Gratitude, Day 7 (Jesus)

Today and every day, I am thankful for JESUS.  He is my life.  Acts 17:28 sums it up so well, "For in Him we live and move and have our being..."  He is my all in all. 

As I told in a previous posting, I was saved at the age of 11.  I can still remember my joy as I stepped away from the altar that Sunday morning, a new creation in Christ.  Though there were years that I wasn't living for Him, He so graciously continued to woo me through His Holy Spirit and since 1996 I have been walking closely by His side and having sweet communion with Him. 

Just as all of us can, I recall so many times Jesus came to my rescue through the years as well as the times I didn't need rescuing because of His great grace and mercy in keeping me safe from so many   unknowns.  Every day when I thank Him for His many blessings, I make it a point to especially thank Him for those blessings that I am unaware of.  How often has He kept me out of harm's way or prevented me from becoming sick, just because He is a loving Father who is always looking out for His beloved children?

I've had a few dark nights of the soul when I was going through great difficulties and didn't always feel His presence, yet I knew in faith that He was there; that He was going through the storm with me and would never leave me nor forsake me.  He never has failed me yet and I know He never will. 

I can't fully fathom His great love for me, but nonetheless, I know He loved me enought to die for me.  I am thankful that I can wake up each morning with the confidence that He'll go with me through each day.  I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning and that because of this I can come to Him with a repentant heart, asking forgiveness and receive it every time.

As a child, we sang a song in our elementary school every year around Thanksgiving called "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." 

"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!" "Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord, unto me!"

Thank You, Jesus for Your faithfulness.  I'm thankful for You and I love You.

Gratitude, Day 6 (The Future)

When I was taking my "prayer" walk this morning, it was impressed upon me that I have much to thank the Lord for regarding the future He has planned for me.  None of us knows what our future holds, but we know Who holds our future.  Because of this, we can face tomorrow with confidence and hope, knowing our God has good plans for us.  Most of us know the verse from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse has sustained me and encouraged me during times I've been discouraged and wondered if my dreams for tomorrow will ever come to pass. 

Future personal plans:  I have been encouraged to know that our plans for moving into a townhouse this coming Spring look very hopeful.  We have already spoken to a leasing agent about it, have been taken to view a model townhouse and only have to wait until late January to get things moving.  (Our wait is due to the lease on our tower apt. not being up until April of 2012.  The late January date gives the agent time to begin the search for a townhouse for us so that we can be ready to move by early April).  This has lifted my spirits and given me something to look forward to that both Craig and I have wanted for a long time.  After having lived in apts. since moving to Los Angeles in 1973, you can imagine that having a small patch of ground for a patio and backyard and inviting friends over for a barbecue would be a new and fun thing to envision. 

Future ministry plans:  It was first revealed to me in October of 2010 the specific area of ministry the Lord was leading me to.  For many years, I did various types of volunteer work at my church and have enjoyed all of them, especially greeting the congregation and visitors as they entered the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.  But deep down there was a part of me that hungered to know what I was really called to do.  Last year, I began working in Women's Ministries at my church and then there was no doubt ~ this is it, I said ~ this is what I've been waiting for; thank You, Lord!  I've always had a heart for encouraging women and ministering to them in whatever way I can.  In June of this year, I created my own website for Christian Women.  Because I feel the Lord's leading in other directions, I will be closing the site at the end of this month but it's been a wonderful 6 months of sharing prayers and fellowship with some wonderful, godly women.  Currently, I am hosting a prayer group on a site geared to women and friendships that is run by a dear fellow sister in the Lord.  I am seeing my dreams unfold daily and truly believe that the Lord has other opportunities for me in the months and years ahead.  I would eventually like to have a local ladies Bible study in my home, but I will pursue that more seriously when we move and have more space.  Until then, I am waiting on God and His will and timing in all that I do. And every day I am thankful for all that He's opened up to me thus far.

When you begin to feel uncertain about tomorrow, remember that Jesus has gone ahead of you, preparing the way.  We have no reason to doubt or fear the days to come.  Rather, we have great reason to live in expectation and anticipation of what lies ahead.  No matter what we may face, Jesus is with us, ever present and leading us forward.  He wants only the best for us!  But most important of all is this:  we have a future that is eternal.  We have a heavenly home that is being prepared for us.  And someday we'll go to live there, to spend all of eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  What a future to look forward to!

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound:

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Gratitude, Day 5 (My Church)

This being Sunday, what better day to thank God for my beloved church, The Church On The Way, in Van Nuys, CA. 

