Category: gratefulness

Have you ever been in the midst of trials and it seems that people desire only to judge and criticize you? You know you have leaned on God and are trusting Him. As you are doing your best to stay afoot despite the floods and rough terrain of life, you are reminded that God is right there alongside you. As I read two separate devotions today, I knew it was not merely coincidence that each of these men of God spoke almost identical words from separate perspectives. It was a gift to be reminded we are not alone. Chuck Swindoll cited, “Sometimes when you exhibit real, unvarnished integrity, you get dumped into the lions’ den. Remember, God’s there, too!”, as Charles Stanley noted, “And for those of us enduring difficult, painful, or trying situations, we long to see the burden lifted.” NKJ Psa 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength…”

Happy Valentine’s Day, dear readers. For many of us this is one of the most difficult days of the year. We are alone, either through the death of a mate or marital betrayal and infidelity as was the case with me. Nonetheless, the world has said this is a day for “lovers”. Why not a day to love others, no matter whom they are? Why not a day to show love by giving back to those less fortunate?

I received a heartfelt reminder today from one of my bible study leaders reminding me that God loves us in all circumstances and His love is enduring. This is hard to cling to when our humanness has been shattered, but what a joy to know. God will not say “you are no longer what I desire.” He loves us for eternity. We all know one of the most recognized verses in the bible, but it is truly applicable on this day of hearts and love, NIV I Cor. 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Please show someone today you care about them, even if your “love” is no longer at your side.

You have prayed. You have trusted. You have waited with patience and courage, but you still wonder what God desires of you. I imagine each of us have experienced this many times in our lives. We have said “God we will do whatever you desire of us. We just want to follow your path.”

How do we know if we are on that path? When we sincerely seek God’s desire, sometimes the door closes and His answer is no. Other times we have a complete peace about our choice and we know it is yes. There are times we have sought God’s direction, we have researched the options and we are still left wondering. Sometimes we will never know for certain, unless our path is blocked.

God’s gift may be allowing us to weigh the options and go with the best choice. That is what He intended all along. NIV Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

When you are ill or facing surgery, do you appreciate the times you had your health and felt vibrant? When you are dealing with grief or heartache do you reflect on the momentous times of your life? When you lose a loved one, do you contemplate the cherished memories of their lives and yours? Each day is a gift. What do we do with gifts received? Do we use them, store them or discard them? Do we share our gifts with others or grasp them tightly only for ourselves? Sometimes sharing, whether good or bad, can add unexpected blessings to our lives. In order to face the challenges of life, why not always give God thanks for the good times you have. Even in the unfavorable times, we know there will be positive days ahead. Yes, those days may not be as they once were, but if we open our hearts and minds, there will be new joys ahead. Romans 12:12 NIV, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

It was 7:15 a.m. when my door bell rang. Startled, I wondered who would be there so early. The only person I could think of was perhaps my daughter since it was my birthday and I would be gone for the day. As I opened the door, the surprise was overwhelming; my new, dear friend. She drove approximately 25 miles each way just to wish me a happy birthday. She said she knew I had no one with me to wish me a happy day and to let me know I was loved and cared for. I have been in this new town barely 4 months, but God truly brought me a gift when he brought me this friend. Her actions spoke volumes to me; words of love and kindness. Sometimes God uses “earthly” persons to remind us of Hebrews 13:5 NKJ, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

As I read Chuck Swindoll’s devotion I had to chuckle as I read the following, “ …a mother of eight, came home from a neighbor’s house one afternoon and noticed that things seemed a little too quiet…she peered through the screen door and saw five of her children huddled together…she could not believe her eyes. Smack dad in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks! She screamed at the top of her voice, “Quick Children…run!” Each kid grabbed a skunk and ran.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I thought of the different interpretations of this little story. Do we take our “skunks” and run with them? Do we choose to drop and run from them? How about just giving them all to God and not worry about grabbing and running or for leaving for others to deal with. I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you”. I think we could also say our “skunks” (or stench of life).

While in bible study, we learned of a need for a struggling mom and her daughter whom live in a dwelling with no running water and one single light bulb; its’ energy from a generator. I realized the poor family I was reared in, would have seemed like the Rockefeller’s to this lady.

Surviving on government commodities and “hand me down” clothes or garments I handmade, we weren’t permitted to have friends for visits because our mother said we didn’t have enough food for our family of five. Thus, certainly not enough food to share with others. Our tiny home with its’ bare tile floors possessed only minimal furnishings. The single sofa proudly displayed its’ inner workings; springs protruding from the seat. Nonetheless, we had a gift of running water and lights. Sometimes our status in life is far greater than we realize. Philippians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty…”

What is one gift we are given which is the same for every person, no matter the age, income, locale, education, etc. It is the gift of time. How do we spend it? I know there are days when you arise early and retire to bed late and you are exhausted from all the productivity of the day.

Then on other days, as you fall asleep you wonder what you accomplished. We make to-do lists. We plan our schedule down to the exact minute, but then it all “falls apart”. The unexpected call from someone, the person that dropped by unannounced and countless other “inconveniences”.

Some of these unexpected “delays” can be the best gifts we receive. Perhaps the next time something doesn’t go as you planned, realize God was in the details. He may have blessed you with something far greater than what you had planned. NKJ Proverbs 16:9, A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Do you have the gift of “seeing?” Seeing is not the same as sight, which allows us to witness God’s beauty around us. Seeing enables us to embrace the life God has given us; to “see” others in need, to “see” our blessings, even when life brings us trials and difficulties. Seeing allows us to “see” others not for the career position they hold, nor where they live nor the car they drive, but for the person God created them to be. Seeing allows us to love the mate and children He gave us; not in how we desire for them to be, but for the person God created. Seeing gives us a broadened horizon for our eyes to behold. Seeing allows us to forgive when others have hurt us. Seeing opens our eyes to all God has for us. NIV Psa. 119:18 “open my eyes that I may see wonderful things…”

It’s a boy! Yes, 45 years ago today, I heard those words from my physician. It was pre-ultra sound, pre-“gender reveal” party, for we wouldn’t know the gender until our precious gifts arrived into this world. Life sometimes takes us on paths we never desired nor anticipated. Isn’t it wonderful that with all the twists and turns, we have some things which remain absolute? Our mates may leave us and our children may become angry with us, but they will always be our children; our flesh and the gifts which God bestowed upon us to rear in His ways. Then with the blessings of children are the gifts of additional “sons, daughters” and grandchildren. NKJV Psa. 127:3-5 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…”