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 26, 2012: Gifts Around the Clock

a gift before nine am, gift before noon, a gift after dark:

• a gift before nine am: time spent reading "Jesus Calling" this morning before work.  The best devotional I have ever had.  I've recommended and gifted it to more people than any other book ever. The author, Sarah Young, helps focus my thoughts in one or two brief paragraphs.  She is scripturally sound and truly inspired of God.  I love the way she writes in first person, as though Jesus is talking right to me.
• a gift before noon: an email devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries that I read at work which blessed me and gave me hope and encouragement today. It was about praying for your kids with other moms.  So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 1 Thessalonians 5:11(MSG)
• a gift after dark: a phone call from my daughter telling me that she has a second interview for a new job.  It's a gift to see God working and moving in her life.

January 22, 2012: Grace, Sometimes Wrinkled

one grace wrinkled, one grace smoothed, one grace unfolded:

• One grace wrinkled: Lately, I've been so blessed by reminders of God's forgiveness.  Grace. Then today the Spirit whispered within me that as I've been forgiven, I also must forgive.  A friend has caused me pain and I feel that God is telling me it's time to let that go.  This will not be easy. My friend has not asked for forgiveness or expressed any regret for my pain. Sometimes grace is wrinkled.
• One grace smoothed: I wasn't quite looking forward to church this morning, knowing I would be going alone.  In spite of my attitude, it was a blessed morning. So glad I didn't miss it.  Wonderful worship, a thought provoking message on Acts, and best of all--a flash mob in the middle of it all.  True joy.  Grace gone before me, planned ahead and smoothed out.
• One grace unfolded: Phone calls and texts that are signs of hope and encouragement.  Grace continues to unfold in a relationship undergoing restoration.

January 18, 2012: Good and Perfect Gifts

3 gifts from God's Word:

• a precept:  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
• a promise: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11
• a prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

These are three of my favorite Scripture verses.  God's Word is so chock full of gifts, it was hard to choose, but these three have spoken hope and encouragement to me many, many times. The verse from Proverbs hangs in my home as a constant reminder to me to keep trusting God, even through the hard times. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17