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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 336 Giving Thanks

“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


Praise God for His plan and purpose for my life. I am thankful when there are moments of clarity and confirmation that I am on the right path. This afternoon, another new doctor – he was respectful, inquisitive and supportive. What a difference, and what a relief. Thank you to my very awesome friends who prayed this afternoon.

A good day all the way around! I am thankful for answered prayers – all of them.

On the way home, I stopped by to see my friends Nola and Leo, my wonderful neighbors – both in their 80s and lovely in their own ways. Nola, like my mom – always wanting to listen and give love “tell me about it, Shawn”, caressing my hand, exuding love and affection. And Leo, the wise and experienced Christian, aging but wisdom pouring out “are you sure, Shawn? Tell me what that means”.

 “Do you listen in on God's council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? What do you know that we do not know? What insights do you have that we do not have?" ~Job 15:8-9

The value of experience cannot be replaced by anything. Even if the wisdom is speckled with repeats and slight confusion, God gets through. After a short (somewhat short) story from Leo, I heard again how important patience with others and loving, even the unlovely are so important. God I hear You and I promise my heart is receiving this message as well.

Whatever Your plans, I am ready to take on what You give with an attitude of gratitude and a life filled with the Holy Spirit, I can only see an amazing life before me. 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Day 335 of Giving Thanks

I am not very good at remembering the exact address of things. I can always find my way, but it is sometimes a bit rough, and that includes bible addresses. This morning my first comment was “Today Lord, I am tired. The day is just beginning and I know that all I need to do is come to You in silence, seek Your presence and all will be prepared for me today. What is Your will for my day? "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~Matthew 11:28”.

 

Today I am grateful that even though my day started in a fog and a bit of disorientation, that I remembered an important address and gave all my cares to my heavenly Father this morning – I made it through the day. And, as I settle down and prepare my mind for tomorrow. A new day and I can reflect on all the gratitude I have for the wonderful people in my life. Several of the edifiers on the Wonderfully Made page have been such an encouragement.

 

Thank you Denise for your beautiful prayer – “Lord Jesus ... Allow Your healing hand to touch and heal Shawn. Touch her soul for she shows in so many ways Your compassion to others. Touch her heart with Your courage and infinite power of love for all. Touch her mind with Your wisdom, that her mouth may always proclaim Your praise and healing power. Guide her as she reaches out to other in your love and help her to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring my Sister healing and health in her body, spirit. soul and mind that she may serve You with all her heart ,soul and strength. Touch her on Gentle Savior ... this life which You have created, now and forever. Amen. ♥”

 “On this day, God wants you to know. . .that as you surrender to Divine providence in your life, you will feel lifted and carried and held. All is well, All is well, All is well.” Thank you Ron your constant encouragement; full of grace and wisdom.


It is this that carried me through the day. Your will for me Lord is to have me always remember that it is You who is control. I am grateful for all of my friends, and so thankful that God has placed so many wonderful people in my path.


“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” ~Colossians 3:16

“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

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day 334 Giving Thanks

I love music – the soft strum of a guitar or the roll of fingers on a piano. And, I am grateful for music. What a magnificent gift that God gave us. Some of my earliest memories are of me singing Lynn Anderson songs in the bar, in the back of the house. Shirley Temple numbers, including dancing “It’s a good ship lollipop” was one of my favorites.  It seemed there was always music playing.

And, as I got older, Elton John to John Denver, Cheap Trick to Journey and Shawn Colvin to Mercy Me.

Every morning I look forward to listening to worship music, and every weekend, we have music playing all the time around the house.

I look forward to the perfect music of heaven, and every once in a while, when it is quiet from the noise of the world, and His music is playing in the background, I get a glimpse, a sense of how awesome that will be.



Sunday, October 10, 2010

Day 333 of Giving Thanks

I started out this morning thinking I would get a ton of work done. It amazes me how God can stop me in my tracks of exhaustion. I believe the week of packing and cleaning at work finally caught up with me today. So, today was a rest day. So, I spent most of the day hanging out with my honey in our back yard and a couple hours dwelling in God's word.

