Thankful Thursday - Thankful For Family and All His Blessings To Me

Today I am thankful for my family but in a special way, for the family made up of my sister, her husband and two sons, as well as their daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and three grandsons. As mentioned in other posts this week I spent a week at their home in Florida, before returning home with our mother, who had been with them for just over one month. This visit inspired me to celebrate the joys and beauties of life with renewed energy. A prime blessing for me, of course, is having family with whom to enjoy life.

Happy Birthday Banner and Streamers at Surprise Birthday Party on August 6, 2009


Last year my blog post for August 14 read:
"A major blessing this week was my birthday on Monday August 11. The last part of Deut. 33:25 comes to mind with its promise of strength necessary to thrive at our present chronological age:
The NKJV reads, "As your days, so shall your strength be."
The NIV states, "and your strength will equal your days."

Yesterday as I contemplated having had one more year of life, I prayed for grace to live more fully for our Lord. I prayed that I might be stronger, more cheerful and always conscious of all the blessings I receive from Him. Two scriptures express my resolution to be more like Christ Jesus as I go about my life during this next year of life.

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in him,
rooted and built up in him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

"Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog, Grace Alone.

Thankful Thursday – Relying on God’s Plans

This week I am especially thankful for the assurance of various Bible texts that God is for us, and He is never against us. Sometimes fear of the immediate future clouds our way. I know I tend to worry about meeting financial obligations relating to home repair and maintenance.


One day in September there was a driving rain for some time. I looked up at the living room ceiling to see that there was moisture right at the edge of the ceiling at the middle of the house. That evening I noticed that a picture frame was collapsing on the dresser. As I touched it, I felt it wet; looking up I saw a two areas where water was dripping from the ceiling. The next morning, while having breakfast I saw a puddle-shaped spot on the kitchen ceiling.


After some time of being overwhelmed, I determined not to worry. I considered how other crises had come and been resolved so unbelievable by God’s providence, and I did not need to fear for the future. I prayed that He would supply my need.


Here is one of these comforting texts:

"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

I truly desire to keep this promise ever present in my day to day living.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, go to Iris at Grace Alone.

Thankful Thursday – Living For God Wherever, Whatever

Today I want to express my thanks for the Biblical story of Daniel. There he was in Babylon, a kingdom whose name is used throughtout the Old and New Testaments as a symbol of all that is against God. When he arrived in Babylon, his name was changed from Daniel "God is my judge" to Belteshazzar which meant "Bel protect his life."

Nevertheless, Daniel continued to eat, drink, and do everything to God’s glory. He was so conscientious in doing his assigned work, that he was given greater responsiblities rising to be the top statesman in the kingdom. Imagine...a God-fearer being a statesman in a pagan nation! Even when threatened to be fed to the lions he continued to live in Babylon, just as he had in his beloved Jerusalem.

But Daniel purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king’s meat,
nor with the wine which he drank…"
Daniel 1:8

Now when Daniel learned
that the decree had been published,
he went home to his upstairs room
where the windows opened toward Jerusalem.
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed,
giving thanks to his God,
just as he had done before.
Daniel 6:10

What Daniel’s story means to me right now is that our life (our happiness or security) does not depend on where we are or what people might call us, but on the principles we accept from His Word and which we live by and though His Holy Spirit.

I am especially thankful that we do not need to fear for signs of terrors to come (economic or political) . We can have peace and hope through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

More Thankful Thursday posts are listed by Iris at Grace Alone.

Thankful Thursday – Our Lord is Faithful

During the past coouple of weeks I’ve been filled with amazement on how God has been providing for my financial needs. This year, though happily grateful that the monthly bills are covered by my income, there have been times when I have been distressed over a bill I had not counted on. That’s when texts such as these help me to rest in confidence that my needs will continue be met:

"God who has called you into fellowship

with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

is faithful."

1 Cor. 1:9

"I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread."

Psalm 37:25

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog.

Thankful Thursday – Help in Time of Need

In this Thankful Thursday post I want to express my gratitude for the ways the Lord has provided for my financial needs. I have been very burdened with how to meet my various bills and expenses. I prayed that the needed funds would be provided and my prayers have been bountifully answered. Here are two most recent examples.

