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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Guest Writer - Giving Thanks Daily, November 27, 2014

Practicing Deliberate Thanksgiving

By Rob Henslin

“… Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:19, 20 (New International Version)

It’s quite easy for me to agree with the sentiment of those verses but quite another to actually live it out. In 2012 I was in the midst of painful and gut-wrenching divorce proceedings. Much of my energy was spent slogging through procedural issues and various points of contention, wishing it could all be over and done. I became “Danny Downer,” detached and hope-less.

My friend Amy picked up on that vibe and took action. When we met, she greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a wrapped gift. “I saw this and thought it was perfect for you right now.”

“What? Perfect for me?” I inquired.

“I just want you to stay focused and remember that you will get through the divorce, and your life will move forward.” Inside the box was a beautiful, hand-painted glass plate, five inches square, with an image of a yellow bird perched on a small tree branch. In the upper left hand corner, the word “hope” was etched into the surface.

When I returned home, I mounted my hope plate on the wall above my desk. With Amy’s encouragement fresh in my mind, I decided to take deliberate action to find the hope I had lost.
One day in August of 2012 was a turning point in my life. I sat down at my laptop computer and created a new document simply titled “Miracles and Blessings.” As quickly as the neurons could fire between my brain and fingertips, I filled page after page with short entries detailing in very specific terms the many blessings I had forgotten and perhaps failed to even acknowledge in the past.

I pondered the previous two decades of my life—as far back as my wedding day and my battle with blood cancer. I skipped over stuff like the “blessing” of a parking place close to the entrance to Macy’s. I never prayed that kind of prayer.

I was more interested in the “meat,” the authentic blessings and miracles that God had showered upon me: getting into remission in five weeks following my original diagnosis of leukemia; my two miracle daughters who defied the medical establishment and graced this earth with their presence in 1992 and 1994; surviving a cancer relapse in 2008, receiving a bone marrow transplant in 2009, and on and on. Within a month or two the list had swelled to several thousand words.

What an exercise!

Often my initial response given difficult situations is to focus on the negative rather than the positive. I hate to admit that but it’s the truth. Taking deliberate action was something I had to do.

In those times when I struggle with hopelessness, the hope plate on my wall and my growing account of all that God has done helps refocus and reaffirm my faith in Him, that he knows me, loves me, and even in the darkest hours has never lost His grip on me. My miracles and blessings document provides numerous reminders and reasons for me to give “thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In this season of hope, will you join me in an exercise of practicing deliberate thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done and is doing in our lives? Perhaps this Thanksgiving Day will be the day you begin keeping your own list of miracles and blessings.

Oh, and if you want to, it’s probably perfectly okay to pray for a good parking space! Happy Thanksgiving.


About Rob
Rob Henslin is a father, graphic designer, rocketry enthusiast, and author. He is passionate about finding ways to make the most of the hardships he has endured so he can help others through difficult times. Much of this article was adapted from his new book, “When You See the Cows, Make a Left!” (Amazon.com). Rob has volunteered his time to assist the Be The Match bone marrow registry (www.marrow.org) and has shared his story through speaking engagements, radio interviews, and magazine articles. Rob lives in Northern California, where the deer and his German shepherd play. Visit his website at www.post-traumaticpress.com.

            

© 2014 Post-Traumatic Press, Robert Henslin


Rob is a friend and brother in Christ.  He has been part of of our prayer team with Ps139 group since the beginning and has been part of the family ever since. Even in the midst of his own trials, he prayed for others in need. I am honored to serve our Heavenly Father with this man God. Be sure to check out Rob's new book, When You See the Cows, Make A Left!



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Sunday, November 23, 2014

My Life is a Prayer - November 23, 2014



I am ashamed Lord that I have let my exhaustion come before Your praise. That I have a allowed my exhaustion to keep me from Your daily Word. But I am not seeing this for what it is… A distraction. Help me today and give me strength. Give me strength as I decide to abide and to fight to be in Your will.
 
Lord I don't want to be so focused on me that I can't see others in front of me and their need. I've been a little self-absorbed and consumed with research for doctors, treatments… But I don't want to be the person people avoid because of all this. Help me Lord to figure out how to disseminate and adjust while going about my life here. Today I felt very broken and alone in this process! But also, someone who is severely reminded that I am not alone. Today, as my own advice was lovingly thrown back at me, I began to realize that I am allowing feelings to cloud my ability to truly see things for what they are. Help me with this broken heart father, and to not dwell in this place that is so dark. I love You Lord and I need You now. Crying out to you Jesus in the full strength of the Holy Spirit.

Father forgive me for not having enough faith, and strengthen me and provide it to me because I don't.

LORD our Father, You know the cries of Your children, and I pray for their hearts to be peaceful and wholly Yours. You know the prayers and needs of these beautiful brothers and sisters, and those who do not know You to come to Your saving knowledge through and in their trials... we pray for the workings of the Holy Spirit to be recognized and acknowledged in the hearts of all. We love You Lord Jesus for the work already accomplished and that which is yet to be done in us. Thank You for loving us so much and desiring us and pursing us. And, it's in Your precious name and trust in Your plans we pray. Amen.

