S3 - Day 2 of 27
While Day 1 got off to an exceptionally rocky start, it quickly turned around. I was able to readjust my attitude (those who know me well know that I'm cranky when I'm hungry) and show last night's leftover fried chicken who's boss. Just about the time my stomach started hitting my back, I caught my second wind and 6:00 pm came and went without me even noticing.
But that's the easy stuff. On a deeper level, I found myself increasingly full as the day went along as I forced down the bitter morsels of anxiety, frustration, and impatience that made their way to mouth and threatened to spill from my lips. With each negative regurgitation, I swallowed hard, breathed deeply and re-framed my thought into a praise - not a self-centered petition - a praise. Transforming "how is it that more than a month has passed since you received your check and I'm still waiting on my reimbursement from the same claim? Let me try and hold your funds by a day and see how quickly you'd be breathing down my throat." to "Lord, please expedite this matter and move on the hearts of all involved parties to release my funds to me with a sense of urgency." is one thing. But my goal is to go a step further.
So I awaken on Day 2 with a renewed sense of excitement and an uplifted spirit - funny how a day full of praise will do that for you. The most beautiful benefit: my household reflects my attitude. How do I know: a second grader and a twelfth grader up at 6:30 a.m. for family devotions before starting the day - fully engaged and without one complaint or exasperated sigh - is all the proof I need :)
Day 2 Thanksgiving: God's Sovereignty (my step further from Day 1)In His sovereignty, God allows various inconveniences in our lives to get our attention, to help us learn a lesson, or to encourage us to be more grateful. I am thankful because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. God takes note of even the most minute details of our lives because His love for us is so great that He is moved with compassion with the matters that concern us.
Day 2 Prayer: Families Struggling in this Economy (and further still)Today, I lift in prayer everyone who has been deeply impacted by the economy. I pray for your hand of provision and divine favor on those who are on the verge of losing their homes, vehicles, businesses. I pray for those who are unable to provide for their families and are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from. I pray that you would move on the hearts of those more fortunate around them, fill them with compassion and inspire them to be a blessing to their neighbors in need. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them as Jehovah Jireh and meet their need for their good and your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
...until tomorrow...
But that's the easy stuff. On a deeper level, I found myself increasingly full as the day went along as I forced down the bitter morsels of anxiety, frustration, and impatience that made their way to mouth and threatened to spill from my lips. With each negative regurgitation, I swallowed hard, breathed deeply and re-framed my thought into a praise - not a self-centered petition - a praise. Transforming "how is it that more than a month has passed since you received your check and I'm still waiting on my reimbursement from the same claim? Let me try and hold your funds by a day and see how quickly you'd be breathing down my throat." to "Lord, please expedite this matter and move on the hearts of all involved parties to release my funds to me with a sense of urgency." is one thing. But my goal is to go a step further.
So I awaken on Day 2 with a renewed sense of excitement and an uplifted spirit - funny how a day full of praise will do that for you. The most beautiful benefit: my household reflects my attitude. How do I know: a second grader and a twelfth grader up at 6:30 a.m. for family devotions before starting the day - fully engaged and without one complaint or exasperated sigh - is all the proof I need :)
Day 2 Thanksgiving: God's Sovereignty (my step further from Day 1)In His sovereignty, God allows various inconveniences in our lives to get our attention, to help us learn a lesson, or to encourage us to be more grateful. I am thankful because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. God takes note of even the most minute details of our lives because His love for us is so great that He is moved with compassion with the matters that concern us.
Day 2 Prayer: Families Struggling in this Economy (and further still)Today, I lift in prayer everyone who has been deeply impacted by the economy. I pray for your hand of provision and divine favor on those who are on the verge of losing their homes, vehicles, businesses. I pray for those who are unable to provide for their families and are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from. I pray that you would move on the hearts of those more fortunate around them, fill them with compassion and inspire them to be a blessing to their neighbors in need. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them as Jehovah Jireh and meet their need for their good and your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
...until tomorrow...
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