"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12
Friday, August 12th
403) Taking initiative- It is easy to see a situation that bothers or disappoints you and merely complain about it. However when you choose to stop complaining and do something to try to right the situation, you can be greatly blessed. At that point, you are no longer a victim of circumstances but the navigator of circumstances. Hopefully the Lord is the captain of your ship, but if you take initiative- when possible- you go from being tossed about on the winds and whims of life to directing your ship and navigating through life.
Saturday, August 13th
404) Trust- In what do I place my trust? In whom do I trust? Trust is not freely given; generally it must be earned. Once trust is lost, it can be a hard thing to rebuild. There are some here on earth that I trust, not because they will never hurt me or always have the right answers, but I trust them because I know they would never intentionally hurt or mislead me. I am thankful for the ability to trust them and the trust that so many of them have placed in me. Trust can transform your relationships and that is exactly what it has done for me.
There is one other that I trust, more than any of the others combined. I trust Him not because he will never intentionally hurt or mislead me, but because He will never hurt me and always has the best answers and guidance.
Some trust in the scientific method; I trust in the One who made science possible.
Some trust in mathematical equations; I trust in the Designer of math.
Some trust in government; I trust in the One who grants government their power.
Some trust in their own strength; I trust in the strength of the Almighty.
Sunday, August 14th
405) My brother (in-law)- Twelve years ago, my older sister married an enthusiastic, energetic and somewhat crazy Tennessean. At the time, it scared me a little. My sister had always been my best friend, but I knew that with marriage her time and devotion would go another direction. Not only that but I knew it meant she was going to permanently live far away from our family. Neither thought was thrilling in my mind. Twelve years later, I still think my brother-in-law is quite enthusiastic, energetic and a little crazy (but only at times) and I love him for it. His infectious spirit has added so much to our family and the past twelve years just wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Anniversary!
Monday, August 15th
406) Certainty- "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 There is so much in this life that is uncertain and as an Army family, I have found that our lives hold even more uncertainty. Sometimes it can seem like nothing is a given. At times like that, I am so grateful for my faith and the certainty it provides. Even if everything in my life is flipped on its head or comes crumbling down around my ears, I am certain about God, who He is and how much He loves me.
Tuesday, August 16th
407) Donating- At the most basic level (and thanks to my frugal disposition), I am thankful for donating because it offers a wonderful option for your gently used clothing and household goods that at the same time can benefit others. Looking at the bigger picture (because donating is not just gently used clothing and household goods), it truly is "better to give than receive." I want to use the Lord's blessings in our lives to bless others. Donating of our time, our finances and our possessions is just one of those ways.
Wednesday, August 17th
408) Truth- There are some in our society who would say that truth is relative. After all, it's all a matter of opinion and everyone has a right to their opinion. I would agree that everyone has a right to their opinion, but truth is not a matter of opinion. There is one and only one truth in this world and it has been built into us, evidenced by our sense of right and wrong, fairness and justice. We can override that which is built in us, but we cannot change the truth. Some find the truth limiting or weighty, but I have found that the truth is liberating. It doesn't free me from rules, but it lifts my spirits, comforts my soul and give me peace about the future.
Thursday, August 18th
409) A gift card- Surprise! I got our mail and what did I find..... a gift card to the wholesale store where we have always bought our daughter's diapers. It was a little gift from the store and the diaper company for our faithful patronage. I never expected anything of the like, but what a wonderful little gift to find in our mailbox.
Friday, August 19th
410) A second set of eyes- We all see things a little differently: events, opportunities, possibilities and difficulties. With the help of a second set of eyes, we often can get a better, more well-rounded understanding of whatever we are facing. I had that kind of help this week and I am so grateful for it.
Saturday, August 20th
411) Remembering wise advice- I have received a lot of good and wise advice over the years. There are a few that often come back to me and have helped me through a wide variety of events and circumstances. Two such pieces of advice readily come to mind. My parents told me both.
"Enjoy the journey." I cannot tell you how many times this simple phrase has lifted me up during hard times or re-focused my thoughts when I was burdened down with minute details.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 When I left for college, my parents also had the chance to leave me a video message which the school would play during my first week of college midterms. (All the freshmen's parents were invited to do the same.) My parents left me with this Bible verse. Obviously it's not original to them, but I have never forgotten those words as they left me hours from home as an 18 year old girl. Not only were they encouraging me to live that way, but they were living out the words themselves. No matter what I face- when life doesn't make sense or seems downright unfair- I remember this verse and my parents who shared it with me, in words and deed.
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