Consider everything joy. 

Wow, I have to really ponder this one as I am so self-absorbed. Father... more of You - Less of me.

In Your presence I will find all of the joy necessary, while all of my needs are met. In Your presence Father I am comforted.

Testing Your Faith
"James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ~James 1:1-4 (New American Standard Bible)


©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Being His - November 15, 2014

Everything that happens in this life... is forgivable... redeemable.., purposeful... only because we have a God who loves so much, we are forgiven when we approach the throne and ask for forgiveness... Through that comes redemption, the amazing gift that our Creator and heavenly Father so lovingly prepared for those who love Him... And, every decision and direction of this life began with purpose and with His direction and pursuit, He calls us to that purpose.

Even in this... there is forgiveness... redemption... purpose!

My body is fighting LORD... and I need Your fight in me. There is just so much I can do, and I am seriously done for the moment... help me fight so I can then rest.

The physical pain Father and the dealings with this disease are nothing compared to the heartbreak You know because so many have fallen away from Your truth. It breaks my heart to know that I too can and will let you down. That I too fall short every single day and so desire to be Christ-like in my actions, thoughts and pursuits. Help me LORD to work through the heart issues that arise, the temptations that are ever present in this life, and to know You completely - as you desire for me. Help me to pursue Your Word diligently and to recognize what needs to change in me. Help me to love others, be patient and walk in a manner pleasing to You... even in and especially in my momentary states that seem to disallow clarity and wisdom. Forgive me for my shortness with others and let not my physical pain be a stumbling block to compassionate and passionate witness, but allow me to be empathetic to the pure needs of others. Help me pursue and believe whole restoration regardless of my physical being. I trust You Father and love You so much. Help me live out that example... not by complaining or bringing attention to myself in my own trials, but glorifying You as I am strengthened, comforted and healed "yet more" by Your mercies daily. Thank YOU Father for loving me completely, and giving me hope daily through Your tender and perfect presence. Let my life reflect Your grace as I relate to others in their need despite my own needs. In the glory of our Creator, and through the saving blood of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

You are the fight I need right now Father... take it from here.


©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thankful Life - November 12, 2014


The precious Words of Jesus, and Truth of the Word must be spread throughout the world... this is done, when we step out of our own little life and engage with another's life. Through love, tenderness and sharing the truth is done as we relate to others... care about others... love on others... and live as Christ would live... not a simple "what would Jesus do" in action, but "who am I" through Jesus as we LIVE OUT being Christ-like.

What are you doing daily to spread the Word and Live the Word? How can your life, through the act of living, impact the Kingdom? How is your life representing a mighty, awesome, PRAISE WORTHY God?

(Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5:13-16)

"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16 (New English Translation)

Give Honor.... Glorify... Praise... your Father in heaven.

Let me PRAISE YOU LORD.... every day, in every moment.

PRAISE report ... I believe I have found a doctor, still working out all the details, and God's working in the lives of those who have seen this journey through the eyes of doubt and validity... just wanted to share a little bit.

The image is a typical night's sleep pattern (pretty active throughout the night). "Let your light shine among men"... is so in my thoughts (one of my life verses). God has really placed it on my heart that ALL is for a purpose, especially in the waiting upon Him to move in, and around us. During my "Kingdom Coffee" time with my BF and Myranda on Saturday, several things were said, that confirmed this route of healing. God is the God of restoration, and He has created a restorative body... one that He and only He can restore through the LIGHT. I will have much more to share, but just wanted to shine a little on you all today.

KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH US. He has restoration and hope in our DNA because of Jesus' work and our acceptance of that gift. We are His people. 

So appreciate all of you... your prayers and love. Much love in Christ to all of you who follow Giving Thanks Daily here and through my Facebook pages.

For my brothers and sisters today, I pray for health, restoration, God's peace, healing... LORD our Father, You know the cries of Your children, and I pray for their hearts to be peaceful and wholly Yours. You know the prayers and needs of these beautiful brothers and sisters, and those who do not know You to come to Your saving knowledge through and in their trials... we pray for the workings of the Holy Spirit to be recognized and acknowledged in the hearts of all. We love You Lord Jesus for the work already accomplished and that which is yet to be done in us. Thank You for loving us so much and desiring us and pursing us. And, it's in Your precious name and trust in Your plans we pray. Amen.



