Yes, here is the post for Chapter 3, almost 2 weeks late, yikes :P So sorry about that girls! I also plan to do Chapter 4 today, and Lord willing, I will be on track and will do Chapter 5 on Monday as planned. Here's to that intention :)
So, yeah Chapter 3 was something else. Her writing is SO unique, but also interestingly enough, is quite real and practical in other ways. One of things that stuck out to me in the very beginning, is when she is talking about change and she says that real change takes real intentionality. Is that not true or what? There are so many things I'd like to change in my life, and I am realizing more and more, it's up to me and my take and perspective in things. What are my reactions to things and how am I truly honoring God in my heart, soul and spirit- thus in how I'm treating myself and most of all, others? I saw this in her book and this resonated with me - the saving habit of gratitude, that would lead me back to deep God-communion.
What are gifts? They are blessings....gifts... Truly out-pouring of His love for us, as His children. And writing down the gifts as the author did - it is sort of like...unwrapping love.
This is something I have struggled with big time this week.... "discontentment and self-condemnation, the critical eye and the never satisfied." No more! That is something I wanna leave right here on this page. It is not an honoring way to live, or attitudes to have in my life. I want to be somebody people want to be around and a person that builds up others, especially those closest to my heart. To those I love with all of my heart and want to show it to the most. Better,deeper,fuller and more in tuned with God, so that love just naturally pours out it in every other part of my life.
Philippians 4:11-12. We've all read it. But I do suggest reading it again. It's in the book. But perhaps read it in several translations and really meditate on it. Also take note how Paul said in the verse, learned not only once but twice. Reading something is one thing, but learning it is so much more. I challenge myself and you to really think on that. "Learn to be thankful - whether empty or full. Could the list teach me even that hard language? "
Take note how simple a lot of her 'gifts' are. It's not always the big things but stopping long enough to see God in all and everything we are doing. I bet we'd be surprised on all that we could and can be truly grateful for if we just stopped long enough to notice and to thank Him in it. Just a notice.
Also, do notice the last paragraph on page 53. What do you think of that? Also I love this - "To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave in it." God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in life - even hurts in life. True true!
Practice. It is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation. Wow. I don't know about you but I am in a place where I need that. I need healing, restoration and God's grace in my life, in relationships and in my day to day realities.
Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift: joy.
Truly, all of this is a dare to name all the ways God loves me. Also remembering how much prayer plays apart in our life. " Prayer with out ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks."
"Life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change." I will leave you with this thought. What are three things you are thankful for today, or things that brought you joy?
Mine are : 1) Fresh air on a beautiful day 2) A long nights rest 3) Laughing with sisters in Christ
Today, I choose JOY, what do you choose?
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