Category: Gratefulness

The Joy Dare – Three Old Things Seen New

Sometimes it’s difficult to change our perspective and to see “old things” through “new eyes.” But that was my dare for yesterday, and God provided three things that I needed to see in a new way!

  1. Perceiving “Small Stuff” for What it Is – I worry about little things. I don’t know why…maybe it’s a part of my perfectionism and OCD. But God showed me (and I’m sure that He will need to continue to show me) that He’s got them under control. If He has the BIG things in His hands – like the operation of the entire universe – I should think that He can take care of a few details in my life. As my wise Grandmom always tells me, “Don’t sweat the small stuff!”
  2. Starting with a Clean Slate – It was another one of those days where I poked my head outside in the early morning and was blessed to see the sunrise in the distance. It reminded me of how my old sins from the previous day had been completely washed away by my Savior. With the new morning came new mercies, and also a new opportunity to rely on God to obey Him.
  3. Being Re-Inspired by a Familiar Verse – 1 Peter 5:7 has always been a favorite Scripture of mine: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (NKJV). But as I was reading a selection from 31 Days of Praise, I encountered a different version of the verse. It read: “You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern” (PHILLIPS). This just clicked with me. I could give the entire weight of my worries to God, because my well-being matters to Him. When someone or something is your personal concern, it means that everything that happens to that person or thing is important to you. So every single situation that concerns me concerns God – and I can trust Him with each one!

One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.

Henry Miller

Photo Credit: Bjorn Simon

The Joy Dare – A Song Heard, A Soft Word, Light Seen

Can I just say, it is so neat how God is opening my eyes to see these “gifts” of His each day? How wonderful it is to be able to focus on the positive things that He provides for me, and to give Him the praise that He deserves!

  1. A Song of Praise – We sang the song “Indescribable” by Chris Tomlin last night at our church worship group, and I heard it again today on the radio in my car. 🙂 It’s a beautiful song, giving praise to God as the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. It also ties in the fact that this all-powerful God loves each of us and is deeply involved in our lives.
  2. Words of Truth – Also at our church last night, the worship leader spoke words of God’s truth that encouraged my heart. Our area had just received a covering of snow on the ground. She stated that when snow first falls from heaven and covers the earth, it is very white and beautiful and flawless. But when we trudge through it with our feet, we muck it all up. This is comparable to our lives. When God allows certain situations to unfold for us, they start out beautifully as we receive them by faith and move forward with Him. But when we try to manipulate and change and control, we “muck it all up”! I just thought that this was a good word picture that reminds us to trust our lives into His hands.
  3. A Light in the Distance – After my doctor’s appointment today, I came out of the building to my car so that I could drive home. However, something told me to check my car’s tires. Sure enough, one of them was extremely low. I put air into the tire and the machine read that it was at the correct PSI, but the tire was still almost flat. I had no other way to get home, so I prayed, and drove slowly back to our neighborhood. I was so worried that the tire would go flat and that I would be stuck on the side of the road. However, as our house came into view, it was like seeing a “light in the distance.” I pulled into our driveway with gratefulness that God had guided me safely home.

Praise God for Songs Heard, Soft Words, and Lights Seen! ❤

Photo Credit: Ali Inay

The Joy Dare – Three Graces Found in Friends

Friendship. It’s one of God’s greatest gifts! And the Lord has blessed me with some pretty awesome friends. 🙂

I’d like to preface this entry again by saying that today I am only listing three specific gifts, but there are so, so many, from so many wonderful friends!

  1. Wedding Day Grace – My wedding day was a crazy, wonderful day that I will never forget! And one of the people who helped to make it so special was my best friend and Maid of Honor, Katherine. She was by my side the entire day, assisting me with anything that I needed. She even wrote me a note with Scripture verses that encouraged me to relax, trust in God, and enjoy this special time. The day wouldn’t have been the same without her! 😉
  2. The Grace of a Tasty Meal – My husband and I are blessed to have wonderful friends named Mike and Krystle, who have been such an encouragement to us. One of the ways they have done this is by inviting us over for a home-cooked meal on the nights before we have hand-bell choir practice! These meals have been a special time of sharing and good conversation. We look forward to this time each week!
  3. The Grace of a Faraway Friend – In an earlier blog post, I have mentioned a young girl (actually, she is almost a teenager now!), Perla, who my husband and I support through Compassion International. Perla has been such a blessing to me, as we have gotten to know each other better through letters that bridge the gap of the physical distance between us. Just knowing that she cares about me and prays for me puts a huge smile on my face!

Praise God for Graces Found in Friends! ❤