PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY

So, my sister has been spending time cleaning out some of my mom's drawers.

It's rather amazing what she's accumulated in her 83+ years – and also amazing what she's been able to stuff into drawers!!

Once in a while, my sister comes across a real treasure.

A forgotten piece of jewelry.

A childhood token.

Money.

But the best treasure of all?

Old photographs!

Photos of my mother as a child, me and my siblings as children, and our kids in their childhood.

Precious memories.


As I was looking through some photos that my sister put aside for me, I got to thinking.

Isn't it strange how we can't remember anything from our early years?  Those memories don't belong to us, but rather to our parents and the people who loved us.

Here's an example…

I remember several years ago taking a day trip with my parents.

I drove us to a beach town where my dad had grown up for a portion of his boyhood.  He had so many fond memories there.

We drove around to houses he stayed in, and he told us story after story about people that had lived in the neighborhood – including the man who would shine a huge spotlight into the surf so they could swim until ten o'clock at night!

The general store was still there, and relatively unchanged in 70+ years – the place where he used to buy his candy.

It was a precious time watching his face light up with memories of such good times.

On our way back home, my parents asked me if we could take a quick side trip to the place where they brought me home from the hospital.

Well, sure!

We found it, and just as we were parking our car at the curb, the current tenants drove into the driveway.

Mom and I decided we were going to ask them if we could poke our heads inside.

Dad was mortified, and tried (in vain) to get us to change our minds.

(We left him in the car…ahem!)

So, we walked up the small driveway and approached the people as they were getting out of their car.

They looked at us askance, clearly not wanting to be bothered.

But we persisted.

As I told them why we were there, they smiled and invited us in.

Linked arm in arm, my mother and I entered the little house where I spent my first days of life.

Mom sighed, "It hasn't changed at all."

Then she started pointing things out to me…

"That's the window where we'd put your cradle in the afternoon."

"Here's the kitchen where I washed and prepared your bottles."

"See the sidewalk across the street?  That's where I would walk you in the stroller."


You know, it was a special moment, but kinda eerie.

It was weird to think that I'd actually been in this place, but had absolutely no recollection of it.

And yet, when I looked into the face of my mother, awash with the glow of HER memories of that time with me, I understood something.

Those first few years of our lives do indeed belong to someone else.

Just as the memories I have of my sons in the very beginnings of their lives will always be held in my heart instead of their minds.

I don't know, I thought it was kinda special.

We profusely thanked the people as we walked out.

But then I turned to my mom and said:

"Mom, isn't this the place where Dad backed into the carport on his first day back at work after I was born?"

She grinned.

"Yes, it is."

I grinned.

We wandered down the driveway, and I got to see the infamous carport that has played such a starring role in one of my favorite stories about me being born.

I love that my father, Mr. Have-It-All-Together, was actually kinda thrown by my arrival!!

Good times.

My earliest memory is when I was about 3 years old.

It’s kinda sketchy, but I've verified it with my mom, and I do have the basic details accurate.  My real memories start at about age 4 or 5 – highlights that must have stuck with me because of their meaning.

It's been fun looking at the photos – and sometimes they spur those early memories.

Photographic memory.

Yes.


As I was lying down to sleep last night, I was thinking about those photos, the memories they represent, and the accumulation of moments that a person's life actually is.

Some of it (much of it) is lost to me now.

My memory is pretty good, but even so, it can't contain everything.

But God can – and He does.

I was stilled by that thought.

My entire life – every moment – is firmly implanted in the forefront of His omniscient mind.

He knew all of it before I was born, before the creation of the world.

And He never, ever forgets a thing – never forgets me.

How comforting that thought is to me!

There have been times when I'm watching TV, or attending a huge sporting event, or spending the day at an amusement park – any time I see a crowd of people – and I am overwhelmed by the thought that God knows about every single person's entire life.

Every moment of their history.

All the things that have happened to them.

All the hurts, the joys, the laughter and the tears – their every thought and every feeling.

And He loves each of them.

Just like He loves each of us – as if we were the only person in the whole world.

His love is universal, but also incredibly singular and individually-focused.

I'll never understand it fully.

But I do know this…

He knows me better than I know myself, for He remembers.

