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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Day 354 of Giving Thanks

I heard in our teaching today something that I have known deep in my soul my entire life, “Friendship is the core of our being.”

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” ~Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

I have come to realize that the friends I have in my life right now are the friends who push me to become better, they want what is best for me and I am learning more than ever in my life. I love who God has created me to be – I love what He has for me – and I love who I get to grow with. I may not always know what is next, but He is surrounding me with the greatest people, to continue preparing me for greatness.

I am grateful that I am choosing to walk with the wise.

I also heard, “Leaders equip others” and friends encourage one another. That is what I strive for every day. I pray that during my journey, I can learn how to teach others, so I can learn more effectively.

“Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother's house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” Proverbs 27:10 (NIV)

My family has always lived far away from me, and I am grateful that God has given me great friends over the years and I have always had someone during a time of need. We are lifted by those who are close to us and who keep us close. We truly do need each other.

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:10

When we have solid friendships, we have greater strength and we become wiser much more effectively and faster. I am grateful to have several friends and for all the counsel from these fabulous brothers and sisters.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are lavish and deceitful." ~Proverbs 27:6 (Amplified)

“Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”~Proverbs 27:9 (The Message)

Day 353 of Giving Thanks

Today is my husband’s birthday, and every year I try to pull something off as a surprise – anything and I usually cannot accomplish the surprise. This year, things were moving along nicely. We have reservations for dinner in the city, the reservations were not a surprise but who would be there was. And, tonight is game three of the World Series, and the Giants are playing – very exciting. Last night, Chris says, “let’s stay home for the game we can go out to dinner another time”. I don’t think that fast on my feet all the time, and this was one of them. I said nothing. I decided to ignore the comment. As we were finalizing our “plans” he reminded me again “what a great birthday present to see the Giant’s playing in the World Series… and we’re staying home, right?”

Needless to say, I had to tell him that our friends would be joining us for dinner, so I would have to let them know our plans had changed. We decided to go out to dinner, I believe we will have a fabulous time, and we will still get to watch the game on tape delay.

It is great to see my husband enjoying this birthday – knowing that something he has waited a long time for, is happening during his birthday. My husband was born and raised in San Francisco, and a lifetime Giant’s fan. I am grateful for this time of our life. After twelve years, we have made it through a lot, and the best times are yet to come. Looking for continued wins… Go Boretas! Go Giants!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Day 352 of Giving Thanks

I am grateful for all the smells around me. As I walked into the kitchen this morning, I gathered a mild citrus smell of lemons as I put the dishes away. And, as I showered, the smell of lavender filled the steam-filled room. Stepping out of the front door, there was a wonderful scent of morning, dew on the ground and just the smell of a crisp morning. As I headed down the hill, I could smell the exhaust of the bus in front of me – and although not a great smell (actually, quite overwhelming), it did help me to realize that all is well when I can notice things around me.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” ~2 Corinthians 2:12-16 (NIV)

As the day progressed, I became very aware that one’s presence can make a difference in many ways. I am constantly aware that my actions can attract or detract. How I see those around me will determine how I speak, react, listen and see others. My personal fragrance counts, and truly makes a difference. Lord, I pray that I am the fragrance of life and even in my death to this life, my fragrance will linger.

As I started to write tonight, there was an interruption to a prayer request from earlier – and the most beautiful statement was shared when someone asks, “Why God would take someone home”, especially since the enemy works so hard to find the unfairness of it all. And a childhood story was shared, “When you picked apples at your grandmother’s, what kind of apples did you pick?” His reply was “ripe ones.” God said, “I pick the ripe ones, too." When I read that line, I instantly had a visual... a bowl of fruit and the fragrance it has at its ripest... what a sweet aroma that lingers and decorates the senses.

As the “apple of his eye” I am being prepared for His use, and when He deems ready, ripe then I will be ready.

For thus said the LORD of hosts (after his glory sent me) regarding the nations that plundered you: Truly, one who touches you touches the apple of my eye.” ~Zechariah 2:8 (NRSV)
"Your ozone-drenched garments are fragrant with mountain breeze. Chamber music—from the throne room—makes you want to dance. Kings' daughters are maids in your court, the Bride glittering with golden jewelry.” ~Psalm 45:8 (The Message)


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Borerta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giving-Thanks-Daily/290738571406

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Day 351 of Giving Thanks

It truly is not the understanding of why our lives are what they are, but the understanding that it does not matter when God is in control.

