Day 371 of Giving Thanks

I would like to share again, that this journey of giving thanks daily started with a sentence or two and grew into what it is today. I did not always have a great outlook on my life; but from the outside I looked like the ultimate optimist. I could give you a list longer than long on what was wrong, what could be improved in my life, or that I right-out hated about my life.

This transformational change can be made easy or hard. Let’s start with the hard route – doing things all on my own, depending on me, being the strong, independent woman. And, the easy way is with God in control, and admitting, “God, I can’t do this – protect me, guide me, correct me, mold me, let me understand Your grace, see Your tenderness and experience Your mercy”.

Just like “that” – within 35 days, I noticed a difference; it went from hard to easier, yet, I found myself saying to myself this morning “It is not the faithfulness of the Lord that I tend to doubt – it is my belief that He is faithful that I doubt.  Lord, remove any doubt... and help me believe like I have never believed before.”

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him." ~Jeremiah 17:7

On some days, I am still afraid, I still doubt, I question my circumstances – momentarily, anyway –I seek His presence through His assurances and promises in the word.

“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 (Amplified Bible)

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” ~Psalm 31:24 (New International Version)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)

I am thankful that I know where to go for my power and strength, and I am thankful that my God is faithful, and all I have to do is believe and remove the doubt. Today, I am hopeful and I find joy in much of my life. I am not an ultimate optimist, I am the daughter of the King, a king who also created me and everything in this amazing universe – my future is secured – because He made a way.

"I'm not what I can be, I'm not what I should be, I'm not what I want to be, but thank God I'm not what I used to be." ~ John Wooden

"I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 (Common English Version)

Day 370 of Giving Thanks

“Quiet my mind”, I hear myself say as I sit in my living room this morning. My heart dwells in the silence and my desire is to deliver myself to the Lord and present myself completely.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." ~John 15:7 

And like a boom the silence is stirred with thoughts of the day and street noises that, just moments ago, were silenced through a focus on being still. In my time, I kept hearing a plea to find more silence in my days – like an arm reaching through the sand to grab a hold of something deep beneath the surface, I could visualize, but just could not grab on today.

I can usually find comfort through the word as I read my way through the “whys” in my mind. In fact, I am usually pretty good at asking, “what next” God – and this week, I have found myself slipping into many “why” questions. But I did find my way back to the right path – the path that is in front of me all the time –the path that gets rough when I become distracted or unfocused – the path that God laid out specifically for me, and all I have to do is call to Him and He will set my path straight again.

“...in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:6

Lord, I pray for Your favor and grace during this time of my life, when grabbing on seems impossible and some things seem so unattainable. Father remind me to hold on to Your promises and seek Your loving truths as I wander through my days.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." ~2 Corinthians 12:9

"Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well." Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well." The woman was well from then on.” ~Matthew 9:20-22 (The Message)

Give me this kind of courage, Father. “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” And, yet, I am already covered by His robe, His blood and my heavenly Father’s promises. I am grateful for Jesus’ work on the cross – and the hope that is given with just that knowledge. My soul sings for all that is possible.

Image owned by © Stephen Gjertson, The Hem of His Garment

www.classicalrealism.com 

Day 369 of Giving Thanks

I have the most amazing friends and truly, a wonderful life – even when I am exhausted, I have learned to look at things appropriately. For it is when I put the right things first, I can realize what God has for me.

"God loves you. Personally. Powerfully. Passionately. Others have promised and failed. But God has promised and succeeded.” Shared by the awesome Aliza Bryant earlier today on her Facebook page.

Denise Prescott provided the greatest verse for me today, as it was the encouragement I needed this afternoon. “Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, ‘Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.’” ~Matthew 9:22

Father, today is simple. I am grateful I can come to You and I can trust You. I pray that I can see the steps You desire me to take. I pray I hear you calling me toward the right direction. I pray that my eyes see clearly, though the world’s distractions and the enemy’s confusion. Today I seek healing, deeply through my soul – a cleansing that only you can provide, and thank You for providing it for me. 

Day 368 of Giving Thanks

It is a good day when I can learn a new word while I am reading His word. And, not only a new word, but new word for my soul. Isn’t it amazing how completely awesome learning is? I am grateful for all learning opportunities.

