Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #99

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

As I look forward to the coming week, I am appreciative that I get to work from home the first business day of every month. If it is the end of a quarter, I get to work from home the first two business days of every month. Yes, I get to use those days working on month end and quarter end reports. I have done this for the past three years. That is a privilege, especially considering the long drive from Florissant to downtown every day. Therefore, I do not take it for granted.

Often, we receive privileges and we do not pause to be grateful for them. If we do give thanks, in the same breath that we are saying we are grateful we are saying  what else should be happening for us or “I wish…” Let “us” start spending more time giving thought to what “we” can do for someone else. Let “us” think about what is it that “we” are not willing to relinquish in our lives and how “we” can be vessels in every aspect of our lives for God. Let us stop letting our minds just runaway with “what else” we think we need or want.

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” (Matthew 6:33 Amplified)

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #98

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Yesterday I was reflecting back on how repeatedly God has proven His faithfulness to me in providing for all of my needs. I recognize the difference between needs and wants. I know that anything that I have thought I needed that He has not yet provided has proven to be something that I do not “actually” need at this time. I have survived without it; obviously, I did not REALLY need it…yet. J Therefore, I just simply thank Him today for meeting my needs and helping me to be mature enough to recognize and accept the difference.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #97

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Though I am constantly growing, as we all are, I am thankful for my ability to stand firm in what I believe and not give in to peer pressure that is in direct opposition to who I am. It is much easier to just go with the flow or go with the crowd than stick out like a sore thumb. However, the further along I get in my faith, I find it much harder to deal with the inner turmoil of knowing that I am going against my own personal convictions. I am grateful for that inner turmoil; it keeps me in check. It is amazing how after you get older and look back on all the pressures you have overcome that you never realized the magnitude of the pressures that would still await you. What is the saying, “New levels, new demons?”

I am just going to leave this tidbit:

And consider the patience of our Lord [His delay in judging and avenging wrongs] as salvation [that is, allowing time for more to be saved]; just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him [by God], speaking about these things as he does in all of his letters. In which there are some things that are difficult to understand, which the untaught and unstable [who have fallen into error] twist and misinterpret, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith], but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (II Peter 3:15-18 Amplified)

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #96

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Billie Blanks, Allie Del Rio Pointer, Jennifer Carman, Jillian Michaels, Alberto "Beto" Perez, Tony Horton, Shawn T, and Leslie Sansone. These have been my “at-home” physical trainers. These are just SOME of the names that have been responsible for helping get me away from and keep me away from that over 200 arena of weight where I once resided. I am SO thankful for the people who have made workout DVDs for women like me who would never bring themselves to commit to being that overweight female in the gym with a bunch of Barbie dolls. It is so fun being able to change up what routine I want to do for the day in the comfort of my own home. In addition, if I am having some rushed mornings where I can’t get my workout in, my physical trainers are on my DVD; no one yelling at me! LOL!

Yes, I am thankful for the little things that are not so little anymore when you are without them!

 

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #95

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

I was in the bit of a slump driving home from work last night and I was trying everything to get my thoughts lifted from that place in my head. I was meditating on promises in God’s Word and words that reminded me of who I am. I filled the car with music that would speak to my soul. It was very effective in not allowing me to sink deeper but honestly there was still a bit of heaviness on my mind. I remember looking at the sky thinking, ‘if maybe I could see a little sun…’ Anyway, I got to my driveway, got out of the car to get my mail and noticed mail from a relative whose call I’d been repeatedly missing. I opened it there in my garage and instantaneously the heaviness I felt was like smoke—POOF! It was gone. It’s amazing how the words on a page and a picture can quickly plaster a smile across your face and your heart. All of a sudden, it was like the heaviness I was dragging with me from work seemed so trivial. Perspective—that is what this letter had given me. Just clear and simple perspective. And I’m thankful because I know God sent it at just the right time.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #94

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Today I am just thankful for the favor God has placed on my life with others. That is not arrogance; it is just sincere appreciation for being able to see that when you have invested years of aiming to do what is right in the face of adversity, others are paying attention to your “character.” Sometimes people can say all the “right things” and put on a good front, but when you look at how they are living, something does not quite measure up. So, if God has favored you with others, do not be ashamed to express your gratefulness to God for what He has and is doing in your life. The best way you can express to Him your gratefulness is with how you live your life for Him.

Days of PURPOSEFUL Thankfulness – Day #93

Note: Refer to day number 1 (July 25, 2015 post) if you do not know what this is all about.

Today I am just thankful for the simplest things in my life. I appreciate past co-workers who introduced me to my love of candles, particularly scented candles. I am thankful for earrings, especially the hoops when I want a sassy look. I love the classiness of bracelets, especially the “clacking” ones that must annoy certain people because they make a comment about hearing me coming. Note to self—wear the bracelets on Jean Friday that annoy….   Just kidding! I am thankful for beautiful wedge heel shoes; as I get older I am convinced a man designed those shoes that have you on your tiptoe or only the balls of your feet with only a “stick” to prop you up. However, I do still love to wear them on occasion. Most of all, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit that lives on the inside of me, daily recreating me from the inside out. The best gift in life I could ever have.