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A Poem of Gratitude
G – Grace – I am so thankful for God’s grace. It was God’s grace that drew me to Him for salvation. God’s grace that brought forgiveness for all my sins, past, present, and future. God’s grace keeps loving me even when I fail Him, time and time again. God’s grace gave me a beautiful second chance. He can do that for you, as well. Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Titus 2:11-12
R – Resurrection – When Jesus Christ rose from the grave, everything changed. I have a living Savior sitting at God’s right hand, interceding for me in heaven. I have assurance that He will come again one day in glory. At that time, the dead in Christ will rise, just as He did. We will meet Him in the air in glorified bodies, suited for our heavenly life. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, Luke 24:1-7, Mark 16:6
A – Abundance – As a child of God the Father, I qualify for the abundance that He provides (all believers do). That abundance includes help for the trials of life, spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, and abundant peace and hope. I am so thankful for my abundant life in Christ. John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Ephesians 3:14-20
T – Trials – Yes, I am thankful for the trials God has allowed in my life over these many years. They have made me more like Him and shaped me into a vessel He can use. Because of the struggles and difficulties I’ve experienced, I am more merciful, more loving, more empathetic and more selfless. I am more reliant on God. Our trials are a tool in God’s sanctification process. James 1:2-4, Romans 8:28, James 1:12, 1 Peter 4:12-13
I – Inspiration – I am thankful for the Inspired Word of God. Through reading and studying it, I’ve learned who God is and how He has worked through history to advance His kingdom plan. God inspired human authors to write His message to the world using each of their personalities, writing styles, and experiences in the process. I am thankful that the inspired Word carries the authority, accuracy and wisdom of God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, John 20:30-31
T – Trinity – The Trinity signifies the three eternal and co-equal Persons of the Godhead. They are the same in essence but distinct in subsistence. I am thankful that each Person of the Trinity had a part in my salvation. The Father decreed it, the Son accomplished it, and the Holy Spirit applied it. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s work in my life and that He is the promise and seal of my salvation. 2 Corinthians 13:14, Matthew 28:19,Matthew 3:16-17
U – Unity – I am thankful for the unity of the Spirit through which we (believers) are all a part of a worldwide family of faith through Jesus Christ. We are one blood, one family, all adopted children of the One True God. We should strive for unity within our churches as we all work together to further the kingdom of God and share the Gospel with the lost world. Ephesians 4:3-6, Colossians 3:14, Psalm 133:1
D – Designer – When we see the diversity and complexity of creation, and the beauty and vastness of the cosmos, we know there was an intelligent designer involved. That intelligent designer was God. He created a unique variety of creatures large and small (and microscopic) for us to enjoy and to care for. I am so thankful for God, the intelligent designer, and the awe-inspiring world He created. Genesis 1:1, Revelation 4:11, Romans 1:20
E – Eternal Life – The moment I came to Christ in faith, my eternity began. The Bible promises that I will have eternal life. When I physically leave this earth, I will enjoy immeasurable years with God, worshipping, working in pleasurable tasks, talking to the heroes of the faith and loved ones who’ve gone before. I will have a glorious, meaningful, mind-blowing eternity on a new heaven and a new earth, in the presence of God Himself. I am thankful for my eternal life in Christ. John 3:16, Romans 6:23, John 5:24
Friend, what are you thankful for in this season of Thanksgiving?
Fellow Cave Dwellers Take Notice
I am such a cave dweller. I love being in my home: reading, writing, planning, organizing. Especially on rainy days or when winter (such as it is in Florida) sets in. I prefer to be perfectly oblivious to this fact (that I’m cave-dwelling) as I go about my days in typical introverted fashion. However, there have been two different niggling, pesky reminders as of late, that won’t allow it.
What is it that disturbs my cave-like existence? The first thing is my annoying smart watch. It keeps sending me meddlesome comments like, “Don’t you want to stand?” and “Make it happen.” How rude! I’m perfectly fine snuggled in my cave with my book, thank you.
The other intrusive reminder came from my doctor, bless her heart. She left a message stating that according to my recent bloodwork, I’m deficient in vitamin D of all things. Apparently, vitamin D doesn’t like cave-dwellers. Her prescription was to get out of my cave and sit or walk in the sun, as well as take a vitamin D supplement.
Is there anything wrong with staying in my comfy cave all the time? Well, unfortunately, the world is outside my cave. I can’t reach them when I’m in here. There are exceptions, of course. I can write cards to encourage people and use my cell phone to reach out when I’m in my cave. But engaging physically with the world is what the Christian life is all about
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NAS
We have work to do. Peter reminds us that because Jesus will perhaps return soon, believers are to use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and to the glory of God.
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
Perhaps the most important reason we must engage with the world is because of what Jesus told His disciples right before he returned to heaven after the resurrection. This command is also ours. We call it The Great Commission. Jesus said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
When we emerge from our caves into the sunlight, we can: teach, serve, give, encourage, build, disciple, visit, go on mission, and share the Gospel. When we engage with the world, we display the love of God to others, draw them into the fold, and fulfill our calling.