My doctor told me a few weeks ago, that I will heal when I can learn to rest. That truly is a tough one for me. Resting means I have to stop. Stopping means that I don’t get things done. However, that is my old thinking. Today, I know that as I get better, I will become much more efficient. Clarity will return with a vengeance – and I look forward to that time.

God requests that I rest in Him.  As I read through many chapters today I saw many reasons to be grateful, and I am thankful that I had this time with God today.

I praise You Lord for Your confirmation.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” ~1 John 1:8-10 (NIV)

I praise You Lord for Your wonderful word and the hope I have for healing.

 “A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle." ~Proverbs 15:30 (The Message)

“Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too.You restored me to health and let me live.” ~Isaiah 38:16 (NIV)

I praise You Lord that I am Your child.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." ~1 John 3:1-3

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Day 332 of Giving Thanks

“Hello weekend” I thought as I left work yesterday to head to the Warriors game – what a week. I am grateful that we got through all the packing for the office and making sure that we could get into the new space on time. By Wednesday, we were praying, that we would get through all the “stuff”; Thursday we were seeing empty space and order in amongst all the boxes, recycle bins and dumpster.  By Friday at noon, we knew it was just a few things to pack, and we were done.

What an assuring thing to know that something is already finished!

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." ~John 19:30

So, as I headed to the weekend, I could truly enjoy and not fret about something not being complete; and I didn’t have to go back and do more.  I can go in confidence; a freedom I feel every day. Thank You Lord for Your assurance and being faithful to Your promises.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." ~Hebrews 6:19-20

Friday, October 8, 2010

Day 330 of Giving Thanks

As I quiet and calm down from a very busy and productive day, I stare at the blank page. Father, I come to You today and thank you for the faithfulness of giving me so many things to be grateful for. There truly is not room here to relay them all. But as I said yesterday, God’s light in my life is a daily blessing.


Many of you who have followed this journey, have also guided my journey. God’s magnificent power directed me to many of the pages I read regularly, the blogs and articles that ministered to my heart and gave me hope daily have permanent imprints in my mind and my heart. Thank you all for your friendship, counsel and faithfulness to our awesome Father, and the love for Jesus that blesses so many with your insights.


Father, I lift my friends up to You tonight and pray for their protection as they do Your work and share their heart-felt and heart-filled words with the broken, pained and seeking. I pray that they will know Your joy fully. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.





Thank you friends - Steve, Julie, Wanda, Sue, Glenda, Diza, Mary, Tammy, Jo, Dana, Aliza, Michelle, and Catherine (my friends who were with me way in the beginning of this journey and are still with me). I love you all very much and I am grateful for all of you. 


Especially grateful to Myranda way in the beginning who read daily upon request. 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Day 329 of Giving Thanks

There are so many things to learn, and in the process, I am realizing that as long as I stay in the light, I will be on track. Today, I am grateful for God’s light in my life.  

“Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” ~Psalm 97:11
Learning through life’s lessons

“It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.”  John 6:45-47 (NIV)

Increasing my knowledge through His word

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." ~Daniel 12:3-4 (NIV)
Giving all my concerns to the Lord
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Holding tightly to His promises
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.” ~ Psalm 145"13 (NIV)
Telling His truth always
“A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” ~Proverbs 14:25 (NIV)
“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.” ~Proverbs 16:13 (NIV)

The last couple days, I have been diving in to learn the truth about the specific area of sin – and through my meditation, and time with God, He has spoken clearly – directing me to what I needed to read and absorb. Thank You Father for, not only giving the beautiful gift of grace but also, the understanding of how truly amazing it is.



Day 328 of Giving Thanks

The enemy will lull you to sleep with his words. Some things sound really great from the pulpit or even better when we are justifying actions or the world around us.

Since writing Giving Thanks Daily and creating the Wonderfully Made page, I have been even more cautious about my writing. I am grateful that God has given me access to great counsel, that He has raised my awareness levels high – that my heart is grieved when something doesn’t “sound” or “feel” right, and I am prompted to question it. It does not always mean I am right, it does keep me going to the word to make sure I am; or seek counsel and guidance if I need to.

There is a constant hum of “Be careful, Shawn, you are responsible to stand before GOD - watch what you share and teach others” plays on in my head.

