Week 1- Experiments in Gratitude

Thankfulness. Gratefulness. (Adj.)

The realization that we are blessed. In more ways- each day- than we realize.

It's been an interesting experiment so far. It seems the minute I choose something and begin to "practice" thanksgiving throughout the day, I am suddenly in deep testing mode. It's not been easy doing this for even a week.

This was a surprise to me.

For some reason I thought practicing thankfulness would be a breeze- natural- like breathing. I had another thing coming. I guess this thing that came was called "life." As in the first day when I chose to practice gratitude for my job... it was the worst day on that job I've ever had. I'm not kidding.

A sampling of what I practiced this week:

job(s)
my beautiful house
moments of silence
good health
that we can choose growth, not apathy
that we can pursue our calling in life
the helper that brings peace, comfort and wisdom to my life

Now, please understand that my list is not a reflection of my priorities- what's number 1 or number 783 on my list of important things. (Case in point: the morning I woke up with "The Bunny Song" in my head and just about went crazy trying to get it out!) Rather, the topic comes to me in the first hour or two of my day...and I go with it.

I've come to the conclusion that these things, although they proven challenging, were meant to be an exercise in growth, perspective and trust.

I believe that God is the source of all good things. Even things that don't seem "good" at the time, I choose to believe there is a greater purpose in it.

I hope you've joined me in my journey. I'd love to hear how it's going for you and what you are learning from it. Keep practicing my friends...perhaps over time it will indeed become much more like breathing.

The Importance of Worship Together

Why is weekly worship with a local body of believers important? If we profess to be Christ-followers, we practice the teachings of God’s Word and follow the example brought to us by Jesus himself. This includes worshipping in unity, as one body, on a regular basis. But why corporate worship? Can’t we worship God the way we feel most comfortable by ourselves? And what’s with all the singing? The answer? As others have done, I could fill an entire book and reference all the scriptures (there are many) to prove that God commands us to worship, we were created to worship Him and in the end, all will worship Him (willing or not). For the sake of brevity, I’ll address a portion of the question here – a question I’ve been asked many times throughout my ministry. We endeavor to pare everything down to a few strategic elements in our worship services, encouraging believers to participate fully in this worship process – worship through song, prayer, giving and hearing of the Word of G...

Beauty of Love Divine

Check out this Sonnet by Michelangelo: The course of my life has brought me now Through a stormy sea, in a frail ship, To the common port where, landing We account for every deed, wretched or holy. So that finally I see How wrong the fond illusion was That made art my idol and my King, Leading me to want what harmed me. My amorous fancies, once foolish and happy What sense have they now that I approach two deaths The first of which I know is sure, the second threatening. Let neither painting nor carving any longer calm My soul turned to that divine Love Who to embrace us, opened His arms upon the cross. - On the Brink of Death , To Giorgio Vasari, Sonnet LXV WOW. This reminds me to think of life in reverse. It may seem weird, but looking at the end - or starting with the end in mind - can give us perspective. When we think (like Michelangelo did here) from the perspective of death, suddenly many things we chase after seem insignificant and deceptive. Things...

Peacekeeping Vs Peacemaking- What's the Difference?

Being at peace with everyone seems impossible and at the very least, improbable. It hurts to not feel at peace with everyone, because we want to be liked (and drama free) right? It doesn't feel good when relationships go badly. But this goes deeper than being liked or eliminating drama. It's about growing into mature people of God. That's why Paul, in Romans 12:18 encourages us to ... do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. This is actually encouraging to me, because I may honestly do everything I feel is humanly possible, but still not achieve resolution- or even reconciliation in some cases. Unfortunately these things aren't always possible, but a transformation of our own hearts and the practice of maturing as a peacemaker is... ...because we can only control ourselves and our behavior, no matter what the other person does. (insert big sigh here. Okay 2 big sighs) There's a big difference ...

Michelle Renee Speaks

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