I have been sitting here at Starbucks reading Psalm 29 – which I just realized I have never read it through before – visiting with my favorite Baristas and taking in the inklings of conversations around me, basking in the little voices of the children I hear and meeting more of God’s people in the process.

And, so as I get back to that new word, I know that in my life, I ascribe to all that God has for me daily, because He is my source, the source of everything, the author of my life, the author of everything. Through this life, I will be blessed and encouraged, as well as challenged and trialed and I can always get through because He loves me.

Webster’s describes ascribe as:

1.    to credit or assign, as to a particular origin or period: to ascribe parts of a play to Shakespeare.

2.    To attribute as a quality; consider as belonging to: ascribe beauty to youth.

I am grateful for His word, and all the opportunities He lays before me to learn.  

Psalm 29

A psalm of David.

¹ Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, 
   ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 
² Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; 
   worship the LORD in the splendor of his^[a] holiness.

³ The voice of the LORD is over the waters; 
   the God of glory thunders, 
   the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. 
⁴ The voice of the LORD is powerful; 
   the voice of the LORD is majestic. 
⁵ The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; 
   the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. 
⁶ He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, 
   Sirion^[b] like a young wild ox. 
⁷ The voice of the LORD strikes 
   with flashes of lightning. 
⁸ The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; 
   the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 
⁹ The voice of the LORD twists the oaks^[c] 
   and strips the forests bare. 
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

¹⁰ The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; 
   the LORD is enthroned as King forever. 
¹¹ The LORD gives strength to his people; 
   the LORD blesses his people with peace.

 

Day 367 of Giving Thanks

For the last four days, I have been home and sick. And, I have received so much encouragement – and for me it is a direct line of encouragement from my heavenly Father through His faithful.

There are many of us, who have been hurt, are in physical pain and go through disappointment after disappointment. I understand, it is so easy to wonder "why" all this hurt, pain and disappointment can be in one’s life. But I am here to tell you, that the outlook is not bleak; that it is all perspective and what I have my sights on that will keep be dreading or desiring.

Through this life I will acknowledge the hurt, pain and disappointments while continuing to move toward a life of giving thanks for the blessings. I can do this by encouraging others and shining God's light. God has given me a huge desire to encourage others, and see others through compassionate eyes and passionate heart.

I thank God for His work in my life through the work I can accomplish while encouraging others. I have found that when I focus on others, my disappointments seem smaller. Also, when I focus on helping others who may have the same hurt, pain and disappointments by encouraging and edifying them, all of mine challenges become smaller.

So, how do I accomplish this? In my experience, it is through accomplishing God’s work and I have become fascinated with the healing from this world, by running toward God - and it has turned out, that HE IS COMPLETELY FAITHFUL.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And, the God of love and peace will be with you." ~2 Corinthians 13:11

This has been a week of the greatest encouragement coming my direction. From friends praying for my healing to telling me  that my ministry work has encouraged them. I am so grateful that people see Jesus in me, and i pray that He continues to prune my life and grow His crop. Thank You  Father for preparing me for the amazing harvest.

Day 366 of Giving Thanks

As I begin the next 365 days of Giving Thanks, I stop and reflect on where I was before this journey began; before gratitude and being thankful - before true thankfulness - before I understood fullness of life.

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” ~John 1:16 (NIV)

Today, I come to the Lord and pray for protection, guidance, discernment and wisdom as I allow my mind to fill with the words of the Lord, and my fingers hit the keys. I am grateful that during the first 365 days, I learned to be thankful through daily or circumstantial lessons, through the eyes of faith and the heart of the Lord that dwells deep within me.

I pray for the next level of learning and a heightened understanding as I seek and begin to understand what my heavenly Father has planned for me. Part of learning is knowing that I have let go what I use to know and hang on to all that God is showing me now. I am honored to live for Him as I live through Him, and as I show Him in my life.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ~Colossians 2:6-12 (NIV)

Father, I thank You for all You show me, and all You have done. Help me Lord to stay on Your path, the perfect path.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." ~Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

 “We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. 

