I was thinking about blessings

I WAS THINKING, TODAY, about a few things for which I am grateful. This is not an exhaustive list–and it is not presented in order of importance–it is just a list of tremendous blessings that came to mind:

God’s unfailing love;

Salvation and eternal life;

A beautiful, patient, loving wife;

A beautiful family in whom my heart delights;

Wonderful, joyful, life-giving relationships/friendships God has brought into my life;

The church, in the universal sense;

The local church in Oak Lawn, which is gracious, faithful, generous, kind and loving;

Loving Christian parents;

God’s faithful provision. Sometimes, as I look back, His provision has seemed to be miraculous;

The authentic joy God brings to my heart;

The reality of prayer;

God’s much-needed forgiveness and grace;

A country to live in which offers tremendous freedom and opportunity;

Good health (for the most part);

Gifts and abilities (including tremendous ninja skills);

A sense of humor (hey…I  frequently amuse myself even if others don't find my antics to be very funny);

Pets that bring incredible fun, happiness and companionship to my life;

The gift of music; and

The fact that I haven’t lost my latest drone yet. (It’s been 3 months. That’s a record for me.)

Again, this is not a complete list. It simply details some things that came to my mind while I was walking today. As these thoughts were occurring I experienced a deep—almost emotional—sense of gratitude. I am a blessed man…blessed beyond what I deserve. 

I give thanks to the Lord, the Giver of all good things.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 107:1

 

 

Thanking Collin, praying for him and saying farewell!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our loved ones, far and wide!

 

Here's a thought...

 

I hate to admit that I take some of my blessings for granted

I hope you have a WONDERFUL, joyful Thanksgiving Day!

Gratitude is a necessary part of happiness

Thankfulness Is An Initiator of Joy To Our Hearts

Many important people and many sources of wisdom speak of the value of gratitude.

For example, the masterful thinker and writer, G.K. Chesterton, put it this way, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

It is good for our souls to be thankful. Thankfulness is actually an initiator of joy to our hearts.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

I am thankful for the opportunity to gather freely with my brothers and sisters in Christ today and give praise to the One who is worthy of all honor.

Looking For Reasons To Be Offended Or For Reasons To Be Thankful?

I know this is an exaggeration, but sometimes it seems like everyone is just looking for a reason to be ticked-off, insulted, offended and hurt.  In many contexts, whether I’m speaking or writing, I feel like I have to carefully consider every thought and measure every single word—even the nuance of every single word—for its potential to be misunderstood or misinterpreted.  

I don’t remember it being that way when I was young but it may be that my memory on the matter is selective.  (Or maybe it was happening a lot back then but I was oblivious.  Knowing me, that’s entirely possible.)

I’m going to make an effort to try to notice things to be happy, pleased, cheerful and thankful about.  For example, the birth of Jesus is a great place for me to start. 

What the heck, let’s see what happens.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

I'm Thankful For God's Mercy

When you deserve some kind of negative punishment or consequence but you receive goodness, kindness, forgiveness and love instead, then you have been the recipient of mercy.  I’m so thankful that God has been merciful to me.

Top 10 Minus 1 Thanksgiving Thankfulness Countdown #9

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