Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts! It's the same peace (soul at rest, calmness in heart, regardless of circumstances) Christ talks about in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." It is given by Christ/produced by His Spirit. Our hearts are the center of conflict in our desires and feelings. We must surrender all to Christ and let His peace that surpasses all understanding take control over our hearts. When we learn to commit everything to His care and trust Him completely, we will have His peace...perfect peace. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging 'round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found." 
(E. H. Bickersteth)

We, Christ's followers, are called to seek, maintain, cultivate, and foster peace as we are members of one body. We are to live in peace with one another...to have unity/oneness, not division, envy, or contention. Let the peace of Christ rule in all our relationships, decisions, and responses. When we individually have Christ's peace within our hearts, we are more likely to contribute and experience peace in the Body of Christ. Discord and disharmony among the Body of Christ cause negative impacts on both unbelievers and believers.

A peaceful heart and a thankful heart go hand in hand. When our heart is filled with peace, we are thankful and when our heart is thankful, we are filled with peace. Be thankful that God has rescued us from eternal death and has given us eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Be thankful for what Christ has done for us. Be thankful for our peace with God, made possible by Christ's shed blood for us. Be thankful for the Body of Christ bonded by the love of Christ. Be thankful for the profound peace which is a gift from God. The Spirit of God through the Word of God brings about the peace of God in our hearts. Beware of things that can rob us of our peace: unconfessed sin, worry, fear, resentment/unforgiveness, and ungratefulness (aka discontent, complaining, jealousy).

"This refrain ("Be thankful") is repeated over and over again in Paul’s writings. There must have been a good reason: The Spirit of God must consider a thankful spirit very important. And we believe that it is!—important not only for a person’s spiritual life, but for his physical welfare as well. Doctors have found out what the Scriptures have taught through the years—that a cheerful, thankful attitude of mind is beneficial for the body, and that worry, depression, and a complaining spirit are definitely harmful to one’s health...Of all peoples of the world, we have the most for which to give thanks." (William MacDonald)

To ponder: While we are proclaiming peace, love, and joy with our words...on our Christmas cards, can people tell there's peace, love, and joy in our hearts...in our lives?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of peace. May my heart continually be governed by Your peace and be occupied with gratitude to You! Thank You for Your constant presence, provision, and protection. Please help me fix my thoughts on You, Your power, Your promises, and Your purposes. Please help me to be at peace with everyone and be a peacemaker always.

Friday's Fave Five #49

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. I spent $6.70 at the library's book sale and came home with 2 bagfuls of great books, CDs, and DVDs. Thankful and excited :)!

2. I had so much fun taking senior pictures of my 17 yo daughter, Alyssa! God made her so beautiful (inside and out :)). Such a delightful blessing she is! Here are a few samples out of over 200 pictures I took.

3.We enjoyed watching a series of magnificent lightning in the sky (60+ lightning strikes). Very cool light show :)! "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

4. I'm participating in 21 Days of Prayer for Sons and I have been blogging about this prayer challenge on my homeschool-related blog, Fruitbearers. I love praying the Scriptures for my sons (and daughter).

5. Alyssa was leaping on cloud nine on Tuesday :)! It's impossible for her (and me) to express all her excitement in words. She got accepted by OM (Operation Mobilization) to serve onboard the Logos Hope for 2 months. She will leave in August to get onboard the Logos Hope in Phuket, Thailand and in October, she will leave from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to come back home. I'm so excited to see what the Lord will do in her, for her, and through her. What a mighty God we serve! (Alyssa used to sing that song out loud in public when she was a toddler :).)

Indescribable Joy

Joy surpasses any happiness.  Happiness is dependent on circumstances.  Joy is not.  I am filled with overflowing joy (not because it's my birthday :) but because of Jesus).  Joy is found in our gratitude to the Lord.  Joy is found in knowing Jesus.  Joy is found in walking with Him even through the valley of the shadow of death. Joy is found in living for God (our Source of joy) and doing His will. Joy is found in childlike faith. Joy is found in Christ-like attitude. Joy is found in loving, giving, and serving.  You can have true joy if you love Jesus above all else, then sincerely love and genuinely care about others, and put yourself last.
Jesus
Others
Yourself

Oh the sheer joy of it!
Walking with Thee,
Out on the hilltop,
Down by the sea,
Life is so wonderful,
Life is so free.
~Ralph Spaulding Cushman

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11
"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7
"If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15: 10-11
God is my Joy and my Delight.  How thankful I am for the joy of the Lord deep within my soul!  Joy to the World...Joy to you all! "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David,a Savior has been born to you; He is CHRIST the Lord.'"(Luke 2:10-11) Christ's birth brought indescribable joy to mankind because He is the Messiah! Let's share with others the joy of knowing Jesus and the wonders of His love! May our joy and love (that we receive from Him) be contagious :).

