Now and Henceforth

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

May my meditation be sweet to Him;

I will be glad in the Lord.

Psalm 104:33-34 (NKJV)

Sing: to make song while traveling, going about singing

As long as I live: each day I'm living

Sing praise: to celebrate in song and music; give praise, sing forth praises

While I have my being: literally in the continuance of, while I'm living, now and henceforth

Meditation: to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud)

Sweet: the idea of close association, Intermix; to be agreeable -- be pleasant, take pleasure in

Glad: cheer up, brighten up, make joyful, cause to rejoice

Throughout my day, as I go about my daily routine, I am to be singing to the Lord. I am to be celebrating God's goodness. I am to be continually honoring God and praising Him. 

And that begins when my thoughts are agreeable—intermixed with God's. Intermixed...... so much that God's thoughts are so intwined that my thoughts and His thoughts become one in the same. 

And the end result of this.... is that I will then "brighten up" I will be joyful! 

Thanks Living! 

Happy New Year (my Christmas card)

I had planned to create a Christmas card this year, I did begin one, however it was never completed. So, instead, I created a "Happy New Year" card. 

So, Happy New Year to each of you! 

Praise

Thanks Living! 

I was reading Psalm 150 this morning. "Praise the Lord." 

The word "praise" means to celebrate joyously, exuberantly, "foolishly". In other words, "over the top" celebration!  

Sadly, many times my praise is often quiet and subdued. But if I truly think about who  God is, and all that He has done, I should be SHOUTING praise! 

I shout at sporting events... I even shout at the TV when my team scores a touchdown. But I can't shout praise to God Almighty? Perhaps, it's because I haven't taken the same interest in God as my sports teams. 

Praise. If I want to focus on Thanks Living through this coming year, it begins with praise to God Almighty. Praise for who He is, and then praise for what He's done. For only when I have a heart filled with praise, can I truly have a gracious and thankful heart- and mind- set. 

Thanks Living! "Praise the Lord! Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!" Psalm 150:1a, 2. 

Thanks Living! 

2016 — 2017 Thanks Living!

2016. 

This past year, I focused on "Thanks Living!" and I have to say that it was awesome! I wish I could say that I had a "thankful attitude" 24/7, 366 days, but I did not. (366 - Leap Year). 

However, when I did look for things for which to be thankful—I always found them and I found them in abundance! 

I read this quote the other day, "Attitude determines action and action determines accomplishment." Looking back over the past year, I can say that when I had the attitude of "Thanks Living!" I was more wiling to act in a godly way and that allowed me to accomplish many things.

For 2017, I was thinking of what I'd want to use for my theme, and I was having a hard time deciding what my focus should be. Then I realized, I don't have to change the theme!

So, for 2017, I'm going to once again focus on "Thanks Living!" I want to embrace all that God has to teach me, enjoy all God's blessings, and encourage those around me to focus on "Thanks Living!"

"Attitude determines action and action determines accomplishment." Just think of all that can be accomplished, when the attitude is one of "Thanks Living!"

Looking forward to a "Thanks Living!" filled 2017. 

I hope you will join me!

Blessing Celebration 2016!

Blessings Celebration! 

Thanks Living! 

October 25, 2000. 

A day that changed my life in more ways than I can count. A day that began a journey filled with twists and turns. A day that  started me on a journey that God designed to accomplish His purpose in and through me. 

October 25, 2000 I coughed and felt a searing hot pain in my lower back. A pain so intense it literally put me on the floor. 

Now it's October 2016—12 surgeries and too many injections, treatments, and other medical procedures to count later — the pain remains. 

BUT—during these past 16 years God has showered me with the most amazing blessings! I stand in awe of His goodness to me. 

Each year, in October I enjoy a BLESSING CELEBRATION! It's a time to reflect, not on the pain, but rather what God is doing because of the pain. It's a time to reflect on God's outpouring of blessings! 

Psalm 21:1-3 sums it up! (Replace "king" with "princess", for I am a child of the King of kings! I am God's princess—who is wonderfully blessed!) 