“I can be calm and free from care on any shore, since God is there.” ~Madame Jeanne Guyon

Lord my heart’s desire to live my life fully. It is what I wake up for, and what I work toward is You.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.~Colossians 1:10-14

I often wonder what the “whole picture” of my life will look like when I go to be with my heavenly Father. I never thought there would be a city, a building or even a street named after me, but I would like to know that many seeds are being planted, that will bloom for many years to follow. That many will know the awesome love I have in my heart because of what Jesus did for me.

There are so many days when I am in awe of my own life - of all He has done, and is doing in my life. I have lived miracle after miracle and know that He is present and guiding my life. I am grateful that my tiny faith, in the beginning has grown tremendously; yet, in the scheme of “God” things, it is still small.

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" ~Mark 9:24

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:31-32

Day 350 of Giving Thanks

This afternoon, as the list got longer and the first item on my list became more daunting of a task, I did what comes naturally, I complained, “I can’t figure this out, why is this so difficult? I will never finish…..” I was about ready for my second full sentence, when I stopped, closed my eyes and sat there quietly for a few minutes.

This morning, during my beautiful and peaceful quiet time, I wrote these words:
A T T E N T I O N
YES, YOU.
Stop whatever you are doing right now.
P R A I S E Him, as He has all of you.
Frustrated? Thank him for clarity and peace.
Elated? Thank him for clarity and peace.
Whatever you are feeling, this moment or the next - thank him for clarity and peace.

That was enough to get the juices flowing again; I finished three really small and easy projects within a half hour and set things up for the volunteer – who would be in shortly. Then I called technical support. Which started to cause a little more frustration, but I kept calm and “chatted” my way to a second and third person – and she was truly an angel, she offered to have the report to me in the morning, she would do it. Task done! Mission accomplished.

I am thankful for a mighty God who gives clarity and peace in all things. All I had to do was thank Him first and it was done.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~2 Corinthians 17-18



© 2010/2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giving-Thanks-Daily/290738571406


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Day 349 of Giving Thanks

The imagery of God is amazing, and all we have to do is open our eyes to take in the wonderful things of His creation - not only in nature, but in the eyes, smiles and through the spirit of “God in” others all around us.

I am God's child - humbled to be serving such a mighty Father – and with that, honored to be counted among such amazing brothers and sisters. The miracles I experience daily excite me – I no longer see or hear the world as I once did. I am grateful that I see things differently. With His word, my eyes see with God glasses a clear, concise and complete picture of what will come and my ears hear, with God earphones a heavenly orchestra of beautiful truths to praise.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~2 Corinthians 17-18 (New International Version)

My life is busy, not complicated. I work full time for a ministry helping women in unplanned pregnancies and love the ministry. My passion is working with others to help them make informed choices to better their lives, not only in business, but through knowing Christ.

Accepting the Lord and knowing and recognizing the Lord have happened at very different times in my life. And, I am excited about this journey God has me on – and I am learning so much through His “no” and “not now” answers to my prayers. Through living my faith out in His will I get to experience the most amazing gift ever – and that is living!


“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ~2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)


© 2010/2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Monday, October 25, 2010

Day 348 of Giving Thanks

I am wonderfully made with a purpose, what a marvelous reality I live in. Thank You Jesus for paving the way.

When I speak, it is what is in my heart that God hears; and it is a pure heart that I seek and a pure heart for people to see.

“Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me." ~Psalm 51:10 (GOD's WORD Translation)

As I look back on the many days of this journey, I see how God “connects the dots”, the people and the lessons.  I can see growth, stretching and commitment. My commitment was 365 days of giving thanks daily, and as I come up on that year, I see greatly God’s commitment to my life.  

·        I see His commitment to seeing His plans become real to me.
·        I see His desire for me to experience joy, no matter the circumstance.
·        I see His heart extend hope when my surroundings seem unchangeable or hopeless.
·        I see His lessons of love, especially and even through the painful ones.

I am reminded that although I claim it as my journey, it really is God’s and it is my job to be fruitful and trustworthy with His talents. And,

 

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.” ~Matthew 25:14

And, I long to hear my master reply:


“…Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” ~Matthew 25:21


Sunday, October 24, 2010

Day 347 of Giving Thanks

Today I will hold onto the Power of a God vision. I have written about my vision before; with fire in my eyes and passion in my voice, I have described my vision so many times. And, recently with exhaustion taxing my senses, I lost sight of where that vision came from; I found myself questioning what I saw in my vision and my path. This past week I received input from well-meaning people that it might be time to “throw in the towel”, “find something new”, and tonight I am here to say “No way!”