1. A car repair that I understood would cost a bit over $200 ended up costing $408 instead. A cash gift I had received earlier from a relative and had deposited, allowed me to write a check to pay the bill in full this past afternoon.

2. I’ve needed to find a chest of drawers to replace one I’d sold a few years back when I needed to raise some money. While waiting for my car to be repaired yesterday afternoon, I decided to take a walk and went to a nearby thrift store. It was just before closing when I noticed a very nice solid wood chest of drawers which would coordinate with the dresser I now have. The price was just $20 due to a bit of damage inside one of the drawers. With tax and delivery fee, it came to just $33.

"Be still before the Lord and

wait patiently for Him."

Psalms 37:7

"The faith we bring to prayer must include

a trust that God is able to hear our prayers

and that He is disposed to answer them."

–R.C Sproul

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog.

Thankful Thursday – Off the Hook, Twice…

I am grateful for the relief I experienced twice this week when kindness was extended to me. For a long time, I had tried unsuccessfully to win a particular item on eBay. Last week, I missed out twice. On Friday I again put a bid on a bowl and lid that I needed for my Liberty Blue set.

It seems I have too much going on right now…. Forgetting that completely, on Saturday night I bid separately on a lid and on the bowl – from two different sellers.

Then among my accumulated e-mails, I saw that I had won the lid and bowl from Friday! On Sunday I waited... and watched... and won the bowl.

So with a prayer in my heart I wrote and asked the seller to excuse my error and to re-list the bowl. No answer, so I wrote again….

Later, I won the lid!

I also wrote to that seller. By Tuesday both sellers had agreed and let me off the hook… Thank you Lord!

In my distress

I cried unto the Lord,

and he heard me.

Psalms 120:1

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog. http://www.eph2810.com/

Thankful Thursday – Another Birthday

A major blessing this week was my birthday on Monday August 11. The last part of Deut. 33:25 comes to mind with its promise of strength necessary to thrive at our present chronological age:

The NKJV reads, "As your days, so shall your strength be."

The NIV states, "and your strength will equal your days."

I am, therefore, also thankful for the blessing of good health, which allows me to carry out my daily tasks, and especially taking care of my elderly mother.

I am also thankful for the love of family members toward me as it is expressed in so many ways. Pictured below are lovely greeting cards I received from my mother, aunt and sister, with heartfelt notes handwritten inside.

I would like to share this poem from my aunt’s card:

A Birthday Prayer

From early dawn to starry night,
May all your hopes and dreams burn bright,
And may you feel that all is right—
For God had made this day for you.

And may you look around and see
The beauty and the majesty
In simple things like flowers and trees—
For God had made this day for you.

May we always be grateful for each blessing God provides to meet our specific needs.
Have a great Thursday!

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog.

Thankful Thursday - Hearing Amplified

I am most grateful [and still astonished] this week for a major breakthrough with my mother. This past Sunday my brother and his wife and son arrived with a special gift for Mother – a small sound amplifier. It looks like the ear piece that allows hands-free telephone use in the car.
She had threatened not to accept it, and now insisted that it couldn’t be that he had actually gone and bought this thing. However, she heeded our pleas to "just try it on." Agreeing that it wasn’t so bad she kept it on and we tried talking low and asking her to repeat what was said.


For many many years now my brother and sisters have been pleading with my mother to get a hearing aid. Every thing had to be repeated and repeated all the time, but she refused to get a hearing aid. But this week, I have only had to get the ear piece and hook it over her ear. Each evening before she goes to bed I take it and plug in the recharger and leave it overnight. In the morning, I get it, turn it on and place it over her ear.

What a relief it is to be understood the first time I say something…Thank you Lord!

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog.

Thankful Thursday - Assurance

As I read this text this morning, I am thankful for the many, many assurances in scripture which, if we keep them in mind, will take away the recurring fears which daily problems bring our way. Here is a wonderful example:

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, 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.
Phil. 4:6-7

This past week as I was needing to secure funds pay a particular bill by month’s end, I received a phone call from a relative promising to send a check which covered my financial need. It brings to mind another awesome assurance…

And it shall come to pass, that before they call,
I will answer;
and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Isa. 65:24

Praise the Lord!

