Practicing Gratitude

Wow, these months pass by so quickly, don't they?? I can't believe November is only five days away! Do you find the second half of the year always goes twice as fast as the first half? Yikes. I have my theories about why that is, but that's for another time. On to today's busines!!

This week, among many many other things, I've been thankful for:

☼  Reading side by side on the couch with hubby in the evening instead of watching TV  (we're both huge Clive Cussler fans, especially his Dirk Pitt series!)
☼  Teaching my girls piano is more enjoyable than I thought it would be
☼  The privilege (and responsibility) of continuing to write the story of the spread of the Church begun in the book of Acts
☼  Watching a movie with the girls that actually MEANS something and teaches them about faith in God and spreading the Gospel (we watched The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry)
☼  The ability and training to translate a bunch of circles, lines, and other mysterious markings into a beautiful musical story
☼  The privilege of praying for a woman I've never actually met, but whom I know is in desperate need of prayer
☼  A challenging theological discussion with the girls over lunch including such fun topics as: how come it seems like God makes mistakes or changes His mind? and, Where do newborn babies go if they die?
☼  Reading my Bible and noticing things it feels like I've never noticed before, over and over again!
☼  The ability to see and appreciate the beauty of nature (like horses and foxes at sunrise)
☼  Aprons and the smell of fresh-baked bread!

And last, but not least...

☼  NUTELLA IN THE MAIL!!!  For serious!  My sweet bloggy friend Jessi and I were discussing Nutella the other day on FB and I complained about the cost of it in my area.  She was a bit shocked at the price.  Some time later, she asked for my mailing address, but I thought maybe it was for a Christmas card or something, even though she'd said it was something sweet.  But then yesterday a large jar of the chocolatey goodness was waiting for me at the post office ~ all the way from Oklahoma!! I'm so grateful for thoughtful gifts and crazy sweet friends!

What are you most thankful for this week? Click the TT button at the top of the post to visit our host, link up, and meet other thankful bloggers!

 

Swimming Lessons and Knowing God

This past summer the girls took swimming lessons again. Sometimes they ask why they need to keep going since they're comfortable and relatively confident in the pool.

We tell them being comfortable and confident in the water is easy when you can see the bottom and the sides and know exactly how far you have to swim before you can touch, either the edge with your hands or the bottom with your feet. Swimming in a lake with waves is very different.

Even if you can see the shore, you can't necessarily judge how long you'll have to swim before you can touch the bottom with your feet. You certainly can't SEE the bottom. The waves and the wind greatly affect your progress. It's very different from a pool.

We want our girls comfortable in both scenarios. Comfortable enough, at least, to not panic and to just start kickin' in the right direction. To know how to change strokes to prevent fatigue without losing forward progress.

Swimming lessons are so much like our need to study our Bibles to produce and aid spiritual growth and an ever-increasing understanding of God. A steadily growing trust in His plan, power, and providence.

So many times in life, we find ourselves in situations where we can't "touch."  Worse, there's often no shore in sight.  When we can't see our way through a circumstance, we need to be able to rely on something we DO know... and just keep kickin'. Without knowing how long we'll have to continue struggling against the waves, we need the calm assurance that we've been equipped to handle the situation because we know God's promises.  Because we know God.

But we don't get to know God automatically just like we can't swim automatically.  Being dumped into a tough situation doesn't make our faith strong just like being dumped off a boat in the middle of a lake doesn't make us strong swimmers.  Only lessons and practice will work.  And even if we WERE strong swimmers at one time, if it's been years since our arms and legs were used to regularly propel ourselves through the water, we may not have the necessary endurance to reach the shore when the need arises.  That, too, requires dedication.

I'll be the first to admit that even though it's fairly habitual for me to pick up my Bible and read several chapters on a daily basis, it still often just feels like an obligation and my mind has trouble with not really wanting to be there.  And yet as I continue to pray, asking God for an ever-increasing hunger for His Word, and as I continue to participate weekly over at The Bible in A Year blog (which forces me to concentrate ~ and even STUDY at times!!), I do see the results.

I am stronger spiritually; I believe my understanding of God is much deeper than it used to be.  I know my love for Him is.  I don't struggle with grasping certain aspects of His character that I always used to.  I have grown to love even some of the hard-to-understand passages ~ not necessarily because I understand them all now (a few I do; most I still don't), but because they are a part of God's Holy Word, which I have a deeper reverence and love for.

But I wouldn't if I wasn't routinely spending the time.

I'm 39 years old and I've been a professing Christian virtually all my life, but this change has only occurred in the last two years.  I've wasted a lot of time, thinking what I heard in church Sunday mornings was all I needed to know, relying on that weekly morsel to provide strength for whatever challenge came my way.  But really, how strong a swimmer can you possibly be if you only eat one good meal a week?  If you only get in one liesurely swim with friends every weekend?

