Overwhelming research shows thankfulness actually
changes the chemistry of our brains,
releasing happy hormones!
The last three days I’ve been with perhaps the happiest woman I know: Linda Strom of the prison ministry, Discipleship Unlimited.
All through the day she is thanking Him, for the privilege of serving him, for the lives He is transforming in prison, for being able at 77 to still walk, talk, see, eat…for the beauty of the skies (see last night’s sunset below) for the beauty of the earth as we walk through God’s gorgeous forests of autumn golds and crimsons, and for the joy of our friendship, a gift from Him.
The Lord commands us to thank Him, not because He needs our praise, but because He knows we need it.
We have been created to worship, so if we don’t worship God, we will worship an idol, turning one of His gifts into a god, and that false god will demand a propitiation that will cut us to pieces.
The unhappiest people I know are unthankful people, and the happiest people I know are thankful people!
So we are going to thank and worship our way right through Halloween (take that, Satan!) and up to the first Sunday of Advent, which this year, follows on the heels of Thanksgiving Day.
And we are going to use the great hymns of Thanksgiving along with the Scriptures that inspired them to help us.
I challenge you to memorize at least one hymn during these 35 days. Then you can be singing thanks all through the day.
In this week’s free Keller sermon, he emphasizes that two marks of the fullness of the Spirit is singing praises and giving thanks. (Ephesians 5:18-20)
This week and next we’ll look at: For The Beauty of the Earth.
I am sending out a letter inviting people to join us for a month of thanks. Please forward it, if you feel so led, to friends. And I want to express my personal thanks for Laura-Dancer, who came to our rescue in handling the tech last weekend for the Manhattan Bible Church. As lovely Jackie Randall described Laura — she is indefatigueable! The whole group was simply wonderful — with their diversity representing what heaven will be like of every tribe and nation! Here is a photo of some of us! Many in this group did a Daniel fast for the retreat — and we so sensed His anointing!
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Is there anything specific that has helped you develop an attitude of gratitude? If so, share! In so doing, you will be giving thanks on Day 1 of 35!
- Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories?
Monday: History of the Hymn
Prepare your heart with this rendition, giving thanks as you watch, as your sacrifice of praise!(“sacrifice of praise” was part of Pierpoint’s original chorus. This is a more contemporary version musically.)
Folliot Sandford Pierpoint was an Anglican, a scholar, poet, and gentleman living in Bath, England in the 1800’s. Inspired by the beauty of Bath, when he was twenty-nine, he wrote: “For The Beauty of the Earth.” There were originally nine verses, but we will look at the first this week and four more next week. Though For the Beauty of the Earth has become a Thanksgiving hymn, Pierpoint originally wrote it for the celebration of the Eucharist, and was inspired by the beauty of Bath in the Spring. Here it is Pierpoint’s hometown in the fall and in the spring.
One interesting aspect of the hymn, that goes with the celebration of the Eucharist, is that the chorus was originally:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise, this our sacrifice of praise
This goes with the Eucharist, for as we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us, we should offer Him what the Scriptures call “the sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:5)
But those words were changed to make it more suitable for Thanksgiving, to:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.
But I want us to meditate today on Pierpoint’s original words, and use them as a springboard for worship and contemplation. Try singing them first: Christ our God, to Thee we raise, this our sacrifice of praise.
3. In the mystery of the Trinity, Christ is God. Meditate on Hebrews 1:1-3
A. What do you learn about how God spoke to His people in the past, but how, in these “last
days” He speaks to us? (vs. 1-2))
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3?
4. In good times, praise may naturally bubble up, but in hard times, it may involve sacrifice.
How did David do this in 2 Samuel 12:18-20? Are you able to do this — why or why not?
Why should we?
Tuesday: For The Beauty of the Earth, For the Glory of The Skies
I’m hoping to get some pictures from some of you of the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies in your area — for as Psalm 19 tells us, the earth and heavens declare his glory everywhere. But here is what I so often see on this thumb of Wisconsin – in fact, this is last night’s sunset that had my friend Linda and I singing “For The Beauty of the Earth” from our deck.
