It's been a while! Hope you are doing well and are blessed!
This week, I took the time to step back from my crazy schedule just a bit. Now, obviously, I have to go to work as usual, but I found myself enjoying the simple joys each day brought. And! I realized how often I take for granted each of God's little gifts given to me throughout the hours and days of a week. Therefore, I started taking note of the blessings I experienced.
Game Night!
My family and friends got together for a marathon night of gaming-and I don't mean computerized. I mean, good, old-fashioned board and card games. 21 of us, laughed, joked, and competed for nearly 8 hours. We had the chance to catch up, and lift up one another. It was so neat hearing the symphony of voices that filled the house and seeing four generations gathered together under one roof. Without a doubt, this will become the next annual tradition-and I for one am glad! The blessing of family is one I do not take for granted. Having been an orphan, I know what it is like to desire love, laughter, and hugs that come with the treasure of a family unit. These memories will be held close to my heart for the rest of my life!
Sounds of Spring!
After a long, brutal winter, nothing is more uplifting and refreshing than seeing and hearing the first sounds of Spring! Now granted, I know Spring is still a few weeks away, but I still love the days that give just a taste of what is to come. Early in the morning, I am blessed to be greeted with the songs of various birds. When outside, my hair is gently combed by a mischievous wind floating through the trees. Furthermore, I am reminded of how Spring is the season of re-birth and life. Much like Spring, Christ also blesses us with re-birth and new life through His death and resurrection. After seasons of death, tragedy, and essentially winter in our lives, we are also given times of life and joy. It brings me to two of my favorite passages of scripture.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for everything under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot what has been planted. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together. A time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace."
Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Psalm 96:1-2
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Girl's Night!
I am so blessed to be surrounded by Sisters in Christ with whom I can talk, laugh, and cry. This week I had the opportunity to gather with four amazing ladies. We talked about every subject possible, ate a ton of food, and laughed until we cried. Most importantly, however, we prayed for one another before going our separate ways. We spoke frankly about individual struggles, fears, failures, and hopes for the future. There was no room for shame or embarrassment. The Love of Christ shone through each of my sisters, and I know we all left feeling encouraged and refreshed. Christ talks a lot about fellowship and the importance of seeking out brothers and sisters who can offer sound advice, firm but gentle truth, and unconditional love.
Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Therefore, encourage one another, and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
1 Peter 3:8
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
Now! I challenge and encourage you to take a few moments each day to recognize and give thanks for the gifts/blessings, big or small, that you encounter. I know that some days are simply unbearable and seem hopeless. But! I promise you, without a doubt, that somewhere in the midst of the despair, you have been given a treasure of joy!
I pray for many blessings as you enter into the weekend! God Bless!
Until next time...<3
