Thankful

Today's topic isn't really on "self-control", but in way it is.  We do have control over our attitude, and we can usually find something to be thankful for, even if it's something small.

I am speaking in a few weeks at an advent service, and the topic I've been asked to talk about is our attitude.  How can our attitude affect our lives? 

            In light of the upcoming holiday season, with all of the stressors and emotions connected with it, I decided to take a good long look at my own attitude and where it's going.

            I certainly have a lot to be thankful for when I sit down to a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.  But there is going to be an empty place at the table.  My grandma, who I've spent nearly every Thanksgiving with, won't be with us.  She's feasting at the table in Heaven this year.

            Her death has left a huge hole in our hearts.  Although she was ready to go when she passed away in April at the age of 91, we weren't ready to let her go.  I don't think you're ever ready to completely let go.   So my latest question has been how am I going to get through the holidays without her, and have an attitude of joy?

            Joy, as I have often said in my talks and writings, is different from happiness.  Joy is something that lies deep within us and that endures, even when our circumstances aren't happy.  Joy doesn't depend on your circumstances; instead, it can thrive despite your circumstances.

            Having joy in my heart doesn't mean I won't grieve.  It doesn't mean I'm going to put on a smile and a "happier than thou" attitude.  I won't fake my way through the day, or the weeks to come.  But through grief, I know deep down that while I may hurt now, there is hope.  I will see my grandma again.   I'll sit at the table with her some day, and feast.  Jesus is saving me a place.  And because of that, even though my heart is hurting, I am not filled with despair.

            God-willing, I will get up on Thanksgiving morning and watch the parade with my kids.  I'll prepare a few side dishes and take them to my parents, where we will sit down to a wonderful home-cooked meal.  When I see my grandma's place empty, I'll probably cry.  But at the same time, I'll be sitting across from my dad, who has been healed of cancer.  I'll be sitting next to my boys, who are the lights of my life. I will eat my mom's good home-cooked meal (prepared allergy-free, just for me) and toast my husband of 21 years.  I'll be able to look out the window at my very old, but very lively horse, and know that all is good.

            My grandma gave me memories.  She made me home-cooked meals.  She was the first to open up her farm to my horses, which became a big love of mine.  She taught me about family, and love, and life.  My grandma spent a lifetime loving me and nurturing me, and I would do her a disservice if I let my grief drown me.  Part of who I am and what I am, is because of her.

            So Nanny, in your honor, I'm all about attitude this November.  I'm going to rejoice and hug my family members, and eat a hearty meal.   I know you'll be smiling down at me. 

           

            

Sharing Knowledge

            I went to my great aunt's 90th birthday party last week.  There must have been over 200 people there to celebrate her! Her kids had printed placemats with vintage photos of her life, and a continual loop slide show displayed photos from her past 90 years.

            While we all ate cake, her family opened up the mic for people to speak.  Person after person got up and the continuing theme throughout the day was how Aunt Louise had helped them in some way.  She shared her food.  She shared her wisdom. She shared her time.  Aunt Louise has spent a lifetime giving from her heart, and because of that a huge ballroom full of family and friends turned up - many from out of state - to attend her birthday party.  Aunt Louise is wise, and people desire what she has to offer.

            James 1:5 promises If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  But what are we to do with that wisdom once we get it?  I believe it's for sharing.  For helping others when we recognize a need.  It can be the awesome task of traveling to Africa to open a mission school, or the simple task of recognizing that your neighbor could use a home-cooked meal.  

            We never know when what we have to give, is just what the receiver needs.  In God's orchestrated plan, we might feel like such a minute part that we never even realized we have been the butterfly who flapped her wings and caused the windstorm on the other side of the world.   It's the ripple effect; the pay-it-forward.   The warm meal you brought your neighbor maybe gave her the reserves to visit with her teenage granddaughter, who happened to need someone to talk to that day regarding the bully at school, and decided not to go home and take her life after all.  We sometimes don't know what's beyond the obvious, or, for that matter, who we may be helping.

            Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. - Heb. 13:12

Moving Mountains (or Philistines)

My devotional this morning mentioned Shamgar, a man who struck down 600 Philistines with an ox-goad (which is a pointy stick used for herding slow-moving animals).  SIX HUNDRED Philistines taken down by one man with a stick!  (Judges 3:31)

            That got me to thinking about how much we can do if we dedicate our work to God.  Which puts me in mind of another story I heard in church one Sunday from my pastor.

            A woman was praying to move a mountain that she could see from her back yard.  (I don't remember why she wanted it moved, but that's not the point of the story.) 

            "You can't move an entire mountain just by praying," people told her.  

            "No, but God can," she replied.

            So for years this woman steadfastly prayed for that mountain to be moved.  One day, a large construction crew arrived at the foot of the mountain with a lot of dynamite.  They drove around to the nearby residents and announced that they were going to blast away the mountain to put in a new road!

            I love that story.  I guess it doesn't matter if we only have a simple stick, or have to wait for a construction crew.  What matters is that there is power in prayer, and God is listening!  If there's a job we need to do, or want done, if we dedicate it to God, anything is possible.

I'm Back...(hopefully)

It was a challenging summer.  Due to the deaths of several  loved ones, a car accident and a new diagnosis of fibromyalgia, I had to take the summer off.  I had to save my energy for my kids, so writing took a back seat.  Needless to say, I learned a lot about relying on God.   I look forward to posting again on "The Princess Project" blog, beginning this month, and to continue living out my year as a "daughter of the King", along with all of you.  God Bless.

Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.                                                                                                                                                               - Ephsians 2:8-9

            This month's topic is grace, and how it is ours by birthright.  It is God's greatest gift to us.  I am SO GLAD that I don't have to work my way into the family of God, but that He is willing to pour out His grace on me!

            I think this is the greatest appeal of Christianity - it's free for the taking.  Nothing required to join - you just gotta believe Jesus died for you.  Admit you need him; admit that on your own you do tend to mess up from time to time (i.e. sin) and you're in.  It's that simple.  It's that free.  God loves us that much.

            So I'm rejoicing!

Seeking Wisdom

I think most of us struggle with our choices sometimes.  I know that for me, on my birthday last month, I looked at my life and wondered if I was where I should be.  I had dreamed of living on a horse farm, teaching writing at a university and writing novels.  My life hasn't led me there yet, and I'm halfway through.

            Have I made the right choices in my life?

            God, our Heavenly father, is the keeper of wisdom, and He gives it out to those who earnestly seek it. 

            If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5.

            That's a pretty amazing gift!  And, as princesses, one we should desire. 

            Solomon was the richest and wisest king in history.  Why?  Because God told him he'd give him anything he asked for.  Solomon asked for wisdom, and because of that, the rest of his life was blessed beyond measure.

            So whether you are struggling with major life choices, or just trying to check off your to-do list, take it before God first.  Ask Him what to do.  You may be surprised at how much more smoothly things turn out!

Carpe Diem!

            Has life been a little bit more challenging than usual lately?  It sure has for me.  But I've painted Carpe Diem on the wall in my living room, just above my front door.  Carpe Diem is Latin (a favorite literary term of mine!) and it means Seize The Day!

            This is the day the Lord has made - let us be glad and rejoice in it!!!

            Don't let negative thoughts get you down.  Don't let the rain and storms drown out your happiness.  If you were able to get out of bed this morning, thank the good Lord - He put the breath in your lungs!

            Today I will try to rejoice in the fact that I am healthy enough to stand and wash the dishes.   I will rejoice in the endless carpooling with the kids, because I have a working car and can drive.  I will be glad that I have dinner on the table tonight (even if I have to make it) and that my kids and husband are home with me to eat it.

            Don't let negative self-talk get you down.  Don't listen to any discouraging voices in your mind.  You are a daughter of the King.  You are a princess!!!

            Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11