Do you ever get tired of doing what feels like thankless work? Maybe that’s just me. Maybe I am the only one who would really like to hear “thank you” when I work hard for something or someone. (Honestly, I did not realize how much I longed for it until it happened to me recently). It’s not that I work for the “thank you;” I will do the work, regardless, and do it to the best of my ability. I have to say, though, that when I get the “thank you,” it does feel great. So, if I feel this way, I know that God must feel it, too. He is always there for us; guiding our paths and fixing our problems, but how often do we take the time to say, “Thank You.”
Maybe it is that we feel like God is doing what He is supposed to do. I mean, for many of us, when we do what we are supposed to do, it is rare that we get any appreciation. It is only when we do something spectacular or when we make someone else’s life a little easier, that we usually get thanks, so are we treating God that way? Do we believe that He only deserves praise when a miracle occurs? If so, I’ve got news for you, a miracle occurs every time you take a breath. The Bible says, “In everything, give thanks.” That means that we are not only to appreciate God for the good times, but for the tough times, as well. Think about it. God loves us when we are doing His Will and when we go astray, so how can our thanksgiving towards Him be conditional? In times of joy, it is easy to see the reasons to thank God, but sometimes we are so caught up in the success, that we forget to thank Him. In times of struggle, it is often hard to see the reasons to thank God, and we are so caught up in sorrow, that we forget to thank Him. Nevertheless, there is a reason to thank Him in every season, every day, and every moment. Beyond God’s incredible sacrifice for our souls (which means He owes us nothing), He still continues to bless us everyday. So, when you find it hard to be grateful, think of how you feel when you are underappreciated, and give God the praise that is due Him. Ms. EV
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Anyone who knows me knows I hate confrontation. That is the main reason that I am no longer an attorney. I know how to stand up for myself, but there are still some situations in which I feel uncomfortable. When I was practiicing law, every single time I walked into the courthouse, my stomach would tighten, I would start sweating and I would get nauseous. This was just at the thought of having to argue with others, especially with so much on the line. So, in my daily life, other than meaningless banter with family and close friends, I try to avoid confrontation at all costs.
Recently, at work, I had a situation where I believed that I was being judged unfairly. I tried to defend myself with the person without seeming overly sensitive. However, the end result was unchanged. This situation bothered me for the entire weekend. I commiserated with a couple of close friends, but that did not make me feel better. I tried to decide if I would follow the advice of my friends and confront the person, but it just never felt right. Then, today, someone for whom I have great respect that had listened to the situation comforted me, which made me feel a littlee less crazy, and told me that he was willing to advocate for me if that is what I decide I need. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I was thinking that I had taken a huge step backwards because I have grown to be able to advocate for myself, but in this situation, I just wanted someone to stand up for me. God knew that and he sent me someone to watch over me. I think sometimes we overlook moments like these when God lets us know that he is listening to our heart cries. I never told this person that I needed his help. I simply vented to him knowing that he is not the type to share personal information. But, he said that he was so bothered by the situation that he felt compelled to help. And, I for one am appreciative. God surrounds us, His beloved, with people who can help us. While there are times, when we need to take a stand on our own, there are also times when we need to have the humility to allow God to let someone else help us. I am grateful that my eyes were open and my heart was receptive to the help that I know was sent by God. Ms. EV Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (MSG)