Psalm 21:1-3 (VOICE)

The king {princess} is glad because You, O Eternal, are strong. In light of Your salvation, he is singing Your name. You have given him {the princess} all he {she} could wish for. After hearing his {her} prayer, You withheld nothing. [pause] True blessings You lavished upon the king {princess}; a crown of precious gold You placed upon his {her} head.

Thanks Living! Noticing God's blessings.

Thanks Living! Praising and giving thanks for who God is, and all He is doing in my life. 

Blessing Celebration 16 years!

Thanks Living. 

Each year in October I take time to reflect and focus on all the blessings that God has given me. This October 25 will be the 16th anniversary of my back injury. Sixteen years. 

I remember Oct 25, 2000 very clearly. Although at times it would have been nice to know the future God had planned for me, God in His wisdom, knew it was best I didn't know. I needed to trust Him daily and rely on Him. 

As I was thinking back this morning and studying Psalm 30:5 "joy comes in the morning." I remember so clearly those dark painful times—and thinking, "would morning ever come again?" Where is the joy? Will I ever know joy again? Or has the all-consuming-pain robbed me of joy forever? 

I realized I had a choice to make. The pain wasn't going away. But I could escape the dark, lonely, despair of the night! How? By making a choice — by choosing to remember the facts I know about God Almighty. By understanding who God is and that He really is in control and He has a plan and purpose for me—I could begin to see the dawning of the morning. The plan and purpose of my life—to glorify Him in all I do, say, think, and how I live my life—would allow the morning to dawn and bring with it God's joy. 

Thanks Living. Taking time in the midst of the dark times of pain and despair to remember who God Almighty is and His plan of my life. 

Thanks Living. That even in the midst of pain, God really does give joy and peace. 

Thanks Living. Taking the time to celebrate God and His amazing goodness toward me. 

Thanks Living. Celebrate God's blessings in my life and give Him the praise and honor for who He is and all He does. 

Psalm 30:5 (VOICE): His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.

Psalm 30:5 (GW): His anger lasts only a moment. His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last for the night, but there is a song of joy in the morning.

Thanks Living: VA ER

Thanks Living. 

Thinking back over the past two days and taking note of God's perfect timing. 

1. Last week, I had scheduled two Chiropractic appointments for this week. Normally, I just go 1x a week on Thurs or Fri, and I call the day before or day of for an appointment. But God knew this week would be different. I saw my chiropractor Monday morning at 9am. 

2. On the way home from the Chiro, I stopped and filled up the Chariot's gas tank. 

3. Arrived home and Dad said that we were going to the Tampa VA ER. 

4. After gathering a few things, we left. God gave us beautiful blue sky with amazing clouds as our view, and light traffic, as we traveled.

5. Arrived at the Tampa VA ER, dropped Mom and Dad off at the door and found the BEST parking spot ever. The 1st spot in the first row!

6. Although the time in the ER waiting room was LONG (over 6 hours), God provided so many opportunities to share His love with those waiting. 

7. I was able to go to the cafeteria and buy some sandwiches for us to eat in the ER waiting room. And while there, I met a lady who looked a bit lost. I helped her find what she wanted, and then I asked if I could pray for her. She stopped and started crying. Her husband was in the ER and she was all alone. We talked and she is a Christian, but needed to be reminded of God's peace and comfort. And I thought I was just going to the cafeteria to buy sandwiches. (Later "Bobbie" came through the ER waiting area, and we were able to encourage her again. Dad gave her a few Bible Studies and she was so thankful that one had verse printed on it. She so wanted to have verses to read to bring her peace. All God-designed appointments.) 

8. The ER waiting area is small and got a bit crowded, so I went outside to wait. As I was waiting a gentleman arrived and sat down in the wheelchair that was left outside. He looked very tired. I asked if he needed help. He said, 'yes'. So I wheeled him into the ER, and up the the check-in window. That simple kindness was appreciated by not only the man and his daughter (who arrived after parking the car), but others waiting. They were noticing that 'our family' was a bit different than some others waiting. Every action, word, and attitude reflects our God. God knew that I needed to be outside to help that gentleman.

