I often think about sharing my morning devotional with everyone here and I always get side-tracked. Today I brought my book out to the office so I would remember to do it.
Ross and I are doing a book study with our church. We’ve met four weeks thus far and so far, so good. The book we are using is Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing, by Martha Grace Reese.
This book is a little stretch for the members of our church because it’s about evangelism which is something Presbyterians are not known for.
Anyway, this morning, it was suggested that we consider what God has done in our lives over the past month. What have we seen, learned, heard, recognized, or let go of? What has God shown us?
Most of you know I count my blessings when I journal most mornings so this question was sorta familiar, but it was very cool to look back over a month.
Anyone willing to join me in looking back and sharing what God has done in your life or the lives of loved ones during the past month?
I’ll start:
Ross was very sick for two weeks. His doctor thought it was a complication of being a diabetic all these years. We were scared. It ended up being the flu with no long lasting side effects. Praise God.
After years, my daughter has been placed on a medication regimen for her diabetes and it’s the first one that’s working well. She switched doctors last year and this doctor is very proactive. This is her fourth attempt at getting my daughter’s medication right since last spring. Her numbers are now within normal range and she has more energy than she has had in years.
My oldest son’s future living arrangements are being worked out.
My youngest son’s is on to an awesome film project that has promise.
I landed two sponsorships for the NABBW and BWS that I have been working on for months (and praying for like a crazy lady, with others praying too).
I’ve had awesome opportunities to minister to two friends in need.
Hubby needed a new employee and after months, was able to hire someone with years of experience, and someone he knows.
My family is healthy and safe except for a couple colds/flu (could be worse).
Another person I’ve been praying for is getting the help they need.
How about you?
17 Comments
Hey Dotsie, I love this.
I have many praises. Yesterday at my church, which is very evangelical (don’t we love the diversity on this blog?) I saw several women from a local rehab worshiping God with everything within them. I love what God is doing in their lives.
I also loved our service. It was filled with life and energy. I sensed God’s presence.
I just talked to my son. He had his bachelor party this weekend in Dallas. He went golfing and to a comedy club with his brothers in law and his best friends. He came back with a tatoo! The word “Kristin” written on his ring finger in elegant script. “Mom, it’s forever, just like our marriage will be.”
I heard about a project this week. I thought it was for people more advanced in the industry than me. I received an invitation to be a part. I’m so excited. Details later, a few months later actually.
I’m writing again. I got up at 5 a.m. this morning. I’m not a morning person. I’ve written 6,000 words so far this a.m. It’s like a dam has burst open. Oh, that feels good. It’s been way too long.
The sun is shining. That means flowers, and green grass, and warm sunshine. Ah. Spring. I love it!
That’s my praise for today.
Great post, Dotsie. I just got back from speaking at a retreat, so my mind is fuzzy and tired this morning. But I’ll be answering your questions in my post on Wednesday. Stay tuned!
HUGS
Dotsie, I found out in the wee hours of this morning that a prayer I’ve been praying for nearly 3 years now for a loved one has been answered. I’ve been seeing God at work in this situation for the past couple of weeks and have been so thankful that He is bringing about His will.
I’ve also gotten a couple of writing projects accomplished in the past few weeks that I definitely felt the Lord’s help on, and I sure praise Him for those.
As of Saturday, I have new little great-niece. I’m praising the Lord for her safe arrival and for my sister (her grandma) who emailed pictures immediately
So much to praise Him for — but those are some highlights.
Be blessed!
Cheryl
We’re going through an exceptionally hard time financially right now, due to a house. We bought a smaller house in 2006, then got our old house ready to sell, and it’s now been on the market 20 months. Financially, it has literally almost bankrupted us. We have now run out of money, and we have a contract on the house - that was supposed to close about 10 days ago - but it hasn’t yet.
I asked prayer warriors to pray about this, as we literally watched our last dollars being spent. Warriors sent me book chapters they felt God asked them to send, chapters that said God heard our prayers, and that He was here, and that He cared for us.
