"WE think many times faster than we can speak and write. Our unwritten thoughts tend to whisk through the mind like a fleeting herd of wild stallions running toward the horizon, disappearing with hardly a trace. Journaling (blogging) is the lasso with which we harness those runaway thoughts and tame them into useful vehicles of contemplative expression."
(I have no clue where I found that quote but I found it an insightful statement.)
In 2003, I continued my sporadic journaling with a new note book and titled it REMEMBRANCES OF GOD'S BENEFITS DISPLAYED TO REBECCA JOY.
Again I share another quote from THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF HENRY MARTYN:
"...my object in making this journal, is to accustom myself to self-examination, and to give experience a visible form, so as to leave a stronger impression on the memory, and thus improve my soul in holiness; for the review of such lasting testimony will serve the double purpose of conviction and consolation." (And my comfort)
So my motivation and goals for beginning this journal and blogging is that I may CULTIVATE an attitude of joy and gratitude in what God is doing in my life no matter what others do or not do.
I want a permanent reminder of what God has done for me and in the event that my mind becomes foggy, I will want to be reminded of all that God has done for me.
Blogging also gives vent to a heart whose desire is to declare the benefits and gratefulness of God during my seasons of life.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5
After I am gone and my children sift through all I've left behind, I want them to discover the clues and memories I've left behind and have with out a doubt the assurance of knowing that I loved the Lord and I loved the Scriptures, and am grateful for salvation. I know that I am a child of God. One regret I have is not spending more time with my mother and talking about life, her hopes, her dreams. I can not go to her and ask her questions. I hope to avoid the same by blogging so my daughters and grand children will KNOW my many slices of life.
Philip Hughs says: "Under God, however, all things are without exception fully controlled-despite all appearances to the contrary."
I read somewhere that we should thank God in advance, because he is already making arrangements. He already knows exactly what He is going to do and how He is going to help us. The unknown things, the unforseen things are being taken care of.
I am grateful for my physical and spiritual Heritage.
Borrowing a quote from Oswald Chambers:
"It is no use to pray for the old days;
stand square where you are and make the present better than any past has been.
Base all on your relationship to God and go forward, and presently you will find
that what is emerging is infinitely better than the past ever was."
In truth, none of us were ever handed a perfect heritage. We have received a mix of good and bad, because our parents, learning by doing and limited by their own weaknesses, did not always offer what was needed. In light of these thoughts, I do not want to be consumed with and harbor negative thoughts toward those in my family.
"PRAISE IS A POTENT DISINFECTANT" ~Spurgeon
I am awed at the fact that God KNOWS all about me. I can have joy and sense of well-being in the UNCHANGING God rather than in my changing circumstances.
From Psalm 139
God knows my sitting down and my rising up,
He understands my thought afar off.
He comprehends my path and my lying down,
He is acquainted with all my ways.
He knows everything that I say.
Yes, I have to keep reminding myself of these things as I pass through this season of life, as I confront my greatest physical challenges in my life.
THOUGHTS ON COLOR:
How grateful I am that when God created this world he chose to brighten it with so many hues and shades. My favorite of these is blue and green, however, as I age, I find myself gravitating to louder colors.
I just cannot imagine a pale and dull world without the various colors and shades. I enjoy green because it reminds me of growth and the need to CULTIVATE my spiritual life.
I enjoy blue because as I look up into the sky, I am reminded of my Awesome God. When ever I am depressed just sitting outside raises my spirits as I look to the heavens, I am reminded of a God who loves me personally.
I am also reminded to "BE STILL" and know that He is God, and gaining glimpses of His creation.
Again, I am thankful for the ability to see.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS and you'll see...
- When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.- Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
- Refrain:
- Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by. - When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. - So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
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