I was caught in a very precarious situation this morning. Though I was not the target of a violent act, I was caught in the crosshairs, closer than I had ever been before to a fight. In the midst of the melee, I was able to escape, but was quite shaken and it took some time for my heart to return to a normal rate. In the moment, I thought my life might be in danger because I did not know the people or the extent to which the issue would escalate. Thankfully, I left unscathed. In refelction afterwards, I had to say, "Thank You, Jesus!" The situation could have gotten very ugly, but God! I am not sure how I would have reacted had I been hit or pushed. I am not sure how the students around me would have reacted or what would have happened if my family heard something happened to me. And, I thank God I don't have to find out. This is not a regular occurence, but it caused me to think about the fact that I constantly pray for blessings and protection for others and I don't ever really ask that for myself. I think I actually take for granted the protection that God gives me day by day. So, I am grateful that God protects me and rescues me even when I don't recognize; or worse yet, when I recognize it, but resent it because I think I know what is best for me life. I am so thankful that I know that God loves me. The God who can raise the dead will protect me and rescue me as many times as I need it. I am glad that God was on my side today and will be forever and ever. Ms. EV Today's blog is in response to a challenge from a Girlfriends in God devotional:
Dear God: I want to take the time to tell You how much I love You. First, I love You for your sacrifice. There is no pain worse than when a child dies; yet, You loved us all so much that You willingly gave Your Son to pay the debts that we can never repay. I love that You are a forgiving God. We continually choose paths that are contrary to Your Will; nonetheless, when we come to You acknowledging the errors of our ways and willing to turn our lives around, You forget the past and move us forward. I also love You for Your grace. There is no telling where I would be without Your grace. And, I understand that grace is not a license to sin; it is the gift of Your riches and blessings that I do not deserve. Furthermore, I love that You are a merciful God. There are countless actions that I have undertaken that I know should have had more dire consequences, but You spared me. There were still consequences for my actions; however, I know that it could have been much worse were it not for Your mercy. God, I want to thank You for my family. I get to experience different family dynamics all of the time, so I know how blessed I am. Thank You for saved parents who helped me to know You. Thank You for a close-knit, supportive family that is not perfect and has its differences, but when push comes to shove, we are there for each other. Moreover, I thank You for my health. I have not always had a perfectly clean bill of health; nevertheless, there has not been one ailment that has been debilitating. I still have the use of all of my senses, my limbs, and my brain, and I think sometimes we take being able to breathe for granted, so I thank You for each breath. I also want to thank You for the gifts that You have given me. I have not always used them in the way that I know You intended for them to be used, yet, You did not take them from me. Instead, You gave me the opportunity to discover how I could use them for You. Lord, I thank You for being God. I have tried to be in control of everything and it is not easy, so I am glad that I do not have to be. I am so grateful to be awakened each morning by the sun that You created peeking over the horizon. I am thankful that You will never leave me or forsake me. Even though, I battled with a fear of loneliness, You and I came out victorious. Thank You for delivering me from the dark corners of anxiety in my mind, from self-doubt, and from low self-esteem. Lord, I thank You for eternity and for a heavenly home. I thank You because I know that no matter what happens in my life and on this earth, this is not my home and physical death is not the end. Father, You are awesome and amazing and I do not deserve Your love, but I am so glad that You give it freely. Thank You. Ms. EV I just read a challenge to think of ten things that I am grateful for and I wanted to take it a step further and think of ten problems that can be turned into praises.