‪©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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#ThankulLife‬
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

My Life is a Prayer - November 11, 2014


Tirelessly our Father in heaven is here for each and every one of us... and He expectantly answers His children's prayers. Let us abide in His Word... through the active work and influence of the Holy Spirit this is possible. I am thankful for the lessons as I act in faith and trust our Father's plan even in the storms and trials. I am grateful for the restless moments when I am unsettled, for those are times when I seek Him more, and often more diligently... thank You LORD for Your constant reminders... thank You LORD for bringing clarity and lifting the fog that seems to settle in when I should be walking in the light. Keep me directed, and with a passionate desire to stay connected and in PRAISE. Asking this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen

Be encouraged tonight... there is nothing our heavenly Father cannot, will not do for His children, whom He loves!

Tonight I need the assurance that my Father is present, aware and "for me..."

Psalm 30 (New American Standard Bible)Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death.A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House. A Psalm of David.
I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord my God,
I cried to You for help, and You healed me.
O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;
You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.
Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I will never be moved.”
O Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;
You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
To You, O Lord, I called,
And to the Lord I made supplication:
“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?
“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;
O Lord, be my helper.”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

‪©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Sunday, November 9, 2014

Thankful Life - November 9, 2014

Breathe in all that our Risen Savior has for us today... 
we sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome. 

Healed by Your light Father and with every new sunrise, "I am renewed". I am blessed beyond measure or my imagination.  I cannot comprehend how much You LOVE me. In Your pursuit of me to know You more and be more like You, I desire "yet more" of You, and I pursue You, "yet more". I am so grateful for His pursuit. I can see how this path has been paved by Your mercies and sealed by Your grace. So that every detour, or road hazard and all of its lessons are enveloped and delivered by Your amazing plans for my life. I am thankful beyond words and thoughts. 

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." ~2 Corinthians 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)
Regardless of what happens in this life - as children of God - we live through it because of what He did... because "it is finished", we live toward an eternity with a mighty and perfect God. The circumstances of this life that seem devastating... will not devastate us, but will form us. I had to hear this again today. God will sustain me. (Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 37:24)

I am grateful for reminders and God's mercies throughout my day today: I can do all things... 

©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Thankful Life - November 5, 2014


Awesome GOD… That is what I'm truly THANKFUL for today. As I hit the wall of no energy, I have an opportunity to sit back, relax and take in all that has happened over the last few days. There were no high points, no low points… Just moments where I could see God working. Praising God for getting me through this day, these days... I still have more to do, yet this moment feels like "freedom" in the greatest way as I work and listen to some great music... 

Mighty, awesome, faithful… My God, my God thank You. Yes, there is work to be done. And I wholly depend on strength that is not mine, but is for me.

“‘Now therefore, our God,
great, mighty, fearsome God,
who keeps both covenant and grace:
let not all this suffering seem little to you
that has come on us, our kings, our leaders,
our cohanim, our prophets, our ancestors,
and on all your people,
from the times of the kings of Ashur
until this very day." ~Nehemiah 9:32 (Complete Jewish Bible)

I am thankful that I could cry out for yet more God, and more strength, and more mercies to be appreciative of. I am grateful that I have a God who loves me, and has done it all for me. Thank you Lord for being here today. Thank you Lord for giving me yet another day to "feel".


With every challenge and "challenging" person, we have the opportunity to look upon our source to come through. In the strength of the LORD God, in the power of the Holy Spirit in me and because the work of Christ Jesus "is finished", I CONTINUALLY HAVE VICTORY. Lord I don't want the crowds… I don't want the many looking in, not caring, oblivious of my heart and its breaking. I want intimate relationships based on Christ. In the crowds there is familiarity in the eyes, yet no wrap of comfort. Where is that found? You are where! Let me seek you…See You!

Today, a new day! This life affords every possibility to see God's mercies in abundance, and for this (today), I am grateful. I am honored to GIVE THANKS for all things. So, this day… Today’s reminders, and truly for every day. 

Keep going to His Word. 
Keep pondering His promises. 
Keep praying for clarity and wisdom for your life. 
Keep obeying Him and seeking His will.

LORD, You've got this time that will be spent with yet another doctor over the phone... help me keep my frustration at bay, and my mind open to hear possibilities, not road blocks. Help me to see my way through to Your grace and mercies regardless of what is said during the phone call. Let my heart not be discouraged by the world's limitations, or my "little faith", but encouraged by Your abounding love and dedication to seeing me pursue You Father, in Jesus name and in the whole strength of the Holy Spirit in my moments of weakness and triumph. Help me to know Your name, Your holiness in all my breaths, whether relief or exasperation. Father, You are my calm, my refreshing rain... my survival. You are my everything. Thank you God for opening up my world… For letting me see You through eyes different than mine. Thankful, very thankful for God’s mercies and direction through this, and all my struggles. 

I am in the midst of the greatest love story ever... my God's perfect, powerful, endless love is all need. Praise Him, I am redeemed. 

"It is through the Son, at the cost of His own blood, that we are redeemed, freely forgiven through that full and generous grace which has overflowed into our lives and opened our eyes to the truth. For God had allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this: He purposes in His sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfilment in Him." ~Ephesians 1:9-10 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)

©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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Shawn Delia Boreta

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