Wait a minute, that all sounds really hard. After all, I’m an introverted cave-dweller. Well, we don’t do any of these things in our own power. We are flawed and wholly inadequate for the task on our own. Fortunately, when we come to know Christ, we are imbued with the Holy Spirit, equipping us for the tasks we’re called to do. We have the tools in our spiritual toolbelt.
As a writer, I do spend a lot of time inside writing. But if I spent every minute of my week inside typing on my computer, I’d miss the blessing of using other parts of myself to encourage others. All of us have various gifts—and talents, God uses those, too. Sometimes we know the areas in which we’re talented but have never explored our spiritual giftedness. Those two things are not the same. There are surveys online to help us. Your pastor may be able to help, as well. I encourage you to look into it.
If you’re a cave-dweller like me. Join me in venturing out into the sunlight this week. Not just for your health, but so that you can encourage and bless others with your gifts as you fulfill God’s purpose for your life. The world is waiting.
How to Have a Peaceful Holiday Season This Year
Each year as the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a slow, unsettling rise in our stress level. Frantic shopping and decorating fill our days. Holiday programs and parties dot our calendar. We feel overwhelmed and that anxiety ultimately inhibits our enjoyment of the holiday itself. In our frantic preparation, we lose focus on the true meaning of the season.
I propose that we take everything down a notch: focus on the true meaning of the season, realize we’re not vying for the Southern Living Christmas cover (unless you really are then by all means, deck the halls!), and remember to be salt and light in our families. Here are a few tips as to how we can do that.
Tips For a More Peaceful Holiday Season
- Don’t over-shop. As we head out to shop for Christmas gifts, many of us fall victim to the snowball effect. We buy a few gifts and instead of stopping there, we buy increasingly more “just to make sure we have plenty of presents for everybody”. Then we spy something on sale and grab that, too. Why not this year, buy just one or two special gifts for each person—something you know they want or need. Resist thinking that the more presents you buy them, the more loved they feel. You show love to your family in myriad ways every day of the year. They know they are loved.
- Forgive old hurts. Look for the best in people this year and appreciate the unique place each person holds in your family. The holidays aren’t the time to rehash long-standing quarrels or revive deep-seated resentments you have with family members. Forgive them as Christ has forgiven you. Enjoy your family time and reminisce on your shared history. Remember the adage to “not talk politics or religion”.
- Take your decorating down a notch. Do you really need more décor items or another garland or collectable Santa? Many of us want a perfectly decorated home (it’s that Southern Living thing again) but is that really what your family will most remember? Or will they remember the hugs, the stories, the football watching, the games, and the laughter? The same goes for the food. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Most of the time, people don’t care if your food is perfectly presented, as long as they can fill their bellies and then take a nap.
- Find a way to bring in the true meaning of the holiday, whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas. In our family at Thanksgiving, we often go around the table and share what we’re most thankful for. Maybe you could read a scripture passage, a poem, or a devotion related to gratitude. At Christmas time, be sure to celebrate the reason for the season—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Read the Christmas story out of the Bible and allow the little ones to dress up and reenact the scene. This was a tradition for us many years ago when all the cousins came over each year. You could also attend a local church’s Christmas pageant or concert. Find a way to bring meaning into your holiday celebration and in the process, you’ll be passing on the baton of faith to the next generation.
I hope these tips will help alleviate your stress this year. Enjoy a little shopping and decorating, just dial it back a notch or two. Holidays are a special part of life—an opportunity for fellowship, fun, and faith. They need not be a source of anxiety or stress. Life is short. Relish every moment—especially the holidays.
What are some other ways you’ve found to make your holidays less stressful? I would love to hear them. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Knowing What to Leave Behind
Preparing for an international trip is a challenge. There are so many things to consider: what to include in my carry-on for the long flight, what type of clothing is appropriate for another culture and climate, how many pairs of shoes I should pack, which medications to take along, and of course, which books to take. Most airlines have weight restrictions, so we can’t take it all and it’s often hard to determine what to leave behind.
I started packing a week ago. I’m an organized person, so waiting until the last-minute stresses me out. Our suitcases are down from the shelf in the closet, several piles of neatly folded items dot my bedroom, and my outfit for the flight is laid out and ready to go. There are some items, however, that are still in limbo. I can’t decide. Do they stay or do they go?
Pruning and Prompting
We all must learn what to leave behind—not just in travel, but in life. When we come to Christ, God begins to prune and shape us, making us more like him. Inevitably, some aspects of our old life must go. The Holy Spirit is the agent of change, helping us to grow in grace and mercy, and convicting us of sinful attitudes and actions. God wants us to be the kind of women who reflect his love and forgiveness. The kind of women who will draw people to him.
