Be Thankful #3

Sorry I kind of fell off the map for the last week. Last week was CRAZY.

I'm thankful for God being present and active in all the crazy stuff I go through, both the good and the bad.

I'm thankful for a GREAT spring break! Two trips to Yosemite with great friends, three days of a sports camp for kids, the best, God-redeemed swing dance night, and a crazy-stressful weekend that God demonstrated His power throughout!

I'm thankful for my friendship with Daniel Haynes. (and check out his nifty, new blog here)

I'm thankful that my boss is also a great friend and man of God.

I'm thankful that even my best efforts blow up in my face and cause me to make a fool out of myself. It reminds me that everything worth having is given by the grace of God and not because of my "merit".

I'm thankful that God is orchestrating my future.

I'm thankful for grace offered by Godly men.

I'm thankful for family, both mine and others.

And I'm thankful that great things in life do not come easily. It makes me appreciate them so much more when I do eventually get them. Some things are worth all the effort in the world.

God, may your name be glorified in our lives. May many people come to experience your love directly and through us, and may they come to know You, Father.

"Anything that comes easily and without sacrifice is rarely significant." -Cameron Strang, Relevant Magazine

Be Thankful #2

I'm thankful for the liberation of God from the fear of life circumstances.

I'm thankful that my value as a person isn't defined by my performance.

I'm thankful for such great Godly friends from the Lord!

I'm thankful for the great opportunities that are hidden in fearful situations.

I'm thankful for Psalm 146, and the God who inspired it!

I'm thankful for the (God-given) ability to love people tangibly and effectively.

And I'm thankful for the fact that God is not defined or hindered by my flawed perception of Him.

Be Thankful #1

(This column is meant to foster a spirit of thankfulness.)

I'm thankful for the hope God has given me for my future, that I will be provided for and continue to grow relationally.

I'm thankful for the fact that I have food to eat today.

I'm thankful for an apartment that actually has a working heater.

I'm thankful for my family of believers and my ever-growing closeness with them.

I'm thankful for the fact that God continues to give me strength and power to get through tough daily trials.

I'm thankful for the fruit that I already see coming from stepping out to love people more.

And I'm thankful for how hard it is, which reminds me that I'm actually working hard at it and taking risks; building up relational muscle, as it were.