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

Have a CHRIST-centered & joy-filled CHRISTmas, everyone!

Friday's Fave Five #32

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-
1. Relaxing Thanksgiving Day with our loved ones.  We had a blessed time.  Family, feast, and fun!

2. Triple Berries Cheesecake (strawberries, raspberries, & blueberries).  My mother-in-law made two yesterday...very yummy!

3. Congratulations to Alyssa (my 17 year old daughter) on winning the Tell Mom--Fun or Not? Contest! The prize is a $25 Amazon gift certificate. You can read her entry online here.

4. Consider: A Colonial Thanksgiving.  We indeed have so much to be thankful for.  Let's never forget to count our blessings and thank Whom our blessings come from!
Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.
 

5. The Mend Mark bracelet is a unique bracelet/wristband that resembles the holes of the nail driven into the wrists of Jesus during His crucifixion. It's a great witnessing tool and a beautiful reminder for us to live a life of love and to live for Christ. It makes a meaningful Christmas gift :).  Click here to read my review and enter the giveaway (which ends 11/30).

DVD Review: Homeless for the Holidays

Homeless for the Holidays is based on a true story that the writer/producer/director and his family experienced. It was made on a small budget; some of the actors even worked for free.  My family and I were quite impressed with the quality of the production and the quality of the actors' performance.

This movie is centered around the ups and downs of Jack Baker and his family. Jack, an ambitious marketing director, enjoys his rapid success at one moment and then the next moment he faces a crisis that changes everything. From the lifestyle of "have-plenty" to "have-nots"! After a long string of desperate job searches, he gets a job that barely pays enough for him and his family to survive. His bills keep piling up and finally, he and his family end up being homeless during Christmastime. The beautiful generosity of a young girl and a conversation with a stranger make Jack Baker pause and think about his past, present, and God's purpose for his life/future. He realizes Baby Jesus was also homeless and many people are homeless during this tough economy. Instead of focusing on their circumstances, he and his family seek to bless others. They learn the joy of having less and giving more. They embrace the joy of being together and spending time bonding as a family. We find this movie to be entertaining and inspiring. There are many witty and funny lines that made us laugh out loud. This movie speaks about the message of hope, faith, family, joy, and contentment. Watching this movie made us more thankful for what we have and reminded us to pray for and help out the homeless more. By the way, we think the actor, Matt Moore, who plays Jack Baker, looks and acts like Adam Sandler :). If you and your family are looking for a family-friendly movie you can enjoy together this holiday season, check this one out.

The DVD can be purchased in select Christian bookstores and online at  http://homelessfortheholidaysmovie.com/ .  You can also watch the trailer on their website.

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

~ Team Buzzplant provided me a free copy of this DVD for an exchange of my honest review. I am not obligated to write a positive review.

You Raise Me Up

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

CHORUS:
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up.. to more than I can be.

REPEAT CHORUS
There is no life - no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when You come and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
And I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up .. to more than I can be
You raise me up .. to more than I can be

"Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You?  Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up.  You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:19-21

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1-2

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 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. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:15-17)  In these three consecutive verses, Paul mentions about being thankful/giving thanks 3 times.  Do you think it's important to have an attitude of gratitude?  How often do you give thanks to God?  Do you have a thankful heart?  Let us all remember to thank God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Thank Him for Who He is (His character/attributes), not just for what He does for us or gives us.

Friday's Fave Five #11

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My fave five this week include:
1. Fun at the park/playground.  The boys had a blast.  I posted the pictures here.

2. Library's book sale.  We got a bagful of nice books and videos for $1.

3. We enjoy living in the country.  We get to see deer up close and varieties of birds.  We see hawks almost everyday and the day before yesterday, we saw California quails.  My sons are becoming ornithologists :).