5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies?
B. How do you take time to breath in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you
saw or felt.
A little known verse from this hymn is this:
For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony,
linking sense to sound and sight;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise
6. Challenge Question: When we “link sense to sound and sight” we can see that creation
teaches us things about God. As Luci Shaw says, “God has given us two great books: creation
and the Bible — and they speak of one another.” The Psalms do this often, as we have just
seen. But use your mind to link what you see in nature to spiritual truths. Jesus did it all the
time with parables, and we should make those associations too. Think of one, share it, and
give praise for it. (Psalm 19 makes one comparison — but there are many!)
Wednesday: For The Love Which From Our Birth
This is the more traditional version of the hymn from my dear friend Amy Shreve. Amy is a harpist and the most feminine woman I know — also very godly and trusting of God as she battles cancer — so far, successfully with faith and an expensive diet. They sing often for Voice of the Martyrs and have allowed me to use their music for free in my videos that go into the prisons.
Watch and praise the Lord as you do.
This is a photo of my own father with my two older sisters. I was not yet born, yet my heavenly Father knew me from before the foundation of the World.
I think when Pierpoint wrote:
He is referring to both God’s love (over) and family love (around). And of course, as with the beauty of the earth, the love of family, both with children and in marriage is intended by God to reflect His love as Father and Bridegroom.
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and
give thanks to God for this.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27
B. Psalm 71:5-6
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him!
Thursday: All Saints Day and Halloween
Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated this time of year as a time to honor all saints, perhaps wanting to take the focus of the pagan holiday.
9, Give thanks for a “saint” (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this
person?
Halloween is a dilemma for Christian parents who do not want to celebrate Satan but also don’t want to make their children feel that Christianity is associated with banning all fun.
My personal opinion on Halloween is that we should not ban it from our children but reform it. Many churches have harvest festivals. We had a gathering once to remember loved ones who had died — and people dressed up in costumes of biblical saints. We took our children to “trick or treat” at homes of in the neighborhood of people we knew. Yet, I was always glad when it was over.
I see this as a Romans 14 issue, neither black or white, but gray. In those issues we are exhorted to not judge our brother but be convinced in their own mind on what we should do, as each of us will stand individually before God. One thing we did with our children is asked them to come up with costumes that glorified God rather than Satan. I always remember Sally going into her bedroom to work on hers and came out as a burning bush! Here she is in 4th grade with her friends:
Sally has passed this on to her children. I visited her last week and Sadie showed me her costume. She is a beautiful flower and her guinea pig is a bumblebee.
10. How do you handle Halloween and why?
Friday: Free Keller Sermon — a Mark of the Fullness of the Spirit in your Life is Worship Music and Gratitude (Great Message)
11. Please listen to get the season off right and share your notes and comments.
Saturday:
12. What is one thing you are particularly thankful for this week and why?
13. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
185 comments
5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies?
The heavens shout out to us. They display His craftsmanship and His glory. There is no need for words, then beauty says it all.
B. How do you take time to breath in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
The fall in our part of the country is absolutely beautiful. I love fall generally, however this year has brought much rain which I don’t like. I love the sunny, crisp fall days, of which we have had about 2. People who are from here barely recognize it whereas I can’t get enough of the flaming red and orange trees. It AMAZING!!
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you saw or felt.
Today we had our pictures taken by a new professional photographer friend of mine. She came to our house and we tromped around our wet, leafy yard trying to include some of the last colors of the season. We have never had the babies pictures formally taken and my husband and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, so we thought we could capture the four of us in the beauty of the fall in New England. It was wet, but not raining, cool, but not cold, and the kids were pretty cooperative for a 2 and 4 year old! My neighbor agreed to let us use her front yard too because she has cute sitting areas with decorative yard art all around) she is much more “crafty” than me. We will see how they turn out, and Dee, I can’t wait to send you a few for your “project!”