“If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.” ~Proverbs 29:18

“If this (where you are right now) is not the vision you saw, then it’s not time to give up”, delivered today in his teaching at my friend’s church by their guest speaker, David Katina. Elders at his church gave this message to him in 2007, when numbers dipped from over 350 down to 13… perfect advice and exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Today their cell groups are around 250 and growing.  Where I am right now, is not the vision God gave me, so I will not stop and I will not give up, because God is not done with me.

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,..." ~Philippians 3:13


Pastor Katina, started his teaching with “Good, better, best, never let it rest; ‘til the good is better and will never rest; and the better gets best”, and we had it memorized by the time he finished up – I am left with some wonderful statements and questions –
Faith to faith – Strength to strength – Glory to glory and only with God is all this possible, Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call unto me, and I will show you great and mighty things”.


As I move toward my dream, I am grateful for everything in my life, and the blessings I receive for listening to His urgings – and I ask myself, “Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not me now?” I encourage you to ask the same questions as you move toward your dream.

I must learn to “see” with God’s eyes and continue to ask Him to show me what is to come. Father, it is with a desire to open up my spiritual eyes, and allow me to see what You have for me; and no matter what this life brings, I pray for strength, courage, insight and discernment to hear and see Your truth and keep my eyes on the heavenly realm. I pray that my life will advance the gospel.

“For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and
Only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
Perish but have
Eternal
Life." ~John 3:16

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." ~2 Chronicles 16:9


"But oh! God is in his holy Temple! 
   Quiet everyone—a holy silence. Listen!" ~Habakkuk 2:20




© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                     
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Day 346 of Giving Thanks

Don’t we live in a world that is “instant” everything? That if it takes more than 30 seconds to do anything, we are irritated; long lines annoy and traffic creates road rage. Radio stations and TV shows have rants, impatience and blatant disregard for doing things the right way – the “right way” is viewed as the long way and wasting time. Do you remember the technology bust? The proper allotment of time was not given for the process to provide good fruit.

 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”~ Romans 12:2 (NIV)



“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." ~Philippians 4:8-9


There are days when I look back on my prayers, and I think, “What was I thinking?” In this past year there has been a steady theme of relaying to God Lord I am ready for my dream, if I am not ready, continue to prepare Me.”  Over many months as I ponder that prayer, I recognize that my life up to now, as well as what God is allowing moving forward, are all preparation for what He has for me.



I was reminded today of “delayed gratification” and that rewards come when I can be disciplined enough to wait and be content as God’s plan and lessons are lived out through my life. I am grateful for my friend Kelly for being God’s voice today, and bringing yet more confirmation to this week.


 Proverbs 25:28 says ‘‘Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”


I am a very curious person, and I love researching words and phrases, in the process today, I learned of “the marshmallow experiment”, conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel in the ‘60s. I do not know if I would have been an “instant gratification” kid or a “delayed gratification” kid – however I do know that self-control and discipline are not easy efforts in my life. And, I do understand the power and benefit of living in a “delayed gratification” manner, a Christ-like and faithful manner.


“but let us not lose heart in doing good; for in due time, if we do not faint, we shall reap." ~Galatians 6:9 (Darby Translation)


“We're talking about an attitude. Delayed gratification is there, planning, be able to give up something now to get something later.” ~Joe Hill



Friday, October 22, 2010

Day 345 of Giving Thanks

My life has been anything but comfortable lately, yet I am completely comforted by what is going on. In the years that I have been a Christian, I can mark this past year as a wonderful working of God; and a beautiful gift received from my heavenly Father. Through, probably some the greatest hardships, pain and disappointments of my life, He has brought light, brighter than imaginable, hope, greater than I ever thought possible and vision, more vivid than life itself.  There is so much reason without all of this to praise Him for, yet He still gives.

 Psalm 50
Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship, 
      praise him under the open skies; 
   Praise him for his acts of power, 
      praise him for his magnificent greatness; 
   Praise with a blast on the trumpet, 
      praise by strumming soft strings; 
   Praise him with castanets and dance, 
      praise him with banjo and flute; 
   Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum, 
      praise him with fiddles and mandolin. 
   Let every living, breathing creature praise God! 
      Hallelujah!

I know that God answers my prayers – every single one of them. Now, that is commitment at the highest level. And still there are times I am left saying “really Lord?”, but I am learning to respond with “Thank You Lord!”

“When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! Hear me!” Psalm 4:1 (The Message)

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” ~Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV)

How could I do anything less than sign His praises and worship wholly my living God for all that He has already done. And, yet He will continue to bless my life – my life overflows with You LORD.

