Thankful Thursday ~ The Day Is Sweeter

I braced myself for the day. I've been having some coughing and congestion for several months now, worsening this past couple of weeks, so my doctor sent me for a couple of diagnostic tests. Had the last one today. Praise, that nothing was found except some "scar tissue from a distant illness, possibly childhood." I don't remember it, but I must have been one sick kid sometime back then. Strange, though, that this is the first report I've had of it. Well, I'm glad that it's over, but I do hope this congestion and cough goes away soon. It's rather bothersome.

Such times bring me to contemplate my spirit, though, as I consider the possibilities of outcome. I think it's prudent to consider the possibilities so as not to be unduly shaken if what is possible does come to pass. That's not to say that I dwell pessimistically on the possibilities, but rather to consider how I might respond and glorify God in them. His grace is always sufficient, and I need and want to draw upon it.

Isn't the day always sweeter when the dread of it has passed?

Painting ~ Preparing for A Walk, Samuel Baldwin 1818-1891

Wikigallery public domain

In The Shadow of His Hand

I came across a brief passage today in my reading that I recall having on my refrigerator several years ago during an arid time in my life. It was very much an encouragement to me then as I was feeling rather without purpose. It's a reminder that God first calls us to faithfulness. How he launches that faithfulness rests in the shadow of his hand.

Sharing the passage with you in hopes that it may be an encouragement to you as well.

Fit yourself for God's service; be faithful. He will presently appoint thee... in some unlikely corner, in a shepherd's hut or in an artisan's cottage, God has his prepared and appointed instrument. As yet the shaft is hidden in his quiver, in the shadow of his hand; but at the precise moment at which it will tell with the greatest effect, it will be produced and launched on the air.

F.B. Meyer in David, the Shepherd, Psalmist, King

Painting ~ Girl Reading, Edmund C. Tarbell, 1910

Wikipedia public domain

Weekend Daybook

Outside My Door...

Bright Christmas lights and decor going up in the neighborhood. Deflated Santas, a Minion, and Mickey Mouse globbing on the lawns during the day. Not very attractive. So the glow at night makes up for the glob in the day to some, I suppose. My own pho--I'll be glad when that fad has passed.

Brought a smile...
A little fella and his daddy out for a walk in the neighborhood. Exchanging greetings as I decorate the front porch. Little fellas always bring a smile to my heart. :-)

Thinking...
It is sad that the rights of parents need to be stated in an amendment to our Constitution, but that is the society we live in today. The Parental Rights Amendment has been introduced in the Senate and the House. The first section of the amendment: "The liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right." Please consider calling your Congressmen and encourage them to co-sponsor the amendment, if they have not already. The more co-sponsors, the more likely it will get to committee for a hearing. More information at parentalrights.org
   

Thankful...

That the White House has Merry Christmas greetings this year. Glad the slippery slope has slowed a little.

Noticing the sound of...

My Beloved quietly playing Christmas music. I'm surprised that he waited until December. :-)

Around the house...

In the Kitchen... 

Not much has happened there this week while My Beloved is experimenting with intolerance to certain foods. Something doesn't agree with him, but I think he's getting closer to figuring it out.

Looking forward to...
Getting rid of this cough and congestion.

Reading...

I like to choose a book about Jesus the Christ to read and reflect on during December as we celebrate His coming into the world. This year I've chosen Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp. It's a daily advent devotional that also includes a central theme suggestion to discuss with children. For example, he suggests that you talk with your children about why people sing, and talk about why the angels sang at the birth of Jesus.



You can enjoy some brief 2-minute Advent/Christmas videos with Tripp on similar topics at his website:  paultripp.com

Pondering...
"The Advent story reminds us that our past, present, and future hope rest not on our willingness, but on the willingness of the One for whom the angels sang, the shepherds worshiped, and the magi searched. Willing Jesus is the only hope for unwilling sinners!" ~ Paul David Tripp, in Come Let us Adore Him