The good, the bad, the ugly – my moments are His memories.


I love that the One who created me is the same One who carries me.

From birth to death to eternity – always in His arms.

Never out of His thoughts, ever close to His heart.


And that brings me a comfort and peace that I must always remember…



What's your earliest memory?

Me - First Grade

And yes, I remember this dress!
I loved it!! 

"'I am the LORD, and I do not change.'" (Malachi 3:6, NLT)

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)

"…you are always the same; you will live forever." (Psalm 102:27, NLT)

"Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages)." (Hebrews 13:8, AMP)

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 
(Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)

"'I am the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end,' says the Lord God. 'I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – the Almighty One.'" (Revelation 1:8, NLT)

"…the one who watches over you will not slumber.  Indeed, he…never slumbers or sleeps.  The LORD himself watches over you!…The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.  The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." (From Psalm 121:3-5, 7-8, NLT)

"You saw me before I was born.  Every day of my life was recorded in your book.  Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.  How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!  I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!" 
(Psalm 139:16-18, NLT)

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…" (Jeremiah 1:5, NASB)

"But whoever loves God is known by God." (1 Corinthians 8:3, NIV)

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." 
(Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV)

"'Can a mother forget [her] baby…and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!'" (Isaiah 49:15, NIV)

"'I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age.  I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you.'" (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

"'…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MODEST MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, TGI SATURDAYS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

UPROOTING WEEDS OF BITTERNESS

It's been a tough week.

So, I hope you'll understand today's repost of something I wrote three years ago.

It's timely for me to revisit these thoughts, and to try to realign my feelings with what I know is Truth.

May God speak to us all again.



Ever been disappointed, rejected, betrayed?

I'm thinking if you've lived long enough, the answer to that question is yes.

People have a way of hurting other people.

Sometimes it's intentional, often it's not.

Mostly it doesn't matter.  

Hurt still hurts…a lot.

And though hurt often leads to sad, sometimes it leads to MAD!

If I'm honest, I find that most of the time I get angry, it's really because I've gotten hurt.

Why is that, I wonder?  

I think it has something to do with vulnerability – about how being vulnerable makes us feel small – victimized, dismissed, invalidated, diminished.  

And we are, perhaps, never more vulnerable than when we've been hurt.

That's understandable.

But woe to the angry one!

Because anger is like a weed in our hearts – a weed that can quickly grow roots of bitterness.

And bitter roots are dangerous, choking things – they are deadly.


I've been thinking about this lately.

Been going through some new hurts – new hurts that are also stirring up some old hurts.

I am dismayed at how easily I have become an emotional bookkeeper.

Yup, I'm a good little accountant – keeping tally of perceived wrongs.

Keeping careful track of all the hurts inflicted on me.  Recording the wounds, checking off the snubs and slights, adding up the words and the attitudes and the actions.

Marking them all down in red – until, before I know it...

I'm seeing RED!

Ugly admission, but true.


The enemy is quite happy about this. 

After all, he's pleased when people visit *H & R Beelzebub*.

"Bring those receipts to me.  Yes indeed.  Let's add things up here.  Sure enough, people have wronged you.  You've been shortchanged.  People OWE you…"

The fine print?  "Those shallow, selfish, evil people.  You're better than they are.  You should hate them…"

His math?  

Hurt + Anger = Bitterness.

Oh, what a battle it is when you feel *entitled* to your feelings.

Now, I'm not one to dismiss those feelings.

Feelings are real.  

But they don't need to rule.

That's the secret, and that's the challenge.

Learning how to face the feelings, feel them, and then to let them go.

But, it's the only thing to do.

Because once those roots of bitterness begin to grow, they grow deep.

They cut a wide path of destruction.  

They kill good plants, and thwart any growth of new fruit.

Like I said – deadly.

It's why God warns us so much about anger.  

He knows it's a seed planted…

"And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.'  Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT)

"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." (James 1:20, NLT)


So, is anger wrong?

No, Jesus Himself got angry.  

But God warns us against being angry…and sinning.

It's not the feeling that causes the problem.  

It's the underlying reasons for the anger, and the indulging of anger that leads to problems.

It is *feeling the feeling* and letting it fester.

Ruminating upon it.