"Many are saying, "Who can show us anything good? 
Let the light of your presence shine on us, O Lord. You put more joy in my heart than when their grain and new wine increase. I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely." ~Psalm 4:6-8 (GOD's Word Translation) 




© 2010 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giving-Thanks-Daily/290738571406

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day 344 of Giving Thanks

Where do I begin today? I will start with thanks – Today, I am grateful for God’s persistence in my life. In every moment, I know He is present in my life and I pray that others can know the same presence – that as they awake, they seek His face, His word and the glorious confirmation of His path in their life. And they too can rest well because their eternity is secure.

A friend told me I was a “good teacher” yesterday (complement completely appreciated) – but really I am a student; I am God’s child wholly seeking to live the life He intends, and I praise my almighty Father for his teachings. 

 

"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

My job is to glorify my Father in heaven – to show His works in me and relay the amazing gift He has given me. My friends, it is my pleasure to put Him first - to take no credit and depend on Him completely.
How about you? 

My desire is to grow, learn and share all that God has, while surrounding myself with like-minded brothers and sisters who will help stretch my understanding and solidify His truth deep within my being.


We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. ~Hebrews 5:11-14


Did you know that you can choose to have complete freedom through depending completely on our wonderful creator?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Day 343 of Giving Thanks

A friend wrote, that as he seeks to serve others, amazingly his needs are “wonderfully met”.
"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

Wow, confirmation comes in perfect timing. This is one of my life verses. And, as I sat to write GTD this morning, feeling a bit melancholy and overwhelmed with what I have been lax in lately, due to my lack of energy and stamina, I wrote these words:

I really am not a “side lines” type of person. Yet, right now that is right where I am when it comes to getting involved; not only with new things, but just keeping the normal things going.

After writing these words, I stopped to get ready for work, and as soon as the water flowed, so did God’s words to me… “I have plans, but you need to be still so you can recognize My direction, hear My footsteps and know that it is My voice you listen to.” You see, I am, typically, so busy, that I don’t stop for very long. And, over the past two months as I have been required to spend 1 to 2 hour sessions getting physical therapy, 3 days a week, I have had time to be still. To seek God, pray for others.

With tears streaming down my face, my God assures me “it is not the side lines that you are on, it is my path; one that allows My voice to be heard. Hear me, so others can hear Me through you. Be patient and heal and know that I am here.”  Father I am grateful that You create the appropriate obstacles and use my circumstances greatly.

Lord, thank you for confirmation that as I pray for others and You show me how to serve others, my needs too will be “wonderfully met”.

Day 342 of Giving Thanks

This morning did not start so great; anyone with pets can understand, it was just one of those mornings – a cat that has decided the cat box isn’t good enough or, as I will find out tomorrow, has a urinary tract infection, plus for the first time in years, we are dealing with a flea issue – yuck!

So, I fogged our house and as I was putting both cats in the room, we affectionately call the dungeon, one in and the other snuck back out and under the bed she went. After shutting myself in our bedroom and shuffling the mattress off so I could grab her.

Total disarray before 7:30AM; then it was off to drop the car off to the dealership for warranty work and general service; and an hour and a half later, I was in a rental car and off to work.

In between my quiet time and chasing the cat, I happened to see some notes from a few months ago… and they were perfect for today.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? I AM the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. I WILL NOT grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:28

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests TO ME". Philippians 4:6


I am grateful that today is over and with rest, I will awake to a brand new day!


Monday, October 18, 2010

Day 341 of Giving Thanks

There are times when I look back and I am reminded of how much has changed in my life. There were times in my life that were very dark; uninviting to others, negative and foreboding; I lived with lies that darkened so much in my life. The mirror was a tough spot to stand in – and the words that I held on to, and replayed over and over were all the enemy’s lies.

Now, there is light at every turn.  And, because He suffered, I wear a crown. I am beautiful and you are beautiful - Ladies, look in the mirror - see what God has made.

Dig deep, ponder much and seek often. Ask God, what do you have for me Father? Show me, share Your great promises with me. And, as you look deeply into your eyes, see through to what He has created – A mighty woman of God. 

Yes, “Jesus loves me”, but I will not take that for granted. What I speak, whether out loud or to myself represents me... but more importantly, it represents my God. If I am touting to be a child of God and profanity, negativity or complaining comes from my tongue, what does that say about my faith, about my walk with the Lord? Is it allowing others to see the amazing gift I accepted? Is it attracting others to the same faith or walk?


I am so grateful that one of God's gifts to me has been amazing examples of godly women; those whose daily walk reflect a mighty and hope-giving God in their lives. In the mirror, I have found that woman. I will smile, as there is joy; I will sing, as there is reason to celebrate; I will dance, as there is the wonderful sound of the heavens playing steadily in my soul. And, I will share, for it is good, and God’s grace is free and for everyone.