9. When it was our turn to go back to the ER, I waited outside of Dad's room while they got him situated. A gentleman in the next room called to me. Mike and I talked for a bit. Once again a God designed appointment. 

10. Around 9pm, the Drs decided that Dad should stay for the night. So, I went to the Chariot to gather his things. And I didn't have to go far, because of that awesome parking spot! 

11. After getting Dad settled into the ER room, it would be a while before an available room upstairs, Mom and I left. We decided to spend the night in Tampa, rather than drive back home. God provided a room for us very near the Hospital. We both were able to get some rest. 

12. The next morning, we returned back to the VA, this time parking in the garage. God provided a nice shady spot for the Chariot. 

13. Dad's room had 4 beds (3 occupied), so there wasn't much room. They brought a chair for Mom and I spent time going back and forth from the room to the waiting area. Once again while in the waiting area, I was able to share God's love with others. 

14. Dad meanwhile was giving away his Bible studies that he's created. One Dr even was went to make copies to share with others! How cool is that!?!?! 

15. The doctors decided to discharge Dad and we waited for all the paperwork to be completed.

16. Finally after 3.5 hours, the paper work was completed. I left to go get the Chariot. As I came around one corner, there was a lady and gentleman from the ER the night before. We talked and got an update. Another God designed appointment.

17. I drove the Chariot to the loading area, and it was full, so I drove around again, but got stuck in traffic. But it was actually a God-designed delay. For when I arrived at the Loading area, again, I saw a gentleman who had helped me several times on Dad's floor. I rolled down the window and joking said, "Bring my Dad down next." He replied, "That's exactly what I'm doing! I was wondering where you were!! Stay right where you are!" Perfect timing once again. 

(And thinking back.... "Ken" knew me because I had asked him for help in finding Dad's room, in getting Mom a chair, and finding the waiting room. And Dad had given him a Bible Study. Those little encounters were once again God-designed because it would help Ken know who my Dad was.) 

18. God made sure we were on the road before the rush hour traffic got too heavy. And once again God gave us amazing blue sky filled with white clouds for the ride home. 

19. We arrived home and had Sunday's leftovers in the frig for a quick heat-up dinner. 

I'm sure as I reflect over the time in VA, I'll remember other things that God did to watch over us. I'm so thankful that God in the midst of chaos, provides peace and strength. 

And remember how my Monday, started with that chiropractic appointment? That was so needed in getting my headache and pain level lowered to endure the 2 long days at the VA. God took care of me even before I knew I'd need that extra care. 

Thanks Living. 

Knowing that God has it ALL under control, and that He is working behind the scenes orchestrating His perfect will in all things.

Thanks Living. Is it harder somedays?

Thanks Living.

Is it really harder to give thanks some days than others? Or do we just find it harder because we are focused on the 'bad'. 

This morning, a headache woke me up. That doesn't happen very often, for usually it's the back/leg pain that awakens me. However, on occasion, the headache screams louder than the back pain. That was the case this morning. 

As I got up, it was not a hard choice to reach for the headache medicine instead of the pain medicine. As I think about my agenda today, I did not include this level of headache pain. I know.... that's lack of planning on my part. 

😜

But as I was thinking about Thanks Living, I almost started to write, "somedays it's much harder to be thankful." But then I stopped. Is it really? There are many things that have been constant which I give thanks for on a daily basis. Yet, why would I allow a headache to change my focus to unthankfulness? 

Thanks Living. There are some days where gratitude and thankfulness are not my focus. And that is NOT because of lack of things for which to be thankful. Rather, it's because I CHOOSE not to be thankful. WOW. That's just sad. 

Thanks Living. I need to remember that "in all things give thanks". I need to remember that Thanks Living is not based upon how I feel, or the circumstances I find myself. Thanks Living is a mindset.... no make that a heartset. Thanks Living is based on the fact that God loves me and each day His mercies are new. Thanks Living is based on the fact that God cares for me and is concerned about all the details in my life. Thanks Living is a CHOICE! 

