What gets you out of bed in the morning? If it’s nothing more than the delicious smell of fresh-brewed coffee, I think that’s fine reason to get up. Especially if you enjoy the brew in your cup – and thank God for it.
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?”
As Christians, I think sometimes we can get so focused on pleasing God – on following the rules and sacrificing for the cause – that we forget or miss the fact that walking through this life with Christ should be a joy. Should be enjoyed.
Yes, difficult times will come, no doubt. (He can be trusted in those times!) And I know the periodic, necessary dying-to-self required is not exactly our favorite way to spend an afternoon. But still. Ever still, I fully believe God intends us to enjoy this life, this breath, this earth, this time we’ve been given. And to thank Him for the gift of it.
So let me hear from you today: What will you do to intentionally enjoy your life today? And can you see it as a gracious gift from God?
Tell me your thoughts on this verse, the devotion, or your plans to enjoy today and you’ll be entered to win a copy of my book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know. I'll also slip one of my favorite things into the package before mailing it. Have a really great day!
I will be looking at the beauty of God's creation while driving into downtown this morning (not one of my favorite things to do!). I will also be expressing my gratitude for having a car with air conditioning. That was a gift from God! I will also be expressing my gratitude to Him that I do not have to drive to downtown every day for work. :) Life most definitely can be enjoyed when we do stop and purposefully look for the gifts God gives us each and every day. Erica
ReplyDeleteFeeling tired and fretful at 5 this morning. I asked God to help me find joy . I felt his gentle nudge to read His word. So while my family slept I read about God's love and power. The quiet was delicious, and God's graciousness overwhelming. So thankful for that quiet moment. It was like a hug from God. Now time for my family and then off to the fun of teaching first grade, grateful and filled with God's joy. Debbie Laureen
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteJust to sit in God's creation in nature today. Breathe in the air, listen to the birds, watch the chipmunks and squirrels gather their food, and soak in the warmth of the sunshine. Enjoy the day :)
Janet
I am so blessed to be able to enjoy today helping teach a class of 4 year olds. It is truly a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteThis really lifted me up today. Lately I've gotten into the doldrums of not being too thrilled with my life -- like it ISN'T meaningful. But this gave me perspective on taking those moments that are true gifts from God and being truly thankful. Thanks for sharing. Today I will take the time to enjoy and thank Him for every bright spark of the day.
ReplyDeleteRachel!
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed! I woke up this morning with swirling thoughts of the myriad of things I need to do. I also teach but my students are high school seniors.I have lately felt conflicted about my job and the ministry my husband and I are involved with at a small church. Your devotional was a reminder to me to enjoy what I am doing and have right now.
Today, I will enjoy grading papers and doing the routine things a teacher does. Thanks for the encouragement! Bing
How I needed this reminder! In the midst of fighting depression and feeling stuck in the tasks and routines of each day, I am thankful for your encouragement. I will try to look at the events of this day as things to be thankful for rather than things to endure. Amy Hansen
ReplyDeleteI am going to take a walk this morning, and enjoy the quite and the fall colors (which are just starting to arrive).
ReplyDeleteWe have a choice everyday the attitude of our mind. We need to be aware of that even when it is hard to do. We need to take a positive attitude and we need to choose to be happy or angry, sad or glad. We need to be thankful for everyday God gives to us.
ReplyDeleteBoy...did I need this devotion today!!! My thoughts definitely need to shift onto what I'm thankful for and those little things...those gifts from God. Life is overwhelming if we only look at whats not going like we'd like. So today...I have a day off from work...and I am counting it as a gift from God. I will see the time I have here at home as a time to find ways to be a blessing to my family and find joy in knowing I can be a blessing to them...instead of feeling like I do everything for them and they should appreciate me more. :) That only makes me more unhappy. Thank you again for this post...and also the proverbs31 post. It was definitely a word in season for me. I needed it. Have a wonderful day! Blessings,
ReplyDeleteBuffi Young
This is exactly what I've been learning in my own life...finding the balance between being unsatisfied with the things of this life, knowing that we are in store for so much more and, finding the happiness God intended through the blessings He bestows on us in this life. How can we be happy with so much pain and suffering going on in the world? How do we not feel guilty about enjoying such seemingly pointless things like a cup of coffee on the back porch in the early morning hours? How do we do something we enjoy without feeling we're wasting time?