Feeding the flames.

Letting it lead us to bitterness.

Forgiveness?

No room for that in a bitter and resentful heart.

And God calls us to something bigger – something behind the act of forgiveness.

He calls us to love.

And love requires poor bookkeeping:

"It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV)


God calls us to forgive the debts AND the debtors...

...the debtors AND the debts.

Sigh.

I am facing a battle inside myself lately.  

Knowing that the enemy is trying to inflame my hurts.

Trying to stimulate my anger.  

Trying to make it feel righteous. 

He's trying to water the roots…

Me?

I'm trying to face the feelings – without feeling the fireworks.

Praying to let go.

Allowing myself to feel the hurt, yes – but through the pain, learning to turn to the Binder of Wounds, the Friend of the Brokenhearted, the Champion of the Crushed.

Using my will to battle my injured heart, even though I am sorely tempted to give in to bitterness.

Remembering that Jesus bore wounds for me.  

My precious Savior – hurt, disappointed, rejected, betrayed Jesus.  

He was wounded for me.


So, I'm taking His precious blood and crossing out the debts in my *red column* of wrongs.

Giving Him the books.  

Thanking Him for getting rid of the books that keep track of MY wrongs against other people.

Asking Him to forgive me for the many ways that I hurt HIM – for all MY marks in the *red column*.

Praising the Love that made it possible for my name to be entered into the only book that counts – the Book of Life.


Are you feeling disappointed, rejected, betrayed?

Has someone hurt you?  

Are you reacting in anger?

Do you feel choked by the weedy threat of bitterness?


Oh dear friends, don't let the enemy get rooted…

Attach yourself more tightly to The Vine.




Is there any bitterness in your heart that God needs to uproot?

A bitter root
can destroy
the mightiest tree. 

"'But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.'" (Matthew 15:18, NIV)

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil…It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." 
(James 3:6, NIV)

"A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire." 
(Proverbs 16:27, ESV)

"'The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.  But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.'" (Matthew 12:35-37, NASB)

"'It is written:  'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'  So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.'" (Romans 14:11-13, NIV)

"Peace has been stripped away…I cry out, 'My splendor is gone!  Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!'  The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words.  I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.  Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." 
(Lamentations 3:17-23, NLT)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things." (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, GRACE MOMENTS, GROWING IN GRACE, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, REWIND FRIDAY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TALK TO ME

Conversation.

I think it's a dying art.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about communication.

We have plenty of that!

Technology has made it possible to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world.

And the wonders of social media aren't all bad.

Personally, I'm not on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or any number of other avenues of social media communication.

But, I do love the *instant-ness* of texting – (especially the world of emojis that has opened up for me with the purchase of my new phone!)

And, I am grateful for Blog Land.

I appreciate the gift of written words and the power of their impact.

But, there's a downside to this culture of instant communication.  I believe we've lost the art of face-to-face conversation.  (Though I am encouraged when I see people conversing over their $25 cups of coffee at *$'s…)


I looked up the definitions:

Communication: the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people

Conversation: verbal talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, implying a close familiarity

Conversation is more intentional.

Conversation is more personal.

Conversation is more meaningful.


I recently read a blog post about prayer.

It talked about paying attention to it, and questioning whether we're really conversing with God or just going through the motions.

It convicted me.

Sure, conversation with God is a bit more challenging because He's invisible.

But this doesn't make Him less real.

So as I pondered my relationship with Him, specifically as it concerns prayer, I discovered some things.


First of all, prayer should be a priority.

It's not meant to be an afterthought or an add-on to all the other "spiritual" things I do.

It must be an intentional pursuit.

Jesus didn't take prayer lightly.

He made it the cornerstone of His faith walk with the Father.

And, it often took priority over more "pressing" matters – like noisy crowds and complaining disciples.

Am I concentrating on removing myself for intentional time in prayer?

You know, I could really do with some improvement in this area.

Yes, there is a time and place for *arrow* prayers, and for short snippets of communication with God.

It's OK to kinda *text* Him throughout the day.

But prayer must never be at the bottom of my to-do list.


Second, prayer should be conversation, not just communication.

It's meant to be personal.

God desires that we talk WITH Him, not just AT Him.

