"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some." –Charles Dickens

Cultivate thankfulness in your lives with this character study from Homeschool Helper

Thankfulness Character Study

1. Look up thankful in the dictionary.
2. Read Exodus 15:1-21
3. Bible Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:19-20

Discussion Questions:

• What things in your life are you thankful for?
• Read on in Chapter 15. Were the Israelites always thankful, or did they complain at times?
• Are there times when you complain about things instead of being thankful for what you have?
• What should you remember when you are feeling grumpy about what you don't have?
• What had just happened to cause the Israelites to sing a song of thanksgiving to God?

Activity:

• Write down ten things for which you are thankful in a journal; look back on it when you are feeling down or add to it when you think of new things.
• Have a special plate at dinner. Rotate nightly who gets the plate and everyone can say why they are thankful for that person.
• For young children: have them trace their hand. Help them write 5 things (one on each finger) for which they are thankful. Then they can remember by looking at their fingers.
• Write a song or poem expressing your gratitude for something you are thankful for.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• A Tapestry of Grace
• Fight the Frump: Quit Wearing Ugly Shoes!
• Brag On Him Friday – Week 19
• A Life of Gratitude – from Beth Moore
• 5 ways to add Warmth to your Home

Related items

• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships
• A Matter of Time

Ever have this aha-moment: “Wow! I have received an answer to a prayer I never dared to share!” Perhaps it was something h-u-g-e or simply something you tucked away because you declared it impossible — or so far ahead in the distance, that you would never “get there” …

I have routinely believed in miracles my entire life; and, until recently, I would routinely back away and wonder why I ever got my hopes up for such wondrous blessings. My belief was shallow and could not stand the drought of time.

But ever-so slowly I came to trust in the LORD with all my heart.

It was like the LORD secured my wounded and reluctant heart by wrapping it with His love and soothing cords of faith. Then He added nubby, vibrantly-colored woolen cords of Courage and Possibility into the tapestry of my life, to comfort me with a beautiful covering and the glorious assurance of His amazing grace.

"With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

Believing God for what we deem impossible is so very different from “being positive.” It is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1) because of what God can do — not what we can do.

All too often we busy ourselves with the ragged underside view of our tapestries; the knots and threads appearing random and without design. We lock into the default mode of daily routines, demands of real-life and doing our best to run as fast we can; and we completely lose sight of the topside of our tapestry of Life. Its brightly-colored cords being carefully planned and woven by God.

When we do this, we rob ourselves of the vibrancy — the amazing grace — God is faithfully adding to our tapestries. Then we become uncertain of what we hoped for and certain we shall never experience the desires of our hearts.

However, there is hope when that happens. We can put our trust back in Him, wrap ourselves in Grace and apply the healing salve of Proverbs 3:5-6.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

⁶In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• If His Burden is Light …
• Exploring Thankfulness
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• 5 ways to add Warmth to your Home
• Contribute to Blissfully Domestic

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships
• A Matter of Time

"I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!"

Psalm 116:1-2

"Speak to Him, Thou, for he hears

And spirit with spirit can meet –

Closer is He than breathing,

and nearer than hands and feet

~Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809 – 1892)

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Psalm 108:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Thankful Thanksgiving Turkey Activity
• Exploring Thankfulness
• Spiritual Friendships

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships
• A Matter of Time

From Williams-Sonoma Home

Snuggled under layers of covers this morning, I smiled through shuttered, sand-filled eyes, awakened to a soggy Morse code of "good morning".   I'm a rain lover, and though I can't explain it, it infuses a certain "soul peace"; at times I crave it, and to me, it is at it's best when it arrives at daybreak.  I said, "Thank you, Lord" as if He had specifically gifted me, and I smiled to think my husband would think this a curse.

Sleep-blurred thoughts suddenly filled with an awareness that took me by surprise:  my romanticism of rain is a luxury.

A tweet from Shaun Groves came to mind; he linked to an article that detailed the destruction–the deaths–caused by Hurricane Ida in El Salvador.  He wondered how that would affect the Compassion Bloggers' trip there this week…and how it might have affected Compassion's ministry…and because I know him, I'm sure his biggest concern was if any children were hurt…or worse.

Rain to people living in poverty doubtfully produces the "soul peace" that compels me to wax poetic at six in the morning.

Thankfully, after a quick check of Shaun's Twitter stream, I learned the hurricane wasn't affecting their trip (so far), and no Compassion-sponsored children had been hurt.

As I prayed for Shaun, the team of bloggers, and those giving and receiving through Compassion's work in El Salvador, my heart raced back to India, to my own experience there.

I will never forget the depth and reach of the poverty I saw…

An urban slum in Calcutta, photographed during my trip with Compassion International.

And yet the hope seen in faces of children in every Compassion project we visited.