ReplyDeleteI'm learning that I can't truly become the woman of prayer God wants me to be until I can see His purpose and beauty in EVERYTHING...the good AND the bad. Being still enough and intentional about noticing God and His blessings in even the smallest of this world's pleasures. This is what sustains me through the mundane tasks and chores of this ordinary life! Even the dirty dishes and mounds of endless laundry are reminders of God 's blessings in my life. A reminder of the food He's provided, the family He's given me to enjoy those meals together. Through eyes of thankfulness, those dirty clothes become reminders of the day I had with my kids playing and getting messy. Instead of yelling at the kids for stepping on the legos for the third morning in a row, I now can patiently help them learn to be responsible because I know the time I have with them will fly by and I will wish they were there to leave their toys all over the floor just one ore time.
Becoming intentional about living a life of gratitude has started to transform me! It doesn't just help get through the monotony of this life'... It is teaching me to be still and satisfied in the Lord...truly satisfied! Instead of following in that Eden mentality of always wanting something else, something more... I'm learning to see everything I have instead of everything I don't have. I'm just learning, but I`m starting to truly belive that God has the very best intentions for me, even through the bad things that happen. I couldn't say that before. I couldn't see that before. The thoughts and desires of this world had obscured the true vision God had intended. Through thanksgiving, my blinders are slowly coming off!
today, (after about 5 days of crazy busyness and before a yardsale and a son's wedding) today I will enjoy being home and doing laundry! can you believe that! but the comfortable mundane chores can be so refreshing when life is Chaotic. and I will enjoy a cup of vanilla carmel tea! gotta go the water is hot.
ReplyDeleteI will be more appreciative of God's beautiful world as i take my morning walk today. Enjoy the fresh air and the color in the tress as they are beginning to turn. At the end of the walk I enjoy coffee and quiet time with my husband, watching the birds and squirrels. Rejoicicng in this day!
ReplyDeleteI love the thought that laughter is a small taste of heaven... never really thought of it that way. I can honestly say that this devotion was incredibly timely for me. I wake feeling a little empty this morning; I am drowning under a sea of dirty laundry, 5th grade homework and flash cards, and 20 pounds I'd like to lose. Life feels heavy these past few days, and as I read your words, I realized that I do not intentionally set out to enjoy anything anymore. Isn't that sad? So today I will think about how I can add little bits of joy to my life or simply take time to enjoy what I already have. I needed this reminder today... thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm at a crossroads at this time in my life. My brother just passed away five months ago. He was very ill the last couple years of his life and suffered a lot. I had the honor of spending much of his last year with him. Since his passing, I'm trying to find a new meaning in my life. I find peace in the fact that he is whole again and happy. I haven't been able to find joy in this yet, because I'm human and miss him terribly here on this earth. I am learning to spend time with God during my walks in the morning and trying to listen (big emphasis on "trying"). My brother's strong faith has been a big inspiration to me. Debbie
ReplyDeleteI have not been happy on my full time job since new admin. took over about 4 years now. God blessed me with a part time a couple evenings a week that I love because the supervisor is encouraging and respectful and appreciates my work. Things are tough right now too because I got married in April, my husband moved in July 2.5 hours from his job to my home and he has been commuting 5 hours daily since mid-July. We took a leap of faith that he would get a job in the area by now, but nothing yet. Our faith is being tried. But the things that has helped me most is hearing Lysa Terkerst in person and then seeking out Proverbs 31 ministries and getting daily devotions. It has become my daily strength in all things. I have also been getting to work early on Monday to pray with a co-worker. I am growing through this trail and the other major trails of 2 sick parents. God grace is truly sufficient. Thank you for your devotion.
ReplyDeleteThis has been my season of discontent and I have been aching for it to be over. I know God has been working in me these last few years, teaching me to depend soley on him. Apparently I haven't learned yet, as I am still "here" :)
ReplyDeleteI have read many books and blogs on gratitude and my way of thinking is slowly changing. It's hard when my natural bent is pessimistic, but God is good and reminds me with little things every day.