I forgot to welcome all the new ladies! Welcome everyone, you will not be disappointed in this blog. Dee is an amazing teacher and the ladies are all so wise. I’m glad you are here 🙂
6. Challenge Question: When we “link sense to sound and sight” we can see that creation teaches us things about God. As Luci Shaw says, “God has given us two great books: creation and the Bible — and they speak of one another.” The Psalms do this often, as we have just seen. But use your mind to link what you see in nature to spiritual truths. Jesus did it all the time with parables, and we should make those associations too. Think of one, share it, and give praise for it. (Psalm 19 makes one comparison — but there are many!)
Today I was editing an online lab that we will use next week in our classes. It happens to be one that teaches about phase changes (solids. liquids, and gases). There is a question about the “triple point,” a place where all three exist at the same time. The students need to give an example in nature of when this might occur. My answer as an example to teachers was dew on the grass. If the temperature is just right there can be the liquid dew, solid ice, as well as vapor (that is being sublimed from the ice). I think it’s interesting that there are three parts (like the Trinity!) to this perichoresis! A reminder to us that He is near…
Laura, I love that your example shows creation reflects God’s radiance—we have no excuse for unbelief because creation witnesses of His glory. Love your example so much- thank you for sharing.
Chris! I’m so glad you are BACK! Yay!
Thank you! It’s good to be back! I’ve missed this and all of you 🙂
Great example from our science teacher!
Dee…where did all the newcomers come from? I’m so glad they are joining us 🙂 You are so popular…hahaha
Laura ~ I really enjoyed your explanation of perichoresis and the spiritual parallells!
I have been reading and learning that as scientists (especially physicists) look deeper into the created word, that large numbers are acknowledging that there must be a designer behind the undeniable design.
3. In the mystery of the Trinity, Christ is God. Meditate on Hebrews 1:1-3
A. What do you learn about how God spoke to His people in the past, but how, in these “last days” He speaks to us? (vs. 1-2) – in the past he God spoke to his people through the prophets but to us we are privileged to have God use Jesus to speak to us.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3? – This is the translation from the Message. “The Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says-powerful words!”
4. In good times, praise may naturally bubble up, but in hard times, it may involve sacrifice. How did David do this in 2 Samuel 12:18-20? Are you able to do this — why or why not? Why should we? – After David fasted and laid on the ground he got up, cleaned himself up, put lotions on and went to worship the Lord. He then went to his house and he was served food. Since I’ve been a Christian I have had many close family members die. For those that I knew has accepted the Lord I was at peace with their passing. I was of course sad, but at peace. I had even prayed to God that if he wasn’t going to heal them to take them so they wouldn’t suffer. I think we need to grieve, but we need to not stop worshipping the Lord. for me it was the only thing to get me through the loss. I see my sister who knows God but blames him for her daughters death and nothing I say to try and explain helps her out of her misery and depression. I think the difference between us and how we react is the relationship I have with Jesus that she doesn’t have.
Hi Julie,
Im new here but I wanted to say how sorry I am for your losses. Loss is the hardest thing that I’ve had to go through. As I read about your losses and your sister’s my heart aches. I help to co lead a griefshare class in our community. Have you heard of griefshare.org? You can go there and sign up for a daily devotional which pertains to grief. You can also go there and put in your zip code to see if a group meets within 30 miles. It may be a good resource for your sister or for yourself. The curriculum is Christ centered. One of the things they say in griefshare is that it can take 10 years on average to somewhat get back to “normal” after the loss of a child. I found this to be true in my oldest sister’s life who lost her oldest son and also in my oldest brother’s life who lost his youngest son. I will be praying for your hearts as you navigate through grief.
