals, but in this case I went with a bound book. The reason is when I have the book open and want to enjoy the full spread, I didn't want the white or black binding to interrupt the space. Spiral bound is always easier to write in, I think, but as long as the book opens flat, I am happy with my choice.



3. I went for a full size journal as opposed to a 5 x 8 size, and I am glad I did. Many of the pictures I cut out of magazines would be too big for the smaller pages.

4. I jot ideas down to put in my journal all throughout the day on a sticky note. When I have some time at night I write them in the journal.

5. I only 'decorate' a few pages ahead. I don't know if my mood will change, or the season, so I didn't want to fill in too many.

I knew as soon as the kids saw what I was doing they would want to join me. Sure enough, sneaky mom wins again! I tend to have all these grand plans that we start and never finish and I didn't want this to be another one of those in their minds. They really wanted to do it. My 13 year old has really gotten the hang of it and has made a beautiful journal. She fills it with scripture, quotes, poems, as well as her 'thankful list'.

One day a week I sit down with the littles and we work on decorating their journal. I gently encourage them on placement and picture choice, ;-) (Hard for this type A mom to just have fun) Each day, as I remember, I ask them if they have anything they want me to write down for them. I'm gently teaching them to look for 'gifts' from their Father all throughout the day. I am hoping that they will catch on and not need gentle prompts from me.

I just love when something is His idea. He is the one that makes it happen, not me. I marvel how He has drawn my heart at the perfect time each time I have worked on it with the children. You also need to know that I don't 'naturally' sit down with my littles and do 'crafty' things! Don't you just love it when it's Him?

Here are some other links for 'visual journals' and Endless Gifts

Eyes of Wonder

Joyful Mom of Many

Give Thanks in All Things??? Serious?

In all things, give thanks . . .

be thankful, giving praise always . . .

offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Thank God in everything(no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks) for this is the will of god for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:18)

Yikes! Give thanks . . .in ALL things?

And if that wasn’t enough, 'for this is the will of God for you'?!

Serious? I am to give thanks to God, no matter what my circumstances, and just to make it clear, this is His divine will for me?

This verse, and others like it, are so easy for me to stop and look at for a moment, rattle off some things I’m thankful for, get a warm fuzzy feeling, and then move on.

When I stop and really meditate, and the Holy Spirit begins to show me ‘thing’ after 'thing' that would actually be included in “ all things”, and that giving thanks in all those things is God’s will for me, now its not so easy to move on.

“Lord Jesus, are you serious? Do You know how hard that is? All things? Really? This is Your will for me?”
“Yes”, a resounding, Yes!

The Lord has been dealing with me on these verses here and there, gently for the past few years. Step by step I have seen Him reveal a little more, convict a little more, expect a little more. In light of all the recent struggles with my health, the loss of our baby, and just life in general, I am finding this 'command' very difficult at times. I also am finding that those times I do get the victory and praise and thank Him, healing and joy come flooding into my heart.

I do desire to ‘be thankful in all things’, which, by the way, is pretty easy in the things that feel good. Where it gets difficult is for those much harder things,

like when others hurt us,

when we are sick,

when our money is gone,

when our marriage is failing,

when our children wander away,

when our heart aches,

when loved ones die,

when someone is abused,

when God ‘seems’ so far away.

How do we possibly thank Him in the midst of these ‘hard’ things?
I certainly do not have all the answers, but here are a few things He has been teaching me.

* Most often times it is ‘by faith’ that we thank Him, not because we feel thankful. And more often than not, it is through tears and clenched teeth that I offer my sacrifice of thanksgiving.

* He is all wise! He knows far better than I what the whole picture looks like. I have to get to the place where I am convinced of His wisdom.

(I’m not suggesting some work of the flesh to believe in His wisdom. It is His work and He will do it.)

*God is love! Read it again. God is love. Perfect love. When I get a revelation of His deep and perfect love for me, I am not quite so thrown by the “things” that come into my life. This is a never ending process.

*God is completely and utterly sovereign. Absolutely nothing that comes into my life has not passed through His hands. This is a tough one for some to handle. They tend to think the devil can sneak one by on God. Not true!

I love how Hannah W. Smith words it:

“Second causes are powerless to act, except by God’s permission. And what He permits becomes really His arranging.” (The God of All Comfort)

I hesitate to share this because 7-10 years ago this would have sent me for a loop. The thought of God allowing or even sending something so seemingly harmful in my life was more than I could bear. It has become easier as I have grown in the knowledge of His wisdom, His love, and His absolute sovereignty.

If He is

wisdom,

loves me with and everlasting and eternal love,

is truly and completely sovereign and omnipotent,

can I not trust Him and obey His command to thank Him is all things?

*I have to be convinced that His Word is true. An If I believe that, then I can believe, certainly by faith, that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Ro. 8:28)

This is certainly not an exhaustive exposition on thanking God in all things, just what is on my heart today. This is a challenging concept for me, as I am sure for others. Isn’t the prospect of being able to thank and praise Him no matter what the world, the devil, the flesh throws at you or even what God allows, a glorious aspiration?

Do you struggle with 'thanking Him in all things'?

What verses or things can you share to help us in this journey to obey this command?

A book that has really encouraged me in the past is Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. God used it to give me such an understanding of His Wisdom, Love and Sovereignty.