Tag Archives: gift

Day 27/31: Strive

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“But God has shown us how much he loves us-it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (GNT)

Day 27: Strive #writetogether31days #fiveminutefriday

Looking back on most of my life, if you’d ask what I did best, my answer would quickly be “strive.” Trying hard somehow became as natural for me as breathing. But there’s more…I didn’t just want to be the best student, daughter,  teacher, wife, mother, church member, etc. I wanted to be the perfect one. I couldn’t stand the thought of making a mistake. Well, we all know how well that’s worked out.

Somehow I thought that if I put in the time, followed the rules, checked off the lists, did all the things, my working hard would result in finally feeling successful, accepted, and worthy of love. The harder I tried, the more it seemed I messed up, and then, I tried even harder. It. Was. Exhausting! Have you been there?

This way of thinking even spilled over into my Christian life and so, I made every effort to be the the “good girl” I determined I needed to be.  The thought of letting God down could overwhelm me and in turn I filled my already full schedule with more to-do’s to satisfy what I believed He expected of me. But like Paul in Romans 7:15, I did not understand myself because what I wanted to do I did not do, but what I hated to do, I did. Pursuing perfection was doing me in!

“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)

The truth is, I always knew it was impossible to be perfect (although it didn’t stop me from trying), but what a relief it was to learn the real Truth: that I didn’t need to be perfect at all. It was as if I heard God saying, “Cindy, stop trying so hard.”

It’s difficult for us humans to accept that it isn’t all about us. (I have to remind myself more often than I’d like.) But, no matter what wonderful things we accomplish, how intelligent, generous, kind we are, how many rules we follow, or how much we love others, the reality is, we can never be good enough, do enough, or be enough to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only Way. And my friends, He is all we should strive after; because as it can only be, one day, through Him we’ll find that perfection forevermore. 

“Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.”
Hebrews 10:12,14 (GNT)

Gifts of October ~ Day 27 ~ Share Four Somethings

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Gifts of October

As October draws to a close, I’m so grateful for the many gifts these days of fall have given me. They have been colored with orange, red, and yellow and they’ve been full of joy (sometimes in the midst of pain), fellowship, and so much more! Join me as I look back over these “Gifts of October”.

Something Loved

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

October has presented me with so many reasons to celebrate. It’s been a month of homecoming, reuniting, healing, giving, and oh, so much love! The first few weeks of being home after caring for my grandsons for three months were quite the rollercoaster of emotions. Knowing that the boys are now with their little brother, mom, and dad has given me such a sense of peace though. Sutton is doing so well and I’m loving that they are a family of 5 as they should be.  I will admit it hasn’t taken me too long to enjoy slowly drinking my coffee in the quiet of the morning again either.

There’s no doubt that my friends sustained me through my months away, so there was much rejoicing when we joined back together. Whether with my friend and hairdresser getting caught up and my gray covered, being treated to coffee and conversation in a quiet corner, or sitting around the table together sharing food and lots of laughter, I loved every moment of being with those who mean so much to me and who I can never express my gratitude to!

We’ve been so overwhelmed by the generosity of others these past months and October was no different. The offering of prayers, donations, support, and encouragement is something we can never repay, only hope to pay forward. October brought such a special surprise when we learned that a church in our community planned to donate the profits from their annual Fall Pot Pie Dinner to Sutton’s medical bills. You better believe we were some of the first in line to sample the delicious fare and I loved every bite AND those who gave of themselves to prepare it!

Something Read

“Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Right before I left to return home, a very special lady gifted me with the book, “Every Moment Holy.” She confided to me that it has gotten her through many life experiences and I can see why. The sacred rhythm of the liturgies sing to my soul. There are prayers for many different occasions and serve to draw us close to God in all situations. They remind me that He is present in every moment of my life, good and bad.  This book will not be put away on a shelf but at hand’s reach to read right when I need it.

Something Treasured

“He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2b (NIV)

We went back and forth, you know listed the pros and cons, to decide if after my being away from home for so long and his traveling back and forth every weekend to see me, we really wanted to pack our bags and leave again. As it turns out we did and was it ever a gift! We took along the bare necessities and headed to a cozy cottage right on the lake and we didn’t leave there for most of a week. It was exactly what we both needed to refresh and for our souls to be renewed. The view was unbeatable, our days all our own, and we delighted in each other’s company. It was a true respite from the real world (almost anyway) and I treasure the time we spent together there. (P.S. we hope to go back next year!)

Something Ahead

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (NLT)

As far as things on the calendar there’s not much there, but November brings Thanksgiving and I don’t just mean the one day holiday, I mean the attitude of giving thanks. For the past few years I’ve done a Gratitude Challenge naming something I’m thankful for each day. I’m especially looking anxiously ahead to it this year because my goodness, despite all the challenges I have so very much to be thankful for!

Well, there you go. Another month just about gone. Honestly, and I know I say this every time, but I don’t know where the days go! They just fly by. How about you? If you named YOUR “Four Somethings” what would they be? You don’t have to share them but I’d love it if you would! Just drop them in the comments. Now, I can’t wait to see what November “Somethings” come my way!