Joy Mom ~ Really appreciate your words here regarding loss and grief. About five years ago Dee invited me to share my story of the loss of a child (thank you, Dee). Dee wove my story into a week of study on this blog. I am so grateful for how our God took a deep wound and gave me a measure of healing. I know there are others here on the blog who have walked through dark valleys of loss. If you know someone suffering a great loss, here is the link from that week’s blog in February of 2014:
https://deebrestin.com/2015/02/responding-to-suffering-a-woman-transformed-by-the-gospel-part-i-lesson-6/comment-page-1/#comments
5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies? – They declare the glory of God and proclaim the works of HIS hands.
B. How do you take time to breath in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you? – When I see sunrises and sunsets that are so colorful or a sky that is full of an endless amount of stars, I just say to the Lord, thank you for your masterpiece and just take it all in and not rush through that moment.
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you saw or felt. – tonight in Valparaiso a small city in NW Indiana we have cloudy skies and a chilly night. There is not much to see tonight, but I can definitely breath in the crisp cool air that allows me to breath freely.
A little known verse from this hymn is this:
For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight, for the mystic harmony, linking sense to sound and sight; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise
6. Challenge Question: When we “link sense to sound and sight” we can see that creation teaches us things about God. As Luci Shaw says, “God has given us two great books: creation and the Bible — and they speak of one another.” The Psalms do this often, as we have just seen. But use your mind to link what you see in nature to spiritual truths. Jesus did it all the time with parables, and we should make those associations too. Think of one, share it, and give praise for it. (Psalm 19 makes one comparison — but there are many!) – I am not sure if this is what these verses are saying but Isaiah 40.6-8 says “A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “what shall I cry?” “All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” To me I sense that these verses are showing me that when the Lord gets your attention, your current state will be gone and you will start fresh as your relationship with Jesus grows. The old you dies away and a new you is born. Like the season of fall. Leaves are starting to fall in most areas and the grass is becoming idle but God uses this time to take away the old that are starting to look droopy and come spring a fresh new beginning can be seen.
3. In the mystery of the Trinity, Christ is God. Meditate on Hebrews 1:1-3
A. What do you learn about how God spoke to His people in the past, but how, in these “last
days” He speaks to us? (vs. 1-2))Today we hear God speak not through prophets (men), but through God’s Son, Christ Jesus.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3? He is the radiance of the glory of God—-He reflects God’s glory. He provided purification for sin and sits at God’s right hand. Sustains all things by His powerful Word.
4. In good times, praise may naturally bubble up, but in hard times, it may involve sacrifice.
How did David do this in 2 Samuel 12:18-20? Are you able to do this — why or why not? David fasted and wept while his son was sick….he knew God required a humble response to the circumstances. Sadly, I am not typically this humble. I often question God. David worshipped God in full acceptance of the outcome of the situation.
Why should we? We should accept God’s will in our lives as easily as David. After all we cannot change things by protesting.
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this.
My parents were both loving people, although as a musician my dad had issues. Here are two ways they showed they loved me. My mom was an awesome cook and baker. After a long day at the office she would come home and cook a full course meal including any pie my dad would shout out that he wanted (that very night!). She was amazing. My dad was a professional musician, so I got to hear classical piano music each day when I came home from school. He also made beautiful decorations for our yard for holidays (especially Christmas). He died young (he was 50 and I was 13). They raised us in church. Thank You Jesus for my parents. Thank You for giving me them. Thank You for memories.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27
He saves us from our enemies.
B. Psalm 71:5-6
He has been with us always. He has always taken care of us.
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him!
I was truly blessed by the retreat I went to a few weeks ago. It was a Holy time and He was present with us the entire journey, from preparation until the ride home and beyond. Thank You Lord, for guiding me during that time.
Also, Dee you will find this interesting. I spoke of my only daughter going ahead and getting married last week for all the wrong reasons….well two nights ago I received a text from our oldest son (my stepson but I raised him from 3 on so he’s mine) saying that he and his very long time girlfriend were in Cancun and he had proposed to her!! We never thought they would bite the bullet. They have been together since high school (they are 34-35). I find it interesting that their announcement came so soon on the heels of the disappointing announcement of our daughter. Thank You Lord Jesus for making Yourself known to us when we have disappointments in our lives.
