I’ve been wanting to blog, been thinking of blogging, but I’ll be honest; when the ‘free time’ rolls around…I’m ready for bed. This is the time of year when I begin to feel a bit of resentful fury build inside of me and it is now that I need to lean unto Him even more. For my Lord does not want me to feel this way towards my fellow brother and sisters in Christ. You see, beginning November 1 Face book, twitter and blogs begin to fill up with “Thanks of Day so-and-so”, a time when people begin to list the many ways they are thankful and the many facets of life to which they have gratitude. I enjoy reading these. For the most part. Except for the generic comments and those that are completely out of line with ones actions and daily walk. So this year I opted out. I’ve come to the realization that it is not necessarily what people read of me on the outside that counts, or even my behavior, but more so how I am behind closed doors. How am I showing my God thanks and gratitude when my kids are running amuck, dinner is late and the laundry is piling up? What about when my temper is short and I’m exhausted? Better yet, each time I feel the urge to want better things? These are the times that try me, the times I need to drop to my knees and give praise to my Heavenly Father for all that is. You see, more and more I am finding contentment in what God has given to me. Through all the tragedies of years past, be it financial downfalls (i.e. our recession-which we avoided), acts of nature, health conditions, the loss of our unborn child, the homeless and desolate in our USA and the always present famine and pitiful living conditions of third world countries I am seeing how truly blessed I am to have even the most meager of “American style” living conditions. Not to mention that the celebration of Thanksgiving has turned into nothing short of sales and shopping. So much for family and gratitude. Does anyone plan family time or they only setting their destinations into the GPS system of their overly expensive vehicle? I’m disgusted by it (duh!) and therefore I don’t shop over the holiday. It’s my way of rebelling, my way of honoring the original meaning when Pilgrims and Indians gave thanks to a Lord who poured out blessings (even though not many Indians came to believe in the Gospel)
I am so thankful for my God and the freedom to worship him publicly. To have the freedom to spread the Gospel in any way I can. I am grateful for Josh, my (ex-smoker!)husband of 8 years who, being an atheist, has never shown hostility towards my Christian beliefs. Who will not leave me because of my belief, for this I am so very thankful. I consider it a blessing to grow and walk my testimony in life with him. I hold on to the hope that he will one day see the truth, but if not, I have faith in Gods sovereign plan. Each of my 4 children are a blessing in my life, each in their own way. This includes our 5th that was lost and now my 6th growing inside of me. To know that he will feel the love of God before taking his 1st breath, that is an amazing gift. Through my BSF program, my eyes have been opened in ways I never imagined to the Word of God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am gaining such knowledge and understanding with each passing lesson. It leaves me hungry for more! My group this year is amazing, and I am thankful for the Lords hand in choosing us all to be together.
I could go on and on and on but quite honestly, my God knows my heart and that is what ultimately is most important. My prayer is that each of you will take a few moments to really think about what you have been blessed with. Is there a need that has not been met? As we trend into Christmas season, let’s not get so caught up in the secular view of giving items of “wants” over items of need. Our children are so bombarded with commercials and ads for toys and things that are not necessities. Let’s remember…3 gifts were plenty for Jesus, is that not plenty for your family? Considering how he selfishly and brutally gave of himself to death for all of us on the cross, let’s return that by remembering him in an honorable way.
In Him,Forever Blessed~
Jenny
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