Give Thanks for the Bad Days!

November 24, 2020 No Comments

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Here is a novel idea! Give thanks for the bad days. Yes, you heard me right. According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are to give thanks in all circumstances.

It is easy to give thanks when I am well-rested, and everything seems to be going my way. Don’t get me wrong; I am thankful for my good days too. I fair better when everything is going right; yet, I often become self-reliant when all is rosy.

One reason, I can give thanks for the hard times is because they point out my need for God. Yet, He is able to give me the strength I need to serve others even when I am at my worst. He never fails to supply all my needs. All I need to do is ask for His help and strength.

Another reason to be thankful for the tough times is to remember God’s many blessings in my life. God uses my bumps in the road to cause my faith to grow. Sure it is nice to want to be on the mountaintop with Him, but it is in the valleys that my faith is strengthened. When I am having a bad day, I can reflect on His blessings to provide me the hope to carry on.

Last but not least, if I reflect on what Jesus went through to set me free, my bad days don’t seem so bad. The joy of knowing Him becomes my strength. So the next time you find yourself having a bad day, give thanks to God, for He is good and will bring you through it all.

I pray: Lord God, Heavenly Father, help me to stop when I am having a bad day and give You thanks for You are good. I know that You will bring me through it. Amen.

Need more on giving thanks? Click here 3 Reasons to Be Thankful

Give thanks for your bad days, too.

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Mining 4 Silver

The Attributes of God, A Source of Comfort

March 29, 2018 No Comments

I Take Comfort in God’s Attributes

March has been a sad month. Once again, death has taken another loved one from my life. Yet, I take comfort in God’s attributes. I started reading through the Psalms looking for them. Here is what I found from a select few.

Comfort is Found in Your Attributes, Lord!

I take comfort knowing that You know the way of the righteous (Psalm 1:6).

You are my refuge and a shield about me. You are my glory and the lifter of my head when I am downcast (Psalm 2:12b; 3:3).

It is comforting to know that You uphold all who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down (Psalm 145:14).

You only need to open Your hand to satisfy the desire of every living thing (Psalm 145:16).

You are righteous in all Your ways and kind in all Your works (Psalm 145:17).

The greatest comfort is knowing that You are near to all who call on You, to all who call on You in truth (Psalm 145:18).

You fulfill the desire of those who fear You; You also hear them when they cry and save them (Psalm 145:19).

These are but a few of Your many wonderful and amazing attributes.

I can turn to God for comfort because He knows all things; He is my refuge and lifter of my head. He satisfies all my needs. He is near to me when I call or cry out to Him. He will uphold me when I fall. Therefore, I will praise the Lord forever and ever.

Grief is never easy and without God, I could not bear it. My heart is grieving over the loss but I know that God is near and will see me through this yet again. Praise His holy name.

Related Link: A Psalm of Praise unto My Lord!

I find comfort in the character of God as I read the Psalms.

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Book Reviews

Help and Hope While You’re Healing

April 22, 2017 2 Comments

I Give Thanks for the Help and Hope that I Found.

It has been more than a month now since I injured my back significantly. The first two weeks were the hardest for me. The pain was excruciating and debilitating. I had posted on Facebook my angst and Christine Carter offered to send me her book. Reading her book I, indeed, found much help and hope.

This healing journey would be depressing if I had not read her book. She has several helps. For example, in chapter 2 titled, ‘Preparing for the Pause,’ she addresses the areas of responsibility and provides worksheets. In Chapter five, she encouraged me to take this time to discover my passions. For me, it is blogging and connecting with other fellow bloggers.

But what really touched me was where she shared her own journey particularly in chapter 8. My heart was saddened by the loss she faced at the age of 43. So she is not just offering words of comfort without having been down this road. I appreciated how she found humor in midst of such troubling times. From it, she encourages women to own it, laugh a little and get out.

Furthermore, what was a big help for me and gave me hope was the reminder that this is temporary. She also inspired me to reach out to my friends for help. In doing so, I have been blessed by their time and companionship. This has helped me to overcome depressing thoughts. I am one prone to pity parties and feeling sorry for myself. Reading this book has been such a joy, help and has inspired hope.