4. I discovered another wonderful hymn and fell in love with it: "Jesus, Priceless Treasure" (written by Johann Franck, translated by Catherine Winkworth, music by Johann Cruger).  After we read it in the book, Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, I looked up the song on YouTube.  I listened to  several videos (different choirs/singers); this hymn made me cry and cry (I just love Jesus so much!).  "Hence, all fear and sadness!  For the Lord of gladness, Jesus enters in.  Those who love the Father, though the storms may gather, still have peace within.  Yea, whate'er I here must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure." (the last stanza in the hymn)

5. "The Signs of Persecution" free webinar featuring Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, and Carl Moeller.  It was excellent.  I will post the video here or the link to the video here when it becomes available.  Please join me in praying for persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.  If you would like to learn more about the persecuted church, please check out The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors.

Thankful Thursday #17

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for our local speech/apologetics club that my daughter has participated in.   Her speech presentation went very well last Friday.  Her grandma, our neighbor, and some friends came to attend and they all enjoyed it.  She is becoming a confident speaker and a well-equipped defender of the faith.

2. I am thankful for the opportunity to host a weekly Bible study for the international students (from a local university) at our home again (we had done this before in the past).  I hope and pray that God will use our family and our home for His glory and that the students will be drawn to Jesus.

3. I am thankful for churches, individuals, and organizations (like Gospel for Asia) which share my passion of reaching the lost (especially the unreached) with the Gospel.

4. I am thankful for rain.  It is so refreshing.  I love the after-rain smell :).  I even enjoy stormy weather as long as it doesn't hurt anyone or anything.

5. I am thankful that God is patient with me.  Sometimes it seems that my sanctification process is so slow.  I often slip and slide.  I am also thankful that my family is patient with me.  I hope I am patient with others, too.  Love is patient!

Thankful Thursday #16

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)  It is very comforting to me that His mercies, compassions, and faithfulness never fail...never cease.  "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)  I am glad that I don't have to wake up to the same day everyday like the main character in the movie, "Groundhog Day" :).  If I fail today or make mistakes or today is an unpleasant day (filled with troubles and sorrow, etc.), tomorrow is a brand new day...God's mercy, compassion, and faithfulness already waiting there for me.

2. I am thankful for solitude and silence.  Just me and God alone!  It's a precious time when all is well with my soul.  You might find it funny but I enjoy ironing my husband's clothes.  I spend that ironing time to think and pray.  God often brings to my mind the Scriptures I need and/or the people I should pray for.  "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

3. I am thankful for tears.  I usually feel much better after I cry.  "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6)  I think it's wonderful that God created us with the ability to shed tears and thus release emotional tension.  I cry easily...happy cries, sad cries, overwhelmed-by-God's love-for-me cries, cries over touching movies or songs, etc. 

4. I am thankful for my beloved husband who is very loving, understanding, caring, and supportive.  He is the greatest listener, counselor, peacemaker, encourager, and prayer partner.

5. I am thankful for my youngest son, Isaiah (8) who is a remarkable boy.  He is such a joy and a blessing.  He is obedient, respectful, polite, diligent, hard-working, kind, compassionate, patient, and cheerful.

P.S. I am hosting a book giveaway on my HSB blog.  You can win a copy of The One Day Way: Today Is All the Time You Need to Lose All the Weight You Want by Chantel Hobbs.  Please click here to enter.  The deadline is January 15th.

Thankful Thursday #15

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for snow.  We all love snow here.  We had our first snow of this winter on Tuesday and had lots of fun sledding.

2. I am thankful for my husband's time off work from Dec. 24th to Jan. 3rd.  We love having him home with us. 

3. I am thankful for our wonderful neighbors.  We enjoyed our visit with them when we gave them our Christmas goodies.  They are really nice people.

4. I am thankful for books that are encouraging & inspiring and draw readers closer to God and His Word.  You can see my top ten reads of 2009 here (the post below this one).

5. I am thankful for the eternal perspective God has given me.  Trials and sufferings on earth are nothing when we think of spending eternity in either heaven or hell.  "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)  May you welcome a new year with an eternal perspective!  "Save some, O Christian!  By all means, save some.  From yonder flames and outer darkness, and the weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.  Seek to save some!  Let this, as in the case of the apostles, be your great, ruling object in life, that by all means you might save some." Charles Spurgeon

Thankful Thursday #14

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that the best Gift in the world is free to all.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)  No gifts can ever compare to Jesus, the greatest Gift of all!