He wants a dialogue, not a monologue.

It really helps me to picture the Lord sitting beside me when I talk to Him, just like any other friend.  I picture looking into His eyes, and really being transparent and honest.

Being real…myself.

Sharing my innermost thoughts and most intimate feelings.

But again, conversation is not meant to be a one-way street.

This means that part of prayer is listening to God speak.

For He is an active partner in my prayer life.

He has things to say.  

He wants to be transparent and honest.  He wants to share His innermost thoughts and intimate feelings.

He wants to be real…Himself.

Am I doing all the talking, or am I having a personal, give-and-take conversation with God?

I can do better.


Finally, prayer should be meaningful.

I don't know about you, but in my opinion communication these days seems to be fluff – lots of content, but little substance.

In an instant, we can see a selfie, read a tweet, place a message on a wall.

But honestly, does it really enhance my life to know that so-and-so is doing this-and-that and going here-and-there?

And am I doing that sort of thing with God?

Am I only giving Him tossed-out fragments of my life?

And is that meaning anything to me (or Him) at all?

I've always been a person who enjoys serious conversation.  I'd much rather talk with one person than mingle with a crowd.  And, I don't enjoy staying on the surface – I like my conversations to go beyond superficial or frivolous trading of information.

I want my conversations to go deeply inward.

I want meaning.

And of course, this is how my prayer life should be.


You know, as I ponder this whole thing about prayer, there is one thing that really helps me understand it.

It's putting myself in the place of God.

How does HE feel about it all?

I can only liken it to my relationship with my own children.

And as I ponder what I want out of my relationship with them, and how I want our communication to be, I believe that I gain some valuable insight into how God feels about prayer.

(If you don't have children, try to picture someone in your life that you love, that you're in a relationship with.  I know you can ask the same questions…)


How hard would it be if they rarely talked to me at all?

And what if they were always too busy, in a rush, or distracted when we finally did speak to one another?

What if I wasn't a priority?

Wouldn't I feel lonely and ignored?


How might I feel if they talked to me like I was a stranger?

Or if they did all the talking and never let me share myself?

Wouldn't I feel sad?


And what would it feel like if they only talked to me when they needed or wanted something from me?

What if they never talked to me just for the delight of conversation?

And honestly, wouldn't I grow tired if every time we spoke they were upset, complaining, slightly angry with me, disappointed in something, impatient, or any other negative feeling?

Wouldn't I wish to also hear their joy, and excitement, and laughter?


How much would it hurt to think that they took me for granted?  

("Oh yeah, Mom's always there")

And what if they never spoke about their appreciation for my presence in their lives?

Or never told me they loved me?

Wouldn’t I feel dejected by that?


Thinking this way really makes me stop and think about how I talk to God.

And then I begin to understand how our conversations are supposed to be.

Intentional.

Personal.

Meaningful.

God wants to hear from me just the way I want to hear from my own children.

Frequently, in appreciation, just for fun, in need or want, honestly, and affectionately.


Yes, when it comes right down to it, prayer really isn't that mysterious.

It's just God and us and open hearts.

Quick chats and deep dialogue.

One-on-one, back-and-forth, give-and-take, talking and listening.

Two people who deeply love each other, desiring each other's company, just sitting down to share with one another.


Talk to God.

Listen to Him.

And be forever changed by the conversation!



How's your prayer life – are you having real conversation with God?

I just called to say
I love you.
I just called to say
how much I care.
I just called to say
I love you.
And I mean it
from the bottom
of my heart.

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them.


(Lyrics by Stevie Wonder)

This is a lot of Scripture, but it's oh-so-good!


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:6, NIV)

"Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, NLT)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14, NIV)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'" (Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…" (Colossians 4:2, NASB)

"'And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.'" (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)

"'But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.'" (Matthew 6:6, NLT)

"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

"In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears." (Psalm 18:6, AMP)

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27, NASB)

"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." (1 Peter 4:7, NIV)

"The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God – it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." (James 5:16, AMP)

"Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NLT)

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night…" (Psalm 92:1-2, NASB)

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17, KJV)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, AMP)


"Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."

(Matthew 6:9-13, AMP)



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LIVING WITH A LEFT-HANDER

Yup.

