Betty Whitaker Jackson

Day 8

I confess I am closer to God’s guidance sometimes rather than others. One of my sinful nature traits is to try to handle things on my own. I tell myself, mistakenly, that I can face life’s challenges on my own. After all, I learned it early. Isn’t every parent’s task to raise independent, self-sufficient children, capable and equipped to accomplish great things? From applause for first steps to brag centers at graduation parties, we rightly or wrongly preach…..

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Day 7

I love one of my neighbors who often smiles and  says, in response to my, “How are you, Jesse,” : “Too blessed to be stressed.”  He lives the Christian life of joy and thanksgiving every day. He knows the strength of God’s love in His life, and I have begun using his comment with others. It’s amazing what a difference it makes in people’s attitudes, and in mine.

Today’s Scripture: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the…..

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Day 6

I choose to live with an attitude of gratitude for the big things, such as my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrificial Presence with me, and for the little personal things which affect my moment in time/history but have eternal consequences. Even the difficult days become testimonies to His guidance.

What, then, does the Bible say about gratitude? There are at least 30 references to giving thanks and offering thanksgiving in a quick overview of…..

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Definitely a little behind by date, but in November I will post entries from my devotional Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude book each day. I hope it is useful as we prepare for Thanksgiving, which should be every day.

Day 1

Today let us remember the legacy of faith presented to us by those who have lived the Christian life before us. Perhaps it is the prayers of a grandmother or parent that has brought you to faith. Perhaps it is…..

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In the face of the storm, let these two favorite hymns bless us: and live in Psalm 34 today.   Who trusts in God, a strong abode In heaven and earth possesses. Who looks in love to Christ above, No fear his heart oppresses. In Thee alone, dear Lord, we own Sweet hope and consolation; Our shield from foes, our balm for woes, Our great and sure salvation.   Though Satan’s wrath beset our path, and worldly scorn assail us;…..

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Continuing with yesterday’s theme of “the power of awe,” this quote just makes me smile. And a smile is a sign of inward joy. Even when things are not just the way we plan them, and life has not brought us to the place of sheer happiness, moments in each day can bring us enough joy to make the rest tolerable. So when the negatives attack, think about this quote I just read: “Joy is what happens when we allow…..

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The new Good Housekeeping magazine and a comment from yesterday’s women’s Bible class are centering my thoughts today on “the power of awe.” Take time today to say, “Wow! that’s just wonderful” about as many routine things you can. It will reduce stress, increase joy, dilute the bad news being blown out of proportion in the news, and give us more reasons to thank God. I’m celebrating that I have a car to share with Paul while theirs is in…..

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Solomon prayed for it; we all could use a greater measure of it; I pray for our country’s people to turn to God, asking for His guidance and the wisdom to come to our senses.

Luke 21:15: “…for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!”

A friend gave me a hand-painted scripture picture with this quote. It sits just about my mouse, (yes, I…..

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