Day 480 of Giving Thanks

On days where my heart is completely broken over a loss and what is no longer, I reach deeply to find the comfort; I reach out to my Father, and plead for the ache and pain to go away. I have written in the past about allowing the grief process to occur, yet that is something that I would love to skip today.

All it took was a glimpse, a look at something that I was, once, head over heels in love with - my idol, possibly - my passion, deeply - my life's ambition, completely. But these are all things, the possibly, the deeply, the completely were results of selfishness and disobedience. And, I am not saying that that dream was not good and awesome and godly, I am saying that although I embarked well, I sailed poorly through the waters of that particular journey - and today I truly believe that when we put our dreams ahead of God, the outcome is greatly altered as a result. So today, I embark anew and I trust that He will lead me to a desire and passion – to a new dream.

I expect God to do great things in me. I expect a great life. I expect to change.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” ~Ephesians 6:10

… with God in the lead, I cannot fail.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” ~2 Peter 1:3-4

So for a brief moment today, I grieve and I cry for what is no longer and for the parts of my life I miss so greatly. But I also revel in the fact that in every loss, there are gains – for with this loss has come a greater gains – and that is wisdom and clarity of who I am, why I am important and that I am powerful beyond measure – because of who I am. I wipe away the tears, that I know He so wonderfully collects, and I step in to His presence, and I put on my armor and press in. “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? ~Psalms 56:8.

“Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered....Remain spiritually tenacious.” ~Oswald Chambers

Suffering excruciating pain; spiritually, when His grace was not known to me; physically, when I knew no purpose in my life; and emotionally, when hope was for others. The pain of change is priceless and the pain of regret is devastating. God knows this path I choose, and all the decisions I made in my past – “May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!” ~1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – He is greatly aware of the healing needed and the timing that is perfect according to His plans for me. I expect God in all aspects of my life.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’” ~Jeremiah 30:17

And, there is hope in my surrender and in His tenderness of these lessons. Today, I will end with one of my favorite sayings, “I can’t wait to see what God has next.”

Day 479 of Giving Thanks

I expect God to do great things in me. I expect a great life. I expect to change.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” ~Ephesians 6:10

I am grateful that I know that change is necessary and I am so thankful for the way God has decided to relay truth to me, and share insights into my life. I am grateful that God is greatly using my gifts on this journey – having the ability to discern and see things differently is such a great gift, and I love to share them with others. My total obsession is to find ways to attract people to the person I am through God and with God. And, the only way to do that is to know Him and see the world and people through His eyes. My obsession, for sure.

"But you, Israel, are my servant. You're Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham. I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.' Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you.I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." ~Isaiah 41:8-10 (The Message)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Your voice I seek.

Soft whispers I detect.

Toward silence I dwell.

Your voice O' God.

I hear it now.

In my soul is peace.

In my heart I rejoice.

In my mind triumph.

Just so much hope in You.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It has truly been a week if thickening of the skin, keeping my head up and completely submitting to hearing what God has for me. In the process of submitting, I am learning to listen more, sit quietly much more often, pay attention to my surroundings and to watch out for what He wants me to see. Many times this week, my eyes were closed tightly – and after a few days of doing things my way, I knew it was time to open wide to His ways.

The advice that came again yesterday was to “Put the armor of God, Shawn” – putting on that armor and making decisions daily in "the knowing" that I am protected and sheltered and tenderly loved. Allowing the grace to flow even when I forget to put on the armor, along with removing what I am concerned with; and remembering to turn to the needs of others, and the care of others, because I am already take care of.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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.” ~Ephesians 6:11-17

So, after visually putting on my armor this morning, sitting once again, listening to the things that bring me into God’s presence. I am grateful that God’s presence is always here - He waits - it is truly up to me to step in. Thank You Father that You are so readily available.

• Let my eyes see what is You.
• Let my ears hear what is You.
• Let my senses know what is You.
• Let my heart dwell in what is You.
• Let my soul rejoice in what is You.