"The Hub" is a proud left-hander.

A southpaw.

And I can always tell when he's been out-and-about in the house.

My just-cleaned blouses are hung up in the opposite direction.  Dusted decorative elements on our shelves are replaced backwards.  The TV remote is on the left-hand side of the recliner.

I find it kind of endearing.


Here's some fun facts about lefties:

1. Only about 10% of the population is left-handed.  And women, by a margin of 4%, are more likely to be right-handed.  (Interesting sidenote, though: Women, by a margin of 100%, are more likely to be right...ahem)

2. August 13th is "Left Handers' Day."

3. In Latin, the word for left is sinister, related to the noun sinistrum.

4. The word left in English comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lyft, which means weak or broken.  The Oxford English Dictionary defines left-handed as meaning crippled, defective, awkward, clumsy, inapt, characterized by underhanded dealings, ambiguous, doubtful, questionable, ill-omened, inauspicious, and illegitimate.  (Poor lefties – they have really gotten a bad rap throughout history!)

5. The German for "left-handed" is linkisch, which means awkward, clumsy, and maladroit.  In Italian, the word is mancino, which is derived from "crooked" or "maimed" (mancus) and is also used to mean deceitful or dishonest.  In Russian, to be called a left-hander (levja) is a term of insult.

6. Although approximately 90% of all humans are right-handed, cats, rats, and mice that show handedness seem to be equally split between right- and left-pawedness.  (I think Marty's a rightie...)

7. Studies have suggested that left-handers are more talented in spatial awareness, math, and architecture.  ("Honey, where are my keys?")  Right-handers tend to be more talented verbally.  ("Oh, here they are, on the etagere.")

8. Many people who are left-handed draw figures that face to the right.  (Which explains all the right-facing cartoon figures that "The Hub" draws for me!)

9. Researchers postulate that the proportion of left-handers has remained constant for over 30,000 years.

10. When placed on their tummies, right-handed babies tend to turn their heads to the right.  Left-handed babies usually turn their heads to the left or they don't show any preference.

11. Mothers who are over 40 at the time of a child's birth are 128% more likely to have a left-handed baby than a woman in her 20's.  (And, 128% more tired...)

12. Left-handedness runs in families. Lefties in the British royal family include the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William.


The list of famous "lefties" reads like a very eclectic "Who's Who" – including such "baddies" as Jack the Ripper, John Dillinger, and Osama bin Laden, but also the following "goodies":

Benjamin Franklin, Alexander the Great, Thomas Jefferson, Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Julius Caesar, Mozart, Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Madame Curie, Mark Twain, Helen Keller, and Gandhi.

Not to mention celebrities like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Whoopi Goldberg, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Robert deNiro.  And money-makers like John D. Rockefeller and Bill Gates.

Our current president is a lefty, too!

I have heard it said that handedness is largely controlled by the opposite side of the brain.  So, if you consider that, lefties are actually the only people in their right minds!!

(But don't tell "The Hub" that…)


If you recall, I earlier said that I find my husband's *leftiness* endearing.

But, I also have been known to point out to him that he does things "backwards."

Yes, that"s my "right" perceptions talking!

But honestly, I've been thinking about this whole issue of *differentness* – and our bias against those who do indeed think, act, speak, behave, look, dress differently than we do.

How easy it is to pass judgment on others.

Now, I'm not talking about matters of right and wrong here.

God is quite specific on certain matters.

I'm talking about differences that don't, and really shouldn't, matter.

In a world where tolerance is touted as an all-important value, it's interesting to me that at the same time there seems to be more and more hatred brewing.

An interesting juxtaposition, but so human.

Even in the Garden of Eden, there was trouble brewing.

Once Adam and Eve introduced sin to the world, I'm sure they started arguing over their differences.

Adam probably refused to ever ask for directions, and Eve most likely bought too many shoes…

And didn't Cain kill Abel out of jealousy?  And doesn't jealousy have its roots in comparing and judging another person by how they're different than you?

Look at the Pharisees and Sadducees arguing over religious disagreements – and yet, they completely missed Jesus.  

(Hmmm, a modern-day observation, too???)

And who could forget the family feud between the Jews and the Samaritans?


