Thankfulness, thanksgiving break

It has been a few days since I have posted about what I was thankful for, but that does not mean that I have not been constantly thinking about what I am blessed with and thankful for each day.

I have a little but of catching up to do:

Nov. 20, I was blessed to get to be home and begin my break with a party! A birthday party for one of my closest friends, Chelsea. We may not go to the same school, or see each other during each break, but when we are near the other we run with open arms for even a split second hug. I am blessed by her testimony and the example that she lives daily. She is ON FIRE for Christ, and it is contagious.

Nov. 21, I was able to spend the day with my mom, hopefully she thinks I was serving her-that was my intention. By bring able to help her encourage friends, clean the house and cook to get ready for the gathering of family that would be at our house for Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my mother and for the amazing example she is in my life. Although my mom is not perfect, she is selfless, thoughtful, encouraging, a servant, humble and she is my friend. She loves the Lord, and He shines brightly through her everyday.

Nov. 22, the day for thanks. I reflected on what I was most thankful for in the past year, and I can say without a doubt I am thankful for God’s grace and His sovereignty. He has never failed me, and He never will. He has perfect timing, and His hand is constantly at work in my life, weaving a tapestry with many different threads and paths of life, that altogether make one beautiful masterpiece.

Nov. 23, I am thankful for the opportunity to be awoken by my precious two and a half year old niece at 10 am just so I can play kitchen with her or put a puzzle together or cuddle with her on the couch. I am thankful that I was able to play with our friend’s almost two year old as well. Kids imitate and learn from what they see and hear, but they have so much to teach us about the simplicity of life.

Nov. 24, I am thankful for a family who does not just “do” Christmas, but we celebrate the reason for the season: Jesus Christ. Christmas is not about the lights, trees, presents or food. It is about the hope that was born in a manger. Christ stepped down from His throne to become what many thought a simple man. Jesus is not simple, but powerful. Humble, but almighty. During the Christmas season we celebrate the beginning of Christ’s life on earth, but it was not the beginning of God’s grace. If you do not know the True Christmas Story, feel free to ask me, I would gladly point you toward the reason for CHRISTmas.

Nov. 25, I am thankful for my roommate. Not only was Sunday her birthday, and give me reasons to celebrate her life, but I was able to return to school excited to be reunited with her. She is a blessing I anxiously awaited. Spending our weekends together because we hold the same values, staying up late just to study or talk, waking up each Sunday to go to church, and just going through life together. I am grateful and blessed to have a roommate like Caroline.

Nov. 26, today I am grateful for the Bible. I am thankful for the men who worked as scribes so that every line was correct for future generations; even generations 6000 years away. I am thankful for the opportunity to read the Bible in English, not in just one version, but many, so that I might be able to better understand the text. I am thankful for different resources I have that allow me to study the context and background of each story deeper. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit that reveals further understanding of God’s Word to me. I am thankful for the Truth that God has given me.

Personal Reflection, Sept. 5

Today I began writing down a version of my testimony that I started a few months ago. One that began when I gave my life to God and was a more detailed verse of different trials I’ve been through and what I’ve learned through them. Looking at it I can see so much of what God has done for me even in the last two months! And it is humbling to remember that God is good and He is in control.

For me, I realized that I had created some idols in my life but that in the last two months I have put God back on His throne, and because of that I have received more blessings that I could count. He has blessed me incredibly with best friends and sisters who love the Lord and challenge me to love Him more, a family who supports and loves me and a boyfriend who desires to offer his best to God and make a difference for His Kingdom. This week I am learning that the verse Deuteronomy 6:5 is how you love God more and obedience is how you keep Him first. You obey what you serve, and you serve what you love.

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” Deuteronomy 6:5

Today I remembered how important it is to reflect on what God has done for me and expect Him to move even more in my future. And today I want to challenge you to do the same.

When was the last time you spent in personal reflection over what God has done for you? When you tell your testimony do you stop after you accept Christ or do you continue explaining who God has made you and what He has done for you? Do you even know your own story?

Write down a detailed testimony. When did you realize your need for a Savior? How did that change you? How has God taught you since that day? What is He teaching you now?

And share what you’re learning :)