He planned, executed and gave it all for me. He resides in me through the power of the Holy Spirit, soooo -

I

AM

NEVER

ALONE.

Now that is true love.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” ~Psalm 143:10

In my obsessive moments, I love to pray – prayer for me is so uplifting and time literally stands still in those moments. I can, however get overwhelmed with my inability to remember everything and everyone to pray for, but I am certain that all I have to do is go to God, through the Holy Spirit and say, "Father, you know all those people I met, ran into, etc.", and the Holy Spirit will take over. In Jesus name. Amen.

Oh, Lord, how there is so much to pray for... it truly is a very good thing that my God is bigger than all the need.

“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 Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” ~Ephesians 6:18-20

Keep teaching me Father, while helping me become equipped for Your tasks… help me to understand my circumstances as I go through them, if not in the moment, in its entirety.

“Every word you give me is a miracle word—how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book!” ~Psalm 119:129-136 (Msg)

I expect God to do great things in me. I expect a great life. I expect to change.

Day 478 of Giving Thanks

Sitting here in a moment of worship - melting into the melody and picturing light, so much light.

Thank You Father for these moments between all the hours or my day.

The moments when prayer and my desire to worship was needed, today were more than the moments that I did not – and for that reason, I am so grateful for those moments. I am grateful to know that I have prayer. I am so fortunate to have a mighty power right before me, and beside me – and that power also goes before me in every part of my day.

This part of my journey is so much different than I expected. And, I am learning that my expectations are not always what is best for me –

My God amazes me every day. And, it is comforting, in the moments when I need Him more urgently to realize that I should expect amazing things because of who He is and what He has designed me for.

I can expect God to work in my life. I can expect things to move in the direction toward my unique purpose. I can praise every step of the way, for they are known by the creator of heaven and earth.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philipians 4:4-7

The Lord has given me the ability to share my trials as triumphs and I am grateful. And, in the process, He has healed many things as He continues to reveal His greatness and promises along this journey.

Every day as I embark on my day, I will ask myself, "am I living my life with fleshly responses? Or, am I allowing the Holy Spirit within me to dictate and guide my actions? To answer the direction? To fulfill my purpose through the power of a perfect and mighty God in me, is His will....

Wow, now that's the perfect cup of coffee with unlimited refills.

When We Wake Up

When we wake up, He is there, just waiting to encourage you - but you do have an action, pick up His word, so He can speak.

When we open up, He is there, ready to touch and warm you - but you have to have an action, ask Him, so He can reach you.

When we reach up, He is there, waiting to grab your hand - but you have to have an action, lift your hand, so He can grab a hold of you.

Sitting here in a moment of worship (again) - melting into the melody and picturing light, so much light.

Thank You Father for these moments between all the hours of my day.

Day 477 of Giving Thanks

I have written an average of 620 words a day for 476 days, that’s 295,120 words – words to describe what I am grateful for and to share the lessons and hope I have received over the last sixteen months.

Of all the words I used through all these days, and with all the hope that these pages have displayed - there are three words that relay my life wholly, "Favored by God".

“I am worth the endless love of a mighty God...” ~God in me.

The word “gratitude” cannot even come close to what I feel about all that I have learned – my thoughts, my dreams, my hopes and my desires have transformed. We use words to describe things, and God gave us His word to share His promises with us, to share His purpose for us, to share His dreams and desires for us – He gives us His word to share.

Yearning for His presence has become a moment-to-moment quest – finding a quiet corner, a bowed head, shutting the door or even a walk around the parking lot – that is all it takes to bring me from this world to heaven.

• It is in His presence that I am most alive.
• It is in the still, that I feel most moved.
• It is moving me greatly toward life with Him.

I am grateful for this lesson and this word of truth: I am to sing my praises out loud and at the top of my voice - for the enemy to hear every wonderful and beautiful word of a grateful and joyful heart.

In silence, in the power of the Holy Spirit's leading to our mighty God and in Jesus name bring all my fears and anguish and pain in prayer - God is faithful and perfect in the dealings of our hearts – let it be spoken only between you and Him.