1. Problem: I don’t have a family of my own, no husband (or even boyfriend) and no children. Praise: Thank You, Lord for giving me the freedom to pursue anything I want to pursue in this world. Thank You for the support system that I do have. 2. Problem: I don’t know what I should do next in my life? Praise: Thank You, God for being so faithful to me that I know whatever step I need to take needs to be in obedience and submission to Your will. 3. Problem: I am bored with my job. Praise: Thank You, Lord that I have a job that provides me with stability and that you have given me the wisdom to become so adept at my job that I can now take on new challenges. 4. Problem: I get very lonely at times. Praise: Thank You, Father for promising never to leave me or forsake me and for being there at all times whenever I need to talk or I need comfort. 5. Problem: I really miss my loved ones who have passed away. Praise: Thank You, God for the reassurance that the believers are not dead, but are only asleep, and that you will call us all to meet you in the air at the appointed time. 6. Problem: I have a hard time forgiving myself for my mistakes. Praise: Thank You, oh merciful Father for never giving up on me, even when I am living outside of Your will and thank You for the Holy Spirit who teaches me right from wrong and doesn’t allow me to walk through life oblivious to the harm I have done to myself and others. 7. Problem: I have a hard time forgiving those who have hurt me. Praise: Thank you, Lord that You are compassionate and forgiving, and that I am made in your image and have the power to forgive others and myself. Thank You for sending Your Son to feel a million times the pain that I have felt, so that I could be free from sin. 8. Problem: I am not as financially stable as I would like to be. Praise: Thank you, God that every month I meet every financial obligation that I have, and even have extra at times. Thank You for teaching me how to be a good steward over that with which You have blessed me. 9. Problem: I don’t know if I am living out my purpose. Praise: Thank You, Lord for giving me the purpose to praise and please You. Thank You for showing me favor each and every time I give you praise in spite of circumstances and obey Your commands. 10. Problem: I don’t like to have to do tedious household tasks on my own like taking out the garbage, fixing the toilet, maintaining my car. Praise: Thank you, God that I have the health, strength and financial means to carry out these tasks. Thank You for allowing me to learn new things, so that I don’t feel incompetent or incomplete. This is my list and you may be able to identify with some more than others, or even think of your own. Whatever you do, don’t forget to praise Him. In everything (even the tough stuff), give thanks for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Ms. EV Part of growing up is learning to rejoice in the successes in the lives of others and having empathy for the pain in the lives of others. The latter part of that can sometimes come more naturally than the former. If you have a heart, it is not very difficult to feel sorry for someone. It is natural to share in the pain, offer your shoulder, give words of comfort and just be there for that person. When we have compassion towards another person, it often gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling. We feel needed, useful, like we have a purpose.
Sharing in the joys is a little more difficult. It shouldn’t be, but we are human, and sometimes, we may genuinely feel excited for a friend’s good fortune, while, at the same time, we feel somehow slighted. She has so much and I want so little, so why does everything seem to go her way? She doesn’t even want more kids and she’s pregnant…She doesn’t even want a man in her life, but she has one pining for her…When will it be my turn? Does any of this sound familiar? Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one who feels just a twinge of bitterness when these situations arise. But, I am a growing work in progress, so if this isn’t for you, then please just indulge me for minute while I step on my own toes. I once heard that the difference between bitter and better is the “I” involved. The reason that bitter feelings arise for me is because I am only concerned with me, myself and I. It is because I am being selfish and unappreciative. But, when I look at all of the things I have to be grateful for rather than the things for which I am longing, I become better. I just feel better. When I take the focus off of me (and that right there is a challenge), and place the focus on what God has for me and has done for me, bitterness cannot stay. I’m not saying that it makes you a bad person if you fall into a momentary period of bitterness; just don’t stay there. And, that includes proceeding to beat yourself up about feeling that way. Instead, do a little ABC exercise. Acknowledge that the appropriate response is to delight in what God does for others (1 Corinthians 12:26). Bounce your thoughts onto those things that are pure, true, holy, just, and noble (Philippians 4:8-9).Count your blessings, name them, write them down, and thank God for them (Psalm 100:4). Be better, not bitter. Ms. EV I was reading through some past journal entries the other day and I ran across this little mini-poem:
