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11/4 grateful friday pt I

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Give thanks to the Lord… 1 Chronicles 16:34

Credit: Canva

Last year in my first year of blogging, I featured a series here on New Day called “Grateful Friday.” Each 4th Friday I’d offer a post listing things for which I was particularly thankful from the previous days or weeks. Here’s one of those posts.

I thought I’d bring that little bit of blog tradition back to the site over my two November posts this year, so here’s pt. I:

The grace of God. I mean, you knew it was going to be first on my list, right? I don’t know where I’d be without this undeserving gift, this saving power that fills my each and every day. For me, grace is God’s love at work in my life. It is the source by which I’m able to know Him, grow in Him, and abide in Him. Each morning, as soon as I’m able to clear the night’s fog from my mind, I turn to the Word and embrace the new grace given. So thankful for it.

Daily tangible blessings. You know, things like food, clothing, shelter? In this day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in things of the world and take things for granted. Ask the man on the corner with the sign what it’s like to not know where you’re going to sleep that night, or from where your next meal is coming… Our aim? Give thanks for all God provides, then help others in need. Get outside yourself sometimes.

Family and friends. I should say, true friends. I REALLY should say, those I need, who support me and are truly there for me. I think of one particular sister-friend who’s become my unofficial therapist – always advising with a heart of truth, praying, and just being genuine. Those who’ve indicated in one way or another that I’m no longer “fit” for their “list,” well I’ve moved on from them and recognized who they truly are and what they stand for (that’s another post…). And so thankful for my family – they’ve stood by me through some hard times this year, and we’ve endured other seasons together. At the end of the day, I know I can count on my blood.

This blog space and the privilege to serve. I’ve said plenty of times before just how thankful I am for this space to write of and share the goodness of God! I recently tweeted, No better words, to me, to write than those that express the unending love of Jesus Christ. Glad to be the called. And that is so true – I’m not just saying it just to be saying something, but it’s where my heart is.

That’s it for me for now. I know your “grateful” list has a few things on it – tell me about it!

9/23 words to live by

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Thy word have I hid in mine heart… Psalm 119:11


I get inspiration and encouragement from lots of places – from other people sharing their life experiences, nature, even from some of my favorite TV shows. Mostly, though, I’m motivated by words – expressions and sentiments that seem to settle within my soul,  bringing light to dark places, helping me stay centered and focused on the right things. Words might do the same for you.

This post is a sharing of just a few of my favorite words to live by. My list is way longer than these six, but these as of late seem to ring loudest within me. Enjoy.

Living in God’s true love is a process. First, God loves us, and by faith, we receive His love. We then love ourselves in a balanced way, give love back to God, and learn to love other people. Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life – a Daily Devotional

Life is reminding me daily that seasons come and seasons go. So much of what is now won’t always be. Cherish the people and things you delight in. Love on people who aren’t easy to love (life is too short). Make amends. Forgive. Keep praying on the things that are especially hard – they won’t always be either. Cultivate an eternal perspective. . . focus on what will truly last. So thankful that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). Kim Cash Tate

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs

I write because it’s cheaper than therapy. I write because it gives me patience. Writing for me is like praying on paper. What I pray for is compassion and empathy, for insight, and writing helps me pay attention. It helps me worry about folks who I think deserve some. It allows me to at least try to understand our shortcomings and virtues as human beings… but also how they sometimes get misappropriated. I want to know why we do what we do, and why we’re always so surprised by the outcome. I also write because I want to be a better person – I want us all to be better. But I accept this award on behalf of all African-American writers whose goal is to help put a smile on a reader’s face, a fire in their minds, and hope in their hearts, because that’s all we have.  Terri McMillan, in her acceptance speech at the 2002 Essence Awards

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are your favorite quotes, verses or other readings that inspire your living?

 

Summer Graces

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To every thing there is a season… Eccles. 3:1 KJV


If you’re like me and not much of a cold weather person, the excitement for January’s start can quickly fade once the heart and harshness of winter settle in around us. Though I love hot chocolate, a good bowl of chili, and being wrapped in my favorite blanket in my favorite spot on the couch, I have to be honest: summer can’t arrive soon enough! My bones yearn for sunshine and the graces of a new season – hurry, please!

Well, winter’s grey has left us, and spring has birthed a new set of days with promises for life to abound. Summer is here!

I do enjoy summer’s opportunity for spontaneity, but like you, I do make some semblance of a plan so as to get the most out of the season’s days (because winter WILL return, right?). Here’s my list of what I’m looking forward to!

Thankful just to be able to start again, to welcome the new!

My “shetreat.” No, husband, you ain’t going, sisters, friends, nobody! Just me and God. I’m headed to beautiful Charleston SC this year, and can’t wait to partake of my favorites.

Outside of Charleston, I don’t have plans for a lot of other travel, but an extra beach trip is always in order. I can sit and look at the ocean all day…

What’s summer without a book or two? Hope to dig into Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, Grace from Max Lucado, and maybe something fun and totally random. Any suggestions?

I’m glad to be able to give and help someone else along. Looking forward to volunteering this summer at a local charity that’s doing great work for those in need in the Triangle NC area.

Time spent with family and friends is made extra special when you can cut up and just have some good ol’ fun. My family and I know how to do this quite well. Join us, won’t you?

Well, your turn! Tell me what’s on your summer’s horizon. Whatever you set out to do, be safe and enjoy!