Wonderful about your son, Laura!
Tuesday: 5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies?
Without words, creation speaks of God’s glory.
B. How do you take time to breath in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
I love to walk on our property- a friend once told me it is a balm to the soul—so true.
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you
saw Or felt. I will report on this later.
I’m doing this with you, contemplating my earthly father’s love. Recently I hurt a friend with thoughtless words and had to seek her forgiveness. I remembered how my dad would lose his temper and then come sit on my bed and ask forgiveness and sing an old Platter’s song:
You always hurt the one you love
the one you shouldn’t hurt at all
You always take the sweetest rose
And crush it til the petals fall
He explained that he knew because I loved him and trusted him that his sin caused enormous pain to me.
My friend to whom I apologize told me I had an amazing dad. I did.
Oh Dee….you did truly have the sweetest father! I had never heard that Platter’s song before.
Dee ~ love this about your dad and especially that he would humbly sing this little song to you. What a tender way to go to his daughter’s hurting heart.
How music has a way to broken or hardened hearts.
Love this
Welcome, Rhonda!
3. In the mystery of the trinity, Christ is God. Meditate on Hebrews 1:1-3.
A. What do you learn about how God spoke to his people in the past, but how, in these “last days” he speaks to us? God spoke to his people by prophets in many ways and at many times. These last days he has spoken to us by his son. There is some finality to that phrase, “has spoken“ versus “is speaking“. Christ’s words and action were the completion of the promises made for redemption and help. But He still speaks using those words and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He still speaks through His creation because it proclaims His invisible qualities.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3? I learn that He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of God‘s nature. He upholds the universe by the word of his power and is sitting at the right hand of God. It is illuminating to read these verses in the expanded and amplified versions.
4. In good times, praise may naturally bubble up, but in hard times, it may involve sacrifice. How did David do this in 2 Samuel 12:18-20? Are you able to do this – why or why not? Why should we? David was told by the prophet that his child would die. He beseeched the Lord to change his mind and save the child. When the child did die it showed God’s answer to David. David felt confident enough to lament and beg the Lord for what he wanted but also confident enough to except God’s answer. David trusted God in good or bad. I am not good at this. When bad things happen or my fears threaten to materialize I beg God in desperation to change the circumstances or prevent consequences with my focus being on not wanting to walk through hardship instead of focusing on where God would have me follow Him. My heart is still learning the confidence games through knowing that flesh may fail but my salvation will NOT fail. Also, that my life’s journey is not about MY life but about being broken shards reflecting and prism-ing THE Light. (O that reminds me of a spoken word/song, I will have to try and find it to share…)
Why should we? For the reasons listed above – we can trust God.
Jill ~ so grateful for how you worded this post on number 4: “….my life’s journey is not about MY life but about being broken shards reflecting and prism-ing THE Light.” I hope you find and post the song that you alluded to.
Some of what you said here reminds me of this song, The Image of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTRSDxEjYeU
A few of the lyrics:
We come in pieces
We come in fragments
We come discolored
To the foot of the cross
Our Maker sees us
All that we have been
Bonds us together
The Image of God
5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies?
They tell of God and of His mighty hands without the use of words. And often the beauty is so breathtaking, no human words can describe it. And when I look at my Mom on video, (what is man that you are mindful of him?), my heart weeps tenderly for how can He who created this magnificent world, forget the very epitome of His creation? Lord, my anguish is deep but I feel you in and through it.
B. How do you take time to breath in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
A Joyce Kilmer poem about trees (I love trees!) put into song comes to mind and I occasionally sing it as I drive to school. I often feel small and unworthy of God’s love but then my heart goes into thanksgiving because, despite my unworthiness, God loves me.
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you saw or felt.
