Life Changing Gratitude

Did you know that a "Habit" of Gratitude . . .
1. Increases your natural antibodies
2. Is associated with healthier blood pressure and heart rate
3. Speeds healing for recipients of donated organs.
* Debbie Macomber (One Simple Act) quoting Stephan Post (Why Good Things Happen To Good People)

That's just a sampling of benefits and they're all physical. But they were enough to open my eyes and make my heart receptive to other possibilities.

"I just can't help but share," writes Ann Voscamp, "how life changing this gratitude experiment has been." (One Thousand Gifts p. 133)

Life Changing? That's what I needed. I determined to sweeten my spirit by beginning my own gratitude list. Voscamp began by listing 1000. I'm slightly past 500.

1. Working furnace . . .
30. Health . . .
45. Full Cupboards . . .
63. Faithful Husband . . .
64. Talented and Compassionate Children . . .
72. Wind. I Love the Wind! . . .
84. God's Word and Freedom to Read It . . .
92. Laughter . . .
101. Comfortable bed . . .
189. Cute (I mean Cute!) Grandchildren . . .
203. Friends . . .
225. Coffee Shops . . . and the neat people who work there . . .
300. Nature Trails . . .
350. Hugs . . .
375. Smiles . . .
538. (One of today's) Handwritten letters or notes, delivered by a mail person.

Life Changing?
I picture richer relationships,
deeper intimacy with God,
emotional healing,
melting bitterness and
changed environments at home and at work.
Can you think of other benefits? Have you witnessed some in your own life or in the lives of others?

I began seeing books on gratitude everywhere, and hearing radio programs with similar messages. One morning, I listened to an audio book about living a life of giving thanks. Besides sprinkling words like blessing and grace throughout the text, the author used research and scientific evidence to convince her audience that thanks-giving held great value. About three chapters in, she introduced chanting and meditation.

Like thanksgiving, meditation is a Biblical word and concept. But as this blog positions itself, discernment is needed.

To whom do we give thanks? James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

On what do we meditate? Biblical meditation is not “emptying” our minds -- Biblical meditation is “filling” our minds. Psalms encourages us to meditate on God’s unfailing love, His works, His law, His wonders and on His promises. Now there, my friend, is something to lower your blood pressure, compliment your health and increase your sense of well-being.


Longing for a Sweeter Spirit and More of God,
Lonnie

P.S.
First Thessalonians 5 encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, because it is God’s will for us. (Hmm. Thanks-giving isn’t always a response to what we already have; apparently it’s also an expression of trust.)

I Can't Do This Alone!

"'I can't do this alone,'" Lori cried out to God. "'It's too hard. If You're really there, then show me, and I will trust You.'

"Lori sensed an answer in the stillness.

"'Trust Me first--then I will show you.'"

(Strong by Jim Daly, p. 30)

This anecdote, even without your knowing Lori's circumstances, can stand all by itself. No Lonnie-comments needed.

I'd love, however, to read of a time when "you" knew you couldn't do it alone. Did you see first, then trust? Or trust and then see?

Immanuel: God With Us,
Lonnie

Holding God's Hand

"One of the joys of being with kids is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street, or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.

"That's what God does for us . . . " (Joe Stowell/Our Daily Bread Journal/November 25)

The picture is beautiful . . . but the premise of my blog prompts me to ask, "Is it Scriptural?"

Let's begin with the "qualifier." Are we children? Children of God? We certainly have the opportunity to be so. You'll find an invitation in John 1:12:

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:14

Are you a child of God?

You've been with people who answer a question with another question. Likewise, God's invitation asks us to respond with an invitation. We are to invite Him into our hearts and lives -- in doing so, we invite Him to call the shots. That can be scary, but we will never find a more loving Father, nor one who knows and acts upon what is the very best for us.

So, what about the hand-holding part? Does God keep us from falling? Can He really keep me from being consumed by covetousness, self-pity, or self-righteousness? When He sees me falling, will He grab my hand and hold tighter?

Scripture says, Yes, but . . . I have to let Him.

1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out . . . " (a way of escape NAS).

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. . . " Jude 24

God, when you reach out to hold our hand. When it almost hurts because You are holding so tight, help us trust. Help us cooperate. Help us, Lord, to receive your Father-love.

Friend, if you need to see your Father smile, look up. He is.

Holding His Hand,
Lonnie

* All Scripture references NIV unless noted otherwise