So, it doesn't matter that my headache level is at screaming mode. It doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters, is that God is still in control and His love for me is unconditional. The only thing that matters is that I choose to be thankful. 

Today, I'm making a choice—I will enjoy a day filled with "Thanks Living!" Will you join me?

Thanks Living: At a Loss for Words

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Indescribable: to describe and commemorate which words fail

Gift: focusing on "the free nature of the gift"

At a loss for words. 

How does one give thanks for a gift that is beyond description? 

Do I even grasp or understand the value that gift? 

He then recites the advantages of giving. The first of these is that giving will fill the wants of the saints. That in itself is good, but the outcome is even better. Through such ministry gifts will cause glory to God.

And yet again, they will bring the intercession of those they have helped, a harvest of precious value. The final word concerning this whole subject is an expression of thanks to God for His unspeakable gift, for the apostle knows that the remembrance of it will do more than all his argument to stimulate the generosity of those who have received the inestimable blessing. 

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift;” i. e., His own Son to come down, suffer and die to redeem us all from sin, death and Hell; in consideration of which momentous reality how glad should we be to cast in our little mite and bear some humble part in the glorious enterprise for which God gave His only Son to die. This is the climax of all incentives to Christian liberality. William Godbey's Commentary on the New Testament

Thanks Living: Nothing Else To Add

Thanks Living

He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10:21

He is your praise. 

He is your God.

Nothing else to add, no need to. 

Thanks Living.

Thanks Living: You can hear me, now! (repost)

Thanks Living: Remembering. 

I've been reading some of my old posts. So thankful that God knows me and what is a happening in my life. The topic of this post is just as true as it was in 2013, and will remain true forever. God never changes! 

You can hear me, now!

This year (2013), I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today (April 5, 2013) I studied Psalm 29. Here is what I learned.

The voice of the Lord rolls over the water. The God of glory thunders. The Lord shouts over raging water. Psalm 29:3 (GW)

The Lord’s voice [thunder] is heard over the ·sea [waters; a symbol of chaos]. The glorious God thunders; the Lord thunders over the ·ocean [many/mighty waters]. Psalm 29:3 (EXB)

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters." The thunder is not only poetically but instructively called "the voice of God," since it peals from on high; it surpasses all other sounds, it inspires awe, it is entirely independent of man, and has been used on some occasions as the grand accompaniment of God's speech to Adam's sons. There is peculiar terror in a tempest at sea, when deep calleth unto deep, and the raging sea echoes to the angry sky. No sight more alarming than the flash of lightning around the mast of the ship; and no sound more calculated to inspire a reverent awe than the roar of the storm. 

"The Lord is upon many waters." Still the Psalmist's ear hears no voice but that of Jehovah, resounding from the multitudinous and dark waters of the upper ocean of clouds, and echoing from the innumerable billows of the storm-tossed sea below. The waters above and beneath the firmament are astonished at the eternal voice. When the holy Spirit makes the divine promise to be heard above the many waters of our soul's trouble, then is God as glorious in the spiritual world as in the universe of matter. Above us and beneath us all is the peace of God when he gives us quiet. The Treasury of David

Chaos. Noise. Confusion. Anarchy. Pandemonium. Tumult. Turmoil. 

It’s amazing how chaos can rob me of the peace that God has given me. My chaos can be caused by focusing on the “what ifs”, or focusing me how I’ll fix things, instead of trusting God to take care of things. Man-made chaos creates noise, confusion, restlessness, and disharmony. The longer I remain in a state of chaos, the more overwhelmed and depressed I become. 

Thankfully, God’s love and peace is “louder” than any noise my chaos can produce. God “thunders” through my created mess, and assures me of His presence, and that He hasn’t gone anywhere, and had no plans to leave me or abandon me. 

“Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)

No matter how loud the noise of my chaos is around me, I know I’ll have a positive day, when I hear, “You can hear me, now!” spoken by my Almighty, loving God.