Hatred, judgment, prejudice, intolerance, bias.

How is it that we have become so "modernized" in our technology, so "refined" in our cultural sophistications, and yet, remain so banal in our innate human tendency to judge and dismiss those who are different?

And honestly, isn't this tendency most tragic when it occurs within the Body of Christ?

Have we lost Christ Himself in the short-sighted habit of picking apart our brethren?

Oh, we must stop!

Many of you will remember a song with lyrics that said: "They will know we are Christians by our love…"

Friends, this is not just a kindly suggestion.  This is a direct command!

Jesus Himself stated, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." 
(John 13:34-35, NLT)


So I'm taking a good long look at the relationships in my life – family, friends, fellow believers, acquaintances, strangers – and asking myself how I'm doing…

Am I accepting differences in others, especially when they rub up against me and my ways?

Am I learning how to judge less, and extend grace more?

Am I refusing to dismiss sin, while at the same time determining to embrace sinners?

Am I reaching out to the marginalized, the ostracized, the detested?

Am I loving like Jesus did?


Yeah, I've been thinking about "The Hub" and his left-handedness.  And the sometimes tongue-in-cheek, and other times what-is-wrong-with-you way that I deem his behavior "backwards" and "wrong."

When the truth of the matter is this – we're both evenhanded in our need for each other, and our deepest need of the Savior.

So this…

Might we all become more mindful of our tendency to judge and malign differences.

Might we all become more open to embracing the joys of every individual’s uniqueness.

Might we all strive to look like Christians by our love for one another, and our unity as we pursue the Author of our Faith.

Might we all endeavor to look more like Jesus.

Whose arms stretched wide open, as His hands (both left and right!) were nailed to the cross, in order to demonstrate what true love looks like.


Those precious scarred hands still reach out today…

…to every single person alive on this earth.


Let's do the same.

 Seeing
eye-to-eye
starts
with the
heart.

"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.  For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." (1 John 4:20, NIV)

"For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female.  For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26, 28, NLT)

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6, ESV)

"But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace…by abolishing in His flesh the enmity…" (Ephesians 2:13-15, NASB)

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." (James 2:1, ESV)

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'" (Acts 10:34-35, ESV)

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:16-18, NASB)

"'Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'" (Luke 6:37-38, ESV)

"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister?  Or why do you treat them with contempt?  For we will all stand before God's judgment seat…Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." (Romans 14:10, 13, NIV)

"Believers, do not speak against or slander one another.  He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law.  If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy [the one God who has the absolute power of life and death]; but who are you to [hypocritically or self-righteously] pass judgment on your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12, AMP)

"Therefore you have no excuse…every one of you who judges.  For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things." (Romans 2:1, ESV)

"'Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye…'" 
(Matthew 7:3-5, NIV)

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me.'

Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" 
(Matthew 25:34-40, NLT)




Do you struggle with differences?  Are you prone to judgment?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WORSHIPFUL LIVING, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

Black Friday.

Shopping.

I know that a lot of people just love venturing out on the day after Thanksgiving to trek through countless stores, scoping out the bargains, and buying bags and bags of *stuff.*

In fact, in 2014, $50.9 billion was spent during the 4-day Black Friday weekend – (yes folks, that's billion with a "B").  And, did you know, that figure is actually down 11% from the previous year?!

And have you noticed, the shopping extravaganza is starting earlier and earlier?

Now you can even go out on Thanksgiving Day!

Can you imagine that conversation around the pumpkin pie?? 

"Hey everyone, it's been a lot of fun.  Don't mean to eat and run, but I've got places to go and twenties to spend…"

I don't know about you, but even if I considered going out shopping on Black Friday, I'm not sure I'd be physically capable of it.

I usually wake up in a tryptophan-induced fog of turkey stupor.

And somehow I don't think pajamas and slippers are acceptable shopping attire.  (Though, if you're brave enough to go out in the middle of the night, they should be…)

Besides, leftovers, football, and naps all conspire to plant me firmly on the couch the entire next day.  (Wanna know my secret leftover vice?  Bowls of cold stuffing!)


So, though I probably won't be joining the Black Friday shopping mob, I am curious about how it all came about.