We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, This endless knowing and understanding—all this came through Jesus, the Messiah.
No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse.
This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day.” ~John 1”16-18 (The Message)

Day 365 of Giving Thanks

I am richly blessed.

I am thankful for the whole of God’s Word, and for the love He has for extended this ordinary woman, on an extraordinary journey. Three hundred, sixty-five days of writing what God gives me each day to be thankful for has been the most precious gift I have ever received, second, of course, to the gift of eternity.

On this day, which marks a pretty amazing milestone, I want to share some tid-bits of my life’s lessons. I pray that the Lord works in your life – that whatever gift God has for you will be revealed, and you too can realize how much hope and joy is in store for you, no matter the circumstance.

And, I can truly say the theme of my life can be summarized with one prayer that I have repeated over and over – “Lord, I am ready for my dream, if I am not ready, please continue to prepare me.”

Day 211 – “With a heart filled with hope, I came before the throne of the Lord and asked for forgiveness, acknowledged that sin is a part of me and I am unworthy in my current state to be in His presence. I accepted Christ’s gift of blood, which would cover me completely so I could bow before the thrown, pure and clean. Today, I am grateful that this journey of really getting to know who I bowed to on that day is. Knowing, today, that without His allowing storms in my life, disappointment and hardship, He would not be who He is to me today without all that.”

Day 59 – “I am thankful today for other people who can pick up the ball and run when I cannot.”

Day 230 - “I am here to tell you, that it is not what God had in mind for me; it is when I started listening to Him, and not others that the truth set me free. It is when the opinions, thoughts and instructions of others are none of my business.”

Day 127 - Someone asked me once, “Do you believe in miracles? You know, like the ones in the bible?” And, my answer at the time was, “not sure”. What is a miracle? Is it walking on water? Is it, finally understanding something that for years escaped you? Can it be finding yourself at peace and forgiving, when those were the furthest from your heart?”

Day 213 – “My life’s verse is Psalm 139:14 – as doubts throughout my life about who I was were hindering who I could be. And, when you know all these things about the creator; that every detail of everything works perfectly, why, then would I be created any differently.”

Day 210 – ““Just because something seems impossible doesn’t mean it is” appeared the screen before the service began and the pastor said, “fresh vision”. These are things that enter my thoughts often.”

Day 61 – “Lord if I get stuck... do whatever you need to do to keep me moving, even if that means another challenge.”

Day 94 – “We live in the best country ever, with so many opportunities. Gratitude is a gift, I believe, that we give to others. When we are thankful in our lives, it rubs off on others; truly being thankful is contagious.”

Day 218 – “Lord, I am so arrogant to believe that I can be better with my own works, I pray that You will intensely highlight where pride keeps me from Your presence and from Your blessings. I pray for wisdom and humility as You identify me and as I seek You to work in me.”

Day 220 – “To my amazement (not God’s), the resources I have found or those who found me, have been completely used by God. I have said this before that I am grateful that God finds me where I am; in the times when I am seeking His voice, His comfort, His confirmation, His validation or His word for me – that I see them in the pages of in front of me.”

Day 113 – “On the road to recovery is a constant state. As I recover from a cold or whatever it is I have, I think about the word "recovery", and I know that we are all in recovery of some kind. We are all broken vessels, waiting for the hand to be placed and healing to occur.”

Day 229 – “Before God, there was me looking at life as an observer and NOW I am participant. Lord, thank you for Your awesome gift of eternity with you, hope daily, knowing the greatest love ever, laughter and joy.”

Day 53 – “A new year, a new day. What a great time of the year. I love renewal and recommitting. And, there are so many things to renew and recommit to. Priorities, so what are yours?”

Day 227 – “So today, I am grateful that I have learned to laugh at myself. And, as I make the mistakes remember that everyone makes them, and that forgiveness from me is the one I need to get first. I am grateful Lord that you have changed me and CONTINUE to change me into your likeness.”

Day 261 – “Because I was not anchored to the word, anchored to God’s promises, I was an easy catch. I was “saved” but I was drowning and being pulled under by my unbelief.”

