Joy in the Little Things

Luke 1:14 (NIV)

¹⁴ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

When I completed my most recent scarf/cowl there was a problem well before the last stitch was knit.  No question there was not going to be enough yarn.  So what, I finished it anyway and upon holding it up realized that all it needed was just the right button.  There were buttons in my button baggie, but not “THE” button.  In truth, there are a quite few projects lying about in need of buttons.

I jumped online and longingly perused the buttons at www.woodenbuttons.com.  The button array had be salivating!  This was the place where I would find that gorgeous button that I  could picture finish that piece perfectly.  Knowing my budget limitations I said a prayer and did a little button shopping.

There were toggles, long and short, rounds, ducks, flowers and domes it was almost overwhelming, almost.  I selected a, pretty on the monitor, dark brown wood toggle and a large black disc shell button for a future project.  Then it was time to wait.

Arriving at home on yesterday, I flew to the mailbox, not caring that it was hot and humid; I just knew the buttons had arrived.  Opening the envelope I was not disappointed!  Nestled inside were my buttons, lovely dark chocolate in color, smooth to the touch and just the right size.  My surprise was that there were more buttons in the bag than I thought, it would seem that I neglected to read the fine print (ok it wasn’t fine it was at the end of the sentence! )  These buttons were sold in dozens, so there was definitely more bang for the buck.

We are God’s masterpieces!  He carefully selected everything about us, our eyes, just the right color, that unique edge or speck of color here or there.  He knew that our teeth would set off our smiles perfectly.  The joy that I found in a button for a project, He finds in all of us.

Father, thank you for loving me, one of your unique, flawed and imperfect creations and for allowing the beauty of Your grace, mercy and love to show through and be shared with others.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Thankful Thursday!

gratitude (Photo credit: nathalie booth)

Matthew 4:4 (NIV)⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[a]”

This has started out as  humdinger of a Summer!  Goodness, every time I turn around something seems to be going on with this body of mine.  Hmmm, is this because I’m getting older?   The fun of this week was a rollicking romp with pink eye and admittedly though the color pink is my favorite color, it is not my preferred eye color.  As I type, my left eye is blurry and itchy but I am so filled with gratitude that I will blink the blog through to completion.

It could be so easy to whine, cry and lament “why me? what next?” but in truth all I can say is “Thank You, Lord”!  Thank you for allowing me to be able to see the doctor and get a diagnosis and medicine.   Thank you for the clarity and acceptance that the pains, disappointments and discomforts are so incredibly temporary as hiccups in Your great plan.  What can I do to lead someone else to the Lord?  What words of comfort and encouragement can I provide?    I am sustained and filled with joy knowing that even this was part of the plan to do more for you.

Today, I am grateful for the stillness various illnesses bring, because they afford me the time to sit and quietly reflect on the unmeasurable goodness of my loving Father!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

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Magnetic Words

Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

⁴ For the word of the LORD is right and true;  He is faithful in all He does.

I have owned a box of  magnetic words for almost three years.  I found the box, covered in dust on top of the fridge this morning and was inspired to surround myself with words today.   I got here a little early and have posted them on my office door and door post filling me with a profound sense of God’s presence as each word is a word that draws me (and hopefully others) closer to Him, if only

they read and understand the words!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

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Thankful Thursday

Acts 24:3 (NIV)

³ Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude

Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

My eyes opened and I saw the sun streaming through the window.  My lungs pumped in air without hesitation or wheeze  and when I rolled over and pushed myself up, I was able to do so.  As my feet touched the floor, I did not hear the usual and customary  snap, crack and pop of my bones realigning.

This is yet another day that the Lord has made and blessed me to see and I am filled with gratitude!!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Thankful Thursday!

god lives in yu - treo_062809_002_web (Photo credit: kevindean)

¹¹ Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion;    proclaim among the nations what he has done.  Psalm 9:11 (NIV)

Each and every single day there is something to be thankful for!  From the breath filling my lungs, the blood that pulsates through my veins, the smile I can share but most of all for a Savior who loves me!  This day is special because it is the day of my 100th blog posting, I am truly amazed that it  happened so quickly.  Praises to the Lord for inspiring, touching and blessings with these posts, I am so grateful to be used by Him.   My humble thanks to those who pray for me and read these words!