Thank you for writing this today.
kirstenjett@yahoo.com
When I began reading today, I felt like you were speaking just to me. I too am a college professor. I too am so overwhelmed by grading at times that I miss out on some of the pleasures in life. Today is my 'day off' and I usually use it to catch up on grading and doing things around the house. My daughter and I wanted to schedule pedicure appointments for this afternoon. She lives and works an hour away, and I was not sure I could spare the time to make the drive and accomplish all that I needed to. Now I realize that the small pleasures (being with my daughter, not to mention the benefits of the pedicure and the massage chair) will do so much to energize my spirit and change my ugly attitude. I was blessed with a beautiful 27 year old daughter, and spending time with her, her husband, and my adorable grandson will be just what I need to do today. A plus is that I made a big dent in my 'to do list' already! Thanks, Rachel, for the new perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis devotion is right in line with the Fruit of the Spirit series our Pastor is doing, this past Sunday was Joy and your words mirror Sundays' message. Today is the Greatest Day of my Life! As we reflected on what the best day of our lives were, the message hit home that TODAY is the Greatest Day of Our Lives, because yesterday is gone and all we have is TODAY! Battling a nasty head cold - I will enjoy Today by - SMILING EVEN MORE - because Our countenance speaks volumes. I will purposely think of my blessings today and not how I'm feeling!
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your message in the devotion "Making Enjoyment Meaningful". I would like to incorporate some of your devotion into a lesson I will be giving in January at a small ladies retreat. I would also like to know if there was a study guide you used for your study of Ecclesiastes. My plan is to enjoy every thing that God has provided for me and to praise Him for it.
I just love Proverbs 31 Ministries! Every day I come to work and in my inbox is a wonderful read that always seems to speak directly to me! Today is no different. I was thinking just this morning, that I will have to put my life/dreams/wants on hold for just a few more years because my dear children desperately need help with school. This is something their father doesn't quite understand - school was never something he excelled in and even now finds it too much of a challenge to get involved. It is frustrating many times to me. So, today I prayed that I could find a way to help my children with school in a way that would not make them feel inadequate because most days they just don't get Algebra or Geometry! I have always wanted to be a teacher and I guess this is God's gift to me to reach out and give it a shot. So for me, today is an opportunity to make a difference in my children's lives and help alleviate stress and feelings of inadequacies for them. This is truly a gift from God and I hope I am up to the challenge.
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings to you!
Goes perfectly with "Be still and KNOW that I am God"
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog when I first get to work in the morning (I arrive a little early). Ironically, I had just recently been wishing I were in a specifically-Christian environment (I work at a college), so that I could speak about God openly and help encourage others with His promises. This morning, I had a huge stack of student files on my desk, and was paging through them, when the Lord told me that I could be praying over each student! I work with our registrar, so I see everything from new student files to graduating students' files; while I may not know the individuals face-to-face, at least I can now find joy and thankfulness each day by praying over each and every student file, for the well-being and success of every individual! Thank you for such a God-inspired, timely blog today! :)
ReplyDeleteI too believe that God wants us to enjoy life (Jesus came that we may have life and life more abundantly) and that we tend to seek enjoyment in the wrong things (money, materialistic things) rather than the simple, day to day gifts as you said, God blesses us with.
ReplyDeleteToday, I am choosing to enjoy my 21 month old who is doing and saying new, fascinating things every day and to intentionally thank God for the gift of him every moment I get.
Love you Rachel!
I definitely need to work on crafting a life that is pleasing to both me and God.
ReplyDeleteI really needed this this morning. I am very thankful for my job but often feel it is very meaningless, and at times my office environment is very stressful. Even though I thank God everyday for my job I don't always try to find joy in my job. Today I will find joy in the fact that I have a job and job security.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder that life should be enjoyed. Life gets so hard and I forget how to enjoy it. Pray for me that God will help me see the joy in living life.
Dot
I will choose to enjoy anything that comes my way today. I will remember that everything is a gift from God. Thanks for today's devotion!