Day 100 – “Giving Thanks Daily has made it to triple digits and counting, and this is exciting for me. This is just one area of my life that routine is pushing me to excellence. I have set daily goals in several areas of my life; spending time with God, reading for self improvement, working on my trade, doing what I say I will do (to myself), and pushing myself just a little more than I did the day before, to name a few.”

Day 55 – “I am thankful that I am continually being molded and postured for greatness. And, now we can start looking for others desiring the same.”

Day 137 – “Everything I need has nothing to do with me. I am grateful that this realization arrived about eight years ago. This realization came through a question – “do you believe in heaven?”

Day 221 – “I pictured my body, and all the stuff that has gone in, comes in and will come in. And atop this balloon is my little head. Horrifying, isn’t it?”

Day 248 – “Forgive me for not trusting when You called, and not abiding when You pleaded. I understand so much more now, but understand so little. Lord “clothe me with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.””

Day 103 – “I am thankful that my mom skills have been pretty good all along, and that I do learn from my mistakes. I am looking forward to watching from a close distance as she, someday (a long time from now, someday) does the same.”

Day 246 – “The best change is the one that happens between my ears and in my heart. How I think and what drives me, is a desire to go from good to great. And some say (I use to say), “I am OK” or “I am good”, shame on me for ever believing that. I heard today, “the enemy of great is good”.”

Day 184 – “God who is 100% trustworthy and truthful. I am grateful for His covering; and am praying that I can be grateful no matter the outcome.”

Day 232 –

“Today, put my past, my bucket of ashes into the compost.

Today, the good you have learned will germinate; think of all the pain as fertilizer.

Today, the process that began the day you were born continues.

YOU are blooming into the most amazing creation of God.”

Day 204 – “. I am grateful for all the physical and emotional pain the Lord has brought me through, because without it, I would not know Him like I do today. And, having the opportunity to be part of the most amazing team of people for the work I love, I am grateful – God, thank you for finding me here.”

Day 231 – “This morning, Hector LaMarque said “Some people believe in God, but very few know Him” – and this area I feel strongly has been my most growth recently – KNOWING God; knowing how to relate “Shawn” to God has been such a hurdle.”

Day 239 – “Lord, as I become “seaworthy”, I am grateful for Your strengthening of this vessel.”

Day 242 – “My coping mechanism was dysfunctional, and at times completely non-functional.Today, I seek God first and always – no matter where in the cycle I am; I am not afraid to ask God for help or others as I believe He directs.”

Day 262 – “Father, we are in a time of great deception in the world today, so many have been lulled to sleep by the enemy and have fight in them that is actually fighting against themselves, their eternity."

Day 229 – “Father, as I grow – I pray that I can emulate You – that my life is transformed to show how awesome You are. Today, I rest by knowing Your presence.”

Day 260 – “You see, when I was younger, I had the “tiger by the tail”, and the older I got, the more “life happened” I started to ride the tiger, than barely hang on.”

Verses that I have held onto this year:

Psalm 139:14, Psalm 100, Psalm 18:1-2, Hebrews 11:11, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 6:34, John 1:13, Hebrews 11:3, Galatians 5:1, Matthew 5:44-48, Numbers 6:22-27, Joshua 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 4:18 , Matthew 19:26, Psalm 91:11, 2 Chronicles 20, John 1, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:15, Genesis 1:3, Proverbs 24:3, Colossians 3:22-25, Hosea 2:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 13:5-6, Psalm 13:5-6, Isaiah 50:7, Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 61:4, Isaiah 61 (in whole), Philemon 1:22 , Isaiah 61:3, Proverbs 18:10, Isaiah 40 – oh, and so many more.

Day 364 of Giving Thanks

What God has done in my life in such a short period of time baffles my mind – but I also know that His works are perfect and truly what I see is only a small piece. When the expanse of my life is viewed in a snapshot from Heaven what will that look like?  I feel like this is the time that all the other parts of this journey will begin to make sense. It is the time when I look back to look at right now with the right eyes – eyes that are open, fully open and fully in focus.