Read It for Yourself

Therefore, I would highly recommend this book to any woman who is recovering from injury, surgery, and/or illness. You will not be disappointed. Here is a link to purchase a copy click the link below. You can also check out her website, themomcafe.com. Thank you, Christine.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means at no additional cost to you I may receive a commission if you purchase a product from one of our links. I only recommend products I love.

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Are you or someone you know recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness. Here is a book for you.

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Mining 4 Silver

Storms in Our Life Have a Purpose

April 18, 2017 2 Comments

Storms of Life: What Lessons Can We Learn?

As part of the Easter story, we heard of Peter’s denial but the part I think that is most often overlooked is that Jesus tells Peter that Satan has demanded to sift Peter like wheat. Jesus goes on to say that He has prayed that Peter’s faith may not fail. And when Peter has turned back, he is to strengthen his brothers. Therefore, this storm in Peter’s life had a purpose and so do the storms in our lives.

Yet, we often do not recognize our storms as having a purpose but they do. The Bible has many references to that fact. I, particularly, like what Jesus told Peter, “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers,” Luke 22:32b ESV*. There is the purpose right there. Though the storms in life are tough, there is purpose and that is to help others who are going through the same trail.

Another scripture that I think of is 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Here, I am instructed to comfort those who are afflicted with same comfort that I have received from God. For example, I was widowed 20+ years ago and have received God’s comfort, therefore, I can comfort someone who has recently been widowed. I had also been a single parent for 15 years before marrying my heart’s desire. There are a number of ways that I can extend God’s comfort.

Last but not least is Romans 8:28. I remember learning in Bible Study Fellowship that the good mentioned in this verse means building our character to be more like Jesus. God has a purpose in all the storms in our lives if we only look to Him to reveal it. Often they serve to smooth away the rough edges or help me change my perspective on something.

Riding Out the Storms with Jesus

It was in the study of the book John that I came to understand something new. When the storms come and they will, all I need to do is join Jesus in the boat and let Him take me to the destination of His choosing.

At the Women of Faith conference in 2011, I heard Patsy Clairmont speak. She said, “You are either in a storm, coming out of one, or are heading for one.” So how will you handle the next storm in your life?

How do you handle the storm in your life?

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Life Lessons

Comfort, Where Do You Find It?

November 3, 2016 No Comments

What Gives You Comfort?

For the past few months, my family and I have been getting our current house ready to sell. It has not been an easy journey for me. The thought of selling my home has brought me to tears. It has also revealed to me that I have placed my comfort in things.

As I have had to move everything that makes my house a home to storage, I have lamented the transition of my home to just a house. I look at this house now as belonging to someone else. All my comforts of home are gone. I cried for two days. I mourned the loss of what was once my home and all the fond memories.

Another aspect of this process is staging our current house which is a daunting challenge. The realtor and staging agents have come through telling us what must go and made suggestions of painting. I have not always agreed with some of their choices. Sadly, I made it quite obvious that I didn’t. You might say that I acted like a spoiled child.

However, I have gained some insight into myself and where I should find my true comfort. I was wrong to seek contentment in what I possessed. In God, alone, is where I can find everlasting and true satisfaction because all that I have is not lasting and they are gifts from Him. There is a really good passage on comfort in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. The Apostle Paul spoke of being content in whatever circumstances, Philippians 4:11-12.

To sum things up, I chock this up to another lesson in learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable in my life. Glory be to God for showing me where my heart again needed to change. Ask yourself, where do you seek to find contentment and satisfaction?

Another lesson in learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable in my life.

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Life Lessons

Hope is Found in Jesus

July 18, 2016 No Comments

My Hope is the Lord

Due to the recent events here and abroad, the news has caused my heart great sadness. The loss of life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, only added to that sadness. I hurt for the family who lost both father and son here in Texas. Though, I cannot fully fathom their loss, I do know what it is like to lose a loved one in an untimely manner. I have received the comfort that only God can provide. While the comfort did not happen right away, it did come over time. However, hope can be found in Jesus.

At church on Sunday, July 17, 2016, I was reminded that my hope is in Jesus. As we sang the hymn, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, before the sermon, I was reminded also that there is nothing else on earth that can put my hope in.

The aforementioned hymn is comforting because ‘I rest in His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. Christ is my solid rock and all other ground is sinking sand.’ There is comfort in putting one’s hope in Jesus.

