Thanksgiving Freedoms

Many years ago my husband kindly sat me down and gently reprimanded me. I had been complaining about all sorts of things and he lovingly pointed out that I was ungrateful. My complaints were not about him, mind you, but about the things I had or didn't have. I was taken by surprise, but knew that it was true and a change was made in my heart.

This year I have taken the dare to write down 1000 gifts and be thankful for them. Ann Voskamp, in her writings, has revealed the truth about thanksgiving and living minute to minute with a grateful heart. A new change is beginning in me and every day I see things and people more and more as gifts. My heart is full of gratitude for the gift of Ann and her words that seem so timely right now.

Yesterday, I read one of her blogs that listed 6 Reasons Why to Teach Kids to be Grateful the research can only support Scriptural Truth. (Froh, Sefick, Emmons, 2008) I was immediately aware that this is not only truth for children but for everyone. Here is what I read and how I see it work in my life.

1. Better Attitudes - Thanksgiving grows a positive attitude even in the hard soil of challenges, disappointments, or failure.

2. Better Achieve Personal Goals - The discipline of writing down our gifts spills over into life goals and the stream of grateful words becomes a river of life change.

3. Closer Relationships, Greater Happiness - We all need closer relationships and long for greater happiness. Seeing people through the lens of gratitude makes them a happy gift to us that gives joy to our days. People are lovelier and friendlier when we are thankful for their presence in our lives. Being surrounded by a beautiful crowd of people makes us smile, doesn't it?

4. Better Grades - Now it may seem that we as adults are not graded, but we are evaluated by many in our lives. The authority in our lives grade us on many things. Employers evaluate our work, banks and credit card companies watch our performance with money and treat us accordingly. Children watch us closely too.

5. Greater Energy, Attentiveness, Enthusiasm - The start of writing down gifts is like wading in mud, but soon the mud becomes a trickle and then a stream and a river flowing out into the ocean of gifts awaiting for our pleasure and filling our grateful hearts.

6 Greater Sensitivity - Gratitude opens our eyes to the world around us. We see clearly the needs of others and our hands are ready to reach out and help because we know it, too, will be a gift.

Finally the article ends with the consequence of not practicing gratitude. The young people studied showed less satisfaction with their lives. They were more aggressive and took more risks and the list went on. Similarly we adults live in a world of our making, good or bad, depending on our attitude of gratitude.

Today is July 4th and the U.S.A. is celebrating our independence and the blessings of our country. We are a nation that complains way too much, maybe because we have the freedom to do so. I wonder what changes we would see if we became a nation of gratitude? I think it would truly set us free!

Our Father in heaven, You are the author of freedom. You are the Giver of Good gifts! Forgive us for our murmuring and complaining. We fail to see Your good hand in so many things, but You are there working out the good for us. Thank You for my country, Lord. I am blessed to live here by Your choice. Thank You for all of the good people that live with us here. Help us to see the good and work hard to change the bad. Bless America, Father! Bless her with a revolution of thanksgiving!

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is a process of change. I am not a scientist, but I do know that butterflies undergo an amazing metamorphosis. A furry and plain caterpillar will cocoon himself and emerge as a colorful reshaped creature that is free to fly. I think God delights in this change and uses similar processes for us.

Sometimes the process is a short one, other times, in us humans, it can take decades. How do humans metamorphose? I watched one yesterday.

I had the privilege of accompanying my sister and niece as they looked for a Mother-of-the-Bride dress. The wedding is only about 8 weeks away. My sister was putting off the shopping trip so she could lose weight. She began the trip apprehensive and uncertain as to what was appropriate, or if she could find what she really wanted. She was going shopping knowing it had to be done but dreading the trying on and the choices to be made.

My part in the process was to wrap her in a cocoon of prayer. I was asking God to do a transformation from the fuzzy thinking into clear thoughts and a beautiful feeling of freedom to be herself. God answered my prayers! I watched her search racks and reluctantly try on outfits, 'til one stood out as the perfect shape. Next it was time to decide on color. She had in mind what she wanted but hesitated because of what others were planning to wear. I encouraged her to let God and her desires be the priority instead of what others might think. God worked on her too, I finally saw the sparkle in her eyes and the beauty within unveiled! She will be a beautiful hostess for this wedding of her daughter!

In some ways, I am struggling to get out of my cocoon too. Are you in a phase of metamorphosis as well? It may be a huge change or it may be a simple change of thought or the making of a decision that sets you free. The God who made butterflies has sent us His Holy Spirit to lead us through the process! Little by little He will change us into the likeness of Christ and bring us to everlasting life free and beautiful!

God and Creator of butterflies, You are amazing in Your works! You are the author of change that lasts within us! You understand the process of dying to self in order to live again. Thank You for making that metamorphosis happen in me! Forgive me when I fight the change you want in my life. I surrender to Your change today.

Loving to Learn

I have lived many years. My Granddaughters think I am old! In all my years I have been delighted to learn new things, ponder new ideas and, though change is not easy for me, I will change if I find it to be a good thing.