This part of my life, right now could actually be the trailer of my life’s movie to this point. And, one might say, “that’s a bit dramatic”, and my response is “exactly!” However, I am not the star of this movie. The main character is Jesus – what He did on the cross and the character that He is forming in me as scene after scene is played out.

I look back at the completely devastating times of my life as purposed and necessary to bring me in to the promise land. And, although I may not completely know what that looks like, I know that I will recognize it, and I will be able to keep moving toward it, as I have the strength of the mighty creator directing me, correcting me and protecting me through it all.

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Warning and Encouragement – Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." ~Hebrews 12:12-15 

My prayer is that my life will reflect a story worth the words of my Father saying, “well done!” And, until then, and now I will sing His praises and love Him wholly.

“May the glory of the LORD endure forever; 
may the LORD rejoice in his works— 
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, 
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the LORD all my life; 
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 
May my meditation be pleasing to him, 
as I rejoice in the LORD. 


But may sinners vanish from the earth 
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
Praise the LORD.” ~Psalm 104:31-35

 

Day 363 of Giving Thanks

I thank God this morning for everything in my life, I remembered that I didn’t always feel this much gratitude. What was it that changed? It was a decision to trust God, to seek Him and to know that He is faithful and will never fail me.

Through daily thanks, I have discovered a fire for God, one that comes from getting to know Him and the beauty of this relationship. My life has changed dramatically – I was unsure of many things – and before this journey, I was a Christian by name. I had accepted the gift, and sat by and waited for my Christian life to happen to me. Now I take an active role in my Christian walk toward an abundant life.

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." ~2 Corinthians 9:11 (New International Version)

I will not say that I have a perfect life, but I do have an exceptional life – a life where I am learning to be content, but one also filled with the hope of greatness in my life. Now what that greatness looks like is yet to be seen, but that is exciting to me. I am excited because I am seeking Him harder, and learning to listen with the right filter. As I sat quietly this morning, I thought of the following words and asked them of myself:

Did you know that God is constantly communicating with you? That He desires that you hear His voice and KNOW His presence?

If you have the "world" filter connected, it will be diffused, confused and misused messages.

If you have the Holy Spirit as your filter connected, you will hear His messages LOUD AND CLEAR!

Take off the world and put on the Holy Spirit!

“So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” ~1 Peter 5:7 (The Message)

God has made me who I am, and as I take off the world, and put on the Holy Spirit, I pray that I can truly live carefree before God and appreciate how very careful with me He is.

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150418958162809

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We are Wonderfully Made (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderfully-Made/130178720330362), living to encourage and Equip His People (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equip-His-People-Ephesians-411-13/170487976325407) and completely committed to believing greatly Psalm 139 with purpose (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psalm-139-with-purpose/183264461708034).

Day 362 of Giving Thanks

“Rest comes to mind”, I heard it again today. This is an instruction that is really hard for me to follow. My days, at times are like a tug of war between what my body and God says to do, and what I “think” I should be doing. The evening is just beginning and I already know that my time is limited tonight. I received a call tonight to that will take me away from the rest. It is something that I believe I will get a lot out of, but it will keep me out for the evening – and again, I am torn.

I have so many people in my life who have reached out and grabbed onto a part of my life. People who care deeply for me, pray for me, hope for me… and I am grateful for every one of them. I have people every day remind me to “listen” for God, and rest in Him. And, who also share what their prayers have given them about me “Rest comes to mind” she said today, a match of what another friend yesterday – two days in a row, two friends, two continents, same word.

“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

Father, as I make decisions in my life, I seek You. I desire to hear Your answers, a confirmation in my heart, a whisper in my ear or a phone call to ensure that what I hear is Your voice of reason, and not mine. Help me Lord to “rest in you”. It is my desire to serve gratefully and wholly, as well as obediently. It is my desire to fulfill what You have already planned for me. It is my desire to please my heavenly Father. These things I pray, in Jesus name, Amen.

“Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139:23-24

You love me so much Lord, and I know that if You are telling me to rest, it is for my own good.

So, I will rest and wait for your command that I am ready and rested to start again.

