365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 219

Yesterday was the last day of work for our operations manager so I brought her a little homemade gift and a card. My department has been through a lot of negative stuff and a lot of that was put on our office manager for lack of communication, etc. But despite the negative stuff, I felt gratefulness towards her for believing in me and inspiring my confidence over the last 4 years. The card was received with some looks from my fellow team mates but I kindly said to look past the negative and sign the card. Later in the day in the break room, our operations manager came over and gave me an impromptu hug. It was surprising to me but than I realized she must have gotten the card and read what I said. Speaking these kinds of words can be tough especially with someone with whom you only have a working relationship with but the written word is always a good back-up to let someone know you appreciate them. It was good see her go on a positive note.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 355

I write this praise a day ahead of schedule because Wednesday is No Electricity day in the 4^th grade and my daughter has been gearing us up all week for this so that we as a family can do it at home for that day. You do have to plan ahead. Tonight I will be looking for candles, planning a dinner that does not require heating and trying to get the rest of the family on board for our one day of no electricity. This will be a good experience for our kids who have never gone through a black-out for any length of time and give them and us a real appreciation for what blessings electricity brings to our lives.  Thank you Lord for the gift of schools and teachers that teach not just the abc’s but things like this that play a vital part of our lives and need to be appreciated. No Lights, No TV, No Computer, No Microwave, No coffee pot, No hair dryer, NO alarm clock. I am guessing it will be okay to keep our fridge and freezer running. YIPES. Seriously, what would we do with out electricity? 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 330

Last night my husband came over to me on the couch and held out his hand. I was not overly enthused as I was icing my shoulder at the time which was inflamed but I got up. He said he had something to show me. So he led me outside onto our front porch to see a beautiful sunset sky. We just stood there together holding each other looking at the sunset. I have always been appreciative of sunsets, sunrises and just the beauty all around us in God’s world, often running to grab a camera to take a picture but to actually have my husband feeling the same way and appreciating it together was a very moving moment so I didn’t rush off to grab a camera which is probably a first. Of course, my daughter came out asking what we were doing. After explaining, she joined us in our hug and watching but didn’t have the full appreciation of the moment and asked “when are we going to be done?” We just both laughed and I said I think the moment is gone now and went back inside. Thank you Lord for not only the beauty and wonder you have created for us to enjoy in this world but thank you for the opportunity to share it with those you love.

Psalm 9:1 “I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 243

Easily one of the best parts of my job is knowing that I have helped an alarm company get off on the right foot when it comes to how they need to proceed to be in compliance with the law. It is especially delightful for me getting emails back from alarm companys with an excited thank you in it. Appreciation is a funny thing. The more you receive it the better you feel and the more you give it the better you feel too. Being thankful is more than a one day thing which is why I started this whole challenge on Thanksgiving last year. It is amazing how some appreciation can make you feel both in giving and receiving it. I am so thankful to God for the gift of appreciation people can give to each other and am thankful for the reminder that it goes both ways. Take the time to say the words, send an email, make a phone call, make a card and send it. In whatever form you choose, challenge yourself to share your appreciation for others everyday. It really does make you shine and will make the one who receives it shine too. Check out this mini study on appreciation that I found at http://www.discipleshiptools.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=37155&columnid=4166

Ephesians 5:20 Sing and make music inyour heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 93

I have been letting the lack of appreciation, the feelings of being under-valued, the lack of communication and all the changes at my workplace get to me. I have always taken in feelings and let them bottle up too much to the point where they explode. Steam has been coming out of me the last couple days at work because the workload is entirely too much for one person. I woke up this morning and my first thoughts were negative thoughts about my job. After letting off some more steam to my husband who is a very good and patient listener, I thought enough is enough. I am going to let this all go and get back in my bible and get my focus on God. I have encountered a detour sign on my journey of faith and took the detour but I am getting back on the right road today and will write up a little pray card for work to help me let go of the negatives and just do my job the best I can and remember I am called to be a light in the world. We all encounter these detours or speed bumps in our road of faith. Are you on a detour like I was? Look at your heart, pray and get yourself back on the right road.
Psalm 107:6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 45

There are certain people that you are around almost everyday. Obviously, the family you live with but also the people you work with. I am praising those people I work with today. Although, frustrations do happen and communication can be better, the work environment is a good one and that is thanks to the people that are in it. I am especially fond and thankful for my nearest co-workers who will drop anything to help me out when I need it, have great words of wisdom and whom I share plenty of laughter with. I heard yesterday we have a new person being added to data entry, my department and to customer service. This is not only great for those two people to have gotten a job but for the company that recently got sold to a competitor. They have told us nothing will be changing at least for the next 18 months but you always have to wonder. Hiring two new people is comforting in that maybe I will have a job in 18 months. Are there people you are around everyday that you haven't shown appreciation for lately? Put a card on their desk with a note of appreciation or take them out for lunch.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 7

When we were picking Tristan up from Sunday School which is in another building from our church, Faith ran up to our almost 15 year old son with friends and mentors around him. It was such a joyful moment to see my two children displaying such unfetterd love for each other. Okay, so it was probably more on Faith's end since the saracastic comment on the way out by my son just told me that was not the time or place for such a display of sisterly affection. Despite my teenager's lack of appreciation, I was very grateful to see so much joy in the bond between my two children. They have always gotten along very well despite there 6 year age difference so I am praising God today for the joy that the love of children can bring to your life.

Habakkuk 3:18 I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turing cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.