In addition, Psalm 27 was the text for the sermon. Though Vicar read only the first couple of verses. I find comfort in the rest of this Psalm. King David knew to whom he could go to for comfort and shelter. He knew to wait on the Lord.

Therefore, I pray that the families of the fallen officers and those lives senselessly taken in Nice, France, will take comfort in God. I do hope that they will find their rest and stay in Him and that they can sing.

“On Christ, the solid Rock I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

Prayer for Comfort and Hope

Dear Lord, as You know there are many hurting hearts today. Please God, comfort them as You alone know how. Ease their pain and let them not forget their loved ones. I ask for Your mercy and grace to the families and to put a stop to the senseless violence. Help them to be strong and to wait on You. Give them your peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

Conversations W God

Letter to My Beloved from God the Father

June 2, 2016 No Comments

God’s Letter to His Beloved.

I have a dear friend who struggles to find her worth in what she does. I have tried to tell her that her worth does not come from what she does but from whom she belongs to as a believer in Christ. And her value also comes from His great love for her. Therefore, God has put it on my heart comprise His love letter to my friend and anyone else who struggles as a believer to find their self worth in what they do. There are several verses that I have found that to comprise this letter.

This is how I imagine God would write His letter to her.

My Dearest Child,

You are my beloved and chosen. I gave My Son, Jesus, because I love you so much that I would rather die than live without you. You are mine through the blood of My Son and I rejoice over you with singing. I love you with an everlasting love therefore I have drawn you to Me.

Yet, I have loved you even while in you were still in your sins thus I sent My Son to die in your place that you may have life more abundantly and have everlasting life. It is a free gift of faith to you. You cannot earn it. Though I, being rich in mercy and great love, have done this for you. Therefore, I now call you My child. Relax, let go, and know that I am God. Furthermore, there is nothing that you can do to add or take away from my great love for you. My love for you will never fade or die away.

Hence, you don’t have to prove yourself and stop trying to be someone else. Be who I created you to be. Just breathe!

Come and abide in me. You are loved.

Signed, God, the Father

(Zephaniah 3:17: Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 46:10; John 3:16; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 3:1, 4:9,16)

Do you struggle with self worth as a believer? Read this and know that your worth comes from belonging to Christ.

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Check this post regarding God’s Message Back to Me.

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Mining 4 Silver

Sweet Serenity, How is it Attained?

May 4, 2016 2 Comments

How is Serenity Achieved?

Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr

I am sure that most people are familiar with the first part of the Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

But how many know that there is more to it? The second part is where serenity is truly sought.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.

Discussion

It is in asking God to help me live one day at a time and one moment at a time. God helps me to be in the present not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Accepting hardships as a pathway to peace, now this is another matter. God helps me to understand that the struggles that I go through serve a purpose. No it is not fun nor easy but God has a purpose and a plan for me.

Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is. Jesus did after all tell us that there will be trouble. Yet, He has overcome the world. Now comes trust. I am to trust in Jesus because He will make all things right if I surrender to His will. By my surrender to His will, I will be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy in the next. Again, there is no greater joy than knowing Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may others come to know You more so that they, too, can know serenity. Amen.

There is no greater joy than knowing Jesus. Know Him, know peace!

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Mining 4 Silver

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving? Meaning?

February 27, 2015 2 Comments

What is a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving?

Let us look at Psalm 50:14-15, 23 “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God (ESV)!”

What does it mean to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving?

I believe this is when I offer God thanksgiving when my world seems to be caving in. My sacrifice of thanksgiving brings Him glory and He hears my prayers and delivers me from my trouble. To the one who orders his/her way rightly God will show His salvation. I understand this to be that He will provide a way out and carry me through it all. In all situations I am to give thanks, not for all situations. Something that I have often given thanks for are accidents that could have happened but didn’t while driving here and there. I give Him thanks for life itself. Hence, an attitude of gratitude changes one’s outlook on life. I am thankful for new friends and the changes God is making in my life.

However, I know this is easier said than done but it is most rewarding and what I am called to do.
When have you had the opportunity to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving?

In my next post, I will focus on Colossians 3:5-17; Putting off the Old Self and Putting on the New Self.

Ever Give God thanksgiving in the trails in your life?

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My disclaimer: I know that every believer’s relationship to God is different and unique. You may not have the same experiences and that is okay. I am sharing because I want to bring Him the glory for what He is doing in me.