ReplyDeleteYour words are food for thought. I am experiencing the fiercest storm of my life right now, and in examining my reasons for getting up each day, I find that I don't want to miss what God is going to teach me or do with me today. Some days I don't want to get up, but I leave my Bible and my devotional on my bed each night so when I awaken I can begin my day with the Lord with no excuses. There are times I can only see the storm and God patiently waits for me to find Him there. My goal in life these days is to survive, but in a way that brings glory and honor to my Lord. He continues to bring joy to my life through His Word, and through those special people He sends to deliver His love. Thank you for being one of His messengers. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteJust reading your P31 Devotion, which I felt compelled to read twice, has brought joy and peace into my morning. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI plan to enjoy the beauty that God gave us. To enjoy (try at least) my kids when they drive me nuts, or the leaves I have to rack up. But they are from God, and we are to enjoy even the little things, like cooking dinner. I loved this verse. God is a gift, and I am so blessed to have him in my life, and to enjoy today, to enjoy the little things, I think is to say to God, Thank you. Carrie
ReplyDeleteThank you - need to be reminded to enjoy the blessings that surround me. Trying to get motivated this morning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to hear from you through Proverbs 31 - an awesome ministry! Today I am blessed to be spending two weeks with a precious two year old grandson. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is God's creation for me to enjoy. I live on the east coast and he lives with my daughter and her husband on the west coast which makes each minute with him more special. I do get caught up in the mundane chores of life. I thank God for ALL his gifts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this- it's really got me thinking! I struggle with the line between enjoying what God has given me, & realizing that this is not our home & we are not made to be comfortable here. How much time do we spend doing what is pleasing to us (I love to knit, read, bake, watch movies, things that don't necessarily have a direct connection to God's purpose for my life), and how much effort do we spend putting off those things that are comforts & give our lives for the sake of others, as Jesus did? I have a 'dream home,' I think about the clothes I want to buy, I spend probably too much money on sushi dinners. Then I think about those in 3rd world countries who do not have those things to enjoy, to thank God for, and I wonder if I'm too comfortable & enjoying my pleasures too much. It's a difficult question for me, anyone have ideas on the boundaries here? I appreciate your perspective, Rachel, and thank you for getting me thinking! =)
ReplyDeleteYour devotion today really hit home with me. I have been seaching my heart for what is meaningful to me! I will intentionally listen to God's speaking to my heart. I will see the beauty within myself, as difficult as it may be. I will read His promises about how He loves me regardless of my outward appearance. Thank you for opening my heart to recieve the truth from Him and not the media.
ReplyDeleteI am finishing up my AS degree at the local JC. After homeschooling my kids for 15 years, I will be starting a new career in the coming months. I must admit the call of nature gets me up in the morning, but my faith that God has a purpose and a plan for my life keeps me out of bed.
ReplyDeleteI know, so well, the way you feel about college students. There are the ones that want to make something of themselves, there are the ones who just want to make money, there are ones who just come to socialize and some how make it through life and there are the ones, that without God intervening, will end up~ out on the streets.
The college campus is a great mission field. Deena
Your devotion struck a deep chord with me today!! It could only be God's timing. So thank you very much for sharing!! I decided this week to start encouraging my children to be more actively involved in preparing dinner with me. Usually their regular task is to set the table, but I realized I wanted to spend more time with them after school rather than all of us just going our separate ways when we get home. Usually them heading towards tv or computer with Mom alone in the kitchen. I know this change in family schedule may not be greeted with immediate joy on their part - but I pray that with time and patience it will be something we will all appreciate. After all the chance to enjoy my children - my greatest gifts from God!! - everyday is temporary, I don't want to waste this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteIt's a small thing, really. I cleaned up the stones in my little tabletop fountain and shined up the glass wind chime I made on retreat last summer. Together these make up my little place of peace. The fountain was a gift from my son years ago and we both marvel that it still operates (I am so glad).
ReplyDeleteRachel, your devotional today was EXCELLENT and just the reminder I needed. I, too, struggled with Ecclesiates. With everyone around me being so down on life, I have had to find my own way to seek peace. And it's true, the only way is to live in gratitude to God for every single, simple gift: sunshine on my face; leaves turning russet reds and golds, a late-season butterfly, and yes, my first sip of hot coffee in the morning.
I will be flying soon, also Thanks for the reminder to bring along a novel! I will also bring along your book "It's no Secret" which I have recently been reading . Thanks for your encouragement to live appreciating every moment for the gift that it is.
Thank you for this great reminder Rachel! I have a giant stack of papers here at work to be filed but I'm going to do it with a smile because I'm blessed to have a job. I'm planning to find joy in the small things today & every day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janet
gatorgirl66@hotmail.com
I loved today's devotional. I have a small daycare that I run out of my home and I am forever surrounded by my child and others. Sometimes the stress is just too much and I find myself late at night, tired and yelling at my own son after lovingly caring for others all day. I have been reading books and doing devotions and praying and just trying to "die to self daily" so hard that life has seemed less than enjoyable. Todays devotional really hit home in the sense that I know I should be enjoying my life and letting those little blessings and moments of joy that God gives me shine forth and really take root in my heart. Today, I'm going to enjoy my latte that my ever so sweet husband bought me and remember to laugh at the silly things the kids do to today and at the end of the day, when my energy is gone, I'll sneak away and take a hot shower before joining my family for some relax time. Thank God I get to be home with my son, set my own hours, nurture the future generation and be supported by such a generous husband.