Learning this one... The more I complain, the more I have to complain about... Focusing on eliminating satan from my circle of influence - because he really wants to be there right in the middle, adding gas to the flame, anxiety to the circumstance and negative responses from others... I know that as long as I keep allowing my anxiety to be spoken; they will not go away. But if I speak of the joy and triumph in my life, they will be rewarded with more joy and triumphs.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ~Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

So I will…

Today, I will settle in.

Today, I will be still.

Today, I will listen intently.

Today, I will call to Him.

Today, I will hear His words.

Today, I will do this often.

Today, I will learn to recognize His voice.

‎"Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is god's will for you in Christ Jesus." If you live like this, the rewards are tremendous." ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

See His glory all around me, and I am comforted through my circumstance. Know that He's got me completely.

Day 476 of Giving Thanks

MY TESTIMONY

Today, I am God's child - humbled to be serving such a mighty Father - but more than that, honored to be counted in such amazing company. I am almost 46, wife of Chris (almost 13 years), mother of Myranda (21). I accepted the Lord on October 30th, 2002; my husband's birthday - the brilliance of God's plan is revealed day by day, person to person, and revelation through revelation. I pray for the salvation of Chris, the restoration of Myranda’s love and trust in the Lord and restoration of my family – stone by stone.

My life is busy, not complicated. I work full time for a ministry helping women in unplanned pregnancies; I work in the corporate office – love the ministry. My passion is working with others to help them make informed choices to better their lives, and I am currently waiting on God to lead me to my next assignment.

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. My faith, up until a year ago has been passive to say the least, and living my faith out in His will in the most amazing gift ever.

The Lord has given me the ability to share my trials as triumphs and I am grateful.

Where I Came From
I have read numerous books. I was so far from God, and felt justified in my beliefs. My marriage vows could not include God, I wouldn't allow it. When the gospel was presented to me, I was insulted, angry and rude to the person. I did not find God in a time of things not going well. A relationship was formed as I was drawn to seek the truth. I read The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell; Letters of a Skeptic, by Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd, C.S. Lewis – to name a few.

I am not a scientist, a philosopher and basically have overcome many challenges that would bury most people - that was not an accident. I can look back on my life, before God, and see where a presence of Him was visible (not in the moment, in reflection).

It is not my job to convince anyone to seek or that what I believe is true; there are many more qualified people to talk to the more intellectual, and more educated than myself. Ravi Zacharias, Lee Strobel (his first work), C.S. Lewis to name a few. I am gifted in other areas, and my calling is not of apologetics. My gifts are relationship geared, and those are the people who God will attract through the Christ in me.

My personality is one of action and relation, non confrontational, I rarely take questions of my faith personally - but I have a deep concern for the world we live in. And the eternity of people I know. When I think of God, I believe every word of the bible (but only as translated through the Holy Spirit), that when the research is done with an open heart and mind, that a deep revealing occurs in that person.

My hope is that in my faith, I can still be compassionate and respectful about what others believe and hope they never feel attacked by me; and any offense taken will be their own making. I personally have never attacked another's belief - respectfully we have a right to practice our beliefs freely. And, with that said, my faith, my character because of my faith is attacked and the freedoms I now have are being threatened daily - and I am speaking of our society, attacking the basis of which this country was founded, and without the foundational beliefs of the founding fathers what nation would there be.

My eternity is secured, that is the hope and the promises of God. And, without that, what do we have? We have a life that will end, with no purpose under heaven whatsoever. My hand is extended, in every "debate", but my only argument is one of my testimony of the truth I know because of my personal experiences.

Some Insights (some of my stories).

Looking for Love

Emerging From the Wreckage

Proof Positive -A Picture of the Greatest Love

Rear View - As I Look at My Dad

Interview with Robin Prater - Let's Chat Friday

Day 475 of Giving Thanks

I love the fact that I can celebrate every day. I am grateful for my life and everything I have access to.

