Today is Thankful Thursday and Lynn of Spiritually Unequal Marriage is our host. Lynn is such a dear blogging friend of mine. She wrote about how many people seem to have a sense of entitlement these days. One way to pull that entitlement attitude into proper perspective is ...God's perspective.
In reality, I don't deserve anything. If it were not for my personal relationship with Jesus, my life would be miserable and I wouldn't have the hope of spending eternity with Him. Talk about depressing!
Despite any current trials and challenges, I have much for which I can be thankful.
I have truly been encouraged by others this week.
I haven't been to my Sunday morning Bible study group for several weeks now. Each week, I plan to be there but with all of the current stress, I haven't made it. I'm so thankful for the prayers of my Life Group family and that they've not given up on me.
Check out this cartoon from Joyful Toons. That is exactly how I felt when I had a visit from my friend Marcia on Monday. Marcia is the group leader of my Bible study. Look at what she brought to surprise me!
Marcia presented me with an encourgement basket! I was so touched by the kindness of my friends. Many of them are going through their own difficulties and challenges and yet ... they gave from their heart.
I am not a very emotional person but I was truly touched and overwhelmed. I was at a loss for words. I have to say I prefer to be the giver of gifts. It can be difficult to receive but I want to do so graciously.
Besides lots of yummy goodies (Greg enjoyed them too), there were many envelopes with cards of well wishes. And did I mention the gift cards to restaurants. Walmart and Starbucks ...here we come!
I am blown away by the family of God. It was just like the Acts church. Not only do they love and encourage one another but they put that love in action. And I am one grateful and thankful woman.
My desire is to become so sensitive to others going through similar circumstances and be able to put my love in action too.
Thank you Life Group of North Phoenix. I love you and appreciate each one of you!
Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome post....In reality, I don't deserve anything. If it were not for my personal relationship with Jesus, my life would be miserable and I wouldn't have the hope of spending eternity with Him. Talk about depressing!
amen... What an amazing God we serve and I am humbled by the family of Christ. Women like you who give to girls like me. Hugs and have a fantastic TT.
What a wonderful group you have there :) Such family of Christ is indeed a great encouragement!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice, heart tugging post.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - I love hearing stories of the body of Christ acting that way - helping and loving on each other!!!!
ReplyDeleteExpecting nothing in return but to see some joy in your life!
Love you and sending big hugs!
Jill
It makes me happy to see that kind of love.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have those sisters and brothers in Christ to lift us up and be such wonderful encouragers!
God bless you and that you may continue to feel his love, peace and joy surround you! I find myself needing to lift up thanks continuously, in order that I keep negative thoughts from sticking around. Like now, I have to keep my eyes on Him and thank Him for healing in our son. He has been healed from cancer and I know that God has his hands on him as he is recovering from the flu.
You are always such a light to me and I appreciate your posts!
Blessings & Aloha!
Oh Debbie :)
ReplyDeleteReading through this post - about how your friends and Bible study ladies sent you some love...reminds me of you checking in on me! I'm so thankful that you drop by just to see how I'm doing...its wonderful and it ALWAYS encourages me!
My baby girl is 3 months old now! I can't even believe it has been that long! But we are doing well! We have been traveling over the last few weeks so I haven't done much blogging - but I've been keeping a journal of all the things I want to post about - I've got lots!
Thanks again for thinking of me - I'm REAL thankful for it! I'm praying for you!
HUGS,
Kate :)
i know how that must have felt like. i felt that way too yesterday. it was like God was the one doing it Himself through my friend.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you more, debbie.
Dear Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. It generally kind of feels better to give than receive.
Sometimes the warmth and honest care from the giver get right to ones heart, through all barriers and defenses.
A love gift.
That's when one feels really blessed.
You've and a row of wonderful blog posts lately.
They all witness about God's greatness in your life and likewise how wisely you deal with life's steep up-hills.
Like in Pilgrim's Progress you are walking so close with God that His light is shining through your posts.
You have made a blessed haven here on the internet.
Thank you.
From Felisol
Hi Debbie, this is so wonderful! Isn't God amazing? Many blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI love that Twila Paris song "How Beautiful is the Body of Christ". Isn't it a blessing to have friends show such kindness in times of need?
ReplyDeleteit feels terrific when we can face the day with great christian friends
ReplyDeleteDebbie how wonderful it is to have friends who are there for you when you need them most. This was really good as usual. And your right, talk about depressing. Without Him, and the hope of eternity, what really is the point of it all?? I rarely forget that I don't deserve anything at all. I can barely get through a day without OBVIOUS failures, let alone the little things. How I praise God for that...Have a wonderful day. I don't know what your struggles have been, but I am praying for you. Blessings, Debbie
ReplyDeleteThat is SO sweet!! yes, that is God telling you He loves you and it is such a blessing to able to recognize that! :) Enjoy your goodies!
ReplyDeleteHi sweet friend, I pray that Jesus encourages you each and every day! I'm here lifting you up.
ReplyDeleteHugs,Noreen
What a sweet thing for them to do! I'm sure you've heard the saying "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving." So true!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
So true, Debbie, we truly don't deserve anything but death. I told my husband this morning that we have been so blessed throughout our entire lives, and often, we complain about the most trivial things...to have a grateful heart really is our key to contentment and very pleasing to our Father, who gives us everything.
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have wonderful friends that love the Lord, and love you!
God bless,
Mary
It's funny how gifts work. You can't give a gift if it wont be received. ;) I guess this applies to all 'givings'.
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile! I'm so glad your group blessed you in that way this week. Praise God for the way they ministered to you and encouraged you!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time stoppping by and your post was very beautiful and touching!!Many blessings to you!!
ReplyDeleteMade my heart smile. Aren't you glad that you're a part of the family of God?
ReplyDeleteLove you,