11/22/21 11/22/21

Blog The importance of giving thanks

The Bible has any number of verses that deal with gratitude and giving thanks. Psalm 106:1 (KJV) states, “Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the lord; for He is good: for his mercy endures for ever.

Giving thanks to a higher power than ourselves lifts our minds and hearts as well as focuses our attitudes away from complaining and blaming to lifting up instead of tearing down. Too often, however, it is easier not to practice gratitude, not to give thanks, not to praise anything or one.

Excuses grow as our grumpy attitude grows. Oh give thanks to the Lord! But not this evening. I had a rotten day at the office and have this beastly headache.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Not now! Not when I’ve put up with the kids squabbling all day. Jimmy messed his diapers on the way to the store. What a mess! Besides, I may be coming down with the flu.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Good grief! How can I give thanks when my favorite aunt just died? We were so close, and I wasn’t ready for this.

For all our many and varied excuses, God’s Word doesn’t change to suit our vacillating moods or circumstances. Philippians 4:4 (KJV) reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reads, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Most books on inspiration mirror that a positive attitude and gratitude are good for our relationships and our health. Most of our problems, big or small, don’t seem quite so insurmountable when we refuse to tumble into a pattern of complaining.

By complaining and refusing to be thankful, we imply God either isn’t strong enough or doesn't care enough to help us in our times of need. It implies that short-term problems are bigger and more encompassing than they really are.

By our negative words and actions, we deny ourselves the comfort not only of God’s presence to lift us up and give us a new perspective on our circumstances, but also make those around us not want to be around us. Our attitude affects everyone, not just you and me.

Do I truly wish to always be unhappy, dragging down my family, friends, and everyone around me? Or do I wish to look up and let laughter and love flow through me, changing my perspective and my attitude?

Especially in downtimes, I need to remember to give thanks and to look up. Attitude matters. Why not choose to develop one of gratitude? What better to time to start than during a celebration of Thanksgiving when giving thanks is supposed to be the core reason for the holiday. This year let’s make sure it is.

So, what are you thankful for?

3/1/21 3/1/21

Blog Before Speaking or Writing--Think

On the death of commentator Rush Limbaugh, I am disturbed by the vitriol pouring out through media sources, even from those I know. It is disheartening to feel such hatred for a man who is now dead.

The rejoicing is not that much different from terrorists in other countries who celebrated when the towers collapsed, and thousands died. What happened to common decency and respect, if not for the dead, at least for the loved ones left behind?

Whether a person is a pillar of the community or the dregs of society, death is not something in which to rejoice. Even terrorists are human beings. Yes, some criminals need to be stopped permanently. Still, death saddens me because it means the criminal, the terrorist, those who want to tear down instead of build-up will never have the chance to turn their lives around and become people who have positive rather than negative goals.

Do we really want to encourage this attitude in ourselves or others—like our children? Will we become so hateful our loved ones will sigh with relief, not grief when we pass on? Thoughts matter. Attitudes matter. Words matter.

Where we focus our thoughts will end up showing up in what we say and do. Focusing on real or supposed complaints, problems, and situations, allow them to germinate into unresolved anger. Such anger spews out to everyone around us in one way or another.

Bottling up such anger without resolving it with truth, rational thought and consideration or with forgiveness will burst out. We stop considering the consequences of our anger whether we feel justified in our anger or not. Responding in fury seldom solves the situation or problem.

When a situation makes us furious. If we respond in anger, the incident will, most likely, escalate. When we're furious, why not stop, think and consider short and long-term consequences before allowing anger to dictate our words and behavior--before we speak or act?

If what we say does not accuse or add fuel to the fire, most likely, the situation de-escalates, and we can deal rationally with the situation. Though we live in a vengeful, payback, culture, we don't have to feed into that philosophy. It is not God's way and nor the way for a civilized society to behave.

Want peace? Don’t nurture anger, feeding it like it is some sort of pet. Peace is a byproduct when we choose to show tolerance for opinions and voices outside our own, without forcing others to follow our way. When we cut off access to other voices, we narrow our own viewpoint.

Peace at the point of silence or intimidation is not peace. That is a form of slavery. I am not saying duck conflict. Stand up for truth, yes. Stand up for faith, family, and freedom, but do it with the right spirit.

Most of all, start by thinking before speaking, writing, texting, and speak “soft” words to defuse. These verses from the Bible are a blueprint for peace with truth.

Proverbs 15:1-2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)

Romans 12: 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NASB 2020)

Are we going to spew anger and look like fools or think and consider before we speak or act (or pass something on social media) and show ourselves wise, tolerant, civilized, and persons of peace? Meanwhile, let us be kind and “…mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)

I plan my life out a day at a time, so my posting schedule can be erratic.

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