Thanks Living: Take Notice!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11 (NKJV) 

But let those who run to You for safety be glad they did; let them break out in joyful song. May You keep them safe—their love for You resounding in their hearts. Psalm 5:11 (VOICE)

Rejoice: to brighten up

Trust: have hope, make refuge, confide in

Ever: continuance, duration

Shout for joy: (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph

Defend: to entwine as a screen; to fence in, protect, hedge in

Love: beloved like, friend

Name: by implication honor, authority, character

Joyful: jubilant, rejoice, triumph

Take Notice! 

Notice where my trust is to be placed—in You (God Almighty). 

Notice why I am to shout for joy—because God protects me.

Notice how long I'm to shout—continually (because God is faithful).

Notice who I am to love—God because of his authority, character, simply because of who God is. 

Notice the reason for my joy—God Himself. 

Thanks Living is all based and centered on God Himself. No matter my circumstances. No matter my questions. No matter if I understand or not. It all is dependent on God, who is faithful, unchanging, loving, and in complete control. 

Thanks Living—Take Notice! 

Thanks Living: The heart of Thanks Living

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. Romans 4:20

Easter Sunday, I read Matthew 26 through 28. As I read Matthew 28:6 "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said"; those last three words stood out to me. "As He said." 

So, I started reading some of the promises in Scripture. 

Today, I read Romans 4. I stopped at Romans 4:20........"He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God." 

This verse is about Abraham regarding the promise of an heir which seemed impossible at the time of the promise. 

Waver: hesitate, doubt

Promise: an announcement for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good

Unbelief: faithlessness, disbelief

Strengthened: to make strong, endue with strength

Giving glory: good opinion concerning one, and as resulting from that, praise, honor, glory by not distrusting God's promises

God: the Creator and owner of all things

He did not waver at the promise of God.

Thanks Living is acknowledging and believing who God is, and knowing with all certainty that God keeps His promises, and giving praise and glory to God—because God can be trusted! 

Thanks Living—He did not waver at the promise of God—but giving glory to God. That is the heart of Thanks Living. 

Thanks Living: God's Perfect Timing

Thanks Living. 

I was just thinking back over the past few weeks about some of the blessings and I saw, once again, the truth about God's perfect timing. 

Back up several weeks ago, when I had the gate and fence replaced. What was to be a team effort, ended up with me paying for the entire job. That change of plans, delayed me in the next project which was buying screens for the lanai doors. 

Then I received a notice that it was time for my yearly termite inspection. Since the year wasn't actually up until April, 18, I figured it could wait a few more weeks. When I called to schedule the appointment, they said there was one available on March 25th. Ok, that would work, even though I was thinking in another week or two. 

This past week turned into a busy one for me, and a few times I started to call to reschedule the inspection, but each time, God interrupted me.

On Friday, the BugMan told me that I had some things in my attic—Surprise to me! And among those things were screen doors. 

On Easter Sunday, a friend and my brother, GRACIOUSLY got the screens out of the attic and worked VERY HARD to get them back in working shape and installed. 

I love how God made sure that I did not buy new screens, and the He let me know that screens were there, and even provided the help to install them. God's timing is perfect. 

Thanks Living. Thanking God for the blessing of His perfect timing, and the willingness of friends and family who go above and beyond to help me. 

God continues to take care of His Castle!

Thanks Living: As He Said

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6a

Today is Easter, or as I like to call it, Resurrection day! The truth and fact that our Lord and Savior is living and alive —is not only amazing, but provides that eternal hope. 

The crucifixion and resurrection can be read in Matthew 26 through 28. 

As I read Matthew 28:6 this morning, I especially liked the last three words in the first sentence, "as He said". 

As He said. 
Those three words contain so much! They show the faithfulness of God to His word. They show that He knew the full scope of His death, burial and resurrection. They show that God speaks the truth. They show that God has the authority and power to do what He says! 

As He said. 
Thankful that I serve a risen Savior! Thanks Living is finding the security in three words—As He Said. 

Happy Resurrection Day! 

Thanks Living: Your Purposes

Psalm 5

Can you hear, O God, what I have to say? Do You feel something of what I feel this morning? 

