BUILDING THE HABIT OF THANKFULNESS: Relationships

Click here to read how we began our study on BUILDING THE HABIT OF THANKFULNESS.

Have you read the story of these two sisters? One was mad at the other and took her concerns straight to Jesus…literally! He was a guest in their home. Read what happened:

Martha and Mary—
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with serving the food and working in the kitchen. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen a good thing, which will not be taken away from her.” –Luke 10:38-42

Martha did all the work. Mary sat and listened to Jesus talk.

It makes sense that listening to Jesus and being close to Him is better than cleaning the kitchen. But isn’t it also true that listening to each other is more important than our own To-Do Lists?

Mommy has a list on the fridge of all the things I want to accomplish this summer. But if I did not complete even one of those things, but spent time with you three instead, I’d be happy.

Relationships are more important than To-Do Lists. Conversations are more important than tasks.

If we do not TALK to people, how will they come to know Jesus? We must share Him, and we do that through relationships with others.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
List 3 people you are thankful for that do not live in our house. Pray right now and tell God what you love about those people. Also, pray for their day today and for them to know Jesus if they do not already.

Mine are:
1. Bobka–Lord, thank you that she is a good example of a kind Christian woman to my children. I pray that you bless her today…that she will continue to feel healthy and have time for You.
2. Valerie–Lord, thank you for a friend at work and that we will get to spend the week together. I pray that she hear about You from many people and choose You as her Savior.
3. Kristiana–Lord, think you that she loves me no matter what and has been a friend for SO LONG! I pray that this weekend is restful and fun, and I pray that she feel how dearly You and I love her.

Who are yours?

BUILDING THE HABIT OF THANKFULNESS: Beginning Our Lists

O, that men would praise the Lord for His Greatness! — Psalm 107:8

For My Girls,

I read a book recently called One Thousand Gifts. The author of this book shared what she learned from the Bible about being thankful.

The author created a list of 1000 things she was thankful for. Each day she thought about the good things Jesus showed her or gave her. She called the good things His GIFTS to her.

A GIFT could be something as HUGE as healing a person from a disease.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? –Luke 17:15-17

We’ve heard the story of the 10 Lepers in Sunday School. Ten men were sick. Jesus healed them all, but only one returned to thank Him.

Jesus waits for us to notice the GIFTS He gives us each day. He wants us to be thankful for them.

A GIFT could be something small like the beauty of a summer day that makes you smile.

See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me. –Song of Songs 2:11-13

When we thank Jesus for GIFTS, we become closer to him. Just like our friends like to know we love the birthday gifts they give, Jesus likes to know we appreciate all He gives us.

Jesus is with us EVERY minute of our days. Each moment is His plan and His design for us. Is He blessing you?

This summer, let’s think about GIFTS the Lord gives us.

YOUR ASSSIGNMENT:
Today, comment back to me with 3 GIFTS THAT CAN BE TASTED….think about GIFTS Jesus has given you today or this week that you could taste.

Mine are:
1. Sweet and Tangy Meatballs….no they weren’t my best recipe, but I am THANKFUL that all that nasty grape jelly is gone!!
2. Morning coffee–I love the taste and smell each day
3. Daddy’s chocolate crepes…

What are yours?

BUILDING THE HABIT OF THANKFULNESS: An Introduction

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:5-7

Over this year, I’ve read Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. The point she makes is profound yet simple: A thankful attitude, a thankful posture, a thankful propensity brings us closer to Jesus.

He waits for us to see Him in all things and to come to Him with gratitude. When we stop being bitter and scared…when we see all things as a gift from God each day, the habit of thankfulness is built.

As we develop a thankful heart, we develop a true fear of the Lord and a true understanding of how even the hardships are blessings.

She recommends creating a list as she has done of 1000 gifts. What things–small and big–can you thank God for each day? She has challenged others to list gifts with her on her blog.

I have been listing my own, but this summer I am going to share my list and Ann’s challenge with my school-age children. Each summer, my children and I do a Bible Study together. Some have been fun and successful, some have been forced and painful. This summer, I will blog a few times a week on thankfulness and I am offering my girls a chance to comment and list their blessings each week.

Each week they will read along with you and think about what they are thankful for. I pray that through this summer, my family will build the habit of gratitude…and, for the Lord, we will be changed.

31 DAYS OF WISDOM: Proverbs 31

My preacher has challenged us to read one Proverb a day throughout the month of May. He’s calling it “31 Days of Wisdom.” I’m challenging myself to blog on each one. I pray God gives me insight to share.

She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night. –Proverbs 31:15-18

I’m exhausted.

I’m not trying to be a Proverbs 31 Wife exactly. I want to be, but I have not purposed lately to be that. However, I feel the burden of the work this woman does. I, too, am that busy.

It’s late. My lamp has not gone out yet tonight. There is more to be done.

I’m tired of rising when it is yet night.

I’m tired of providing food for my household. They eat CONSTANTLY.

I’m tired, Lord.

This Proverbs 31 Woman makes me feel Less Than. But then I wonder about Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Martha worked hard, but missed time with the Lord. Mary stopped at his feet. Have I been too busy to listen to God lately?

I should always stop and make sure I am not moving from Proverbs 31Diligence to Martha-Mary Busyness.

But thankfully….

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. –Proverbs 31:30

I am not required to be Martha or Mary. Or this elusive Proverbs 31 Woman.

I fear the Lord. I fear His Power because with a word, a breath, His own wisdom, He created this world. He is the Messiah, King, Lord, Savior, Judge, and Redeemer.

Thank you, Jesus for Your Love. Thank you, Jesus, for imparting wisdom these 31 days. Blogging everyday has been so hard. I do not see how others do it. Some days I feel inspired, but many I feel pressure to say something–anything.

I’m tired, y’all. You might not see a blog from me for a bit. Thanks for checking in with me. I’m gonna just rest at His feet for a few days. I pray that the Lord has shown you wisdom this month.