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: Actively Expressing Gratitude

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Give thanks: actively to express gratitude

Always: at all times, evermore

For you: consideration where "all the bases are covered"

Making mention: as often as I remember you; literally, 'on all my remembrance'

Prayers: earnest prayer

People—World.

The world is full of people. Some we see on a regular basis. Some we know. Some we pass by. And others we interact with in varying degrees. Family. Friends. Acquaintances. Neighbors. 

People—Introduction.

Introduction based on commonality.

Back: Lately I've meet people because I wear a back brace. Several people have stopped me to ask about my back and what has helped, or what I had done as they are seeking answers for their own back issues.

Faith: I have the privilege of attending a great church. It's been exciting over the past year to meet various people and become engaged in some of their lives. 

Problems: Due to a fence that needs to be replaced, I've had the opportunity to get to know my neighbor more and meet some contractors. Often problems introduce us to people as we work for a common solution. 

Serving: Often we neglect this aspect of people. We are often so busy on what others can do for us, we neglect that we are to be serving others. Helping and encouraging others usually ends up being a blessing for the "server" as well as the recipient. 

I keep thinking about "actively to express gratitude"—to God for people. As I think about the people in my life, WOW, am I ever blessed! Thanks Living is recognizing the people that are in my life and actively expressing my gratitude to God for them—and making sure I say "thanks" to those individuals who are part of my life.

We give thanks to God always for you all. 

Actively expressing gratitude, making sure all bases are covered—not leaving out who and/or what was done. Actively expressing gratitude to God for people.

As there is much that we ought to be thankful for on the behalf of ourselves and our friends, so there is much occasion of constant prayer for further supplies of good. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Thanks Living is recognizing who God brings into our lives, and taking time to "actively to express gratitude"—to God for them. 

Christmas at the Castle 2015

First Christmas at the Castle 

It was a joy to have my brothers and sister-in-law, join us at the Castle for Christmas Day. 

Relationships

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter orresentful toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.]

Colossians 3:18-21 (AMP)

These verses move from how we conduct ourselves in general and with other believers (Colossians 3:1-17) to a more personal setting — relationships in the home. 

Wives, Husbands, Children. 

In today's "feminist" society, verse 18 is frowned upon. But the verse has to be taken into context with verse 19 as well. A husband who loves his wife with the godly love that is based on Christ's love, treats his wife well. And in turn a wife with that same love will allow the husband to be the head of the home and support him. It's all based on the previous verses. This doesn't just happen by magic, no it's all based on "putting on" the character traits listed before. 

Verse 20 address the last relationship of the family—Children. Once again, as the wife and husband demonstrate godly love toward one another and allow Christ to be the leader of the home, children then learn how to obey out of love and respect. 

And the motivation is not for a sticker, or prize, rather simply because it is pleasing to the Lord. And that should be the ultimate motivation for each of us in all we do—because it is pleasing to the Lord. 

Verse 21 again focuses on the Father, the head of the home. The father is to teach and train the child in the things of God and encourage the child as they learn and grow. The "Father/Husband" is an important and vital role in the home. And the other way a Father/Husband can fulfill his responsibility is by having "put on" each item listed in Colossians 3:1-17. 

Even if you are not a wife/husband, you can see from these verses that if we "put on" godly characteristics and if pleasing God is our motivation for living a godly life,  then it will affect each and every area of our lives and our relationships. 

In order to live a life that is pleasing to God—that affects each relationship, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG).