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Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessings. Show all posts

Friday, April 30, 2010

Thankful for Multiple Providences


My current illness has given me many, many things to be thankful for:
When I had a small stroke early on Friday April 2, I was able to reacheach person I called – something that rarely ever happens, no matter what time of day. I reached my brother two states away, the head nurse at my primary care physician’s office, and most importantly, my youngest sister, who lives 50 miles away. Having the day off, my sister came and took me to the hospital Emergency Room, and stayed until I was installed in the Intensive Care Unit, as a new stroke patient.
There, the doctor, all the nurses and other staff were very caring and helpful, as they worked to bring my synthoms under control.

In a few days I was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. The doctors, nurses,aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists and others, made me feel in good hands. I concentrated on cooperating with everything - a dozen medicines, 3 hours a day of therapy, lots of needles, hospital food, etc., etc.


I was very thankful that the stroke was a small one, affecting my left leg. Soon I regained strength on my left side and my overall balance. I was happy to see my middle sister, who took off a few days to take care of me my first few days at home. She flew in from Maryland the night before I was discharged. So both younger sisters came and got me at the hospital, stopping for groceries on the way to my home.

So while this is still a difficult time, I am thankful for many blesssings which God provides such as friends from church who've helped out with errands, laundry and other needed tasks.
Many thanks ot Martha at Martha's Favorites for including me on your prayer list. Thanks also to Terri at Artful Affirmations. and Katherine at Yellow Rose Arbor for your kind support.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

WordFilled Wednesday – The Names of Our Savior

graphic from jesuschristis.com



The above poster reminds us of the many names given in Scripture for our Savior Jesus Christ. Each name denotes one aspect of the fullness we can find in Him.
Here are some of the Biblical references:


For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 NIV

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35 NIV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6 NKJV

During this Easter time the image of the Good Shepherd is a joyful promise.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NKJV

Let’s praise God for His marvelous Gift!

This post is linked to Wordfilled Wednesday. This week’s hostess is Christy at Critty Joy.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Get-Well Surprise

The doorbell rang earlier this afternoon. Looking out the window I saw a van turning around. Going to the door I peeked and saw some sort of package. Here is what I retreived. It was in the low 30’s today so the cellophane covering was all frosted(fogged) over.



It was a beautiful floral bouquet of pink roses, orchids and pink berries amid greenery.



The vase is a pretty ceramic pitcher with a white background decorated with pink and yellow flowers.


The card read Get Well Soon – “Please stay in the pink” signed by my sister, her husband, two sons and daughter and family, ending, “We All Love You!”

What a blessing... I am very thankful for this lovely gift. It really made my day!


Thursday, October 23, 2008

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.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

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.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Word-Filled Wednesday - Acts 14:17



Sponsored by Amydeanne at The 160-Acre Woods, the "purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photos & a verse!"




"He has shown kindness by giving you


rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;

he provides you with plenty of food

and fills your hearts with joy."
Acts 14:17 NIV

One of the summer crops that is planted and anticipated each summer in this area is tomatoes. The photo shows my tomato plants as they are growing into a fruitful crop of tasty nourishment. Look carefully and you’ll see the green tomatoes on the vine. That year I planted six different tomato varieties.

Even people with well-stocked neighborhood grocery stores, and who do not need to grow their own food, look forward eagerly to planting season and the chance to enjoy the taste of home-grown vegetables.

This is another of the bountiful gifts God has provided us. Let us always be grateful.

For more Word-Filled Wednesday please go here.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

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/

Thursday, August 14, 2008

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.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

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.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

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.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

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

Thursday, May 29, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

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.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

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.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

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.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

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.