Gift~Day 2~31Days2019

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“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1:16 (NIV)/RyanMcGuire / Pixabay

The Gift of Thank You

My Bible is stuffed full of special things that I treasure.  There are photos, letters, drawings, and special thank you notes. Thank you. Two little words that speak volumes! When words of thanks are shared they bring with them joy, usually result in a smile, and like the ones I’ve received, are treasured. The rewards are not just for those on the receiving end though, as it turns out, the ones offering them benefit too.

There’s power in the gift of a thank you! Power to mend when forgiveness is given. Power to build up when a job’s been well done. Power to honor when a sacrifice has been made. Power in ways we can’t even imagine.  Such little words that make a big difference! Why then, are they used less today instead of more?

Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you told someone thank you and not just as a passing thought but really thanked them? I’m asking myself the same thing. With regret, I often think about people who are no longer with me and how I wish I’d let them know how much I appreciated them when I had the chance. Are there those you think of too? Unfortunately in our world today, we allow ourselves to get so busy, distracted, or self-absorbed that we often take what others do for us for granted and many times don’t think about the impact they’ve made on our lives until it is too late to tell them. We need to make a change. **

Do you remember the story of the ten lepers? Jesus heard them crying out and so he told them to go show themselves to the priests. On their way there, they were healed of their Leprosy.

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? What about the other nine?’ Luke 17:14-15 (NLT)

So, who are we going to be like? The one or the nine?  Here’s a little challenge for you (and me) to help us be like the one: At this very moment, I want you to stop and think about someone who has made a difference, large or small, in your life. Now, let’s go send them a text, an email, or better yet a handwritten note thanking them for what they’ve done. Most likely they aren’t even aware they’ve made a difference so our words will be a precious surprise . And who knows? Maybe our thanks will encourage their thanks. Maybe the giving will feel so good that we’ll offer it more! Whatever the result, there’s one thing I’m sure of : the gift of a thank you is a gift that keeps on giving! My Bible mementos are proof of that!   So, let’s not delay and start giving it today!

Oh, and one more important thing to remember:

“And whatever you do or say, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

This post is written as part of the 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free Writes Challenge. You can read posts from other writers on the same topics over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I hope you know that I so appreciate you being here! Thank you! God bless, Cindy

 

Promised ~ Five Minute Friday

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Promised

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) / Pixabay

We don’t have to look much further than our social media feeds, tv, or magazines to find lofty promises of a better life! Pills that will let us lose that extra weight WITHOUT dieting or exercise. Creams that will give us back the skin of our youth. Investments that are sure to make us wealthy. Books and classes that will reveal the solutions to our problems. It seems that all these promises have something in common: they can be ours for…..a price.

Now, I must admit that I have been quick to succumb to one or two of these tantalizing offers myself over the years and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve and be the best that we can be. But, here’s a question to ask ourselves: are we as quick to seek the promises of God to help improve our spiritual selves and be the best Christians we can be, as we are those worldly promises? I’m afraid my answer hasn’t always been “yes”.

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)

God’s promises fill the Bible. He promises us rest, wisdom, strength, peace, forgiveness, and the list goes on and on. All these promises have something in common too, they are ours for….a price; but this price was paid when Jesus went to the cross carrying our sins. Wait, there’s more! God’s promises aren’t just for this earthly life but they continue into life eternal!

“And this is what he promised us – eternal life.” 1 John 2:25 (NIV)

Although younger skin, a fit body, or more money in the bank might be nice; the truth is they are all things I’ll have to work for to achieve, not things found through a quick fix infomercial. I’m continuing to learn, slowly but surely, that the temporary, worldly desires of my heart are nothing compared to what God desires for your heart and mine! And He’s already done all the work for us! All we have to do is accept His gift.  So, let’s try to eat a little less, apply some sunscreen, and spend more wisely to help us live our best physical lives. But more importantly than that, let us always feed on His word, apply his teachings, and spend time gaining His wisdom, so that our spiritual life leads us right into eternity just as He has promised!

The prompt this week at  http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Promise”.  I’ve already read a few other posts and are they ever good! I encourage you to click over and read for yourself.  I actually thought I’d stick to the five minute time limit this week, but nope….went over again.  Oh well, there’s always next week!

 

 

Share ~ Day 5 ~ 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes

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This post is part of the October 2018 Edition of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. I hope you”ll join me in seeing where each prompt takes us.
 P.S. Just so you know, I’m finding it difficult to stick to five minutes (**) and it may take me longer than the 31 days to finish all the prompts. Not easy for this rule follower!
You can read more 31 Days entries at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  

Love is Meant to be Shared

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 (NLT)/ Pixabay

Cleaning out my classroom after teaching for 32 years was no easy feat! That’s a long time of saving, creating, collecting, and reusing! It took many short trips to the dumpster and one LONG trip down memory lane!

Deep in the corners of drawers, cupboards, and shelves I found trinkets, artwork, photos, rocks, dried flowers, even petrified candy children had shared with me throughout my career.  Precious things that this teacher just couldn’t throw away! In amongst those treasures were also a variety of love notes from my students.  Some scribbled on scraps of paper, the backs of old spelling tests, and others drawn with crayons or markers, filling the paper with colorful images. Many letters had no name on them to identify the writer, just the words “I love you” in a child’s print of long ago. These presents brought me joy when they were first given and continued to give again these many years later. Continue reading →