I thought of the changing colors of leaves and how life is like that-the spring of youth, the summer of young love, the fall of midlife and the winter of the senior years. We had soft snow for two days this month so far, its refreshing coolness and the white of which stands for our being clean from the darkness of sin. God is good.
Love your parallel with the seasons and with life.
I love Joyce Kilmers poem about trees. Please share the song!! I will see if I can find it on YouTube. 😊🌲 🌳
Joy, I found this one by Mario Lanza. There are several renditions but I like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTtfX7pVBiM
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this. Lord, thank you for my parents who loved me well, make sure I was saved and saw to it that I had a good education and provided for. I remember my Dad buying me my first guitar, Mom saving money so I can have books to read (she knew I loved to read!). And I clearly remember my Dad asking my then fiance, Richard to take good care of me and not to abandon me. We thought it was funny then but my Dad died before Richard and I got married.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Since God is eternal and His arms are everlasting, He will always be there for me. When I feel like falling from a burden too heavy to bear, He will be there to catch me and hold me safe.
B. Psalm 71:5-6
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth, From birth I have relied on you, you brought me forth from my mother’s womb, I will ever praise you.
He is my creator the one who formed me and He will take care of me.
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him!
Thank you, Lord, that you are carrying me through some difficult times lately. From a timely conversation with a Christian friend to the lovely Christian sisters in this blog praying for me, to family staying in touch, providing slivers of time to call and see my Mom through video, to taking care of issues at school, through unexpected kind words from students, new and old, an understanding husband. Thank you, Lord!
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you
saw or felt.
This was a cold, overcast day in west Michigan. We had our first snow today; the air was damp. You can see some snow in the picture if you look close. You can’t see the crows I heard calling. You can see two of our cows making their way across the muddy path towards their round bale feeder. The hay fields have stopped producing for the season. The photo doesn’t show it, but snow was falling. I could hear it hitting the leaves left on the maple trees-a little different sound than the rain. The crisp cold air smelled fresh and clean. I felt cold and wished I could stay inside today, curled up on the couch with a good book and a hot cup of tea.
Love hearing where you are and what your life is like in Michigan — you must farm — right? Dairy?
My picture didn’t post 🙁
We raise Simmental beef cattle on a small farm in a rural township. My husband works full-time for a large electrical company in our area, but loves cows. When our kids got started in 4H, we decided to raise our own cattle and our beef cattle business grew from there. We love raising animals and have had chickens, goats, rabbits, horses, and of course barn cats. Most recently, we have decided to breed Labrador retrievers as a side business to the cattle. Our first female should be ready to breed this spring. We love the joy of new birth and caring well for the animals. Our children learn so much in the process. It’s been very rewarding and allows many spiritual parallels to be taught. Thanks for asking. I love the photos of your place! Love Lake Michigan.
9, Give thanks for a “saint” (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this person?
This would definitely be my mom for her faithfulness in Christ, her devotion to our family, and showing me that kindness is best.
10. How do you handle Halloween and why?
This can be a touchy subject since my husband and I grew up in the 70’s and participated in Halloween in the traditional way. Both of our parents took us to church and were believers. We then raised our kids the same way we were raised; going to church and allowing our kids to trick or treat. We did tell them about All Saints Day, and the story of warding off ghosts. They did experience All Saints Day in our church and some of the celebrations were lovely. I remember one where the families of the Saints were able to bring a rose to the alter as a bell was tolled. Very moving. We never had limits on costumes, but we did like creativity. One year our youngest was the Statue of Liberty, and Sarah was a life sized Raggedy Anne. Our second oldest was always (literally every year) a ninja. Hahaha.
So now we have the babies. I agree with you Dee, but my husband lives in the past of scary stuff and decorations all over our yard. I try to not be too much involved, and feel like that is me taking the focus off of Halloween. By the way I LOVE Sally’s burning bush idea and costume, and knowing her now it is so “her!” I do like the trick or treat bit (always loved candy), and Sarah took it to all new heights by asking the people “do you have a dog? A cat?” and then running into their houses if they said yes. She loved animals. The babies will be Iron Man and Minnie Mouse on Saturday when our town has Trick or Treating because of rain today (AGAIN UGH).