Take some lessons.  It's never too late.  But even more importantly, start practicing regularly!  It won't make perfect, contrary to popular belief, but it will make PROGRESS.

Which is exactly what you want the next time you find yourself in the middle of a choppy lake with the shoreline barely in sight.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

~ 2 Tim. 2:15 AMP

 

Practicing Gratitude

I can't believe another week has gone by since I last posted anything! I can't tell if I'm falling out of love with blogging, if I don't have time, or if there's just too much going on in my head for me to get out in a coherent fashion!

I think it's a combination, but probably mostly the third thing!! There's so much to say and yet I just don't feel like I have the time ~ or want to TAKE the time ~ to sit here and write it all out. Which means I'm busy doing something OTHER than sitting here at the computer.

I'm thankful for that. I've confessed several times in the past here on the ol' blawg that I have a bit of an addiction to my computer. I've long known I manage my time HORRIBLY. But slowly and surely, I've been working at staying away from the computer for longer and longer periods and focusing on getting the things done that NEED doing before I sit here for any real length of time. It sounds really pathetic ~ and it is, I admit it! ~ but I'm grateful there's been progress. I'm constantly harping at my youngest daughter for doing all sorts of things instead of what actually needs doing, but I have to admit, she comes by it very honestly!! She's unfortunately got a great role model.

I'm grateful for a husband who challenges me and forces me to be very sure of what I believe.  There are some areas where we just don't agree and it's tough sometimes to present my point of view without sending the message that he needs to change his view to match mine if he wants to be right.  (Remember, I'm opinionated and argumentative by nature!)  Especially in matters of faith, Bible interpretation, and conviction, this can be a touchy subject.  I'm thankful he and I can have these discussions and disagreements without causing major damage.  In fact, I think we're getting better at ending them and carrying on like normal once they're over.  I'm choosing to believe this means we're both still growing and maturing!!

I'm thankful for new opportunities to invest my time in my community and my church.  I've mentioned a couple times already about starting up our somewhat defunct church ladies' group with my best friend and that still excites me.  I'm also extremely grateful for the group of church leaders' wives (of whom I am one) who continue to meet to pray together twice a month.

And earlier this week, I agreed to accept an "executive" position in our school's Parent Advisory Council.  It won't require a whole lot of extra work or time, but it will force me to go to ALL the meetings and keep informed of what's going on in our school.  I'm a bit of a hermit and don't really like to leave my home if I don't absolutely HAVE to, so this will be good for me in a few different ways!  I've been attending these meetings on and off for the last three years and in some small way, I hope this will help me be a slightly brighter little light, reflecting the glory of The Light of the World just a little more clearly, for just a few more to see.

 

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Practicing Gratitude: Post-Thanksgiving Edition

Ugh.  I. am. so. FULL!!!

Of thanks, I mean.

You totally thought I was talking about food, didn't you? Admit it!

Well, in all honesty, that wouldn't have been an entirely WRONG answer... :P

I did eat well this past weekend.  A wedding feast on Saturday, a Thanksgiving family feast on Sunday, more feasting and snacking on Monday, McDonalds on the drive home Tuesday... yikes.

I'm thankful that no matter how we feel about our financial situation, our dinner table never seems to be affected.  And while cleaning out my fridge is often one of the most revolting tasks, I'm reminded with each and every "science experiment" or container of  "dog food" that I have more than enough.

I'm grateful for family to share special meals with.  My own husband and children make each meal we can have together a special time, but there's just something about being together with my parents or The 'Man's family yet, too, that makes it feel like a celebration whether it's an actual holiday or not.

I'm thankful for safe travels to and from The Big City yet again.  We'll be making that trip a little more often than usual this fall because between now and Christmas there will be a FAMILY WEDDING to attend!!  I'm grateful my sister-in-law grasped the concept of biblical femininity early on in a way that so many in my generation haven't, and stubbornly held to her beliefs even though had she been more brazen assertive, she might have been dating and married off years ago.  I'm grateful she waited on God's perfect timing instead of stepping in and "helping" Him along like we are so often wont to do.  I'm so excited that she's been almost literally swept off her feet by a wonderful, godly man.

I'm grateful for new experiences and grandparents that have interesting ideas of how to spend some of our time with them!  This weekend we toured the Western Canada Aviation Museum ~ something we didn't even know existed until just a few years ago and had never checked out.  Lots of old planes, and most importantly, a REAL retired cockpit for the girls to play in!!