• I get to celebrate the wonderful gift of Jesus – life forever.
• I get to celebrate being able to see the amazing world around me – the vibrant colors of God.
• I get to celebrate the sounds of the world – the silence, the whisper of the wind.
• I get to celebrate touching my surroundings – holding my husband’s hand, a hug and the feel of dirt when planting.
• I get to celebrate knowing that my life is in order – my life has purpose that is perfect and designed from love.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." ~John 13:34-35

C.hrist is my reason and cause for celebration. Having a life here is temporary, but with Christ, life is promised for E.ternity – amazing, isn’t it? Although I have done nothing to deserve it, I get to live in the L.ight with the E.verlasting love of my heavenly Father. In the beginning, God, the Father, the Holy Spirit and the future blood of Jesus, devised a B.rilliant plan to save those they loved first. My life has changed, daily I get to walk in the R.adiance of the Spirit, in complete A.alliance of the T.three in One to have an E.xtraordinary and exemplary existence.

Today I am celebrating many things, and especially on my heart is the celebration of my marriage, a partnership and friendship that has forged through the years – I am grateful for the celebration of love –not the love of the movies or a love like in the magazines, but a love of true experiences and life exposed through circumstances. This is a love of resilience, resolution and revelation.

Celebrate Every Day – Marriage and family - the most important things on earth. How does it all work, God, the most important thing ever. Marriage is a gift of God – God has revealed that when we treat it as that precious gift, I can see things so differently. I do not want to miss anything because I know that everything is as a continual gift from God - He rewards for faith in this one.

When a marriage stays together, people are often asking "How" - what an amazing answer to say "God, that's how."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails." ~1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Day 474 of Giving Thanks

I love when the juices get flowing. When I start to write the sparks are flying off the keyboard and today wanted to be one of those days, however there was a minor block, called a job that kept me from writing all day. And, with my fingers flying right now, I am not even sure what hits the screen until I can go back and re-read.

Today, I am grateful for everything, there is nothing I cannot appreciate – my biggest aha today, is…"Start living in your moments... stop complaining about what is already done - or contemplating 'what ifs'" Yes, God I hear You.

I have had some very wise friends shed some light on some things this week, one in particular last night especially. And that friend was God – as He calmed me, gave me rest and covered my fears. After 5 or 6 days of way too much to do, and very little hope to finish it all – I allowed myself to feel helpless – and incapable – and vulnerable. That’s what He wanted. For me to realize that my own power, my personal effort just wasn’t going to get me there. The harder I worked all week, the harder I fell behind. And last night, I had just had enough – really I had enough of me.

Dear God, I need You, plain and simple to do everything. Father, thank You for being with me today - guiding me, strengthening me, holding me.

So, I wanted more than enough of God. As I lay in bed – I settled in, and just started talking, laying my fears and worries right out there – earlier I felt “wait” was necessary, that waiting for a situation to play would be the best approach to take, but as I lay in bed – speaking to the Lord, He listened and it was there, before Him, comforted and feeling very safe, I “waded” through the feelings and emotions; I waded through the what ifs and whys, but only briefly.

I fluttered in and out of prayer and questions. I am not quite sure how long this went on, but I don’t remember actually ending the conversation. My sense, however is that between my thoughts, the Holy Spirit’s interpretation of them and the mighty listening powers of God, all through Jesus – something was definitely worked out.

I awoke fresh and rested, even with so little sleep. It was a mini retreat – me, the leadings of the Holy Spirit toward God, resting in the knowledge today that only because I have Jesus in my life and is my life’s everything can I have this at the very moment I need it.

I waded through the silence of last week and realized last night that it was me causing the silence. God was right there, listening – and the silence was where I was supposed to be.

Today I am wading through the hope I feel and the joy I sense. It began today by giving my day to God. I am grateful that I always go to God, and that my days are filled with moments before Him, but today was different. It was His leading and just making me aware that He is here, and reminding me of who I am.

Who am I?

I am a child of God, a wife, a mother and a friend;

a friend with God, my husband, my daughter and others.

Friendship is an amazing gift to give and in the process

God blesses us with love beyond love's comprehension.

