A Gift of Energy

Tonight I felt a surge of energy and joy, like I was almost weightless, not bogged down and tired as I often am.  I felt as if I could do fifty push-ups, a hundred jumping jacks, and sing a dozen songs.

I don't know why it came--was it the Clif bar I ate, the part of a sermon we listened to from our elder about our incorruptible inheritance, the songs we sang ("O God, Our Help in Ages Past" and "All Things Shall Perish; Thou Dost Remain") the creative things I'd been looking at online, someone praying for me, a combination of all of them--or an unrelated gift from God?  I don't know, though I do know the sermon and songs lifted my spirits.

In any case, I'm thankful for it.  Yes, it came at ten-o'clock at night, but I'll take that.  It made washing dishes easier (I was singing "We're Walking in the Air," ha).

Good night, everyone, and may God give you all the strength you need to carry on.  His grace is sufficient, even for the hardest, most trying circumstances!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Thankful List

I was going to post photos of the things we bought at the book store and thrift store, and I will if anyone's interested . . . but I read this verse recently and have been musing over how much I enjoy "things," getting more excited over them than perhaps the Word of God or glorying in Him.

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” - Luke 12:15

And though I can be thankful for earthly gifts, they shouldn't be my focus, or they at least should be directed in praise toward God.  Also, are the underlying reasons for posting pics of things really to help others be thankful, or to boast in my own "good fortune"?  And might that not make others covetous, or eager to go out and get their own bargains, when they should be focused on the blessings they already have?

So, I think instead of posting pics (at least for now), I'll post a list of blessings, and hopefully it will inspire your own list, not lust. Though we may not have all the same gifts, we all have things for which to be thankful.

1. Salvation in Jesus Christ!
2. An inheritance incorruptible, reserved in heaven for us.
3. Peace which passes all understanding.  Really.
4. A giving and forgiving family.
5. Sweet and godly friends, who gift us unexpectedly, but most of all who laugh with and love us.
6. Music - from Christian hymns, songs, and spiritual songs, to Classical melodies that give joy.
7. Food, and the ability to taste.
8. Good books - above all, the Word of God, without which we would be quite clueless!
9. Good preachers and sermons which encourage and instruct.
10. Sight, and the beauty still left in the world, of which we are not worthy.
11. Scent, which also helps in taste.
12. Warmth in a cold climate (heaters, tea, etc).
13. A/C for the hot months.
14. Animals, which add sweet companionship and beauty to life.
15. Plants & trees to shade and beautify.
16. Memory and the ability to think.
17. A roof over my head.
18. Land and water.
19. Air to breathe (mostly fresh air)! :)
20. Correction and forgiveness from the Lord, day by day.
21. Work and occasional money for it.
22. Light / the sun.
23. Joy and laughter.
24. Times of darkness and illness to help draw us to the Lord and empathize with others.
25. Clocks to keep us on time and remind us life is fleeting.

I could go on. What would you add?

Weekly Update & A Quote

This week has been full of blessings, as always. And yet my heart quakes with fear at my own apathy and sin. Yet I believe God is my Savior, truly all the hope I have. May God be gracious to me, a sinner, and renew me in Christ. (And may the Lord bless you all, as well!)

We had a wonderful time with some friends from church this week--Mrs. H. and her daughter. They brought some homemade sauces along to share, and we had a great time talking and learning from one another.

May this verse and quote be encouraging to you, from The Treasury of David on Psalm 27 verse 14. ('Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.')

'Think not that the government is out of Christ's hand, when men are doing many sad things, and giving many heavy blows to the work of God. No, no; men are but his hand; and it is the hand of God that justly and righteously is lying heavy upon his people. Look above men, then; you have not to do with them: there is a turn of matters, just as he pleased to turn his hand.' - Ralph Erskine, 1685-1752

Blessings

Berried Cedar Waxwing
Originally uploaded by Fort Photo

Things I'm thankful for today:

* Songs of praise to God (I enjoy "Doxology" by Sandi Patty)
* Jobs to do, like vacuuming and baking
* Chocolate cake (I mustn't let it burn)
* Joel and Charity are coming here tonight!
* Cool air (AC, though it's not overly hot outside, either)
* Birds (we can see more from our back yard here, because there are more trees)
* Bible reading and family to enjoy it with
* My own little room (though I enjoyed sharing a room with my sister, too)
* New furniture and tools
* A greater sense of purpose

Thank you, God!

What are you thankful for today? Even if you aren't having a good day, there must be something you can think of that is good. :) In fact, we should even be happy for the trials we go through (easier said than done, I know)!

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. - James 1:2-3

A House!

Thank the Lord...the application for a rental house in Texas has gone through! I'm only half excited about moving, but I am grateful that we could secure such a nice place. It's a decent size for us three, with three bedrooms, two stories, and a nice living-room with an arched window. It's in a nice neighborhood, close to where my sister, Grace, lives with her family. So, all in all, we're very pleased. :)