I'm thankful the colours of fall are STILL sticking around!  Normally, the best time around here for colour would be about the middle of September, but thanks to the weather we've had, there are still plenty of golds, oranges, and reds to enjoy!  (and still even an amazing amount of green!)  The forecast doesn't look quite as nice this week, so I'm guessing that will end very shortly now, but it's been so wonderful to be able to enjoy the beauty of the season much longer than we normally get to!

There are just so many things to be grateful for!  I could go on and on, but speaking of food and fridge-cleaning.... I have a menu and grocery list to make.

What are YOU most thankful for this week??

 

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Thanksgiving Service

Hopefully, it's more than just LIP service.

Because I have been given much, I too must give.
Because of Thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live.
I shall divide my gifts from Thee
With ev'ry brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed, by Thy good care,
I cannot see another's lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
My roof's safe shelter overhead,
That he too may be comforted.

Because love has been lavished so upon me, Lord,
A wealth I know that was not meant for me to hoard,
I shall give love to those in need ~
Shall show that love by word and deed;
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

~ Grace Noll Crowell

Is just saying the words, "Thank you," really enough to show true gratitude?
Sometimes I think we content ourselves with simply SAYING thanks.  We seem to believe that meeting the minimum requirements of the command to "in everything give thanks" is doing our full Christian duty. But these lyrics indicate ~ and I think Scripture bears this out ~ that if we're really truly grateful for the good things in our lives, most importantly our eternal security and satisfaction guaranteed by the redeeming blood of Christ that spares us from God's just wrath, there will be a genuine out-pouring of love for others manifest in our words and acts of kindness. That we will seek to be a blessing to others in the same ways God has blessed us.

On this Thanksgiving Day, let's remember that thanksgiving isn't just between us and God ~ it should affect (and INfect!) those around us, too. Not just in our words on this specific day, but LIVED OUT in our everyday lives throughout the next 364 as well.



   

Fellow Canadians,

I know I certainly do!

 

Practicing Gratitude: Pre-Thanksgiving Edition

I can't believe it's Thanksgiving time again!  I know most of you Interpeeps don't celebrate Thanksgiving for another several weeks yet, but up here in Canada, we like to get the jump on things.  ;)

I'm thankful for holidays and times when we can spend extra time together as a family. I'm thankful I HAVE a family ~ a wonderful, handsome husband, two fun, beautiful daughters; parents, in-laws, sisters- and brother-in-laws, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins...  I love my family!  I'm grateful we'll be able to spend some time together with some of them again this weekend, too!

I'm thankful for the seemingly extraordinary struggles with envy I've had over the last couple of years because I think I understand now why they came my way.  I'm grateful for the experience that I hope will make me a better blessing and encouragement to a dear one who has much greater cause (humanly speaking) to struggle with this than I ever did.

I'm thankful the amazing weather we've had for the last three months is CONTINUING!  If this keeps up, we'll almost be able to wear SHORTS while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner OUTSIDE!  For serious!!!

I'm grateful for my church family, for a renewed interest in a church ladies' group, and for friends whom I can pray with.  I wish I was braver about praying with ALL my friends ~ I'm not sure why it seems so much harder or more unnatural with some, but I'm working at it.  I'm so thankful to be able to do that with at least some friends.  What a blessing that is!!

And I'm so thankful for salvation.  At times, when I think about exactly how undeserved it is, I am overwhelmed. To know that God, desiring to display His own glory, chose ME ~ a sinner condemned to death ~ to hear His voice, to receive the heartbeat to respond, and the faith to believe.... it just blows me away.  How could I do any less than live only for Him?

I'm thankful for opportunity after opportunity to show my love for my Saviour. And I'm so grateful for new mercies and grace for each new moment, each new day...

...because I mess up so often.

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Say What You Mean; Mean What You SaySing

I often wonder how much we really think about what we're singing in church every Sunday.  I played an old favourite hymn at the close of the service a while ago, but I had to question how honest I was being.

It may not be on the mountain's height, Or over the stormy sea;

It may not be at the battle's front My Lord will have need of me.

But if by a still, small voice He calls To paths that I do not know,

I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine, "I'll go where You want me to go."

I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,

over mountain, or plain, or sea.

I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord.

I'll be what You want me to be.

Really?  Even a Sunday school teacher, week in, week out, all year long?  Even volunteering to be on the weekly church-cleaning rotation?  Even a Bible study leader?  A gracious host to friends, family, and people we don't know so well when hospitality doesn't come naturally?  Saying, "Why don't we pray about it right now?" when a friend is sharing her burdens, and then praying together even when it's not something I'm particularly comfortable with?

Am I really willing to go where He wants me to go, or do what He wants me to do ~ BE who He wants me to be ~ when that still, small voice whispers, "I need you right here."?

Fall Decorating

Nature really does do it best, doesn't she??

Happy October!!