2. I am thankful for any gifts or abilities the Lord has blessed me with.  I desire to use them wisely and for His glory.

3. I am thankful that God never leaves me nor forsakes me (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Praise Immanuel (Matthew 1:23)!  God is with us and in us!

4. I am thankful for running water and clean water.  Water is very important; however, we don't really think about it until we have to live without it.  One of my friends has had no water because of broken pipes.  Daily living has become difficult for her and her family.  Now think about those people in some countries who have no clean water.  Please do all you can to help.

5. I am thankful for Christian writers who are willing to share their stories to help and encourage others.  I am hosting 12 Pearls of Christmas.  Each day until Dec. 25th, I post different inspiring and touching stories written by Christian female authors.  Please scroll down to read what I have posted so far.

P.S. I'm having a book giveaway on my HSB blog. You can win a copy of 40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day by C.D. Baker.

Earliest Picture of Me

 

This is the earliest picture of me.  It was taken when I was 17 months old.  I don't know how it got so torn up but I'm glad my mom had kept it and given it to me.  Tomorrow, I'll turn 41.  I am thankful for each day that the Lord has made.  Another day closer to spending eternity with my Savior!  Living is grand when we're living for God.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog. The deadline is tomorrow at midnight (Pacific time). Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Previous Friday Photo Flashback:
- To Grandma's House We Go
- Best Brothers...Best Buddies
- Harvest Festival
- I Love Mommy & Daddy
- Corn Roast Festival
- A Taste of Thailand
- I Could Never Promise You
- In Father's Hands
- Thai Version of Wipe Out
- My Graduation Day in Thailand

Thankful Thursday #13

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that I can pray to God anytime, anywhere, and about anything.  I'm so glad that He never gets tired of listening to our prayers.  I love the fact that our line of communication with Him is always open/available...24/7!  "Pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17  "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

2. I am thankful for rest...for sleep.  I am thankful that I hardly ever have trouble falling asleep.  I am very grateful that I can lay all my burdens at the feet of Jesus and rest in Him.  "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28  "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

3. I am thankful that all my children enjoy reading.  I think once children learn how to read and acquire a love of reading, they can pretty much learn about anything they are interested in. 

4. I am thankful for soldiers and police officers who work tirelessly and sacrifice courageously to protect us.  Let's remember to pray for their safety and for their families.

5. I am thankful for God's protection (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual).  Whenever I look back at my past, I am so grateful to still be alive today :).  I fell into a manhole when I was little.  I desperately begged my mom to stop choking my neck/suffocating me (she was distraught about her failed marriage and temporarily was not in her right mind).  I almost drowned once.  I was close to getting run over by a vehicle several times (if you ever try to cross the streets in Bangkok, Thailand, you will understand why).  In Thailand, I traveled to school by bus and it's always crowded on buses; therefore, I usually ended up standing on the bus' steps (sometimes with one of my feet and/or part of my body hanging out into the traffic).  I had a high fever of 107 degrees F; my husband took me to the emergency room and the doctor there misdiagnosed me...(thinking that the fever was caused by heat exhaustion but I actually had a kidney infection).  I am sure there have been many more incidents that the Lord has protected me (even without my knowledge).  Regarding spiritual warfare, I am thankful that the battle belongs to the Lord, that He is on our side, and that He has given us the full armor for our protection.

"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

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog. The deadline is this Saturday. Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Thankful Thursday #12

 
This week...

1. I am thankful that I can rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), in spite of circumstances, because He never changes.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

2. I am thankful for my sister-in-lawlove (my husband's sister).  I don't have any sisters so she is like a sister to me.  She is very caring and thoughtful.  She is my kids' best aunt (only aunt :)).

3. I am thankful for the I Love Your Blog award (see my sidebar) given to me by Richele.  It's an encouragement to me to know that some people actually read and enjoy my blog :).  To God alone be glory and praise!

4. I am thankful for my daughter's beautiful heart and Godly character.  She is very sweet and helpful.  I love her behind-me-out-of-nowhere hugs :)!  She is such a big help to me...doing chores, teaching her younger brothers, baking, etc.  In Growing in Grace Magazine's this month issue, one of my daughter's four articles is What I Have Learned from My Mom.  All I can say is she's too kind :)!

