12.01.2009

thankfulness challenge - week 4

i know all 1 or 2 of you have been anxiously awaiting my thankfulness challenge conclusion...h:)

22 - the Holy Spirit
i am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit nudging me; changing me; convicting me. it must be lonely without this Holy Presence....when i act on the Holy Spirit's prompting the result is always good. why don't i listen more?

23 - the Body of Christ
i was moved to tears this morning listening to the Christian radio station. the dj lifted people like me up in prayer. what a wonder that Christians can pray on the behalf of people they don't even know or may never meet.

24 - ancient words
this morning i came across this verse:
"my soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, i will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2
this verse was in my head all day - giving me strength. that's the power of God's word - it is timeless - His character; His power; His promises never change.

25 - biblical teaching
today i was reflecting on the theme of sunday's message. when making tough choices the first question we should ask is: " will this bring glory to God?" that's all i need to be concerned with - not my pride; not retribution; not fairness. God will handle all that. my purpose is to reflect His presence in my life and bring Him glory.

26 - my home, husband and kids
we had a low-key thanksgiving...i didn't even get dressed. it was a lot of work preparing everything and cleaning up, but as i was doing the dishes i thanked God that i was able to provide a good meal for my family and enjoy it in our warm home. there are so many who weren't able to enjoy thanksgiving the same way. i was also blessed by riley's prayer before we ate. i am so thankful that she knows who to thank for the blessings in her life.

27 - contentment
biggest shopping day of the year. we are cutting back HUGE this year. i could feel sorry for myself and be distracted by thoughts of disappointment, jealousy and resentment but i find myself being able to focus my attention so much more on celebrating the ultimate gift of Christ's birth - do i really want anything else?

28 - the miracle of the sun
the sun was out today. i love when the sun shines, but don't often reflect on the true miracle the son is - it is millions of miles away yet it warms us, boosts our mood, helps things grow, begins and ends our days and provides us with important vitamins. it's one of the things that when i really think about it i wonder how anyone could possibly deny the existence of a creator God.

29 - the advent
as a Christian i celebrate the event of Christ's birth as well as look forward to the event of His second coming.
"but the angel said to them, "do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
"you too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8

30 - Christmas break (not "holiday recess" or "winter break")
only 18 more school days!