Day 361 of Giving Thanks

I love how God uses everything to minister to me. To soothe my heart when I feel anxious or fearful or unsure.  For instance, the love of the children in my life and the joy I experience when I am near them. One of my favorite sounds is the chatter and questions of little ones. The words that need to be deciphered or pieced together from their little mouths to my sometimes, not so sensitive ears.

These glimpses of how things are, can be so unclear on the outside, but inside the directional is set, the clarity is there, I just haven’t been made aware of it yet. In hearing God’s voice – it is a familiarity of what that He sounds like, or what His presence feels like. That is what I pray for, that His voice is clear – that the piecing together comes more easily, and the sensitivity moves from my ears to my heart.

“God has poured out his love into our hearts.” ~ Romans 5:5

Lord I KNOW that you love me, I KNOW that you are always here for me and Your desire is for me to, not only hear You but to understand You as well. And my heart is full of the desire to do this too.

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." ~1 Timothy 15-16

Day 360 of Giving Thanks

As did Jeremiah, so I will call unto my God, and know that He will show me great and mighty things.

I have to consciously remember the miracles in my life – the little ones that occur every day and all day – the near misses in the car, the ones I know about and the ones I do not. Every day things happen around me, and in my life. What an amazing life, and so much to be thankful for.

I was reminded again today that I need to step out of God’s way so He can work and reveal all the beauty He holds for me. I am a mere child, one who sits and day dreams about how things “should” be according to my understanding and within my comprehension. As I prayed this afternoon, I thought of Esther and how God used her, how she waited, and a nation was saved.

It is Your will Father, I pray for and that Your purpose through my life be realized.

 “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge." ~Psalm 62:7

One of my life verses is Hebrews 11:1, which tells me “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” I know God is working, I just can’t see everything yet, and because I trust that God is who He says He is, I will honor Him, and seek His presence.

"Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord." `Psalm 45:11

Day 359 of Giving Thanks

God shows up big when I pay attention and I now recognize His voice, especially when I am still. Today was a very interesting day, a day that really started a little over a week ago. I received a phone call from a friend, who told me about an opportunity that she had been praying about – as she prayed, she said that I kept coming to mind as she did. When she called me, it was like God has placed that call. And in that moment some more of the dots were connected.

So what does that tell me? That I must stay connected to God, so I can see where He is taking me now, through where I have been. And, in these moments, He reminds me that He is with me and has always been with me, EVEN when I dismissed His existence all together. He reveals how truly amazing my life is – that this average and ordinary woman is actually quite extraordinary because of where I come from and who I am.

I am grateful that I will not be forgotten, that I am important enough to be remembered by my creator and that His gift to me is something that I desire to share over and over.  Over the years, I have shared the Lord, in many different ways, and tonight I was able to share God to a child – and I was in awe when I heard how the Holy Spirit directed me.

We have a huge God, and as children of God, we often are overwhelmed, become confused, are unaware of what we really need or desire – and isn’t amazing that our God, who is so big and so awesome, know that we would struggle communicating at times and provided an interpreter? As God’s child, it is a beautiful gift that is always available – the Holy Spirit can take our mess of words, our confused thoughts and mixed feelings and lay down a perfect order to our heavenly Father that are true to the desires of  our heart.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”~John 14:16

Day 358 of Giving Thanks

As I exited on Rosemead Blvd in Pasadena tonight – and immediately as I got off the freeway there was a detour winding me around and off path. To top it off the GPS in my phone stopped working because of a weak signal. Let’s just say, I was a bit turned around.

Sounds just like life. I am on this path, and as I exit to refuel or do some maintenance, and on occasion, a detour or wrong turn – and what I know is that my spiritual GPS is working just find.

I arrived safely to my destination tonight, and I know that my ultimate destination is determined and secured. God’s Purpose through Salvation, with that I end tonight…

Day 357 of Giving Thanks

Ever wonder why some things happen in your life – a change, a challenge or even the results of a bad choice? Then later you that whatever that circumstance was, turned out to be absolutely perfect? That is my life right now! I see everything, no matter what it is, as absolutely perfect and perfect timing.

Time is so precious. Make sure you spend it wisely. First things first - know your priorities and the proper order of those priorities. Who is first, and how do 'I' make it first every day? The almighty creator desires that He be first... And He is faithful.