Read more expressions of gratitude for God’s blessings in the lives of His children at Iris’s blog.

Thankful Thursday - Strength

I am thankful this week …

For strength and presence of mind to help my mother in taking her various medications correctly. Also, keeping track of various appointments for doctor’s visits and laborotory tests. Along with my brother and sisters I am praying that we do not receive any serious news from a procedure scheduled in the next two weeks.

For imagination to create tasty and nutritious meals day after day.

For an ample collection of dishes, glassware, and other table setting wares to make attractive settings to keep mealtimes pleasant. My Mother really enjoys nice place settings.

For stamina and patience needed to repeat and explain things over and over.

For the promise in this Scripture text:

And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Cor. 12:9

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - Joy in the Lord

I have missed sharing my gratefulness the last few weeks due to not doing much blogging at all. Family concerns and homeowner duties kept me busy and preoccupied.

I am thankful for God giving me the strength to deal with various demands of caring for my nearly 90-year old mother. We’ve made various trips for doctor’s visits and lab tests.

"Be joyful always;

… give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1Thess. 5:16,18

In the past weeks, I’ve hosted a few nice get-togethers with my sister and brother and their families, such as my brother’s 60th birthday.

After much prayer to find the right one, I got a local landscape company, which did a major cleanup of the yard and transplanting overgrown plants. Best of all, I was allowed to defray the bill in three payments. Just one payment left now.

The beauty of my flowering plants makes me very happy. Be they hydrangeas, viburnum, day lilies, flowering hostas... all are gifts for my appreciative eyes and heart.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
Rev. 4:11

Thankful Thursday - Spring Joys

As we are into the final few weeks of spring, I continue to be awed by the beauty of spring flowers and the lovely green leaves of the trees which, until so recently, were just dry bare branches. I thank God for the joys of spring.

Other springtime blessings are the perennial flowers and herbaceous plants which just come up on cue. Right now, I am thrilled with the blooms on the rhododendron shrub.

I am also thankful for the nurseries that prepare the annuals for us to put in gour garden beds. I bought six-packs of white pansies and yellow violas, and 4" pots of licorice. These are planted in containers on the front steps.



This brings to mind how Christ also valued the beauty of flowers when He declared, "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27 NIV

In about four months we in the northeast will have to put our gardens to bed. As the cycle of the seasons come and go, we are happy to acknowledge that
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
Isa. 40:8

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the messages of encouragement and prayers for my brother-in-law. This Tuesday he had successful surgery to repair the severed Achilles heel tendon in his right foot. The recovery promises to be along one – up to a year. My sister and their two sons are rallying to take over his considerable tasks around the house, and driving him to work as well.

This passage from Isa. 61:3 expresses how reliance on God’s Word transforms our difficulties and challenges, as He gives us...

"the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair"

It is so wonderful to experience how bloggers readily offer a helpful word when most needed.
It brings to mind Galatians 6:2,

"Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."

I thank God for the following family blessings:

- My mother is greatly improved and takes an interest in many more things than before.

- My nephew graduated from college on Friday with a major in Respiratory Therapy.

- A week ago, my niece, his 17-year old sister, took part in a special ceremony for Christian teenage girls, pledging to do their very best in upholding the best standards in all they do.

"They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:3

The phrase, "for the display of his splendor" defines the true role of the Christian in the world – that is, to reveal His image in us.

I am thankful also, that so many of you in the world of blogging believe in His gifts to your life.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - Inspiration

"Before there can be fullness there must be emptiness.

Before God can fill us with Himself

we must first be emptied of ourselves.’

– A.W. Tozer

Right now I am especially thankful for all the sources of comfort and inspiration which are right at hand. For writing in books and journals, television programs, and people who speak a kind word in season.