The children worked on crafts to sell, made out of recycled materials.

Their joy for life never ceased; they welcomed us with open arms, enjoying the simplest of pleasures.

I've given up some things I'll never miss in order to sponsor two children through Compassion International; my daughter uses baby sitting money to sponsor her own little girl in Guatemala.

PLEASE–read the stories of the bloggers who saw first hand last week how Compassion is able to "release children from poverty in the name of Jesus."  It's with confidence I know in advance, their testimonies will be compelling and moving and at times, heart wrenching.

Because lives are being touched for eternity's sake and for the advance of the Gospel.

Are you feeling a gentle nudging?  Might you at least consider sponsoring a child?

I'd love to hear your questions, your experiences, your own stories related to Compassion International.  Get chatty in comments, k?

{And thanks to Blissfully Domestic's founder, Allison Worthington, for her support of Compassion International by donating a percentage of sales from "The Smart Girl's Guide to Twitter".}

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Cleaning when the clock is ticking
• The Lunch Note – Free Printables
• Fabulous Limited-Edition Holiday Gifts from Mary Kay
• Must Have Education Products
• Style Advice – Outdoor Family Portraits

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Spiritual Friendships
• A Matter of Time

"And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God."

- I Samuel 23:16 (NIV)

I've been listening to Spiritual Friendships, a series with Mindy Caliguire on Midday Connection.

Women are well known for our friendships.  Girl Talk, Girls Night Out, Soul Sisters, YaYa Sisterhood and all that.  We need each other, but much of our friendships remain on a superficial level. Have you ever wanted more?  Have you ever needed more?

"You can sit around and chat and feel a certain measure of relief, or you can be a part of God transforming someone's life," says Caliguire.   That pierced my heart.   I desire the deeper friendship of a spiritual friendship, one where we can mirror each other — point out growth and changes in each other, especially when we feel there is no growth.

David, the friend, was at odds with King Saul, Jonathan's father.  When David knew Saul was out to kill him, he ran away and hid in a cave.  Jonathan found David and helped him focus on God.  When my friend, like David, runs and hides, am I able to help her find strength in God?  Do I even notice?

• Do I know what my friend is afraid of?
• Do I know where my friend hides?
• Do I know how to find her?
• Would I be willing to go?
• When I get there, do I know how to help her reconnect with God?
• Do I know what would help her find strength in God?

Click here to  find all the "Spiritual Friendships" past programs in Midday Connection's archives.  This is an excellent series with challenging thoughts and great tips to make your friendships better.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Planning a Weekly Menu With Your Family
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Fight the Frump: Get the Right Fit!
• Brag On Him – Week 18
• Psalm 108:1-2 Weekly Inspiration

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• A Matter of Time

And I can see why. I spend way too much of it being idle, I’m notorious for squandering it and I don’t always plan to use it wisely. I wait until the last minute to try and make the most of it, and before I know it, it’s gone.

It doesn’t matter how hard I try to control time. It will not speed up and it will not slow down. It will not pause when I just need a minute, and it demands my patience, though I never really want to give it. I’m always pressed for it, it always has constraints, and it ignores my pleas for just a little more. Things have been this way for quite a while, and I’m convinced that it really is time for a change.

So, I’m learning.

I’m learning to make the most of every moment and to put my time to good use. I’m discovering ways to celebrate it, to embrace it, to maximize it, and spend it well. I’m learning to redeem the time because the days are evil; learning to trust God because my times are in His hands. I’m learning to walk patiently with Him as time passes, confident that He has ordained a time for every purpose and every work.

I’m learning to number my days to gain a heart of wisdom. So, I value the 5,475 days I’ve spent with my husband and look forward to the thousands yet ahead. I cherish the minutes with my children, who will only live about a quarter of their lives in my care, and I’m refusing to let that time just slip away.

I’m renegotiating my relationship with time, and I’m inviting you to do the same. There’s no time like the present and there’s not a minute to spare because I’m running out of clever quotes and we’re running out of time.

Scripture References: Ephesians 5:16, Psalm 31:15, Ecclesiastes 3:17, Psalm 90:12

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Must Have: Nic's Sticks
• Embracing our children's individuality
• Beauty Alert: You ARE Beautiful
• Psalm 108:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Spiritual Friendships

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships

The sun does no choosing. God chooses– every monring so far — to make it rise. Yet the Lord of the Universe asks me to choose to follow Him. To participate, as Christ did. In the flowing action which is His will."

~ Elizabeth Elliot

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my soul! Wake up, O harp and lyre! I will waken the dawn with my song.

