751. Making Christmas goodies with my daughter
752. The sound of gently falling snow
753. The fresh air that snow brings
754. The excitement that snow brings
755. Watching her make a snowman in her flannel pj's and winter coat
756. Cinnamon crumb cake
757. Breakfast with a friend
758. A beautiful new necklace
759. Success after multiple failed attempts
760. The whole team together on one stage
761. The joy that making music brings
762. Cookie cutters
763. The sweet smell of sugar cookies
764. Step stools
765. Velvet Christmas dresses with pretty bows
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
736. My son on tiptoes, able to reach the top of the tree for the first time
737. A gently placed star
738. Live chamber music...
739. ...performed in a candlelit church
740. Classical music
741. Warm marionberry pie a la mode
742. How light she is on her feet
743. Little feet in pink ballet slippers...
744. ...up on tiptoes
745. Live gospel music in the mall
746. Cable knit sweaters
747. Christmas musicals
748. Sweet little angel costumes
749. Hot wassail
750. Blustery nights
737. A gently placed star
738. Live chamber music...
739. ...performed in a candlelit church
740. Classical music
741. Warm marionberry pie a la mode
742. How light she is on her feet
743. Little feet in pink ballet slippers...
744. ...up on tiptoes
745. Live gospel music in the mall
746. Cable knit sweaters
747. Christmas musicals
748. Sweet little angel costumes
749. Hot wassail
750. Blustery nights
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
721. A lost dog that was found!
722. Free dental work
723. A new piano for the church
724. Volunteering in the classroom
725. Christmas Light parades
726. Ear muffs
727. That the rain started after the parade
728. That the ink stain came out of my favorite jeans
729. Hunting for the perfect tree
730. Jingle bells on trotting horses
731. Singing carols in a barn
732. Bleating sheep
733. Seeing a live nativity scene
734. How well she sang her two solos at the Christmas concert
735. Her sweet voice, strong and clear
722. Free dental work
723. A new piano for the church
724. Volunteering in the classroom
725. Christmas Light parades
726. Ear muffs
727. That the rain started after the parade
728. That the ink stain came out of my favorite jeans
729. Hunting for the perfect tree
730. Jingle bells on trotting horses
731. Singing carols in a barn
732. Bleating sheep
733. Seeing a live nativity scene
734. How well she sang her two solos at the Christmas concert
735. Her sweet voice, strong and clear
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
706. Playing "Slug Bug" with the kids
707. Wool coats
708. Fresh insight into an ongoing struggle
709. Fleece
710. Moonlit trees
711. Two new friends
712. Visiting a bakery I've always been curious about
713. Christmas shopping in a barn
714. Pumpkin Pie Blizzards
715. Receiving an explanation for an answer that was given over a year ago
716. Successful fundraisers
717. Two homemade dinners from my mom so I don't have to cook much this week
718. Listening to the kids decide where the Christmas decor should go
719. My husband stringing lights
720. First Sunday in the new sanctuary
707. Wool coats
708. Fresh insight into an ongoing struggle
709. Fleece
710. Moonlit trees
711. Two new friends
712. Visiting a bakery I've always been curious about
713. Christmas shopping in a barn
714. Pumpkin Pie Blizzards
715. Receiving an explanation for an answer that was given over a year ago
716. Successful fundraisers
717. Two homemade dinners from my mom so I don't have to cook much this week
718. Listening to the kids decide where the Christmas decor should go
719. My husband stringing lights
720. First Sunday in the new sanctuary
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Effective Prayer
Scripture tells us in James 1 to expect trials, and we have all experienced them. Trials tend to drive us to our knees a little faster and more often, than when life is rosy. Not only do we seek God for comfort, wisdom and direction, but we often ask others to come alongside and pray with us.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4, Paul indicates that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the faith of the people as they encounter inevitable trials. The last five verses of chapter three read as follows:
“For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (1 Thess. 3:9-13, NASB; highlighted text added)
In this passage, Paul is expressing his deep desire to connect in person with the Thessalonians so that he can continue to encourage and strengthen them in their faith. I highlighted the phrases above because it occurred to me that these could also be specific ways in which we can strengthen our skills as prayer warriors. I know from experience how much I covet and appreciate the prayers of others when I am in the midst of a difficult trial.
How would it affect your outlook on trials if you knew others were praying for you in the following ways?
1. Their prayers were fervent and ongoing.
2. They prayed for the specifics of your trial.
3. They prayed for the strengthening of your faith through the trial.
4. They prayed that your love for others would be increased.
5. They prayed that you would be unblamable in holiness before God.
What an encouragement that would be!
Are you willing to get on your knees and be that kind of prayer warrior for others?
