March 4, 2012: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

3 gifts hard to give thanks for:

• the end of a great vacation.
• the beginning of a new work week--back at 'em.
• the cold and snow back home.

That's why God needs to remind us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:18.  It's not always easy to be thankful, but He knows that gratitude is good for our souls.

February 21, 2012: Clothed in Joy

3 gifts white:

• An appointment card for the physical therapist.  Had my evaluation today and he was very positive that I could get very good results with therapy.  I am so thankful to be looking forward to healing and restoration of my muscle. God is good!
• My oven.  Admittedly I have been taking it for granted.  I had already forgotten all the problems I had with it until I got an email today from my aunt, who oddly enough has the same oven and is also having trouble with hers.  So, tonight I am grateful for a working oven and a pan of baked pasta for dinner.
• My clothes.  Not literally--I hardly ever wear white, but I love the verse from Ecclesiastes 8 that I found when I looked up "white" on Bible Gateway. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil (verse 7).  Not sure what it meant, I looked at a commentary and it explained that white symbolizes joy and cheerfulness. That is exactly what I want, to be clothed in joy and cheerfulness.  Thus my counting.  I have much to be joyful about, it's just that sometimes I need to look a little closer to see it. Give me eyes to see.

January 15, 2012: Joy Shared is Joy Multiplied

One thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared:

• One thing I wore:  Warm, fuzzy fleece sweatpants and sweatshirt.  I was snuggly warm all day!
• One thing you gave away: fresh baked, gooey caramel rolls for breakfast this morning before church.  A family tradition when we are together for a weekend.
• One thing you shared: a snowmobile ride through the woods with my husband, my son and his girlfriend.  The snow laden trees were so beautiful.  It was breathtaking to be out in the middle of God's creation.