I know when I came to Christ, I desperately needed pruning. In fact, God is still working on me. When the Holy Spirit convicts, I must heed his prompting and make the necessary changes, cooperating with God in this process of sanctification. In making the journey toward Christlikeness, there are certain things I have to leave behind.
If you think about it, we all sometimes exhibit sinful attitudes or do things that aren’t pleasing to the Lord. For example, have you ever uttered unkind words you regretted saying as soon as they left your mouth? Do you have a habit of being negative? Have you felt guilty after passing something on about a friend that shouldn’t have been shared? Are you self-centered? Are you intentionally holding on to anger and bitterness towards a family member or friend? Are there idols in your life that are more important to you than God (money, entertainment, status, a hobby, your children or spouse)?
Some of these habits, actions and attitudes are actually strongholds in our life that we feel helpless to break. The good news is, we don’t have to gather the strength to break them—the Holy Spirit can and does. Our job is to repent and ask him for help.
Traveling Light
Allow me, a fellow traveler, to help you pack, and give you some tips on what to leave behind:
- Gossip – It’s never a good idea to talk about others behind their back. Opportunities for gossip abound. Women are confronted with it almost daily and it can be hard to abstain. After all, we want to be liked and don’t want to lose friends. It’s easier to join in than to walk away or change the subject. But perhaps It’s time to take the high road and choose God’s way. A wise woman will hold things in confidence and resist the urge to pass it on. Next time, think before you speak if what you’re going to say is unkind, breaks a trust, or is harmful to someone’s reputation. (Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29)
- Unforgiveness – The Bible talks a lot about forgiveness. Therefore, it must be pretty important, don’t you think? When we harbor unforgiveness, it not only damages our relationship with the person, it also effects our fellowship with God. Unforgiveness is as damaging to us as it is to the person we’re shunning. The bitterness of unforgiveness builds up like a cancer, impacting other areas of our life. We’re called to forgive readily and repeatedly, whether or not the person who’s offended us has asked for our forgiveness. In fact, we should train our minds to be in a constant state of forgiveness. That way, when things happen, we’re already prepared to let it go. (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22)
- Being Easily Offended – This idea of being easily offended is a hot topic right now. The greatest offense to the secular world currently—traditional Christian values. It’s a sad situation, for sure. Sometimes believers take things too personally, as well, and find offense over the slightest thing. We’re offended that we aren’t chosen for a committee, a team or a task. We’re offended that someone didn’t smile and say hello in the church hallway (they were probably just distracted). We’re offended that we’re never asked to sing a solo. We’re offended that the pastor didn’t visit us when we were sick. We need to learn that life is not all about us. We shouldn’t assume the worst when we feel slighted, and we must learn not to take everything personally. (Proverbs 19:11, Ecclesiastes &:21-22)
- Judgmental Attitudes—God loves each and every woman in your church, no matter their economic situation, their race, their personality, or their background. He loves them with the same unconditional love with which he loves you. We are called to love everyone. Instead, we gather a small group around us and expend all our energy on that sweet little group of friends that look just like us. We don’t let anyone else in (think “mean girls” in high school). We forget to look around and really see the women in our church. We might even look down our noses at some of them. Jesus did the opposite. He reached out to the forgotten ones. There are women in your church who are lonely, hurting, desperate, or new. It’s time to leave our exclusivity and judgement behind and to reach out to someone who needs our love and attention—our friendship and encouragement. (Philippians 2:3, John 13:34, John 4:7-8)
- Perfectionism – Ooh, I’m probably going to step on toes here. My friend, your life does not have to be perfect. Your body doesn’t have to be perfect. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect, your clothes don’t have to be perfect, and your children don’t have to be perfect. Sadly, many women spend so much time crafting a flawless image that they miss the joy and freedom of not having to be perfect! God never said we need to be perfect. When we spend our time and energy chasing perfection, we can unknowingly drift far from the mission to which God has called us. Nobody is or will be perfect on this earth. Relax and enjoy life. Be real and authentic. Let someone see your wrinkles, your rowdy children, and your messy home. Share your authentic self with godly friends. Letting people see the real you will draw you closer.
My sisters in Christ, I hope this article has made you think about what baggage you may need to leave behind as you travel this life. We’re to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as children of God. That means some things need to go. As we grow into spiritual maturity, God helps us change those aspects of our life that are not pleasing to him. Things like, gossip, unforgiveness, an over-sensitive spirit, a judgmental attitude, and perfectionism. Pray for Holy Spirit power to leave that extra baggage behind. Traveling light brings peace, joy, blessing, and freedom.
Even though I prepared for my trip with military precision, my bag was still overweight. At the airport I had to shift some items over to my husband’s suitcase. All he brought was a toothbrush, his favorite shorts, a pair of tennis shoes, and a change of underwear. Thank goodness he packs light!
“Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Heart of the Matter 