This week I am also very thankful for good medical reports! My Dad no longer needs dialysis and his body and life are miracles and he truly has a testimony to share. I am also thankful for the blessing of being able to witness the promises and possibilities that another Spring brings.

Today, I thank God for the love and possibilities that surround me. Lord, let Your light and love shine through today!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Words that Count

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⁴ Who has helped you utter these words?    And whose spirit spoke from your mouth? Job 26:4 (NIV)

 

There is a new movie coming out with Eddie Murphy about a man who has only 1000 words left to speak.  I only know what was shown on the trailer, but can say it isn’t a movie I will be rushing out to see.  However, I have been thinking about the premise for a couple of days.  What  if  we had a daily allotment of words how would it affect our interactions? Would we carefully select words for greater impact? Be more aware of situations when not speaking or responding at all is sufficient? As I replayed just a few snippets of recent daily conversations I realize that in my exchanges there were unnecessary, sarcastic and stinging words.   Yet, there were actions that spoke volumes words never could have.  Job, body wrecked with pain and spirit aching in 41 different verses referred to words, their inspiration, their impact and importance.  Christ did not calculate the value of  words when He spoke, though every word left an indelible mark and ultimately changed lives.   Dear Lord, help me to use the correct allotment of words to lead others to you and not to subtract from the possible inhabitants of Heaven by speaking too many empty weightless words.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Reppin the Family

¹¹ Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.    Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Footnotes:

1. Hebrews 2:11 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 12; and in 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22.

Growing up most of us were taught to be mindful of how we represented the family.  When we stepped out that front or back door, the family reputation good or bad was in our hands.  For many that was a pretty heady and heavy responsibility. One misstep in word or deed could tarnish the family name and credibility with the repercussions affecting generations.

The legacy of zealously guarding and upholding family honor is not new.  People killed or were killed to do so.   Understanding the importance of family affiliation, as I walk out of the door, I understand that I represent more than just the family into which I was born or married.  As God’s daughter and a sister of Christ, I must be ever aware that my words, my actions and even looks reflect upon my family heritage.  have an idea of where I would be without the direction and guidance of my Father and the love He has for me.   As a result, I would not want to do anything to cause anyone to miss out on being woven into the fabric of this family by becoming a cherished brother or sister!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Homecomings

 ⁴⁶ The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
   Exalted be God my Savior.  Psalm 18:46  (NIV)

Last night and this morning I worked on the blog post for today.  It was going to be awesome!  On the third editing the Holy Spirit told me to go back to my previous posts, which I did.  Imagine my surprise when I realized that with different words, I had written that blog before.  I hit save, closed my eyes and prayed, “Lord, what is the word YOU have for me for today?” 

Praise, Praise, Praise!!  See, this is why I don’t rely on myself!  I have such an awesome praise report!  My Daddy went home on Monday night!  Before Christmas I flew to be at his side because the doctors did not expect for him to survive.  For months since folks have been praying for his life to be spared and for his healing to continue and God’s hands surely have been all over Dad!  The prayers for his healing are ongoing but he will be able to be able to keep convalescing at home, sleeping in his bed and eating food that he enjoys, ok maybe not all the foods he enjoys!   As I replay the events of the last several months, I stand again in awe of the power of prayer and the faith of so many who repeatedly and faithfully put their trust in the God who has healed us all at one time or another!  To God be the glory great things He has done!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Do With me as You Will

¹⁴ As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Jeremiah 26:14 (NIV)

In this day, no lofty witty words,

    No laments, no deep insights, no sage advice.

Today, I pray.

     I pray for that will of God, that deeper understanding of what it is He would have for me to do, speak, write and how to live!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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