Day 17
I have an attitude of gratitude that several teachers and others encouraged me to write. My school years were filled with opportunities for which I am thankful, and teachers who saw promise and shaped my voice. I fell in love with words in Mrs. Meyer’s class. I loved debate when Miss Gorman and Mr. Sullivan helped me manipulate arguments, write rebuttals, and see the essence of a…..
Day 16
Now, upon reflection, I realize with my attitude of gratitude, that childhood experiences serve a greater purpose. I have empathy for and special recognition and love for those who may be physically or mentally challenged in some way. I’ve always given them an extra measure of encouragement—those things I felt lacking when I so wanted to know I could achieve in spite of difficulties.
God just filled me with things other than physical or athletic beauty and prowess. …..
Day 15
The challenges and difficulties of life change in each decade.
It’s been my experience that crises in my life have not been as drastic as some that others have experienced. Yes, childhood physical difficulties like three operations for a seven-year-old, bullying by playmates and “that’s too bad” comments from adults at the patches over my right eye, the one that could actually see, and glasses on my three-year-old tiny face, did affect me. I remember “failing” the eye…..
Day 14
All circumstances are opportunities for Him to shine and me to fade. I’m learning. Long ago this was an attitude in my head knowledge of God’s grace, but more recently it has become obvious that my heart, my soul, my very being has been miraculously transformed by this knowledge.
I have developed a precept the last ten years. It is summarized in a quote I’ve created to live my life by, just because I’ve learned that prioritizing is…..
Day 13
When I daily, even hourly, commit myself to the Lord’s purposes, I discover strength I do not know I possess, and find joy in carrying the burdens of others He sends to me in chance encounters or planned relationships. I find satisfaction in seeing Scripture come to life in very real terms as I live life with an attitude of gratitude.
I have become an intercessor, a prayer warrior, one who supplicates, prays for the needs of others……
Day 12
With an attitude of gratitude, I have learned through the college of hard knocks that the world does not revolve around my little sphere of influence. I’m glad I’ve learned that lesson. I should say, I am learning that.
As aging occurs, I find less strength of my own. Everything takes more time and energy than it used to. I need to write lists now to remember dates, things-to-do, prescriptions, directions. Coping mechanisms.
It’s God’s way, mixed with…..
As I write this, I sit on our Florida patio waiting for yet another hurricane expected in the next hours. It’s a beautiful, tropical day in paradise. The humidity is gone, the breezes are blowing the palms and everything else, and it’s a cool 75 degrees. Gorgeous. Yet, we know what is coming.
I did “emergency” food shopping yesterday–you know, things we don’t need electricity to prepare–just the essentials. When I arrived, everyone else in town had the same intention……
This is indeed a special day. The blood red moon eclipse is underway as I write this. There will not be another one for three years. The stars twinkle so close it’s like the most brilliant picture of stars you’ve ever seen. Looking west, to the end of our street, the moon hangs between two column of tall pine trees. Yes, it is red, partially lighter on the right side. I couldn’t help but hum the hymn, “How Great Thou…..
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…..
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…..