I know, O God, that You are grieved by the selfishness of Your children.The world You created seems to be falling apart. Your creatures are living for themselves alone, proud and self-suffieient. They thing they don't need You any longer.I also know, O Lord, that I cannot exist without the assurance of Your eternal love. Thus I commit myself once more to You and Your purposes. Help me walk in Your path for this life.Give me grace to overcome the many obstacles. 

The philosophies that come out of our world bear little resemblance to the truth You revealed to us. These subtle, seductive world views lead people astray through forked tongues and suave soft-sell.  Enable us to recognize them for what they are: shallow, superficial, ultimately destructive. 

Those who follow You need not be dismayed.They can sing and dance in the joy of the Lord.You will continue to reveal Yourself to them and care for them and work out Your purposes in and through them. 

Psalms Now by Leslie Brandt 

Thanks Living remembering that God cares for me and is working out His purposes in and through me.

Thanks Living: Recounting in Celebration! Let's Review 2

On March 23, 2016 I posted: 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH). 

I'm taking time to RECOUNT in Celebration some of the wonderful blessings God has given me and remember some of the truths God has taught me over the past few years. So the next few days, I'm going to RECOUNT in Celebration and TOWDAH—thank God for what He hasn't done yet. 

Join me in RECOUNTING God's goodness! 

Posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 

God's Property

In June 1995, I bought a new car. My first NEW car. I think it had 13 miles on it when I bought it—a Ford Escort LX Hatchback. I was so excited to have a NEW car. Although "I bought the car", I knew that it was really God's car. For everything He supplies, belongs to Him; I'm just a steward of His property. 

A few weeks ago, I went to see my chiropractor, just as I do each week. Arriving in the town a little early, I stopped to get gas. I still had a few minutes, so decided to take the "scenic route" to his office. As I turned the corner up a side street I lost all power. The car died. I did manage to coast to the side of the road. I tried to start the car again—nothing. It was totally dead.

First, I called my chiropractor's office to let them know that I'd be late. Then I called my Emergency Road-side Service company for a tow. Then I called my good friend, Cathy, who is always ready to help,for a ride home.
The tow truck arrived, I made it to my chiropractor, and then Cathy brought me home. My car was taken to Roselle Tire & Auto—the "guys" have taken care of my car since I bought it. The problem included a few broken belts, water pump, and a couple of other necessary parts needed replacement.

When I arrived home, I was so confident I knew how I'd pay for this repair. I'd simply used one of my "credit card checks". The kind with a one-time fee and no interest for 6 months. That would provide some time to pay the repair bill. Well, I went to the file and got the credit card checks out—SURPRISE—they had all expired. Now what? I went through the budget and the money for this repair just wasn't there. 

Then I stopped and realized, that I was trying to take care of this bill on my own terms. Did I ask God what HE wanted me to do? It is after all HIS CAR, and He will take care of all the details, that includes repair bills. 

So, I stopped and did some talking with God. I decided that since God was now taking care of the repair bill, I'd do some straightening up around the apartment. With my  current pain level, I can only do a little cleaning at one time. I was just getting to a breaking point, and decided that I'd move one more small box of items. As I lifted the box—SURPRISE! There sat a set of credit card checks, good for another few weeks. 

How they ended up there, I have NO idea—well, okay I put them there—but why? I'm usually so very careful with those checks making sure they are in the file, or shredded. However, God used this "misplacement" to remind me that even if I think I know what He wants me to do, I have to stop and ask Him. 

Another example of: 

"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)

This experience reminded me that God doesn't always take care of me the same way each time. Just because in the past, I've used the credit card checks to pay for repair bills, doesn't mean that I don't have to consult God on a new bill. Yes, God did use the credit card check again. However, He had to make sure I knew that this was HIS way to pay for this bill, not mine. 

This was a great lesson to teach me to ALWAYS consult God in ALL matters. Whether it be a car repair bill or something more minor or yes, even something larger. I don't have to worry about missing out, I'll find that all my everyday human concerns will be met. 

Focusing on that truth will make a very positive day—don't you think?

Thanks Living: Recounting in Celebration! Let's Review.