I guess I believe it is a harmless “celebration” unless it is built up to be something bigger. I downplay the scary and play up the fun. I don’t think it is disrespectful to God; He knows my heart.
Love this, Laura!
I remember one where the families of the Saints were able to bring a rose to the alter as a bell was tolled. Very moving.
5. C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you saw or felt.
Great “assignment” for me! So I did this on Tuesday as I went to the park and read and then went for a walk. As I was walking through the park, looking at the beautiful trees in all their glory of colorful leaves (even though it was an overcast day-still pretty) I felt in awe, and thought of Rich Mullins’ song, The Color Green, because I was thinking that this is the world that God made; human hands did not make this. This is His house, and it is we that erect our houses and buildings in it, but for all that people might say is an impressive building, none of our works compare to His. Some of the lyrics from the song: “Every house must have its builder, I awoke in the house of God. Where the windows are mornings and evenings, stretched from the sun across the sky north to south….Look down upon this winter wheat and be glad that You have made, blue for the sky and the color green that fills these fields with praise.” I love that song.
Then an interesting thing happened yesterday at work. One of my patients and I were talking about the beautiful Fall we’ve been having, and he mentioned one of our Metroparks that he likes, and I said that I actually discovered this one just a couple of weeks ago, and you come to a spot on the trail where there is an overlook, and the valley and the Cuyahoga River stretches out below you, and it’s just stunning. He agreed, and then, he started talking about how he has read the Bible (some of it) but he’s not sure he believes it is true, because it sure is a “wild story”. So that allowed me to say that I do believe that God made the earth and all the beauty in it, and I told him one of the things I learned here, that while God is good, He isn’t safe…He’s kind of wild Himself as you can’t put Him in a box! As we talked further, I recommended to him The Message translation by Eugene Peterson and a couple of other resources he could find online.
6. Challenge Question: When we “link sense to sound and sight” we can see that creation teaches us things about God. As Luci Shaw says, “God has given us two great books: creation and the Bible – and they speak of one another. The psalms do this often, as we have just seen. But use your mind to link what you see in nature to spiritual truths. Jesus did it all the time with parables, and we should make those associations too. Think of one, share it, and give praise for it. (Psalm 19 makes one comparison – but there are many!)
In Isaiah 1:18, it talks about how our sins, though they be like scarlet or crimson red, will be made whiter than snow because God forgives us. On a winter day, especially a bright sunny one, the snow almost hurts your eyes because it’s so dazzling white and it looks like there are little diamonds glittering in it. And then, when you spy a red cardinal too…. Thank you God for so many visual pictures You give us in nature! Thank You for the cleansing You give from our sins that makes us so clean and white like the snow!
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this.
I realize that the world is different today, and many mothers are in the workforce; however, when I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, my mom stayed at home and I don’t think I knew of any of her friends who worked outside of the home. I am thankful that my mom was always there when I came home from school. She took good care of us, our home, and cooked every night. When I got married and had my own kids, she would often make us a meal, just because, and bring it over. She always wanted to help. When she was in her late 80’s and had Alzheimer’s, she would say to me, “What can I do for you today? I’ll put on my work clothes and come over and scrub your floors..I’m a good scrubber!” Of course, I didn’t let her do that, but it was still in her mind to want to help others. She was a woman of dignity and strength, too, and another thing I admired so much about her is how she had so many friends..several really good, close friends. She modeled how to be a good friend and also how to converse with others. She showed interest in others, and I have found that lacking today when, in social situations, it’s like trying to pull teeth from some people to have a conversation; it seems the art of conversation is being lost. My mom sure had that art mastered. I thank God for giving me my mom (and my dad!) and for allowing them to be with me for so long.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27
God is my refuge and His everlasting arms are under me. I think Elisabeth Elliot always said, “You are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
B. Psalm 71:5-6
God has been with me from birth, even caring for me while I was yet in my mother’s womb.