ReplyDeleteI needed this post today. I think lately I have been too busy trying to follow the rules of Christianity to really enjoy my life. But as I took my walk through my neighborhood today, I tried to focus on the wonderful smells in the air of autumn in the Midwest and to look at the beauty around me. I need to do more of that. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI will pray for my family as I make dinner for them, being grateful to God that I have a husband and kids, and also that I have the physical ability to care for all God has entrusted to me.
ReplyDeleteI am still feeling exhausted from my weekend activities and celebrating my son's first birthday. As I sit at my desk, I thank God for the favor and flexability that I have at my job. I am taking enjoyment in making my son's birthday one that he was able to enjoy and knowing that God's grace will continue to suffice.
ReplyDeletefor me the fact that he actually woke me up this morning is something i am grateful for... when i went to bed last night i dint know i was gone face another day, but He kept me going, another day not only to experience his greatness, but another day to show his greatness to others as well, whether they appreciate it or not, but i ought to keep smiling because of He that woke me up this morning...Vimbai.
ReplyDeleteToo often I get distracted by my long to do list rather than my relationship list. Today, I will make a point to enjoy this beautiful life God has given me by letting the chore list go and quietly exploring the beauty of the laugh lines creeping upon the faces of my babies and the twinkling lights that shine within their sweet little souls. I love those moments of feeling enveloped in the love God lavishes upon each day by taking a moment to appreciate the gifts right under my noses - or I should say wrapped up in my arms! Thank you for the inspiration you provide each day and might I also request prayer. I am mom to two amazing babes (2 and 1), wife to one amazing man, and beginning my journey into seminary school. Please pray that as I attempt to return for grad school with two babies in tow, God directs me and leads me onward to what he has in store. Thank you so much! Brandi
ReplyDeleteMy mom is back in the hospital today. I trust God with her life and wellness. She is in His hands and I rejoice in that. mheard11@frontier.com
ReplyDeleteI will make of point of saying thank you to God for each member of my family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me how each moment GOD allows me to experience is something I should be grateful for. To be able to wake up and read GOD's word and tell Him thank you is a blessing within itself. How often we overlook the little things in life. Thanks Rachel for this post and your devotional, they were thought-provoking and blessed.
ReplyDeleteI'm working hard to get my chores done so I can enjoy my Bible Study tonight with nothing hanging over my head! I get a precious hour and a half a week to spend time with my favorite ladies who mentor me with their wisdom and life experience. Knowing that's coming this evening is the little piece of joy getting me through the day of dirty diapers, hyper doggie, laundry, homework, etc...
ReplyDeleteI loved your devotional this morning. Thank you for the insight to this scripture verse and for the motivation to enjoy the blessings we can find in our day-to-day life.
ReplyDeleteI've been struggling with staying cheerful at work due to a hostile work environment, but God has been filling me with His peace and joy as I grow closer to Him every day by reading the Word more and reflecting on His blessings, big and small.
The joy of the Lord is my strength and my salvation!
Blessings, Julia
I'll be goig to the park with my kids to see the sheer joy on their faces when we are there. I will forget my to do list and have fun there as long as they want to stay. I've been busy with household work this morning and I haven't done a very good job giving them my undivided attention and love. Your devotion helped me to remember what really is important -thank you!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Emily
I am blessed to have two beautiful girls~and especially blessed at this moment, as they are both taking a nap at the same time! Children truly are a gift from God, and today I am going to appreciate everything about them. I am thankful for this quiet time and the ability to read the Proverbs 31 devotion as well as your blog today! Meghan
ReplyDeleteI am learning all about how good God is all the time even in the darkest moments. Relying on Him gets you through those lows, so that you can then be a light to those around you.
ReplyDeleteGod Is Love!! is what we are teaching our children at AWANA right now and it is teaching me!!
