Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Blessed: divinely favored

Have you ever had one of those moments when you look around and realize just how BLESSED you are?

That's where I find myself right now. I'm sitting on my couch, looking out the french doors to the backyard, thinking back on the day and it amazes me how many BLESSINGS God has given me. As I sit here the flat screen TV is playing, dinner is cooking on the stove, and my puppies are running around chasing squirrels. My husband is on his way home, from a job that was an answer to prayer, so that we can spend this evening together. I've had the chance to talk to my mom on the phone this morning and she gave me some great ideas. My teaching partner is one of my best friends. She is creative, caring, and a fabulous listener. I work at a school with teachers I admire and a few I aspire to be. My students are inquisitive, creative, funny, and hardworking. The weather is gorgeous, perfect for keeping the doors open and the air blowing through the house.

Bottom line...I can't complain. Of course, I do...but I shouldn't...I am BLESSED!

How cool is it to be able to stop and remember that?

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" Ephesians 1:3

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Just a quick note...

I was reading some new blogs today (yep, I'm becoming addicted!)  and was struck by how cool it is that we live in a time that we have a medium which allows us to record our thoughts for others to read. It's amazing to me that I've started this whole blogging thing. I don't know where it will take me or if will impact anyone else...but I'm fairly certain that I will grow simply from this blogging experience.

For those who have already read the words I've posted, shared them with others, or commented on a thread- THANK YOU!!!! I really appreciate all the positive and encouraging words. THANK YOU!!!

This journey is off to a pretty neat start!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Refine: To bring to a finer state

I can't imagine a world without music! It's a powerful vehicle. Music has the magical ability to fit any emotion we may have, deliver a message, or simply take us away from it all. 

One of the things I like best about music is how it can be a means of worshiping and reconnecting with God. I'll admit I'm not a full-time listener of Christian tunes. My iPod has lots of different genres of music, but lately I've rediscovered my love of some great Christian artists like Mark Shultz, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, and Steven Curtis Chapman; just to name a few.

Jennifer Knapp is another one of my favorite Christian artists.  Her music is simple, straight forward and the messages are often very similar to what I want to say. This week I've been praying the words to one of Jennifer's songs. The message is just what I pray God will do in me- make me new in His image, REFINE me. Love the powerful words!

REFINE ME

I come into this place, 
burning to receive your peace
I come with my own chains, 
From wars I've fought for my own selfish gain.
You're my God and my Father. 
I've accepted your son.
But my soul feels so empty now
What have I become? 

Lord, come with your fire
Burn my desires REFINE me.
Lord my will has deceived me
Please come and free me. 
REFINE me. 

My heart can't see. 
When I only look at me. 
My soul can't hear. 
When I only think of my own fears. 
They are gone in a moment. 
You're forever the same. 
Why did I look away from You? 
How can I speak your name? 

Lord, come with your fire. 
Burn my desires REFINE me. 
Lord my will has deceived me
Please come and free me. 
Come rescue this child, 
For I long to be reconciled to You.
REFINE me, REFINE me, REFINE me...

REFINE me.


"For You have tried us, O God;  You have REFINED us as silver is REFINED." Psalm 66: 10


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thankful: Feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative

Not so long ago, my hubby and I were going out to dinner. As we got to the front doors, we saw that a group of women were leaving the restraunt. Russ quickly grabbed for the door and held it open for them. Amazingly, not one of them said THANK YOU or even acknowledge his kindness. In fact, they pretty much ignored the courtesy, almost as though they expected it or were entitled to it.

As surprising as this lack of manners is, I can't claim that I'm any different. I do make a point to say THANK YOU or good morning, etc. to folks who show a kindness to me, but I often forget to THANK the One that has provided me with so many blessings to begin with. In that way, I'm not much different from the ladies at the restaurant...ungrateful and entitled.

A few months ago, a friend sent me a saying on Facebook that said, "Imagine if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today." Wow! How powerful is that? If that was true, sadly, there would be many days that I would wake up without a whole heck of a lot!  It's so easy to get caught up in asking God for things, but never THANKING Him for the many gifts and kindnesses He has shown us.  I've been working on taking time throughout the day to say a quick "THANK YOU!" to Him. I'm working on remembering to start my prayers with THANKS and praise, so that God knows I do appreciate the many wonderful blessings and gifts that He has given me. I'm am so very THANKFUL...more than I could ever express!

Have you THANKED Him today?

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
Ephesians 5:20