Gratitude

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."—Cicero (106-43 BCE) And it seems to me gratitude is a state of mind and spirit that aids healing in various levels of our being.

Thanksgiving

It is not difficult to be thankful when the sky is clear and life is going well. The real depth of thanksgiving is found when life skys are stormy and all is not well. In these times we are more aware of what is temporary and what is of true value. But whatever, TODAY LET US GIVE THANKS FOR LOVE, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND AWARENESS OF WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT. "I have learned in all things to be content….in everything to give thanks…" for life is far more than what meets the eye.

Fwd: THOUGHT

THE STORY OF SUCCESS REVEALS A TRAIL OF GOOD AND BAD DECISIONS, FAILURE AND OVERCOMING, SUFFERING, PAIN, JOY AND CELEBRATION. FAITH AND GOD ARE NOT ABOUT MAKING THINGS EASY AND SECURING SUCCESS. IT IS ABOUT COMPANIONSHIP WITH THE MASTER CREATOR AND REALIZING YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BEGGER THAN YOURSELF. WHEN I SEE SOMEONE WHO IS DOING WELL I KNOW THERE IS A LOT TO THE STORY THAT BRINGS THE PERSON TO THIS MOMENT AND IT IS NOT ALL PRETTY BUT IS COVERED IN GRACE. THE GREATEST SUCCESS STORY IS WHEN GOD SAID, LET US CREATE……HUMANS…AND SINCE THAT MOMENT GOD HAS HAD MORE TROUBLE  WITH HUMANS THAN ANY OTHER PART OF CREATION, BUT GOD WINS WHEN WE ARE COVERED IN GRACE AND BEING MADE NEW OVER AND OVER AGAIN….

No matter what is going on in your world

COME TO ME, ALL YOU THAT ARE WEARY AND ARE CARRYING HEAVEY BURDENS, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN FROM ME; FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART, AND YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOU SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, AND MY BUDEN IS LIGHT. (Matthew 11: 28-30) no matter what is going on in the world or in your personal life, be quiet and listen to these words of Jesus. I find them helpful. 

Be Still

BE STILL SOUL—LISTEN AND HEAR—LOOK AND SEE _____________

The Clay

is life to be endured because of the pain and suffering? or is life a experience of Creation in which we are molded and shaped according to the imagination of our Creator? There is the imagery of soft clay in the hands of the potter. If the clay is hard thus resisting the pressure and shaping of the potter it is brittle and breakable. The “why” of pain and suffering is incomprehensible to us. Anger and resistance does not open our minds and hearts to any understanding. It is not escapism to chose to trust the Potter. It is the way to knowing and participating in our creation. “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29: ll). I do not understand this but when my back is to the wall it helps to hope and trust these words are true.

Guard What Has Been Given to You

"TIMOTHY (BILL, ____), GUARD WHAT HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE." -1 Timothy 6:20- — listen, what is this saying to you ??????

Fwd: thought

BE STILL SOUL—LISTEN AND HEAR—LOOK AND SEE _____________

dad/papa

Reflect

"WHAT IS NOT FACED INWARDLY WILL PLAY OUT IN OUR EXTERNAL WORLD; WHATEVER BURDENS WITHIN WILL, SOONER OR LATER, BURDEN WITHOUT." (Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life.) — This is why we need quiet times, sabbath times, reflecting times, prayer, confession, sharing times……..