This is from Wikipedia:

"The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving.  Use of the term started before 1961 and began to see broader use outside Philadelphia around 1975.  Later an alternative explanation was made: that retailers traditionally operated at a financial loss ("in the red") from January through November, and "Black Friday" indicates the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, or are "in the black.")

Fascinating, huh?!


So, to all you intrepid adventurers out there, you brave souls who dare to courageously joust for parking spaces, who fearlessly fight the crunch of crowds, and thrive on hustle and bustle…

I say, "Huzzah!"

I wish you good shopping, good bargains, and good luck.

But, whether you sit home stuffing your face (like me), or spend your day stuffing your car with packages, might I encourage all of us to remember something?

Long, long ago, there was another Black Friday.

And on that day the Greatest Transaction of all took place.

A momentous deal – in which one Life was traded for our sins.

The Gift is there for the taking, already paid for, bought and purchased, free.

All we need to do is accept the gift, and take it home.


Yes, fellowship, family, food, and fun are highlights of this special holiday.

And yes, if you enjoy shopping, this is a great time for that, too.

But, better than anything, is The Gift.

The Greatest Bargain of all!


The first Thanksgiving Day was all about our Almighty God, the Creator of everything, and the Giver of good blessings.

The focus of thanksgiving was correctly aimed at the One who is responsible for everything we have – including our very lives.

The correct view of things is that this is a day to give thanks to God.

God to whom we owe our hearts.  God who gave His Son as a sacrifice for us.  God who loves us beyond measure.  God who gives us abundance in this life, and a hope for life everlasting!

The Giver.

The Gift.

The *deal of a lifetime* – a forever gift of grace – purchased with blood and freely given.

All wrapped up in Love.



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Again,
the kingdom of heaven
is like a merchant
in search of fine pearls.
And upon
finding
a single pearl
of great value,
he went and sold
all that he had
and bought it.

Salvation is priceless.

***(This next part is optional – just for fun!!)***

Here's some added trivia in case you need something to read while digesting the 10 pounds of food you just "stuffed" into your belly!  (Or if you want to impress all those relatives with your scintillating knowledge of random and inconsequential facts.  I've added a little commentary here and there to keep you awake):


1.  Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621.  (The Pilgrims wore their best black and white.  The Indians wore…well, next to nothing).

2.  The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.  The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621.  He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.  (Perhaps he really took to heart the words of Jesus – "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39, ESV)

3.  The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.  (Which is the average amount of time most people sleep after the Thanksgiving feast…)

4.  Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.  (Actually, that sounds pretty good!  Guess I better start putting out my lobster traps…)

5.  The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.  (In my family, this tradition often continues…)

6.  Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday by passing a law on December 26, 1941, ensuring that all Americans would celebrate a unified Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year.  (Was that the last time we were unified on anything in this country??)

7.  Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States.  (A bald turkey just isn't quite as majestic to me as a bald eagle… just sayin')

8.  The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds. (Which feels like the amount I ate...let's not talk about the scale...)

9.  The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.  (Good grief.  Can you even imagine?!  Great Dane?  Nothing compared to a Great Turkey…)

10.  A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.  (Personally, I'm a dark meat fan – how about you?)

11.  The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey is as a sandwich, in stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.  (I prefer not to serve any "leftover turkey" at my house.  I usually just tell them to leave – "Uncle Joe, you turkey, you need to GO HOME NOW!")

12.  Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.  (Didn't know that one…)

13.  In the US, about 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving celebrations.  (Why do I always feel so sorry for the turkeys?  Poor things. Delicious – but still...)

14.  Each year, the average American eats somewhere between 16-18 pounds of turkey.  (Do any of you eat turkey on other occasions?  Or do you inhale that 16-18 pounds in one sitting??)

15.  Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States. (Doesn't surprise me – I've always thought my state was full of the most "turkeys" in the nation…)

16.  Although Thanksgiving is widely considered an American holiday, it is also celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.  (Hmmm…didn't know that one.  Guess Canada has a lot to be thankful for, too!)