5. I am thankful that God makes each one of us unique...not all the same as cookie cutter people.  Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 14a) by the Creator of the universe.  Whenever we play Alphabet Name Game (an icebreaker kind of games: people in the group one by one say an adjective that starts with the same alphabet as their name's first letter and that describes them), I usually say "unique" or "unusual" since my first name starts with a "U".  I like the song, "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz.  We are precious and beautiful in God's eyes; that's all it matters.  God has plans and purposes for our unique lives (Jeremiah 29:11).  Be yourself; be who God made you to be!  And if you ever want to be like someone else, choose to be like CHRIST!

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Thankful Thursday #11

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that no matter what's going on, God is in control of everything.  "The living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne." Revelation 4:9

2. I am thankful for the victory we have in Jesus Christ.  Jesus won the victory over sin and death for us all.  "Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

3. I am thankful for all God's blessings upon my life and my family...big and small...visible and invisible...realized and not recognized.

4. I am thankful that my 8 year old son did not get burned too badly when he accidentally fell and touched the woodstove.

5. I am thankful that my 16 year old daughter is using her God-given gifts wisely and for His glory.  One of her articles was accepted for publication in a Christian teen magazine.  She also has been a contributor at Growing in Grace Magazine (Christian online magazine for ladies) for almost 2 years.

I would like to share a poem I wrote this week giving thanks to the Lord.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

Thank You, Lord, for who You are
Thanks for love beyond compare
Thanks for grace beyond measure
Thanks for forgiveness beyond number
Thanks for mercy beyond boundaries
Thanks for provision beyond necessity
Thanks for hope beyond evidence
Thanks for joy beyond circumstance
Thanks for strength beyond comprehension
Thanks for heaven beyond imagination
Thanks for wonders beyond words
Thanks for life beyond earth
Thanks for peace beyond understanding
Thanks for all and everything
Thank You, Lord, for including me in Your family
Thanks to You daily through all eternity

P.S. I'm having two giveaways on this blog: Rolled Canvas and Poster Print (to be made from one of your digital photos). I'm also hosting another giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog. Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

A Heart Exam

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think a heart exam seems appropriate :) (no...not a warning about fat & cholesterol piled up during Thanksgiving feasts). What is our heart condition?  Do we have a thankful heart? Truly thankful? Not thankful only for material things...for worldly pleasures, but truly thankful to God for everything in all circumstances (or in spite of circumstances)... Do we daily thank God for who He is and what He has done? Or do we only thank Him when He answers our prayers the way we want, or only when we have been blessed with something big?

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

"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

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15

"Thankfulness is the soil in which joy thrives." ~Unknown

"When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent,
What time will then remain for murmurs or lament?" ~Unknown

A thankful heart not only produces a joyful heart but also gives us a right/pleasant attitude. The attitude of awe, admiration, reverence, and gratitude for the Almighty God! Other benefits include contentment, peace, complaint-free atmosphere, no envy, no covetousness, desire/eagerness to give and share, etc., besides doing God's will.

I will never forget what a dear friend of mine said when I visited her and her daughter at the hospital after a car accident that took her son's life and left her daughter in critical condition. I went there to encourage and comfort her but instead, her words touched me deeply. She said, "I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me all those years to homeschool my kids. I thank Him for all the time we spent together." She retained a thankful heart throughout the whole ordeal. Wow...isn't that a wonderful example of "giving thanks in all circumstances"?

A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving by Helen Steiner Rice

I come not to ask, to plead or implore You,
I just come to tell You how much I adore You,
For to kneel in Your Presence makes me feel blest
For I know that You know all my needs best...

And it fills me with joy just to linger with You
As my soul You replenish and my heart You renew,
For prayer is much more than just asking for things--
It's the peace and contentment that quietness brings...

So thank You again for Your mercy and love
And for making me heir to YOUR KINGDOM ABOVE!

Father, We Thank Thee by Grenville Kleiser

Father, we thank Thee:
For peace within our favored land,
For plenty from Thy bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in Thine,
For truth to know Thy law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow men,
For light to goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for Thee,
Father, we thank Thee.

*I'm hosting 'Tis the Season to Be Thankful Giveaway.  Please click here to enter.
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.  Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.