I am learning new things now that my life is turning in a different direction. Relationships will be different. Surroundings will not be the same. My work will change. I am preparing myself for these changes, but I know that some of the learning will take place as I walk in the new places that God is ordaining for my life.

God will be my teacher. He will lead me by His Spirit. I will know the way is good because of Him!

Learning is fun! Learning is part of living! Learning is a great inheritance! I learned to love learning through my Mom and Dad who taught by example! Thanks Mom and Dad! I love to learn!

Rabbi Jesus, You are the greatest of Teachers! You are the Source of all answers. You wisely gave us a world of wonder and awe to explore! I can never know all that You know, but more than anything I want to know YOU! Thank You for giving me curiosity and questions! I want to learn about You and the world You have given me to explore! Lead me! Teach me!

Learning a New Game

My Grandman, Scott, is experimenting with potty training. He sits on his potty and wears pull-ups. He has not yet even begun to really "Play the game" so I am giving him the rules over and over again.

The other day I bought my Grandman a set of plastic golf clubs. He has no idea how to "Play the game," so I just keep repeating the rules and showing him how to hit the ball. He still likes to throw more than putt!

I am preparing to learn a new game as well! I expect that by the end of this year Patrick and I will be empty-nesters. We hope to finally have a place without the kids, grandkids and other relatives sharing our space. Don't get me wrong. It has been difficult, but certainly not all bad. We have had the rich blessing of pouring into our granddaughter's lives on a daily basis. We have been used of God to help my daughter stay focused toward this end. God has taught and prepared all of us to do so much more than we thought we could! We know that others have seen God through our lives! We pray it has changed them and drawn them to Him!

The changes that are soon to come will influence many. I believe God is calling me to prepare myself for this new "game" . He wants me to labor toward the end of this part of the plan and be ready to bring forth a new life! It can be hard to learn a new game. It may take some time to get it down pat. Like my Grandman learning golf or potty training, I need to listen to the new rules, and practice every day what He calls me to do.

Father, You are the one who has set a plan for my life. You are the designer of who I am and You know the best way for me to work through learning this new game. I confess it is a bit scary to change. I get comfortable where I am and who I am with. I don't want to let go of things that are so very close to my heart. I want to hold on. I can only thank You for taking the time to teach me to wait on You, Teach me to wait so that I might run and not be weary, walk and not faint! Teach me to not be weary in well doing. Lift me up on wings of eagles!

Hard Week Changed

It has been a hard week for me. I felt as if I were being squeezed by a python! All sorts of extra chores, extra frustrations, and to top it off I was not doing well handling it. My attitude was self centered. I deliberately disobeyed God and then was told by other Christians not to be too hard on myself.

I am looking back over my failed week only to see what lessons I must learn from these experiences. Here is what I've come up with.

* I must get more rest, eat properly and exercise .
* When my circumstances overwhelm me it is time to stop and get alone with God...not wait for a convenient time.
* Put more gratitude into my day.
* Let repentance happen no matter what others say.

I must say that this last lesson is an important one that I never considered doing otherwise. I was, however, surprised to think that believers could so easily dismiss sin in my life or their own! It saddens me when I confess my sin and the other party tells me not to be too hard on myself. I believe in balance and I believe it is my place to bring my sin to the cross, cry over my failures if I must and then allow Jesus to wash me in His blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

It is not my place to shrug my shoulders and say, that it is okay because I am not perfect. I think that it is difficult to change our sinful behaviors without feeling the pain we cause God, others or self. I want to change and repentance is part of the change!

Change starts in me when I:
1. see my sin for what it is
2. truly understand what my sin is causing to God, others and self
3. cry out for forgiveness and help
4. receive the grace that God gives so freely!

Father, Thank You for letting me unload my sin onto Your Son! Thank You for being there to hear me. Thank You for loving me and accepting me even though I fail often. Thank You for healing me and setting me free from the bondage of my sin! You alone have the power to change my life! I choose You. Please live through me and in me!

Roller Coasters

I do not like roller coasters. I especially dislike the roller coaster of my inner life.

Roller coasters take the rider on a series of ups and downs and sometimes upside down. They go slow and then suddenly speed up. Some people enjoy the thrill and anticipation of the slow move upward only to pause just a moment at the top before the plunge into a series of twists, turns and ups and downs. Like I said, I don't like roller coasters.

Even though I will not willingly get on a coaster for fun, I look back over my life and see one huge unstoppable coaster ride. This is true especially in my perception of my worth. I don't think I am alone in this. There are many out there just like me but we put on a good act for others. We are okay with ourselves aren't we? We are having fun?

Over the years I have at times liked myself, and at other times I have seen so much that I don't like! I want to change things like not letting my fears stop me from living an abundant life, not being so selfish, be more generous, be able to lose the weight that has been far too long holding me back from looking my best, or allowing myself to need others. I am at one of those down times right now. I have a long list of things I'd like to see changed in me right now. Bible Study and inspirational books have led me to examine myself and found myself lacking.