Psalm 108:1-2

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Blissfully Domestic Fall Tour of Homes
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Blissfully Domestic Fall Tour of Homes
• True Stories of First Aid – How First Aid Saved My Life

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships

Prone to wander…Lord, I feel it.  Prone to leave the God I love.  Here’s my heart, Lord.  Take and seal it.  Seal it for thy courts above. (Come Thou Fount)

This may be the most frustrating part of my personal walk with the Lord… how often I am prone to wander.  I can be on fire and then not.  I can be so into the Word and then not.  I can be so loving and compassionate toward others and then not.  On and on it goes.

I can always tell when I am on the verge of wandering. 15 extra minutes of sleep seems so much more important than some alone time with the Lord. I sit at the computer staring at a blank screen and realize I have nothing even remotely devotional to say. I am suddenly annoyed by people whom I normally adore.  They are all signs that my heart is drifting.

I try and muster up enough determination to get back on track, but it can be difficult.  This week, for instance, I have just been tired.  I have read my Bible every day, but nothing seems to be sinking through the madness of work responsibilities, home responsibilities, birthday party planning, church events, etc.  There is so much going on around me, that I can’t seem to find my way back to that spot where I was in such sweet fellowship with the Lord.

Then, this morning, I came across this verse…

And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice. – Psalm 119:176 The Message

What do you do when your prone to wander heart has taken to wandering?

Stay put and let the Lord seek you. As a child, I was taught what to do when I was lost.  I’m sure we were all taught the same thing. You stay where you are until the person responsible comes back.  It makes sense really.  If you continue to wander while someone continues to look for you your paths may never cross.  Somebody has to be still.  It occurred to me, this morning, that this rule also applies when our hearts have wandered.  Now, please do not hear me say that God does not know where you are. That is obviously not true.  However, I think there are times when God is saying 'Stay where you are. Let Me come to you.' Sometimes, we don’t know exactly what has caused us to wander away. We’re not even sure if we have wandered away or if we’re just really tired.  Or, like a wild animal in a net, sometimes the more we struggle to free ourselves the more tangled up we become.  There comes a point where we just need to stop, be still, and wait for the Lord to give us direction.

Stay in the Word even when you’re wandering. When the Lord comes calling and leading you back to Him you want to be able to recognize His voice.  In this world, where so many people and things are vying for our attention we need to be able to clearly know when it is His voice that is calling us.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to call for help. Just because you are being still does not always mean you must be silent.  If you know that you are not where you should be, call out to Him just like the psalmist 'Seek me, Lord!'

O to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be…Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee…(Come Thou Fount)

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Finding The Sacred In The Fabric Softener
• Myths our Moms Told Us: Truth Behind the Tales
• Waiting
• Not-So-Wicked Stepmother To the Rescue
• How to Pray for our Children

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships

The car line.

Monday through Friday from 2:10 until 2:40 if you need me, that's where I am.

Sitting in my car.  Waiting.

Along with about 100 other parents who are sitting in their cars waiting.

I try to find productive things to do… catch up on phone calls to family, read a book, write notes to church members.  I look busy but I'm waiting.

It's true in my Christian life too. I look busy.  I'm teaching, singing on the praise team, visiting those in need but really I'm waiting.

Waiting on the Lord.

Waiting for direction.

Waiting for clarification.

Waiting for the next step.

And just like I find great joy in seeing my daughter run to my car every day, so I am learning to find joy in waiting on the Lord.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope."

Psalm 130:5, NASB

Photo by Leonardo Pires

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• Myths our Moms Told Us: Truth Behind the Tales
• Prone to Wander
• Organizing School Photos
• Fight the Frump: Shapewear
• Brag On Him – Week 17

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships

I have grand visions of hanging this over my own personal Mt. WashMe that resides next to the dryer.

But lately, I've been meditating on a verse from Colossians.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:2

It's that "working for the Lord" part that gets me.  When I sit in church on Sundays and I stare at the great big windows, it's easy to remember that my worship, my words, they are all for Him.  They are in praise of Him.

But at home, when I stare at that pile of socks on an unswept tile floor, it's hard to remember that my work is still unto Him.  It is still holy.  Those socks, the feet that fill them, those are my work.  And they are sacred.  Sacred little hole-y socks.  (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.)  So I should treat them with care.  Do my best.  And serve with a grateful and cheerful heart.  As if I were serving the Savior, and not my sock-wearers.

So here's what I'm saving my pennies for now to hang in my laundry room.  Truthfully, I should hang one in every single room in my house.  All my rooms are full of "sacred work."

Now, if someone will just write me some Laundry Liturgy, I'd be good to go.

People who looked at this item also looked at…

• How to Pray for our Children
• Blissfully Domestic Fall Tour of Homes
• Marriage Is Not A Romance Novel
• Prone to Wander
• The Best Beauty Tips You've Never Heard Of

Related items

• Exploring Thankfulness
• A Tapestry of Grace
• Psalm 116:1-2 Weekly Inspiration
• Compassion International Changes Lives
• Spiritual Friendships