My sister called Tuesday night to say that her husband had had an accident resulting in his Achilles heel tendon being severed. He is to have surgery on Tuesday May 20.
Please pray for him and for his family as they work to rearrange their daily routines to deal with his inability to drive, etc.
In spite of the accident, we are thankful that his life was spared. Things could have been much worse.

Be joyful always:…give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1Thess. 5:16,18

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for continuing blessings in my life. These include:

Though she is still very forgetful, my mother is speaking very lucidly most of the time. I try to stimulate her interest in various things each day to help her along.

I have been able to make preparations to host the family for Mother’s Day dinner on Sunday here at my home. My brother and his wife and son, and my youngest sister, her husband, son, and daughter will be attending.

Even though I awoke today with seemingly every joint in excruciating pain, I was still able to go out and run important errands. Back home, in between breaks for rest, I was able to prepare lunch for my mother and I and attend to other matters.

You are my God, and I will give you thanks:
You are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
His love endures forever
Psalm 118: 28-28 NIV

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - Sure Promises

Today I am especially thankful for the following Scripture promises which provide assurance of God’s sustaining love

Each day as I acknowledge that God leads me by His Word; I am assured of His leading in my life.

"In all thy ways acknowledge him
and he shall direct thy paths"
Proverbs 3:6

Conscious of my neediness in every aspect of my life, I turn to Him for guidance in making decisions.

"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds;
and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matt. 7:7-8 NIV

In recognition of His pervasive love, I am thrilled to give Him praise:

"Rejoice in the Lord always:

and again I say rejoice!"
Phil. 4:4

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - His Yoke

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matt. 11:28-30

How wonderful to consider and accept the invitation given by Jesus. In today’s world it is so easy to become overburdened by family concerns, work challenges social conflicts. Thankfully, Christ has the answer to all that might perplex and cause us to struggle.
I have found that one must be willing to surrender the compulsion to fret and worry over how to solve various problems that we face. We really have to let go of these troubles and let God reveal, in His own time, the solution to our stresses and pain.

Two songs come to mind that express the message of the scripture passage.

Take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there;
Leave it there, Leave it there
Take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there.

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary…
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

1. Today I am especially grateful for the flaming yellow forsythia that brightens the back yard and many front yards as I drive along the streets. Also, for the blossoming trees in pinks and whites.
2. I’m also thankful for strength to get things done, despite being a bit under the weather this week.
3. As to things which have me a bit worried, I look confidently to the Lord’s solutions.
   
   For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - Thankful for TT

Expressing my gratitude on Thankful Thursday posts helps me to be always conscious of my blessings each day. It also helps to give perspective to difficulties when they arise.

The Scripture text on my mind at the moment is from Isaiah:

But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isa 40:31

Here are three things for which I am especially grateful right now:

I am rejoicing that the Lord is giving me the ability to do things which are difficult, and to do them with a measure of acceptance and contentment.

I am happy to have certain household tasks done this week which have been on hold for quite some time.

My mother is able to help with a few tasks in the kitchen. It is good to see her being more alert and clear than she has been the past few weeks.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful that I was born to and raised by Christian parents who instilled values that have proven essential in this life, but which will carry over into life in God’s eternal kingdom.

Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

I thank the Lord for giving me continuing joy in beautiful Christian songs and hymns, which inspire me to live for Him.

"Turn eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow faintly dim
In the light of His glory and grace."

I praise the Lord for giving me strength to deal with daily challenges with a measure of calm and joy.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

Isa 26:3

I am grateful that in perusing various blogs I find so many who express their love for Christ. Also, in comments many state their reliance on prayer both for themselves and on behalf of others.

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.

Thankful Thursday - Courage

My grateful list this week includes --

• The assertion that:
  "This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps. 118:24 NKJV
• Spring is here! Promises of spring I am looking forward to: warmer weather, pretty flowers bulbs erupting from the soil, brilliant yellow forsythia on the highways, as well as across the back fence, budding trees…
• My mother is doing much better day by day. This week she even helped me by washing the dishes, even though the faucet is difficult for her to open.
• Inspiring lectures, sermons, and reading that spark renewed courage in my mind to be the person Christ created me to be.

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV

For more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Iris here.