Being Intentional about Being Thankful

It seems like this past year I have continually found myself "overwhelmed" by the busyness of life. Can anyone else relate to that? When I get like that, I typically want to quit everything, and curl up into a fetal postion and chant, "find a happy place, find a happy place." Ha.

Anyway, due to the "overwhelmed" feeling, often times when I go to the Lord in my quiet time, I tell Him how overwhelmed I am, and whine about that a little, and then I tell Him how much I have to do, and whine about that a little. Not that there's anything wrong with sharing your heart with God....we should do that. But I've done that a lot, all the while expressing very little gratitude to Him for other things.

So, on Wednesday, I read this post by my friend Marybeth, and I could totally relate to it. I left her a comment telling her that it "spoke" to me. That, in turn, started a conversation between us. I was having a bad day. So was she. Because of that, she issued a challenge for both of us. That we would be accountable to each other. That at the end of every day we would send an e-mail to each other telling the other one what we were thankful for that particular day. And we have to do it every day until Thanksgiving.

That was on Wednesday. Thursday morning I got up to spend time with God. As I sat there, I began to think about Marybeth's challenge, and I began thanking God for things in my life. I said, "I come to you today Lord, not asking for anything, but instead, just offering thanks to you."

One by one I mentioned, to Him, things that I am thankful for. And as I did that, something that I wasn't expecting to happen, happened. God showed up in a BIG way. I felt His presence. I felt His love. I stayed there in His presence for a while just soaking HIM up. And as a result, without even asking for it, I was refreshed. I was renewed. My overwhelmed feeling was completely gone, and one of peace completely replaced it.

Since then, Marybeth and I have kept our commitment to share each day what we are thankful for. We are being intentional about being thankful.

When is the last time you went before the Lord, and didn't ask Him for anything, but just expressed gratitude to Him?

Take it from me, don't wait any longer. Make it a point to give Him thanks. You'll be so glad you did.

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Life Without Internet (and other funny sayings)

We've been without internet for nearly a week... (long story)

Anyway, the adjustment has been quite hilarious. Sad, but hilarious.

For instance, Here are a couple of things that were said this week:

Our first night without internet.....Will said, "I feel like a part of me has died."

Last night, after not having internet for nearly a week, Denny said, "It's just almost not worth it to come home."

Oh my. I think we needed this forced internet "fast".

On a different note, last night we visited the funeral home. As we were leaving, the gentleman who was tending the door said, "hurry back." As soon as he shut the door Denny and I busted out laughing. Ahhh Funny.

Amazing God-Living Proof Live

This past weekend I had the awesome pleasure of experiencing God at a Beth Moore Living Proof Live Conference. The Girls from the Baptist Church actually planned this outing, and I'm so glad they "let" us come along!

This was my 3rd time to hear Beth speak "live". It was AMAZING. I got SOOOO much out of the weekend, and am still soaking it all up. To get a glimpse of what we experienced, click here.

As a side note, our internet has not worked right since last Thursday...we've been reduced to dial up so, needless to say, I'm not on line very much :-) AND my cell phone has not been working right, so often times, in recent days, I've been without a cell phone. At first I was frustrated by this...now, however, I'm starting to like it. Ha. I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it long term though. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. whatever normal is... :-)