“It may be me one day, but right now it is not; I have to keep my focus on what I have got.” I cannot remember what prompted that little message of encouragement. It could have been anything. Perhaps, I read a devotional on thankfulness. Maybe I saw an article about a wedding. It is possible that I saw someone who is very wealthy on television. There is no telling what my eyes or ears witnessed that caused me to stop immediately and affirm my gratitude and contentment with my life. And, the other day when I read it, I thought, “Thank God for what I don’t have, too.” Do you ever think about all of the things that you don’t have? I am not speaking of the wants and desires that you wish you had; I am talking about all of the things that you don’t want and you don’t have. Or, how about all of the things that you should have, but you don’t have? We may never know the depths or breadth or lengths of God’s love and mercy. But, as we look around the world at the tragedies that are suffered, it ought to cause us to throw our hands up in praise if we are not afflicted with that type of calamity. When we look over our past mistakes, and we realize that we have escaped some of the worst possible scenarios for our lives with consequences that are not nearly as awful as they could be, we ought to fall to our knees and thank God for His mercy. These mirrors of mercy can appear on any level of our lives. On a spiritual level, children of God can be thankful that we do not have to go through someone else to get to God. We can come boldly before His throne of grace asking anything we need in Jesus’ name because Jesus took our place on the cross (Hebrews 4:16; John 14:13). We should be thankful that we do not have nail-scarred hands and feet or a pierced side, which is the least that we deserve for our sins. On an emotional level, we can praise Him when we do not have any more tears to cry over someone who has caused us pain, whether it is a spouse, a loved one, a family member, a co-worker, or a friend. It is such a blessing when we get to the day when we do not have any more emotion to give to that situation and we can finally move on with our lives. On a romantic level, thank God for that person that He did not allow you to be with or to stay with who would have done more damage to your life than good. On a physical level, we should appreciate that we do not have all of the ailments that we could have. Some sickness happens because we live in corruptible bodies. Some sickness happens because we have bad habits or do not properly value our health. In either case, even when we are infirmed with something, we can be grateful that we do not have other conditions and diseases in addition to that one. On a financial level, we ought to be grateful that we do not have to depend on man as our source. Once again, this is not an encouragement to quit your job, but just recognize that no matter what man does, if you belong to God, He has your back--and front and sides. (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Psalm 27:1). Just think about all the debt you could have that you do not have. Whether you are in good standing because you used Godly wisdom in economic evaluations or because God has spared you from the most severe outcomes associated with your financial foolishness, you should shout, “Hallelujah”(especially in this economy). I believe that there are many times when we are trying our best to be content with what we do have that we can identify the gifts of grace, but we also should be thanking God for His mercy; for the circumstances with which we do not have to grapple. What makes it difficult to recognize these blessings is that we truly do not know all of the situations from which God has protected us, which is a blessing in and of itself. Nevertheless, the next time you find yourself feeling pitiful because of what you do not have, turn the pity party inpraise party for what you do not have by the mercy of God. Remember, (and I cannot think of the exact quote or who said it) it is better to be able to desire what you do not have than to have what you do not desire. Ms. EV In my post-Mother’s Day blog, I promised a blog dedicated to my dad for Father’s Day. It really isn’t that difficult to write about how incredible both of my parents are to me. I think that next to my salvation, I am most grateful for the parents with whom God has blessed me. I do not know if there is such a thing as a perfect parent, but mine come pretty close. Now, don’t get me wrong, my dad and I have and do bump heads, as most children do from time to time with their parents, but, regardless of the times we may disagree, my earthly daddy is a true reflection of my Heavenly Daddy. And, that my friends, is a blessing.
First of all, my dad shows me how a woman should be treated. I have not always realized the treasure of having a father who loves my mother, is her best friend, and would do anything for her. Growing up, I thought everybody’s dad loved their mom they way my dad loves my mom. But, as I came to know more about the world, I found that having parents who loved each other deeply is a rare occurrence. I also found that having a father who is unafraid to be the leader of his own household is somewhat scarce. If someone comes into my life that loves me a fraction of how much my dad loves my mom, I will be tremendously blessed. My daddy also taught us how to laugh. Just last night, I left my parents’ house with a sore face from laughing. Most people who meet my dad think that he is really serious. He can be very intense and fiercely passionate about that in which he believes, but he also encourages a sense of humor. There are times when it sounds like we have our own distinct language because we can’t talk with a giggle. My dad is a disciplinarian, for sure, but his chastisement is tempered by the fact that you always know (maybe not in that moment, but eventually), that all he wants is what is best for you and that even in intense situation, he can still make you smile, even when you don’t want to smile. Furthermore, my parents know Christ and introduced us to Christ. Not only that, but they also both show us how to live a Godly life. One of my biggest regrets in life is always taking a long time to listen to my dad on certain issues like saving money. He is always full of great advice because he knows the Godly principles to living a prosperous life. He always wants to fix things, but is willing to let us figure out our own course. My pastor often says that God speaks to us in familiar voices. When I am going down a treacherous road or am about to make a perilous decision, I hear my dad’s voice. Anyone who knows him knows that he has a deep, booming voice (we often refer to him as Mufasa). I have no idea what God actually sounds like, but in my heart, he has my dad’s voice, and it is enough to stop me in my tracks. We sometimes tease dad because it seems like he is this perfect person that never did anything bad as a child or a teenager. We say he doesn’t understand the situation in which we place ourselves because he was always “an angel.” I pretended to be a goody two shoes for a long time, but my dad is the real deal. And, I thank God for it. I am eternally grateful for my dad’s obedience to God and for his unrelenting desire to have everyone else do the same. Often, when we do something of note, dad says, “Hey! You’re a chip off the old block.” Well, in my humble opinion, my dad is a chip straight off of God’s block. He is the best dad a girl could ever want. Ms. EV I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for the last day of school! (Not even when I was graduating). This year has been rough! For those of you who don’t know, I am a teacher. Anyway, as I was clearing out my inboxes, I realized that at the beginning of this year, I was so unhappy that I was trying to find another job. Then, the tragedies started and seemed to come one right after another. The year was just marred with disappointment and sadness. And through it all, I held on to the fact that God still sits on the throne and is in control, but that doesn’t mean that it was not hard.
The result of the valley was that it caused me to look within and to cling ever closer to God. I had been in a relationship rut so to speak where I had lost the freshness of my intimacy with Christ and our time together had become more routine than real. As I drew closer to Him, things started to turn around. It was not all mountain tops, but, in the valleys, I knew to look to the hills where from which my help would come. Now, I am renewed, refreshed, revived and ready for what God has in store for my life. He has literally put new songs on my heart, given me new insight and new focus. And, I made it with Him. We made it! Sometimes, it seems as if the struggle will never end, but if you can just be still, you can come through the other side with Jesus as your Friend and Guide. Ms. EV Do you ever get tired of doing what feels like thankless work? Maybe that’s just me. Maybe I am the only one who would really like to hear “thank you” when I work hard for something or someone. (Honestly, I did not realize how much I longed for it until it happened to me today). It’s not that I work for the “thank you;” I will do the work, regardless, and do it to the best of my ability. I have to say, though, that when I get the “thank you,” it does feel great. So, if I feel this way, I know that God must feel it, too. He is always there for us; guiding our paths and fixing our problems, but how often do we take the time to say, “Thank You.” Maybe it is that we feel like God is doing what He is supposed to do. I mean, for many of us, when we do what we are supposed to do, it is rare that we get any appreciation. It is only when we do something spectacular or when we make someone else’s life a little easier, that we usually get thanks, so are we treating God that way? Do we believe that He only deserves praise when a miracle occurs? If so, I’ve got news for you, a miracle occurs every time you take a breath.
The Bible says, “In everything, give thanks.” That means that we are not only to appreciate God for the good times, but for the tough times, as well. Think about it. God loves us when we are doing His Will and when we go astray, so how can our thanksgiving towards Him be conditional? In times of joy, it is easy to see the reasons to thank God, but sometimes we are so caught up in the success, that we forget to thank Him. In times of struggle, it is often hard to see the reasons to thank God, and we are so caught up in sorrow, that we forget to thank Him. Nevertheless, there is a reason to thank Him in every season, every day, and every moment. Beyond God’s incredible sacrifice for our souls (which means He owes us nothing), He still continues to bless us everyday. So, when you find it hard to be grateful, think of how you feel when you are underappreciated, and give God the praise that is due Him. Ms. EV |
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