Betty Whitaker Jackson

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 topic. Today, I remember the teachers and mentors who guided me,…..

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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…..

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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……

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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…..

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Day 11

November 11th and other times as well, we remember those who sacrificed everything they had, their time, their strength, their dignity, their very selves, and some, their lives and limbs, for our freedom. May we give them our thanksgiving and reflect on their service.

Then, may we think spiritually of the very Son of God, who came from heavenly beauty, peace, and the very Presence of our Father God, to be born in a smelly stable, scratched…..

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From my devotional guide, Thanksliving: Attitude of Gratitude #10

Day 10

In a way, I suppose I am still willful, even at three-score-and-ten-plus-five, somewhat like the perpetual adolescent who thinks I am immortal, invincible, that I can accomplish anything, that I am captain of my destiny. Didn’t I just finish my eighth book in three years?

I exhibit pride in my education, ingenuity, talents, my belief in the American spirit, the prevailing  go-it-alone-I-can-do-it-myself arrogance that can fool some of the…..

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Day 9

As the oldest of four children, I was expected to achieve, to accomplish, to be a good example, to look after the others, to be perfect. It has scarred me, placed too much stress on me, somewhat alienated me from my siblings, and in perspective, colored my attitudes and diminished my sensibilities.

But God is healing me of that stain of self-sufficiency, and life’s blows have taught me the humility and balance I was lacking. I am learning…..

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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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