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20, NASB)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16, NASB)
In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4, Paul indicates that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the faith of the people as they encounter inevitable trials. The last five verses of chapter three read as follows:
“For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (1 Thess. 3:9-13, NASB; highlighted text added)
In this passage, Paul is expressing his deep desire to connect in person with the Thessalonians so that he can continue to encourage and strengthen them in their faith. I highlighted the phrases above because it occurred to me that these could also be specific ways in which we can strengthen our skills as prayer warriors. I know from experience how much I covet and appreciate the prayers of others when I am in the midst of a difficult trial.
How would it affect your outlook on trials if you knew others were praying for you in the following ways?
1. Their prayers were fervent and ongoing.
2. They prayed for the specifics of your trial.
3. They prayed for the strengthening of your faith through the trial.
4. They prayed that your love for others would be increased.
5. They prayed that you would be unblamable in holiness before God.
What an encouragement that would be!
Are you willing to get on your knees and be that kind of prayer warrior for others?
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20, NASB)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16, NASB)
Monday, November 26, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
691. Her cavity-free dentist appointment
692. His safe return from Texas
693. How excited the kids were to see their first complete rainbow (normally, we only get to see one end or the other, but rarely the entire arch!)
694. The colorful produce at the supermarket
695. Two great parent-teacher conferences
696. Working together with my husband to get a shipment out
697. Surprise birthday cake
698. Finding my wedding ring
699. A successful first attempt at a floral arrangement
700. Having friends over for Thanksgiving
701. Leftovers
702. The whole family gathered around the piano in praise and worship
703. A break from our busy schedule
704. Finding the lost disc of pictures
705. A brass band in the courtyard on a cold winter night
Thursday, November 22, 2012
To Be Thankful
My husband recently returned from a two week concert tour to Texas. When he’s gone, I tend to run things “quick and easy” around the house, especially when it comes to cooking for myself and the kids. Last week, when my son asked what was for dinner and I told him, he said, “Okay, even though it isn’t my favorite meal.” He ate the food without complaint, and as I cleared the plates, he said, “Thanks, Mom.” I was so thankful for his mature response, and it got me thinking about some of the elements that are involved in being thankful.
To be thankful is to recognize our dependence upon the Lord, and our need for His provision. In Genesis 22, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son. As he walked toward Mt. Moriah, Isaac asked him where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, NASB) God provided His Son, the perfect Lamb, for our primary need of salvation. He also provides for our daily needs. Oh to have our walk with the Lord be like Abraham’s, marked with unwavering confidence in knowing that He will provide for our every need.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)
To be thankful is to be obedient. God provided manna in the desert. I think back to when my kids were young, and they would look at their plate with a wrinkled nose and the classic “Ewwww” look on their face and say, “What is it?” I would tell them what it was, and that they needed to eat it because it was good for them. Sometimes we encounter things in life that we don’t recognize or that seem distasteful to us. We must cultivate a thankful heart, and receive what the Lord provides for us each day. God instructed the Israelites to gather only what was needed for that day, except when preparing for the Sabbath. If they tried to take too much (disobedience), it would rot. It is important to meet with, and receive from the Lord daily.
“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.” (Deuteronomy 8:16, NASB)
To be thankful is to be humble. In order to recognize our dependence upon the Lord and be obedient in our daily walk, we must have a spirit of humility.
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6, NASB)
When we partake of what He provides with a thankful heart, we are strengthened and we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, NASB)
So today, as the house begins to wake up and the bustle of preparing a meal and greeting guests begins, I am reflecting, with thanksgiving, not only on the Lord as my Savior, but as my Provider and Sustainer.
“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time. Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:14-18, NASB)
To be thankful is to recognize our dependence upon the Lord, and our need for His provision. In Genesis 22, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son. As he walked toward Mt. Moriah, Isaac asked him where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, NASB) God provided His Son, the perfect Lamb, for our primary need of salvation. He also provides for our daily needs. Oh to have our walk with the Lord be like Abraham’s, marked with unwavering confidence in knowing that He will provide for our every need.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)
To be thankful is to be obedient. God provided manna in the desert. I think back to when my kids were young, and they would look at their plate with a wrinkled nose and the classic “Ewwww” look on their face and say, “What is it?” I would tell them what it was, and that they needed to eat it because it was good for them. Sometimes we encounter things in life that we don’t recognize or that seem distasteful to us. We must cultivate a thankful heart, and receive what the Lord provides for us each day. God instructed the Israelites to gather only what was needed for that day, except when preparing for the Sabbath. If they tried to take too much (disobedience), it would rot. It is important to meet with, and receive from the Lord daily.
“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.” (Deuteronomy 8:16, NASB)
To be thankful is to be humble. In order to recognize our dependence upon the Lord and be obedient in our daily walk, we must have a spirit of humility.
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6, NASB)
When we partake of what He provides with a thankful heart, we are strengthened and we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, NASB)
So today, as the house begins to wake up and the bustle of preparing a meal and greeting guests begins, I am reflecting, with thanksgiving, not only on the Lord as my Savior, but as my Provider and Sustainer.
“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time. Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:14-18, NASB)
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