My walk with God has taught me that my best human efforts, by themselves, can never accomplish a lasting change in me. I must release these things to God, placing them in Jesus' hands and then obey the Holy Spirit promptings. To do this 1. I must know who God is for me in that area of my life. 2. I must be ready to let go and committed to His better way of managing my life. 3. I must obey to receive the blessing.

Lately, I have heard from various sources the story of Abraham and Issac. God is speaking to me through this story. He has offered me a choice just like Abraham. Abraham was blessed by God because he withheld nothing from God, not even his cherished son of promise. God is asking me to withhold nothing from Him. Because God is a God of relationship not religion, He also gives me a promise: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

Sovereign God , my Father and Friend, I give thanks to You for Your generous and giving heart. You withhold nothing from those who love You and obey Your word. I want to give You all that I am and all that I have. It is a daily decision that seems lost sometimes but I will always come back to the place where I offered myself completely to You. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my King and Deliverer. Even in the coaster ride of life I choose to let You be in charge of the ups and downs, the twists and turns. I am Yours!

As Time Goes By

As time goes by, there comes a momentum that leans toward some direction. As we make our first steps toward growth in the new year, we can be certain that the momentum is picking up. If we repeat good habits we will turn the momentum toward the good. If we repeat bad habits the tide will flow toward a downhill slide.

The key is to turn around quickly when a path is found to be wrong. If we wait too long it is hard to pull ourselves up, find a place for a u-turn, or build a new path toward the goal we have set.

The clock is ticking and minutes, hours, days and weeks are passing. It may seem too early to evaluate the direction we are going , but it is a good time! Today is the day we can adjust the course without too much trouble.

It only takes a minute or two. Those minutes are worth spending!

Change

We have heard a lot about change lately. We are asked to vote for change and our family has been experiencing and bracing ourselves for change. Personally, I am going through a bible study that calls for change!

Everything changes. I spoke those words in my vows to my dear Patrick on our wedding day and every anniversary since. It seems that the words ring truer than ever.

It matters little who gets the vote, we will experience a difference in the political climate. No matter how hard we try to keep the family the same as it has always been, there will be change due to weddings, births, funerals, and moves. Whenever we make plans for our future we are expecting change. Most importantly, when I submit my will to God and take His words to heart, I change.

Change is a fact of life. We move through time and space experiencing change. I may not celebrate some changes, but I am always pleased with the difference God makes in my life when I not only read His word but do what it says. It is in those changes that I experience revival. I pray that a revival of Gods' word will sweep across our country and eventually effect change around the world!

Change, it's a good thing.

Change

I am changing. I am not only getting older and finding that old age creeping into my bones, but I am also changing in the way I live life. This includes physical, mental, spiritual, etc.

The change I find most disturbing and disruptive to my everyday life is the change in relationships. Children becoming adults, grandchildren, (empty nest/open nest), a retirement minded husband, aged mother, far away siblings, fickle friendships, and that love/hate relationship with myself all add to the mix of my changing and deepening relationship with God. Without the change in my relationship with God I am certain all the others would fall to pieces.

In truth, my exchanges with God are the reason for some of the changes with others. He is working on me. He wants change in how I relate to others and it is making a huge difference in my view of self, the world and my creator. I find it to be frightening sometimes, but also an extraordinary adventure! It can be lonely and yet filled with His presence.

Everything changes. I said these very words to my husband as we exchanged our wedding vows 35 years ago. Yes, everything is changing, and because I trust in a good God who sent His Son and the Holy Spirit to live in me, I am certain that the change will be for my good.

In the end I must let go, surrender to the changes that come, all the while holding on to the One who carries me through. Though He is unchanging, I can always find a new revelation of Him for the new place I find myself!

Deaf Ears to Politics

I am turning a deaf ear to the political ads that point fingers at the opposition instead of presenting strategies that they will take for leading our beloved country and ALL citizens. I am tired of hearing how bad the other side is and how our side will be "Different."



Don't get me wrong. There is a need for change. We must find a leader who can stand against the flow that has Washington in its grip. We need something different! BUT, I am convinced that one person, even a strong leader cannot undo, remake, or change the flow without the cooperation of the congress and the majority of the people. I am not looking for someone who can talk change. I want to hear and be convinced that our next president and vice president can convince both sides of the aisle that the change they propose is for everyones best interest.



I am certainly not looking for someone who polarizes so much change that it would be impossible to move in any direction. I am looking for someone who thinks through what really matters.



A message to the candidates: Please do not talk about your opponent! I will make my own judgement about both of you. Tell me what qualifications you bring to the office. I want to hear not only your platform but how you intend to achieve it without placing it all on the backs of the citizens (taxes included). I believe both sides have good ideas and want the best for the country. I am a smart voter. I read between the lines. I will decide by what you intend to do not by what you say the other side will do!



Change is in the wind no matter who gets elected. But do we want the change to put us into slavery because we, as voters, do not want to rise up and work for our own needs, make our own decisions, and live self-controled lives? We have the power in our vote to tell our representatives that we want our freedom, not a government that is the master over every part of our lives.

My cry at the the voting booth is "FREEDOM!!!"