 Psalm 98

A psalm.

 1 Sing to the LORD a new song, 
       for he has done marvelous things; 
       his right hand and his holy arm 
       have worked salvation for him.
 2 The LORD has made his salvation known 
       and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

 3 He has remembered his love 
       and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; 
       all the ends of the earth have seen 
       the salvation of our God.

 4 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, 
       burst into jubilant song with music;

 5 make music to the LORD with the harp, 
       with the harp and the sound of singing,

 6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn— 
       shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

 7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, 
       the world, and all who live in it.

 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, 
      Let the mountains sing together for joy; 
9 let them sing before the LORD, 
       for he comes to judge the earth. 
       He will judge the world in righteousness 
       and the peoples with equity.



Day 340 of Giving Thanks

For the past few months, I have been putting watching a movie off, I had this opinion about this particular actor; and decided in advance that I would not like the movie. The movie sat on our shelf, and kept getting shuffled, however, it was inevasible that we would watch it.

Tonight we did the inevitable, we watched the movie and surprisingly enough, it was nothing like I had imagined it to be. I actually liked it. It was a typical comedy for today, predicable humor and a little “over the top”.

I know that if I need something the lessons will come and when I hear God telling me to do something, I get that nudge, I need to move on it now, even if I do not see the big picture. I must know that His plan will play out and that is inevitable. I can rest every day knowing that there is no guessing and no worries when it comes to my life because God’s love for me is predicable, and my caution is what is “over the top”, and very unnecessary.   

I am grateful that God is faithful. That His word is “the” word and His truth is all I need – I know that I can always trust where God is leading me. Trusting what I read in His promises, and knowing from the depths of my soul that it is my heavenly Father speaking to me is an amazing assurance for safe passage through this life.

As I live Christ-like, I will be more action-oriented when it comes to God’s promptings, and leave the shelf for things I have already done, not to put things off. Lord I pray for your guidance always, for the drawing of my life toward You and help me to realize that Your plan will always be perfect for my life. That You working in my life is inevitable and Your ways are best. Unlike the movie, which could have been horrible, this time it worked out, there are no surprises in how the movie of my life will end up.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Day 339 of Giving Thanks

Today, I am writing for yesterday – I helped my best friend finish stuff up for her family’s move to southern California, and I was not able to write. It is a good thing we had a lot to do, because emotionally, I would have been a mess.

I have always said “I love change” and really after this (almost) year-long walk in gratitude, I believe I am really afraid of “being stuck”.

And, this kind of change I am not use to. I know God has a plan; and typically, I love to move furniture, change my hair, buy new clothes – fresh start, but is that really what that is? As I drove home last night after helping Dana, I thought about change – and really it is not change that I desire, it is transformation.

As I transform, as God transforms my life, I am aware that as I allow this, and embrace it, getting stuck is much more difficult.

So today I am grateful for transformation, for a changing view and that God has it all under control. Father I pray that I not “get stuck”, that I look to You for the changes needed so that trued transformation can occur.

“But our citenship is in heaven. and we eagerly await a savior from there, The Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body." ~Philipians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day 338 of Giving Thanks

I was the kid who sought approval from every side – friends, family, teachers, priests and coaches. A “people pleaser” is really what I was raised to be; and in essence it sounds good, but reality is, people just cannot be pleased by other people. What words did I use to do this; honestly, probably not too honest to myself?


The power of words, especially the ones we speak to our mind hold so much power - The power to change our circumstances, our health, our finances, our relationships, begins with how we think.

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5


As a kid we said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”. This is a huge lie of the enemy. Many times it is the words that make or break us. So I must be aware of how we speak to others, as well as how I speak to myself.
  

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6

Father, I am thankful that Your lessons come from living life, and going through challenges, and I am grateful that all my questions can be answered by coming to You, reading Your word and through counsel from others who are on the same path and filled with the Holy Spirit.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:9-12
  
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day 337 of Giving Thanks

Every day is a great day because it is a choice – my choice. And every day I will step out into the world knowing that I am prepared and that I am covered. I start my day going to God – praising Him for the opportunity I have to be who I am because of Him.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV)


I stand firm on the truth and will grow in my faith and live in peace because of the awesome work done for me on the cross and with the power of the Holy Spirit I can step into each day with my attention in the right place.  Everything is already won, and today and every day I am protected.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." ~Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”~ Matthew 6:34 (The Message) 

Shawn Delia Boreta

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