I enjoy my job and those I work with and need to acknowledge that publicly. Patients frequently comment,"It must be fun to work here." I always say "Yes, it is". I realize not alot of people can say that, but I am truely blessed. When the day is over, I am then thankful for a beautiful drive back to the country to a family I love to spend time with. Just everyday things, but I am grateful to enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that only God can satisfy. Not the end of season clearance sale, or the next fabulous thrift store find.
ReplyDeleteToo much I look to those things to sedate my need for the "thrill of the hunt", when what I really need is to spend more time in pursuit of God.
I will stay in the bed the extra 5 minutes to snuggle my babies before i rush around trying to get the house and children ready for the day. It makes them happy but mostly it makes my heart overwhelmed with joy. I am truly blessed to have 5 children who all love me unconditionally.
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to have a home where love prevails and that even though my job can be crazy at times, it also brings me satisfaction! I am blessed to have a stable job in these uncertain days!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder!
You have no idea how much these thoughts meant to me today!!! I've been asking the same questions about the meaning of everything, and I was missing the big picture! Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI woke up this morning thanking God for my beautiful grand-daughter Serenity, my first grandchild, turning 16 today! Thankful for all of my children and grandchildren and for their individuality and the blessings that they bring to me. Thankful for the most precious gifts in life of family and friends and the love that we share. I look forward to spending time with them this evening as we celebrate the birth of this beautiful child of God.
ReplyDeleteJulie
In a tough economy, I too am learning to be thankful for even the little things. Hugging my son, seeing my daughter smile, the flowers in bloom, or birds in the air. What a difference it makes in the overall outlook on life! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this devo! I don't think I study Ecclesiastes as much I should....so plan to do that. I am thankful for good health and ministries such as this.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read your book!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
I intentionally enjoyed life by loving on my 8 month old twin girls. Sometimes a "working outside the home" mom can get overwhelmed with stuff to do at home and I realize that is not nearly as important as spending time with my girls!
ReplyDeleteI love doing devotions and studing Gods word.Thank you for posting .
ReplyDeleteI need to start being grateful for the things I have rather than resentful for the things I don't have. I try, and it is a hard thing to do sometimes, thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteComing off of a really bad year, I'm still dealing with feelings of bitterness and confusion. Each day gets better, thanks to God's faithfulness, His Word, and devotions such as this one today that speak directly to my heart. Today's devotion is just what I needed to get going on my Gratitude Journal, something I've been needing to do to get focused on the positive things in my life. I know I have much to be thankful for, even when times are rough. Thank you for your words today.
ReplyDeleteFunny because I just finished reading Ecclesiastes and was wondering much of the same thing - am I interpreting this correctly? What in the world is this guy saying? To me, this verse means that while earthly things are "meaningless", they are still gifts from God. We shouldn't dwell too much on acquiring them, yet at the same time we should appreciate them as gifts and not feel guilty for enjoying life. Sometimes, the best part of my day is sitting down at the dinner table with my family and enjoying a great meal, and that alone is a great gift from God.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the awesome devotional, Rachel!! I am going to print it to refer to when I'm feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. God always has such good advice abailable in His word! To be able to spend a whole year on Ecclesiastes how amazing!! In 2012 I hope to read the Chron. NLT One Year Bible all the way through and do the "Walking With Women Through The Word" with Wendy Pope.
ReplyDeleteFor my enjoyment, I will take a walk with my dog and enjoy the woods and wildlife, especially the does and their fawns I have watched out back since spring. They are feeding alot right now getting ready for winter. The fawns have lost most of their spots and I saw one baby buck the other day with his fuzzy little antlers starting to grow!! How awesome is God's creation!!!!
I also would really love to win your book, as my church's womens home group is doing this book this fall. I am planning to do the study but have not had the money for the book,but am trusting God to provide. He always provides more than enough!!! And His timing is perfect!!!
I'm blessed with a husband who helps, a (mostly) work-from-home job that allows me flexibility to run carpools and help with homework. I'm burning the candle at both ends as we prepare to move out of town, but this verse reminds me to appreciate all that I doing. I'm moving for a better job...not because of civil war or a death or illness. I am going to take a break now and work in my beautiful yard so I can reflect on the beauty of nature.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
You are so right. Gratitude covers a lot of grief and lifts the spirit. I'm so glad to have found your website.
ReplyDeleteThe days plan didn't include a half hour long phone conversation, but I'm glad it did. It was a blessing to talk to the other woman, heal some sore spots. It showed God still is very much in the healing and strengthening business.
ReplyDeleteNancy