I hear people say all the time “that is the enemy". Not all bad circumstances in my life are attacks of the enemy - illness, storms, job losses, financial hardship or death. It is very comforting to know that God wants me to come to Him through it all. During all these times He is the constant; no matter why things happen, God is the why I will get through them.

God will use me greatly when I come to Him greatly. And I come to Him greatly when I need Him greatly.

Father, help me to see through, and exemplify You through all I do. I pray for discernment and truth.

1. Psalm 119:125 - I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
2. Proverbs 3:21 - My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
3. Proverbs 17:10 - A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
4. Proverbs 28:11 - A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Day 327 of Giving Thanks

I am truly grateful for the times when I can just do and not plan things in my life – where I get to go somewhere and really don’t have to think too much about it. Tonight I had one of those times. Chris and I had a week-night, date night with about 2,500 people at the Nibbles, Dribbles and Sips event at for the Golden State Warriors Season Ticket holders.  We had a good time, hanging out and nibbling and I sipped a bit.

I am grateful for good times, where we can just be together and have no real agenda or a timeline. And, we will finish the evening with a movie – and our normal planned out, agenda’d lives will continue tomorrow. But for now, no clock, just the rest of the evening.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Day 326 of Giving Thanks

“Lord you are so amazing – I am in awe every day of your greatness” seems to be a common statement lately.

It was an energetic talk today from Richard Moore, still in Proverbs discussing Smart People Honor Their Parents. Richard shared three things to pay attention to as we grow in faith in honoring our parents (our heavenly Father).

1. Listening to their (His) instruction –
2. Embracing their (His) correction –
3. Don’t forget their (His) wisdom –

“Maybe today is the day you say yes to Jesus Richard said toward the end of his sermon this morning. Despite the fact that it has been eight years since I said yes to Jesus, I desire him even more today and pray for deeper understanding every day.

As I listen to His instruction, I am still). As I embrace His correction, I pray for understanding and even more desire to do His will. As I read and meditate on His word daily, I and will not forget His wisdom.
Listen

“My son/daughter, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart” ~Proverbs 3:1

Embrace
“My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [a] the son he delights in.” ~Provers 3:11

So, what can I say yes to today that Jesus is telling me, that has been laid before our Father in heaven on my behalf? He is waiting. He is faithful. He is trustworthy.

Don’t Forget Wisdom
“My son/daughter, if your heart is wise,
then my heart will be glad” ~Proverbs 23:15

“Stop listening to instruction, my son/daughter,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” ~Proverbs 19:27

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day 325 of Giving Thanks

Sometimes when I start my day I am amazed at God’s grace and mercy – before I even step out of bed. Today was one of those days. The last three days, I have had very low blood pressure (82/44), dizziness, nausea, a severe headache and instability with my motor skills – it has been quite a nuisance this week.

“With God all things are possible.” ~Matthew 19:26

For the first time in many weeks, I woke up, on time, and without an alarm clock (it felt like old times).  As I readied myself for my day, I realized that the headache was almost gone and I was stable on my feet. Praise God.

Today I had a glimpse of what I use to “feel” like – a pain-free and full day, a day that I didn’t have to fight for my energy. I am grateful that hope comes at the right moments every time; that my life is in order, according to my Father in heaven. A good day can carry me for months, but today, I had a different sense – that I will feel like I did today more often. What a great day to remember and I know that being grateful is not just for the “good” day, but for every day – and with gratitude there is nothing but “good’ days.

I am looking forward to each day living out my life in an amazing way - moving toward my dreams – sharing my life with others – and living great-fully as a grateful person because I died and was reborn.

“Every God-begotten person conquers the world's ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:4-6

Friday, October 1, 2010

Day 324 of Giving Thank

It seems that the days, weeks and months just fly by. And, every year I say I will not “feel” like my life is flashing before my eyes, I am going to enjoy more – and although this year has moved extremely fast, I believe that I have taken in much more than ever before.

In the work I do, I spend a lot of time with people – and some have told me “spend time with more people to get better results”. There was a time when I took that and changed how I did things – full circle – once again, I will spend the time necessary to build the relationship, develop a friendship and help them to be self reliant.

“The time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

In the work I do, I spend a lot of time with people – and, it is my joy to show God in my life, to use my gifts to do God’s work – for me that is doing exactly what I do. I will build the relationships, develop the friendships and show them who they can rely on through the example of my life.

“Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving.” – Henry Ford

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” ~Proverbs 31:17

“Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:14-16

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Day 323 of Giving Thanks

I sat for a few hours tonight in a waiting room and in that time I was able to reflect on many things. First, I want to relay to everyone how thankful I am that God pulled me to where I am; that my skepticism didn’t turn into hatred, distrust or torment. I am grateful that I am loving, kind, compassionate and trusting. I am so thankful that I heard God, despite that at one time I turned my heart and mind off to the possibility of Him.

As I sat and watched the people around me, I could see pain, not just in the physical aspect, but in some of the faces. Some were alone in that waiting room, and no one to call; some called, but no one answered. I spoke to a couple of people and prayed for them – three unknowingly to them, one I prayed for and told her. Prayer is an awesome gift we can give to anyone, with no cost to us at all.

I thought again of how rich my life is. How just having a heart of gratitude changes everything. It truly changes everything – my perspective, my outlook, my history and my time to come. Through Your word I can read Your promises, but Lord it is the confirmation I receive that embeds Your promises so deeply in my heart.

It is my heart’s desire to do Your will, to be one that others will see something different.

“You will be made rich 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

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Day 322 of Giving Thanks

The moments of staring at a blank page do not happen often, in fact, the writing here is usually done in about five minutes. If it takes too long, I know it is me, and not God - when it is time to write, it is like running water at the sink.  Today, my mind is reeling, but my body is not – so being still is easy tonight.

As I sit here, with the dishwasher swishing in the background, it is almost hypnotic. The electric breeze from the fan keeping me comfortable, it has not been a comfortable week at all.

Several things went a little haywire over the last week – people with the flu, muscle spasms, internet connection down, broken A/C and very few people to talk to – Yet again God pulled us through to the end with time to spare and over the goal.

It is mind-blowing, when I think about it! In every way of my life – there is purpose. And, in my work, His work is done.  I am grateful that I am in a place where I have such strong faith. Not once did I ever believe we wouldn’t make it. Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” ~2 Corinthians 9:6-12

And, it is true joy to worship and honor such a faithful God.


Day 321 of Giving Thanks

Diagnosis – in need of healing, repair, change and restoration
Prognosis – perfect, daughter of the King

Tonight I gave some advice to teammate, and suggested a change in how they ‘talk to themselves’. I have been giving myself this same advice for years – and until recently, it didn’t really click. I need to be my own best encourager and cheerleader, outside of God. And, I do that by going to God. I do that by listening to what God has to say, who He says I am. I must hold every thought captive, simply said…

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ~2 Corinthians 10:5


And again I pray “Lord I am ready for my dream, if I am not ready, continue to prepare me.” In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. I am grateful Lord that Your voice is becoming the loudest voice I hear; that even in turmoil (in my mind) or through challenges, because I seek You, I hear You.

“The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” ~2 Corinthians 10:3-6




Monday, September 27, 2010

Day 320 of Giving Thanks

How am I to know all that You have for me? All I know is that is is so much more than I will ever comprehend!

“…so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” ~1 Corinthians 2:5

There are moments when I am overwhelmed!  Overwhelmed with joy; anticipation; hope and life!  Joy is not dictated by my circumstances, anticipation of all that God has for me and hope that my life has purpose.

“People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," ~Mark 7:37
“As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet Him." ~Mark 9:15

As I sat to digest all that occurred today, which, by the way was a very “normal” day, I realized that there is much I have seen and much I have learned. And, knowing that my life is a continual journey, I know there is much more to see and learn. How exciting it is to know that I will never know it all, and I will always be growing. I am so in love and in awe of a God that does this for me – and for anyone else who chooses Him. I am grateful for my personal journey.

”However, as it is written:
   "No eye has seen,
      no ear has heard,
   no mind has conceived
   what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.”  ~1 Corinthians 2:9-10



Sunday, September 26, 2010

Day 319 of Giving Thanks

Sticking to a plan has been very difficult for me. I definitely have some form of attention deficit and I am sure that it is mostly habitual. At the beginning of every year I put my goals down. Does anyone else to that? And, I usually have on my list “schedule my time and stick to the schedule”, or something like that. I know there are great rewards for me when I can finally do that.