Who am I?

I am a friend, your friend.

© 2012 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150327530757809

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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 473 of Giving Thanks

It has been a heavy writing week, or do I mean hectic? Either way, it has been a God week, a learning week and a revealing week. With stress, emotional or physical, I tend to get wound pretty tight – most of the time, it is a pretty slight change outwardly, although there are cyclones going on inside. This week, it was almost the reverse affect. As my circumstances swirled around me, I was calm on the inside – I seemed to release some of what I had stored up – good or bad, it was what it was.

So, as I end a work week, with deadlines approaching and my list still growing daily, good or bad, it is what it is. And, it is in control as long as I hand it over to the one who can handle it all – that is being content. When I am in the middle of something, a circumstance that is not comfortable or appealing, I still know it is all going to work out according to His plan – even if I mess up in the process – His desired outcome will be realized.

“But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right—everything.

Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.” ~Isaiah 30:18 (The Message)

The thought came to mind tonight as I was praying about some of the swirlings, “wade or wait?” Do I wade through what is going through my thoughts, some reality, some perception or my interpretation within my own thoughts? Do I simply wait?

I wait, after confirmation from prayer, and a friend’s note, I wait!

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” Psalm 31:1-3

Lord, I want to thank You for showing Yourself so greatly in my life. For allowing me to mess up, make decisions that alter what You had in mind and comfort me anyway. Thank You for giving me peace when appropriate and the desire to move and not be complacent in my life. Father through all the turmoil of life, and the confusion this flesh so readily gives, I pray for Your strength in moments of weakness. I pray for wisdom, as my mind shuts down. I pray for grace as I error. I pray for Your mercy as I confront my fears and circumstance. Thank You for Your answers and confirmation. Give me reassurance as I wait, and as I want to move restrain my will. Help me to be in Your perfect will, today and as I wake. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”~Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)

I am grateful that with God, there is no good or bad, it is all good, and it is what it is.

 

Extinguish

There is a place called complacency, which if you visit too long it will become harder and harder to leave.

It is quite comfortable and warm and inviting and everyone visits, many stay.

There is a moment when complacency becomes the status quo and many don't realize that moment has passed.

• It is the moment that the world’s ways seem appropriate and right.
• It is the moment that God becomes watered down.
• It is the moment that your dreams are just not important any more.
• It is the moment that life is ok the way it is.
• It is the moment that just enough is all you expect.
• It is the moment that opening the blinds is an effort.
• It is the moment that a smile is rare to see in your own reflection.

All these moments occur – and at some point they collide and crash – it is when we can separate from our moments and connect with God that complacency becomes extinct. And, extinction is an awesome thing.

• It extinguishes the enemy’s plans.
• It extinguishes sadness.
• It extinguishes helplessness and hopelessness.

Extinguishing complacency is my moment to moment objective. Removing the things that are too comfortable and too warm and too inviting to so many and replace with a presence that is not always comfortable, but very comforting - is not always warm, but wraps me gently - is not always inviting, but the invitation is freely given to everybody.

I share an invitation from my Savior - for He wants to comfort you and wrap you securely in salvation with a flooding of warmth over you.

Be present in my life Jesus.

Be my strength when I face opposition.

Be here when I am alone.

Be everywhere when I am nowhere.

Be the cushion when I fall.

Be warmth when I am cold.

Be everything, when I feel nothing.

Be Lord, be for me.

© 2011 Shawn Boreta, Giving Thanks Daily

Day 472 of Giving Thanks

Jesus lived, suffered, died and rose for me. The real question is “what is my response to that?”

Jesus Lives

He arrived naked and as a baby.

He lived to give an example.

He suffered and shed His blood.

He died.

He came up from the tomb, and walked and ministered.

He offers a gift, free and ready for me.

He offered, I accepted.

Thank You Jesus.

He did all that, and yet yesterday, He comforted me.