I am officially closer to fifty than forty, and I think “how do I feel about that?” Considering that the first thirty-seven years (or twenty of my adult days) were spent away from God, I would say “I feel great about that.” How about you?

I have come to realize that every moment of every day is so very important – that every moment builds toward my purpose. And, being part of a community that loves God, reveres God, puts God first, understands that nothing happens without God has totally changed my life. If you can't say this about your life, maybe you would like to know what that feels like. 

I look back on my life, and see how everything comes into alignment – all the dots are connected. Even the decisions made that I wanted to keep hidden, play out for God’s glory. I am grateful that the outlook of my past has changed. That my old feelings of regret, pain and hardship has turned to “lessons learned” and preparation for greatness.  I encourage you to do the same. I look back upon the past as training ground for the greatest part of my life – right now!

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." ~Psalm 20:4

I realize that the only way to stay on the right course is with “God in control”.  My life will be lived out with passion and complete hope for the future. I trust that the dreams I have prayed for, the visions I have dwelt in are the desires of the heart, placed there by my heavenly Father.

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

Day 356 of Giving Thanks

I hear ,"Do not conform..."

Will it be difficult? Yes! Yet everything is possible with God – I put your trust in the only one who can pull this off.

For me, conforming would be allowing the challenges to win. It would be allowing myself to give up and give in, but I will not conform to that. I will push through because I trust that God has me. I trust that “all is well with my soul”, and really that is what matters. Conforming would mean that I do what the world does, “take a pill”, wait for others to “do for me” or just complain and even blame.

“Do not conform 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)

Today, I remember the good days I have experienced – the moments of “normal” that are so attractive and memorable. And, I am so grateful for the hope that delivers to my heart and my soul. I am grateful for the hope of a secure future, and the love of one who prepared the way.

This hope is promised to all of us, and is lovingly delivered right to us from our mighty Father. I am grateful that I have so many promises to hold onto, to find shelter in. These are the words I find peace in today.

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


"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 (NIV)


 Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call unto me, and I will show you great and mighty things.” (NIV)


“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.”~Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)


"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." ~Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                     

Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/

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Day 355 of Giving Thanks

‎"And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:14-15

Today, I am grateful that early on, as a Christian, I was not concerned about my salvation. The basics were concise and clear on receiving God’s gift, and feeling secure in my walk. Over the weekend, I read a blog that caught me off guard. She indicated that a few days before, her life flashed before her eyes in a 'near death' experience, when contemplating where she would end up if she died, she said "But, was I happy with where I saw my soul going? Not in the slightest." This is a Christian writer, and she said “I know what all you Christians are thinking, once saved…. “ And, this Christian says, “absolutely”.

Religion is DO; what do I need to do to win grace?
Relationship is DONE; Jesus already did what has to be done.  

My salvation is secure. The enemy uses doubts about our salvation to make us insecure - and when we are insecure, we do not share the wonderful gift of the Lord with others appropriately or often.

If you knew 100% that God's gift was what He says, wouldn’t you share it with everyone, every day in every way possible?

On my heart and through my fingers to the keyboard these words were shared earlier today:

Remove the guilt from your actions. The feeling of guilt is not from God! He has already done what is to be done.

We cannot do anything except to show gratitude for what was done on the cross and at Calvary.

·       Do things because of all the tender moments you are grateful for.

·       Do things because of all the people who love you.

·       Do things because of all the hope that is provided through His promises.

·       Do things because He loved you first.

·       Do things because His love is BIGGER than imaginable.

·       Do things because you are deeply convicted.

·       Do things because your heart has been moved to do so. 

·       Do things because you are confident in the Lord.

·       Do things because He sacrificed so much so you could "do things".

Each one of us has been presented with the ultimate gift, and when we accept it, “it is finished” do things because you want to and your heart aches to do them. 

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

And,“But my righteous one will live by faith.  And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back."

 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” ~Hebrews 10:35-39

And, in growing in our faith, we are to lay a strong foundation and build upon it as Jesus did. Paul graciously said, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.”  ~1 Corinthians 3:10.