I first heard of this church in 1996 when I was tuning the dial on my radio in my office one morning.  When I was working I enjoyed listening to Christian radio during the day.  I had heard this pastor (who I later learned was Pastor Jack Hayford) for several mornings and really liked his messages.  They seemed to get to the real core of the gospel.  I knew his church was in Southern California, but wasn't sure of its exact location.  I had been away from church for many years and though I had never lost my faith or trust in the Lord, I had slowly wandered away from walking with Jesus.  Now as I listened to Pastor Jack's insightful and Spirit-filled teachings, I prayed and told the Lord that if this church was anywhere within driving distance of me, I would go.  To make a long story short (and that isn't always easy for me!), I found out the church was located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, about 14 miles from me.  I did go the following week and I've been there since that very first Sunday! 

I can remember walking into the sanctuary for the first time and feeling such a strong anointing of the Lord.  It was overwhelming to someone like me who had been away from church since my early 20's.  I had tears in my eyes as I whispered a heartfelt thank you to Jesus for leading me there.  (I found out some time later that when the new sanctuary was being built in 1981, Bibles were buried in the foundation.  I well believe the Word of God and the prayers of many faithful saints are felt there these many years later).  I don't remember a lot about that first service, except I could feel the love of the congregation and knew there was something different here.  These were a people who worshipped, who praised Jesus and who had a joy I hadn't experienced since the early days of my salvation.  I knew in my heart from that day on that this was the church He had chosen just for me.  Did you know that if we pray and wait on God for direction in finding the right church, He will always answer.  It may take time, it doesn't always happen right away, but if we will persevere and "stand", trusting in Him to show us the way, we'll never be disappointed.  But I think the key is to keep persevering - discouragement can cause us to give up, but we will never know if the answer is just around the corner if we lose heart and quit.  After that first Sunday, I fully surrendered all to Jesus and He gave me new hope, new direction and a new purpose in life. 

I have learned so much about my heavenly Father through this church.  I had been on a diet of spiritual milk at best through those wasted years when I was away from God and going my own way.  But the good news is that Jesus can restore to us all that was lost.  He can redeem our situations and give us a new start.  I have been privileged to sit at the feet of great men and women of God these past 15 years.  I have grown through reading God's Word, prayer and closer intimacy with my Lord, discipleship courses offered through the church, Bible studies, conferences and weekly messages that bring home God's truth to hungry hearts.  We're in a transition period now, awaiting a new pastor in God's timing, but we continue to be fed from the fountain of Living Water, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And last but not least, I am thankful for the friendships I have made there.  My first Sunday as I sat looking around the sanctuary, I had a moment of near panic and in my heart cried out to Jesus, "Lord, how will I ever meet or make any friends in this huge church?  Please help me to connect with others here."  And He did!  It took time, but as I saw familiar faces week after week, joined the church and then began volunteering, I did make new friends - friends I still have and who mean so much to me and are an important part of my life.  And in the past two years, the Lord has led my husband and me to a wonderful Home Group.  We meet on the last Sunday of every month and more than ever, know what it's like to be a part of the family of God.  We are loved, nurtured and prayed for by this incredible group of brothers and sisters.  So this month of November, once again I want to thank You Lord for my wonderful church.  Thank You that Your gospel will be preached there until Your return.  Amen.

And my latest Christmas card:

Gratitude, Day 4 (The Bible)

Today I am thinking about how thankful I am for the Bible, God's Holy Word.  What a joy and a privilege it is to be able to read it every day!  We need to feed on the Word of God just as much as we need physical nourishment.  Without it, we will experience spiritual starvation.  I remember few days when I didn't pick up my cherished Bible to read and meditate on.  The Word comes alive when we open it up and begin to read from its pages; words that were written under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Words that breath life into the one reading its sacred verses.  Words that blaze with truth and holiness.  And words that feed our spirits and draw us to the One who gave His life for us. 

I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to read the Bible any time I want.  I am thankful for our forefathers who knew the importance of this Holy Book and incorporated it into their daily lives and helped weave it into the fabric of this great nation by their belief in God and following His will and His ways. 

I love carrying my Bible to church.  In this age of super technology, I know it has become popular to carry an ipad, iphone or other device that enables one to read the Bible from a small screen.  I have nothing against it and praise God that His Word is available in such a format, but oh I wouldn't trade carrying my precious, well worn Bible to church for all the electronic readers in the world!  That's just me, but I will never get over the feeling of holding the actual Word in my hands and flipping through its page to search for hidden treasures.  I love the smell of a Bible.  I love just turning its pages and coming across a favorite verse.  I love to re-read notes I've written in the margin and Scriptures I've jotted down during times of need.

How many times have I turned to it when I need a word of encouragement or just a reminder that God loves me, is watching over me and knows every detail of my life and will provide all the answers I need.  Thank You, Lord for Your Word.

Gratitude, Day 3 (Home)

Today's object of gratitude is my home.  Have you ever stopped to thank God for providing you with a good place to live?  This encompasses not only your personal place of dwelling, but your surroundings, too.  I am thankful for the apartment we live in.  Though we'll be moving into a town house next Spring, I am thankful for all the years we have lived here in safety and comfort.  Our apt. is large and roomy, with much more square feet than the average apt. and has enabled us to add more of the things we like to it: such as multiple bookcases for our large book collection!

I have anointed my house with oil, going through each room and praying over it. I do this from time to time, asking God's blessing upon it and praying for His protection and peace over it.  I know this has made a difference in the atmosphere of our home.  Any time we invite God's blessing where we live, He is faithful to answer that prayer. 

I'm grateful that we live in Los Angeles.  Yes, just as in any large city, there are bad things that happen, but I'm thankful that the Lord has protected us every day.  We live in easy access of where we want and need to go and I'm thankful that we live in the beautiful southern part of the state with such gorgeous scenery and good weather year round.  I sometimes complain about a lack of change of seasons, but overall this is truly paradise! 

I'm thankful that every day I can enjoy my home and live with a heart of contentment for all that God has provided.  I love beginning my day with a hot cup of tea, and after having read my morning devotional I can add my prayer of thanksgiving to God for blessing me with the home I have.  And last but not least, I'm thankful for a place to come back to after being out in the chaos of a busy day, a place of refuge from the world.  Isn't that old saying true, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home"?

Our apt. community. We live in one of the towers like this one:

One of the recent Christmas cards I've made:

Gratitude, Day 2 (Salvation)

Today and every day, I am thankful for salvation.  I can still remember the day I was saved, as an 11 year old girl at my church in Joplin, MO.  While in a transition period after having sold our old church building and waiting for the new one to be completed, we met on Sunday mornings at the local Boy's Club.  It was here during an altar call that I felt the Holy Spirit drawing me to Jesus.  I made my way to the front of the room to kneel down in front of the altar and surrendered all to Him.  So I guess you could say I was saved at a Boy's Club, but on that day it was "church" and I'll always have a fond memory of that little building where I gave my life to the Lord. 

That was many years ago, but I'll never forget how new and cleansed I felt as I stood up and went back to my seat.   Later, in my early 20's through my mid 40's, I was away from the Lord but rededicated my life to Him in 1995.  I'm all the more thankful that we serve a God who redeems us and restores us after so many years astray. 

Each morning I thank Jesus for saving me.  I thank Him for dying for me on the cross of Calvary.  I thank Him that no matter how many times I mess up, He forgives me.  And I thank Him that I am safe and sheltered in His loving arms.  I am thankful that I have an eternal home waiting for me where one day I will see my Savior face to face and hear Him say, "Welcome Home." 

There is a simple little song we used to sing in church called "Jesus, We Crown You With Praise."  The lyrics are, "Jesus, we crown You with praise.  Jesus, we crown You with praise.  We love and adore You, bow down before You, Jesus we crown You with praise."  These are the words and  melody running through my head and heart this morning as I crown Him with praise.  I love You, precious Lord.  Thank You for salvation full and free. 

A Spirit of Gratitude

During the early days of November, I begin to experience feelings of gratitude and thankfulness rising in me as each day gets closer to Thanksgiving.  Oh yes, I truly am thankful every day of my life for all God's many blessings on me, my husband, my family and friends, but there's just something so special about the days leading up to Thanksgiving; the day we formally give our thanks to God for all He's done for us throughout the past year.  I believe it's a spirit of gratitude we feel due to the anticipation of this wonderful "Day of Thanks" and all it entails - family gatherings, good food and all the wonderful memories we most often have of Thanksgivings past. 

This month through Thanksgiving Day, though I could list so many,  I would like to offer up my thanks for one thing each day that I am thankful for.   

Today I am thankful for life.  I am thankful for waking up each day and knowing that God always has something special planned for me, if only I am willing to listen and discern His voice.  More times than I'd like to admit, I am in such a rush to begin my day that I don't always take the time I should to pray and listen for my "instructions" for that particular day.  Even so, I am thankful that God is patient with me and when I do settle down to listen for His voice, He will tell me what He wants me to do.  I am thankful that though I am older, God still uses me.  If I'm here, He isn't through with me yet!  There was a time not long ago that I felt as though my years of usefulness for the Lord were basically over.  I thought that because I had just turned 60 that He didn't have much left for me to do.  I know now it was the enemy of my soul who whispered such things to me, as he always wants us to live in discouragement and defeat, but thanks to the prayers, encouragement and wise counsel of friends, I know that my heavenly Father will always have kingdom work for me to do as long as I'm here on this earth.  Praise God!  I love the verse from Isaiah 46:4 that says, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."  I am comforted every time I read this verse and know that our God loves us and will always sustain us through all the days of our lives.