I am often baffled by the life’s stuff – I am baffled that I still allow life’s circumstances to affect me like I do… I realize that my circumstances are momentary snapshots in eternity, and that this or these flickers will not be present in my future. I will know none of this. Now that is something to look forward to, and to be thankful about. So, again, I ask, “what is my response to that?”

Faith in Action

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” ~Hebrews 11:1-3

I know that God is with me, even when I can’t see Him, hear Him or feel His presence – and in the moments when life overwhelms, I pray immediately for a lifting and that I become overwhelmed with God’s presence.

And, my days are part of His great plan.

And, my days are His.

And, my days are set.

And, my days have purpose.

And, I am significant in His eyes.

And, I am part of His great plan.

And, I am His.

Wonderful and perfect God, It is through my fear Lord that the enemy tries to take hold and it is through our minds and our thoughts that He attacks, but he cannot hear my thoughts - and it is when I fix my thoughts on You that he is left in the dark. I thank You mighty Father that I have that sanctuary to come to You and speak and plead. Today, as I prayed for others and lifted them to You, I felt the need to pray for myself the same words, and seek the same request. I pray for comfort in my circumstances. I pray that I always know that You are near and in control. Father I seek You constantly, and continue to know that You have me. Gracious and merciful God, please give me the confidence in decisions to come, and situations to walk through. Lord, go before me with all those I come in contact with and prepare the way perfectly. Remove the fear and anxiety and give me strength through Your beautiful presence. In the mighty blood of Jesus, and with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit I give all of this Abba to You. Amen.

“By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.” ~Hebrews 11:29-30

By faith, I continue through my moments on this journey. By faith, I am in God’s tender care. By faith, He reveals His purpose for me. By faith, I am healed. By faith, there is hope beyond measure.

Stumble Fall, by Anna Weatherup was playing in the background quite a bit today. Be blessed with this amazing song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJNS9GZJ9zw (Thank you Anna and than you Christi for those heart stopping words.)

Day 471 of Giving Thanks

“God I trust You” was all that I could mutter this morning. For over a week, I have been requesting God’s presence through many moments of my days. From waking up and reaching for Him to pull me up and out of bed, through moments of too much demand on me throughout the day – to my pleading, “less of me Lord, all of You” to get it done – then finally dropping breathlessly into slumber every night.

“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.” ~John 3:29-31

I am grateful Lord, that You know where I am, when I do not, especially today. I am grateful Lord, that You know my state of mind, my state of heart and state of intention before I can even realize what my “state” is.

How fortunate that the power of God through the Holy Spirit is translated perfectly into my life – and revealed at the precise moment perfect for me – God’s perfect timing. To hear His voice…

Embrace hope.

A path to your healing will appear.

A door to His will for your life will open.

Your understanding will increase and He will use you more.

You will get up and walk.

You will see clearly.

You will hear His call.

You will know your purpose.

He is everything for you, and when you open up, you will know.

“Help me trust me with You.” were my words over and over today, as I scraped through the tasks at hand. And, through even the most arduous labors today, my day was sprinkled with words from God, music and thoughts running through my mind in words and visions. I am grateful that I have a choice of what goes in, what stays in and what is deleted from my mind. That is an awesome gift – choice.

My choice to be the living recommendation for life with God. That no matter what my circumstances are, my situation is (good or bad, easy or difficult), that my life is the ministry of attraction – attracting those around me to life with Christ – this I did not do well today. Even through praying and requesting His peace and relief, despair was allowed to settle into that moment – when I could, finally verbalize what happened this week – and God shined His light greatly – through my sobbing, the phone rang – and relief arrived! Prayer was received, God showed himself through a friend. He showed Himself through my ability to realize composure and accomplishment at the end of a very long day.

“Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” ~Corinthians 3:2-5

As I finished for the day, I thought of all the years I sat in front of a mirror to make phone calls. To put on that smile, so not only my face smiled, but my voice smiled. And, I smiled – inside and out.

‎Smile, God is with you.

Smile, others are watching you.

Smile, it will make you feel better.

Smile in front of a mirror -

...and you will begin to laugh, and it may be exactly what you needed.

© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                        

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