Then, Friday, I received an acceptance email for an article I had submitted in April 2006 - from a magazine who had already bought this very same article last spring! It was pretty funny, but God was again speaking to me. The article was about another very difficult time in our lives, and how God had shown He cared for us then. The title of the article is HE CARES.
So even though our house still has not closed, and I truly do not know how we will make it past tomorrow financially, I know that God is in control, and I praise Him with my utmost HALLELUJAH for all He has blessed us with, and all that He is doing on our behalf, because even though there is no money, we have each other, our kids are doing well, and we have a great life, great friends, great health, great doggy!
I also thank Him for working in and through each of you, that you are so open and transparent to us all. You are a blessing.
Suzie, what’s the name of your church? I’d love to look at their Web site. Glad to hear you were included in a project you thought might be above your head. That just might be what ygave you the boost to get so many words on the paper this morning. Sometimes, just knowing others believe in us does the trick. Can’t wait to hear aboyt your son’s wedding!
Connie, welcome home. It’s your day of Sabbath. Good for you for not responding in length. Hope you’re enjoying your day off.
Cheryl, isn’t amazing when those prayers you’ve been praying for years are answered? Congrats on the great-niece. we have a couple great nieces and nephews in the family now and it’s like a breath of fresh air at family gatherings. Enjoy.
Tracy, keeping the faith during difficult times only makes us stronger. I’m sure you’ll look back on this one day and figure out that what God was up to was worth the wait. Sending prayers your way!
I have so much to be thankful for these days. My family members all have their health. I am loving my new job. It took a serious leap of faith to take this job because it meant a huge drop in pay but it has been a blessing and everything worked out. My brother is back in rehab and seems to be making it this time. He gets most of my prayers these days. We are still loving our new Church and the messages seem to fit my life. I have some new blog friends that keep me motivated and on the right path. Thanks everyone. Praise God.
Greg
Thanks Dotsie! A good reminder. I try to remember to look at what I have instead of what I don’t have. Today, I’ve been terribly remiss in this area. So, I will go off and ponder the blessings.
Greg, tell us about your new job. Are you a boomer man? Just wondering… We all need to help one another stay on the right path. That’s what the community of faith is all about.
Karen, have fun pondering God’s blessings. It’s such an uplifting activity.
Dotsie
About the new job: It is with the same company but it was a major step down, not only responsibility but also in pay. It was well worth it though as I am finding out that there is more to life than money. I had to beg our area manager to let me take a step down. I have worked in the same field though for 30 years and it was time for a change.
Yes I am a boomer man. On one website, I go by the name 1955 GMC because that is my birth year and those are my initials.
I am on a natural High today and I just want to say, Praise God for all He has done for me.
This is so awesome. Last week we had a lot of answered prayer as well. My eldest daughter got a surprise promotion and HUGE raise. My second daughter finally found a job teaching pre-school is a pre-school/daycare and can take her daughter to work with her. My son did excellent in his “finals” play at AADA. I found CHEAP plane tickets to NYC for his graduation and a reasonable motel. We were blessed with an unexpected $600.00 to spend on the trip - a gift from someone who wanted to make sure we would have a great time and no stress.
God is so GOOD! It is so worth it to count our blessings! Oh, and most importantly my grandbaby and her mommy are over the flu! Hugs!
Greg, natural highs are the best kind! Did you ask to step down due to time and responsibility? that’s admirable. Glad to hear you’re a boomer.
Kathleen, when our kids are happy, we’re happy. Am I right?
This is a good reminder. I love to look back through my journal and be reminded of blessings, learnings and answers to prayer.
Lately God has really been speaking to me about 2 things and left and right seems to be showing me the way. One, I’ve been feeling compelled to just “listen” lately and realizing I am not so great at being quiet - someone from church asked me to attend a retreat with them. The topic is based around silence and solitude. The other prayer on my heart is to be more connected with others, and again - God has intervened in a way I could never have imagined or orchestrated. He is so good!