Giveaway: 'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Update: This giveaway is now closed.  The winner (randomly chosen) is Lynn Matthews.  Congratulations!  I appreciate all who left a comment here.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

"A thankful heart is a happy heart!" ~Madame Blueberry (from VeggieTales)

Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching fast :).  'Tis the season to send thank you cards to let others know how much you appreciate them, their kindness, thoughtfulness, and/or friendship.  In fact, you can always use thank you cards for any time of the year.  Digital Room (online printing website), the sponsor of this giveaway, is offering one of my blog readers a free pack of 50 Custom Thank You Cards with envelopes.  You can browse their greeting cards page here.  You can also find UPrinting Reviews on Yelp.com.

Prize Offered: (50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes
Shipping: Free UPS Ground within United States
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.
Deadline: November 21st at midnight (Pacific Time)
To Enter: Please leave a comment here letting me know how you plan to use the custom thank you cards and/or whether you have thanked someone today and if yes, for what.  One winner will be randomly chosen. 

~For hosting this giveaway on my blog, I'll also be receiving fifty thank you cards from Digital Room.

Other Current Giveaways:
- Poster Print
- Rolled Canvas

Thankful Thursday #9

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for the freedoms we have in this country.  While we enjoy the freedoms, please remember to pray for the persecuted church around the world.

2. I am thankful for all the men and women who have served our country.  Please pray for them and their families.

3. I am thankful that we were home when the heavy rain falls caused leaks in our family room's ceiling this Saturday (we almost left to go get our groceries).  My husband was able to stop the leaks promptly, preventing any damage.

4. I am thankful that the Lord helped me find what I was looking for.  This sort of thing happens time and time again.  My lack of organizational skills leads to more dependence on Him :).

5. I am thankful for my secret sister who has been praying for me and my family.  I received from her a lovely card and five $1 gift certificates for Dutch Bros. Coffee.

Thankful Thursday #8

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for our niece's son who is turning one tomorrow.  He has been such a blessing...a bright sunshine in her life which is full of hardships and struggles.

2. I am thankful that my children have wonderful, God-fearing friends.  Few but fantastic :)!

3. I am thankful that my husband's wide angled glaucoma is not getting worse.  His eye pressure's test result on Monday was encouraging.

4. I am thankful that my children are not materialistic and they have learned that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."  Every year, they enjoy packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child and spending their money on Gospel tracts, Bibles, animals, etc. for native missionaries and needy families from Gospel for Asia's gift catalogs.

5. I am thankful for my Heavenly Father's unconditional and unfailing love.  He knows everything about me (my ugly side and all) and yet He still loves me :).  My earthly father was an alcoholic who physically abused my mom.  Eventually, my mom took my brother and me away from him.  Even when we were still living with him, we hardly ever saw him home (he was out drinking with friends and he also cheated on my mom).  Sadly, he does not know his own children; my brother and I do not really know him, either. (I did forgive him for everything.)  I'm so glad that my Heavenly Father knows and loves me.  And I know and love Him!

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Thankful Thursday #7

 

This week...
1. I am thankful that the Lord has been working in me/my heart, enabling me to more readily extend His grace, mercy, and compassion (much needed especially when I start to get frustrated and don't know what to do) towards my challenging child who is gifted but possibly have Asperger's syndrome (from what we've researched).  I have been praying for more patience and for wisdom regarding how to understand, teach, train, encourage, and discipline him.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers for us.

2. I am thankful for words of encouragement, words of appreciation, and words of edification from my family, friends (including online friends), and anyone.  I truly appreciate all your kind, honest, and uplifting comments.  Thanks for taking the time to touch people's lives with your words.

3. I am thankful for a warm shelter, warm showers, warm blankets, and warm food.  These things remind me to pray for the homeless.  How hard and miserable it must be for them, especially when it's cold, windy, and wet out!  I encourage you all to support your local homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and to have some food/water supplies and/or extra blankets, coats, socks, etc. available in your vehicles to give out to the homeless whom you may meet on the streets.

4. I am thankful that my children have embraced modesty since they were young.  Modesty is Biblical and beautiful. 

5. I am thankful that the Lord has blessed me through winning blog giveaways.  This month, I have won a book, a DVD, and a $25 e-gift card to an online printing store.  Speaking of giveaways, I am hosting one at my HSB blog.  You have a chance to win a Yoplait Kids Prize Pack.  Two winners will be randomly drawn this Saturday.  There are only 6 entries so far; therefore, you have a great chance for winning :).  Hope you'll stop by and enter!