I have gone three weeks in a row – pretty good for me – so far so good.

Father, I am grateful that You pull me gently toward You. That Your corrections are getting much easier to recognize as I learn to connect better with You. I am thankful that this correction appears to be “not too late”, and my life is getting into a rhythm, and I do understand that normalcy is ever changing. My desire is to become better, be a person of my word 100% of the time, eliminate excuses and always keep my eyes, heart, mind and actions on You.

Thank You for a wonderful day today.

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

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Day 318 of Giving Thanks

There were a couple things very present in my mind today – visible hope for the restoration of my body – with a plan and confirmation that this is where God wants me; and visible evidence that my husband and I can still have a good time doing normal stuff.  For these simple things I am grateful.

A normal day – it has been a very long time since I felt normal.  Settling back into normalcy when all has been chaotic for many years is like trying on a dress that I haven’t worn in years, yet it still fits. I remember how the fabric felt, what the reflection in the mirror looked like and how a compliment from Chris gave my spirit a boost. The style is a bit outdated, but it is still ok – because I have a God who assures me that when I am restored, I will be better than before; because the restoration is all part of His mighty plan – where I am perfected over time.

Every day God gives me many gifts; His attention – His voice – His will – His words and promises. Today I praise Him again that I am content with my journey – normal or chaotic, He is with me – and what a wonderful thing to praise.

Psalm 150
 Praise the LORD.
       Praise God in his sanctuary;
       praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
       praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
       praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
       praise him with the strings and flute,
 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
       praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
       Praise the LORD
.




Friday, September 24, 2010

Day 317 of Giving Thanks

For so long now I have prayed the same prayer and for months I have truly felt on the verge of realizing it. The closer You draw me near, the closer I am to knowing what You have for me.

I found myself, again, complaining yesterday about my “situation” – working hard to justify where I am by blaming, rather thank taking responsibility. This is not an attractive place to be, and yet, I know that this part of the path. This path, that I have taken, is completely necessary for me to fully comprehend how to lead others with a servant’s heart.  You are my leader Lord, and it is when I implement that practice, I understand fully where You want me.

“It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people.” ~Psalm 118:8

I am grateful LORD, that every time I find myself dwelling on things I thought were already repaired, I realize that I am trying desperately to depend on me, rather than You. I am greatly aware that I must allow You to work this out through Your process.

And again I pray “Lord I am ready for my dream, if I am not ready, continue to prepare me.” I am ready, open and willing to do what it takes and give you what I cannot do. Lead me now, show me how to serve as Jesus served.

“And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:44-45 


Leadership happens when I decide to listen. This is two-fold. I must first listen to what God has for me and second, I must listen to others so I can hear how to best serve them. Father, thank You for keeping me grounded in hearing Your voice, and pulling me back when necessary.

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” ~Luke 6:38 

 

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Day 316 of Giving Thanks

I now look at my life as a journey and roads traveled, where detours will occur and road blocks are inevitable – where storms will blow me right and left and off the road all together – where I will breakdown and crash – but the final destination, no matter the journey is under control of the perfect navigator – and if He is close, I am always closer than I realize.

F A I L U R E
malfunction, stoppage, collapse, disappointment,
let down, crash, not a success

None of these words describe me, or you – not in God’s eyes, not by His amazing purpose for us. I now know that I must have the correct dependence and source to remind of who I am all along my path.

And, while on my path, I am passionate about living out God’s purpose for my life in partnership with others who make up the beautiful body of Christ. I am grateful that my LORD loves for me to be edified and encouraged through His words and people. I am grateful that through His ministering to me, others can too, be encouraged and edified.


 “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” ~Thomas Edison

Know that you have not failed, you are on your journey, and God is always with you. All you have to do is seek His presence, love Him with all your heart and He will guide You along a lighted path.

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.” ~Isaiah 51:6


“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~Thomas Edison


“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.”
~2 Corinthians 13:5-6 (NIV)

"...Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)


© 2011 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta                        
Web: http://shawnsgivingthanksdaily.blogspot.com/ 
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Shawn Delia Boreta

Free e-Book Devotional

Free e-Book Devotional
It's All About Me