Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Take This Job and Love It!


I saw this on a Max Lucado calendar and loved it. I was reading this morning in the paper about a second grade boy who volunteered to take out the trash in his classroom. He said, "We all like jobs." If we had the enthusiasm of this second grader, we would have happier, more fulfilling lives.

We spend 83,000 hours of our lives at work. How much better we would feel if we actually loved our work instead of merely enduring it while always looking forward to the weekend!

In a week and a half we will be celebrating Labor Day. I wonder if we would feel differently toward our labor if we changed our attitude about work. Richard Bach says, "The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." I thought of that quote this weekend when Hubby and I, along with our granddaughter, weeded flower beds. It was hot, exhausting work, but I kept thinking about how wonderful it was to be outdoors with my family and how nice our yard would look when it was done.

Maybe it's time to be thankful for our jobs. When we get something done, we feel good about it. When you think about it, it seems ridiculous to put off that good feeling of accomplishment we get when our work is done. Ecclesiastes 2:10 says "My heart took delight in all my work" and another great philosopher named Larry the Cable Guy says, "Get 'er done." Good advice!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Gratitude in All Things


"Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving," suggests David in Psalm 95:2. Yes, I can do that.

Today I am grateful for the rain we had earlier and for the sun coming out after the storm. The quickest way I know to elevate my mood is an attitude of gratitude.

Last Saturday we went to the Missouri State Fair, and the rain poured down at one point, causing me to go in search of our granddaughter to make sure she found shelter. I didn't complain about the rain, though, because we found a nice shelter with live music and good food and beverages. There is always a blessing if we search for one.

Gratitude serves us in many ways. First, seeing the blessings in every thing opens the way for more blessings. Every year when Frank and I do our Christmas card, I am amazed at all the blessings we have to share with others. We have to leave many out because there isn't room on the card to write them all down (and we don't want to bore people to death....lol).

Secondly, gratitude helps us live in the present moment. Each moment brings its own blessings. For instance, right now I feel blessed to have a laptop computer so I can write a blog entry or a message.

Lastly, an attitude of gratitude is what keeps me reverent. I thank God that He sees fit to bless my life in so many ways with a wonderful family, a good job, and a lovely home. Paul instructs us in I Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks." Thank You, Lord. I am indeed blessed.

Love & Light,
Patty

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Prayer Offers Strength and Comfort


I visited my mom a couple of days ago and sat with her through her chemo treatment. At the end, I hugged her and then went out to my car a little tearful. A sense of powerlessness overwhelms me sometimes. Then I realized something, I could pray. I went back into the treatment center and prayed with her. I felt a release. I think she did too.

Numbers 6:26 says, "The Lord lift up His countenance and give you peace." That peace carries with it the strength we need to get through life. In church we say, "Wherever I am, God is, and all is well."

Thanks, Lord, for being our comfort and our strength. Thanks for providing the care and the people needed to bring about healing. Thanks for blessing Mom in many ways with a wonderful doctor and great nurses, a caring husband, and a comforting niece to sit with her through treatments.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Still Small Voice


"After the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice," (I Kings 19:11-12). Sometimes things happen that challenge us and change our circumstances, but God will help us through them. Our GPS (God's Powerful Spirit) will guide us to a place of strength and peace. God doesn't cause catastrophes, but He does enfold us with His ever-present love and give us refuge. That still small voice opens our hearts to experience love and grace. He will show us the way and transform us and those we love with His healing presence. That is how we know that all is well. "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places," (Isaiah 58:11). I am so grateful for this. Thank You, Lord. Our hope is in You, and I am renewed. "The promise of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him," (Psalms 18:30)

Light and Love,
Patty