Yesterday's blog post focused on 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH). 

I thought it was time to RECOUNT in Celebration some of the wonderful blessings God has given me and remember some of the truths God has taught me over the past few years. So the next few days, I'm going to RECOUNT in Celebration and TOWDAH—thank God for what He hasn't done yet. 

Join me in RECOUNTING God's goodness! 

Originally Posted: Friday, September 14, 2012

God's Gift of Laughter!

But let me run loose and free, 

celebrating God’s great work, 

every bone in my body laughing, singing,

“God, there’s no one like you."

Psalm 35:9, 10 (MSG)

Today did not go as I had planned.

However, it was not a surprise to God.

And He knew that I'd needed a special blessing today!

Today, during a treatment for my pain, we hit a nerve, literally, and it flared up my sciatic pain quite severely. We changed treatments to help settle down the flare. This is not what I had planned for today. I was trying to keep my pain level as low as possible, so that I would be the "best I can be" for Sunday's activity. 

However, we did learn something today when we "hit the nerve", it allowed us to pinpoint where a majority of my pain is generating. And that could prove to be very helpful for the treatment I'm receiving on Monday. God's timing is perfect. 

Although, I was "pleased" with the new information, that didn't help with the intense pain. I arrived home, checking my mail as I made my way to my apartment. I tossed the mail on the shelf, the mail would wait until later... looked like junk mail anyway. As I lay on the Daybed trying my tricks to lower my pain, I had to stop and take comfort that this was not a surprise to God. After resting for a bit, I got up and decided to read through the mail. Opened one envelope and found a check for $14.22. At first, I thought it was junk....then I read the letter and started laughing! 

God knew that I needed a GOOD LAUGH today! And I had to stop and think of God's great sense of humor. The check is LEGITIMATE. Come to learn, a company was reviewing what I had paid for my pain medications and I had overpaid. But what I thought was so funny was the DATE I had overpaid the $14.22.... was November 27, 2007... YES, FIVE years ago!! 

I laughed. God continues to supply my needs in the MOST creative ways. And once again, I was reminded that God is not limited by TIME! On a day I was feeling a bit low, God knew that I needed to laugh. So, He sent me a gift via a FIVE year old overpayment. God does have a great sense of humor!

Creating a positive day can be done even on the "not so good days" when I take the time to accept God's blessings...especially when He sends them in very creative and unconventional ways! 

Thanks Living: Recount in Celebration (TOWDAH)

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:21, 22

Give thanks: praise

Goodness: covenant loyalty, lovingkindness in redemption from enemies and troubles

Wonderful works: to be surpassing or extraordinary

Sacrifice: denotes worship or adoration

Thanksgiving: Towdah (todah), thanking God for “things not yet received" as well as things already at hand.

Declare: intensively, to recount, celebrate

Rejoicing: gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, triumph; shout of joy

God is loyal and faithful.

He has done mighty and beyond extraordinary things.

He more than deserves our worship and adoration.

Because God is faithful, He deserves our thanks for past, present, and future blessings. 

His loving acts and kindness should be counted and recounted in celebration of who God is! 

And in doing each of these, the heart should be overflowing with joy—causing one to shout in triumph and joy!

Thanks Living, TOWDAH. Recount in celebration God's faithfulness! 

Thanks Living: Promote Proudly (TOWDAH)

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Praise: be boastful, celebrate, to shine

Song: in worship

Magnify: To be, make, large in estate or honor, also in pride; promote, proudly

Thanksgiving: Towdah (or todah), thanking God for “things not yet received" as well as things already at hand.

Promote proudly.

We wear shirts, shoes, jerseys and we carry travel mugs, backpacks, etc all showing our favorite sports team/player. We do it proudly. 

Right now March Madness is happening. People have changed their Facebook profile to proudly promote their team. 

How do I promote God Almighty? 

The way which is one that can be done by all—is to praise and give thanks to God. Be boastful in my speech, and words. Promote God by thanking Him for all He's done and all He's going to do. 

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Thanks Living—promote proudly with TOWDAH, my great and awesome God!