17.  Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season.  (And, incidentally, the beginning of the traditional nervous breakdown season, outrageous debt season, and road rage mania season that sweeps this country. *This isn't true – I made it up…*)

18.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that 46.6 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2014.  (Maybe this has something to do with the beginning of the aforementioned road rage phenomenon…)

19.  Cranberry production in the U.S. is expected to reach 8.72 million barrels in 2014.  Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are the top cranberry growing states.  (Gotta love cranberries – they're tart and tangy – just like me...)

20.  Illinois, California, Pennsylvania and New York are the major pumpkin growing states.  Total U.S. production was 1.3 billion pounds in 2014 – 17% above 2013.  Illinois remains the leading producer of pumpkins, with a majority processed into pie filling and other uses.  (Ever heard of the GNP? You thought it meant Gross National Product.  Nope.  Gourd National Product…)

21.  U.S. sweet potato production reached a record high 29 million hundredweight (cwt) in 2014.  Since 1971, North Carolina has been the top sweet potato producer in the United States, producing 53 percent of all sweet potatoes grown in the country last year.  Other leading sweet potato producers included California and Mississippi.  The top producing states together generated over 2.4 billion pounds of these tasty tubers.  (I say po-tay-to.  Do you say po-tah-to??  And is anyone old enough to remember the song that started that pronunciation battle?  Oh, let's call the whole thing off.
The song, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" was written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film "Shall We Dance" and was performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates...)

22.  According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long.  It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust.  (I don't care how big that thing was – I'm just not a fan of pumpkin pie.  I think it's the texture or something.  And don't even get me started on mincemeat pie.  No, I'll take apple pie or some kind of berry pie instead, any day – in fact, why don't you slice me up a piece right now...)

23.  So, why are you sleepy after a big turkey dinner?  It's a combination of the type of food (carbs, fats, L-tryptophan), amount of food, and celebratory atmosphere.  (Zzzzzzzz…)



Some verses to help you sing praises to our Almighty God, our Gracious Savior, and our Comforting Holy Spirit:


"Yours, O Lord,
is the greatness, the power,
the glory, the victory,
and the majesty.
Everything in the heavens
and on earth is Yours,
O Lord,
and this is Your kingdom.
We adore You
as the One who is over all things.
Wealth and honor come from You alone,
for You rule over everything.
Power and might are in Your hand,
and at Your discretion
people are made great and given strength.
O our God,
we thank You
and praise Your glorious name!"
(1 Chronicles 29:11-13, NLT)


"You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
You have put off my sackcloth
and girded me with gladness,
To the end that my tongue
and my heart
and everything glorious within me
may sing praise to You
and not be silent.
O Lord my God,
I will give thanks to You forever."
(Psalm 30:11-12, AMP)


"He who offers
a sacrifice of thanksgiving
honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright
I shall show the salvation of God."
(Psalm 50:23, NASB)


"It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name,
O Most High,
to proclaim Your love in the morning
and Your faithfulness at night...
For You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O Lord,
how profound Your thoughts!"
(Psalm 92:1-5, NIV)


"O come, let us sing unto the LORD:
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth:
the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it:
and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down:
let us kneel before the LORD our maker."
(Psalm 95:1-6, KJV)


"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord,
all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord
He is God:
it is He that hath made us,
and not we ourselves;
we are His people,
and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him,
and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
and His truth endureth to all generations."
(Psalm 100, KJV)


"Because of the Lord's great love
we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself,
'The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.'
The Lord is good
to those whose hope is in Him,
to the one who seeks Him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord."
(Lamentations 3:22-26, NIV)


"Each one of you is part of the body of Christ,
and you were chosen to live together in peace.
So let the peace that comes from Christ
control your thoughts.
And be grateful.
Let the message about Christ
completely fill your lives,
while you use all your wisdom
to teach and instruct each other.
With thankful hearts,
sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Whatever you say or do
should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus,
as you give thanks to God the Father
because of Him."
(Colossians 3:15-17, CEV)


"Give thanks no matter what happens.
God wants you to thank Him
because you believe in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)


"Everything God created is good,
and to be received with thanks.
Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out.
God's Word and our prayers
make every item in creation holy."
(1 Timothy 4:4-5, MSG)



So, what are you doing to celebrate Thanksgiving, and where will you be when you sit down to dinner?



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SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, EVERYDAY JESUS, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE




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