Archives for May 2014

In our culture a lot of importance is placed on our feelings―in fact, I think, far too much importance.

Remember that two weeks ago I mentioned that both 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:4-7 are commands, not suggestions? They are in the imperative case, for you grammar people. That means that we are being told to give thanks.

I don’t think God is concerned with how we feel about obeying; He just tells us to obey. It’s kind of like being in the military. A general holds a higher rank than a corporal. If a general tells a corporal to do something, nothing changes if the corporal doesn’t want to do it.

Besides, the good news is that God is not commanding us to feel thankful; He says to give thanks.Continue Reading

Remember those two verses I mentioned last week?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

I’ve had some friends who, when going through hard times, look for things in those situations for which they can be grateful. In fact, that’s one of the suggestions that the researchers of the topic of gratitude have made that can help one grow in gratitude. I think that’s a great idea, and I’m impressed by people who do this.
Continue Reading

The topic of giving thanks is one that the Lord keeps taking me back to time and time again, so it is a subject near and dear to my heart. Recently I heard on a Christian radio station that there have been several studies that revealed that having a grateful attitude can positively impact your life. Being interested in this topic, I did an Internet search for “studies on gratitude” and found a wealth of information-a lot more than I expected!
Continue Reading

Tim and I were encouraged at a seminar years ago to go on a weekly date. At that time we had been home schooling for about four years, and our children ranged in age from 6 to 11 years.

On the way home Tim and I discussed the idea. I asked him if he thought we could afford the time to go out once a week. He said he thought we couldn’t afford not to. (I think he might have been very cognizant of the need, since right before we left for the seminar I was in the kitchen cooking with my stepmother. I had just turned my back on her, and she asked me how long she should “cook this.” I turned back to her and asked what she was cooking. 😛 )

So, we began to go on dates once a week.
Continue Reading