Did you know that thankfulness can reduce your anxiety level?
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (italics mine)
Did you catch that connection? It was years of reading that verse before I caught it!
In other words, peace comes as we bring our needs and requests to the Lord with an attitude of thankfulness for what he’s done, and what he WILL do. Hmmm…how many times have I come to him with a whiney, “fix this please, Lord” attitude? Ouch.
This week, my cousin posted this on Facebook: “What if tomorrow you only woke up with the things you thanked God for the night before?” Makes you think, doesn’t it? It did for me anyway!
Ok, with all that as an introduction, here is my thankful list for today:
*A patient God who loves me, even at my whiniest
*My goofy husband who can get his girls laughing so hard they can’t breathe
*Good re-connecting talks with my “little” brother on the phone
*Hope
*The family and friends who are praying for discernment and direction for my husband
*Freezer space for meals I will be making ahead and freezing–and thank you Light, Liberty, and Learning for great information!
*Extremely overripe bananas that make excellent banana bread
*A family who loves eating my baking ventures
*The example of courage in my youngest
*On-line Bible study groups with good friends
*Family discussions
*Annie’s Bunny Grahams (Honey)
*Boots at half price for next winter
And now here’s my picture example of being thankful instead of complaining:
This, believe it or not, is not a desk, it is our bed. It is currently being USED as a desk however, by my husband. Now, I could complain about it, and get all upset about the takeover of my serene bedroom and whine about the lack of office space in our home, OR I could thank the Lord that my husband’s work with the Army Reserves is providing us with some income and that I get to spend more time with him while he works from home.
What are you thankful for today?
The privilage of being a momma to the two most wonderful children (even when times are hard for the three of us *smile*), and the wife to the most amazing man for me in the entire world! *big smile* I am also thankful for my Father always being with me and guiding me through life. *smile* Sincerely, Mommy of two little blessings & so much more!
WOW..Your friends FB post really does make you stop and think. I have whined all day (I have the flu & my kids are sick too). Thank God though that with a few meds we will all be back to new soon. We really are so lucky & sure don't take the time to be thankful for all the good in our lives.
How precious this list is! I appreciate the photo you included…what a blessing that your husband has work and is around for you and your family. Thankfulness really is a wonderful trait…may the LORD help us all to be truly thankful in ALL things! How difficult it is at times…but really, everything is given to us from the Loving Hands of our Gracious God. HE does all things well. All the time. I am incredibly thankful for the LORD and HIS mercy and grace.
Many blessings,
Camille
I am thankful for the sweet unexpected kisses — even to those that are delivered by my son to the other children – who squirm about receiving them! 😉
As usual, I adore your list.
And, your bed looks like mine on those days Beloved comes home and works! 😉
I love the quilt on your bed…isn't that just like a woman to see past the "desk" and notice the pretty:)
I'm thankful for meeting wonderful Christian women online through blogging. It's a blessing to see the Lord working in others lives and it is uplifting and inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing!
I love your bed! (Reminds me of mine 🙂 The quilt is lovely.
Blessings,
Lisa