Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's Thursday evening

 

Time for a pause to consider the blessings I've experienced recently

 

I am thankful for:

 

God's faithfulness

 

Good books that challenge my thinking

 

Difficult times that drive me to my knees

 

Tears of joy

 

My loving and supportive wife who knows how to encourage right responses in me

 

a God who hears and responds when we call on Him

 

music that lifts me spirits by pointing me toward God

 

phone calls and Skype calls with my kids

 

God's word and the way He speaks to me through it

 

fresh produce from our tiny vegetable patch

 

God's invitation to come to Him when we are weary

 

God's Spirit who indwells us

 

beautiful sunsets

 

times of refreshment in my Adirondack chair

 

God's protection-- seen a lot of accidents or near misses lately--grateful I haven't been involved

 

God's mercies that are new every morning

 

friends who reach out across the country with words of encouragement

 

grace and truth



Thankful Thursday

 

 

It's Thursday evening

 

Time for me to take a few minutes and reflect on what I'm thankful for

 

In Philippians, God tells us not to be anxious or worry about anything, but rather make our requests known to Him with a heart of thankfulness

 

I've learned that no matter how bleak things may look, I can always find something for which I'm grateful

 

Too often I don't take the time to express that gratitude

 

I just keep plugging away trying to make a good show of things

 

But God wants me to acknowledge His goodness and my need

 

I am thankful...

 

God invites me to express my requests even though He already knows them

 

for the living and active word of God

 

God reached out to this sinner with grace and mercy, lifted me out of my sinful state, and established my path

 

He is patient with me

 

for good books that challenge me and encourage me to seek God while He may be found

 

God has been putting a song in my heart, giving me a reason to sing

 

for my family and the opportunities I have to connect with them

 

God is a generous provider; He has given me everything I need for life and godliness

 

I know how to play the piano and have one in my home I can enjoy

 

for my wonderful wife; the expression of God's favor on me for the last 32 1/2 years

 

for the power of prayer

 

God knows me completely

 

He loves me continuously

 

all creation shouts forth God's praise and I can join with them

 

we have the nighttime for getting rest

 

when I wake up in the morning there will be a fresh batch of God's mercy for me tomorrow!

Thankful Thursday

 

 

I've been reading a book recently, called,

 

"Tempered Steel"

 

It talks about the effect of difficulty in our lives

 

When challenges arise, I have a choice

 

How will I respond?

 

With grumbling and complaining or with gratitude for the opportunity to grow and mature

 

I've been facing some challenges lately and honestly it's been an effort to keep a grateful heart

 

But I know that what God says is true!

 

And I rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness to me

 

I am thankful for

 

God's peace that passes all understanding

 

His joy demonstrated by Jesus as He faced the challenge of the cross

 

God's mercies that are new every morning

 

His forgiveness, offered to all

 

God's creativity and artistry

 

His unswerving commitment to reconciliation

 

rain

 

sunshine

 

moon flowers

 

a loving and patient wife

 

technology that allows me to connect with my kids who are scattered across the country

 

music

 

doctors--never thought I would say that!

 

restful evenings

 

God's grace