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him!
I believe that You do see and hear me, God, and You know my heart – the hope I have in You, and also my fears and insecurities. My feelings are safe with You. Yesterday at work I ran into a chaplain that I oriented with when I worked in home care – David. He was also working at the hospice care center and was there when my mom was there. Every so often, we run into each other, and seeing him is like receiving a shot of God’s love, every time!
Love all of this, Susan!
9. Give thanks for a “saint” (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this person?
This is an interesting topic that I’ve been doing some reading about. It is in the Catholic church that “saints” are canonized, which of course is different than other denominations; however, I’ve been thinking about that “communion of saints” that the Bible talks about, and believe that I can learn from the lives of believing saints who have lived and died, even those from long ago. In a way, they can still mentor us. Paul, in the Bible, is one who has helped me as he wrote honestly about his own struggles with wanting to do the right thing but failing, too. I’ve come across several quotes from Thomas Merton in a book I’m reading; the words and wisdom of those who have gone before us can give me pause to reflect today, for my life.
10. How do you handle Halloween and why?
My kids are all grown now, but when they were young, we let them dress up and go trick-or-treating. Their costumes were not the blood and gore or frightening kind. I always told my kids matter of factly that ghosts are not real, and we didn’t celebrate anything evil. They enjoyed carving a pumpkin and we’d put a candle in it at night. I agree that it’s a matter of personal choice. I didn’t really view it as a “holiday”; it was just trick or treat.
My answers to 7 and 8 disappeared!
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this.
I’m not sure what happened to my first answer this, so here goes again! I had written about my mom, and how thankful I am that she stayed at home and was always home when I arrived home from school. She took wonderful care of us, our home, and cooked wonderful meals. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, and I didn’t know of too many moms who worked outside of the home then. Her presence in the home was always reassuring. I admired her for being a good friend to many; she had several very good, close friendships, which can be a rarity to have more than one or two really close friends. She was a faithful and loyal friend. She actually had a pen pal, Vera, who lived in England. They started writing to each other as an assignment in high school. They kept it up their entire lives, until Vera died first, in her 90’s. My parents got to meet her when they went on a trip to Spain and went to England, too. Mom was a wonderful conversationalist and showed interest in others. I have found in some social situations that it is very hard to engage people in conversation; it seems to be a lost art. Mom always welcomed my friends into our home. Once, when I was a majorette and we took turns hosting a dinner before a game, it was my turn and I asked mom to please make manicotti, not realizing the enormous amount of time it took her as she made everything, including the crepes, from scratch. She did it and said not a word. When she was in her late 80’s and had Alzheimer’s, she would still say to me, “What can I do to help you today? I’ll put on my work clothes and come over and scrub your floors – I’m a good scrubber!” Of course, I didn’t let her do that, but it was always in her mind to want to help you. Once, after she died, I was talking to my dad and telling him that I was making a meal for someone who was sick, and he said “That’s just like your mom.” That made me feel really good. I am thankful for my parents, that my mom lived to be 90 and we were close, and I still have my dad.
Now I see my post that I thought had disappeared!
I always savor your posts, Susan. It’s a cyberspace mystery, but one of your posts triggered the need to be approved.
I liked your “we didn’t let them celebrate evil.”
5. Read Psalm 19:1-4
A. What does the psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies? that they proclaim the glory of God and proclaims his Handiwork without ceasing.
B. How do you take time to breathe in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you? I live in a small Montana town that is literally surrounded by mountains. Every time I turn when driving or walking I am confronted with a fresh view of Majestic peaks that are close to our town. These views never fail to awe me. The mountains have always proclaimed God’s big-ness to me. He formed them and therefore is big and in control. Their presence is a comfort to me to know the hands that formed the peaks (tho I think they were technically formed by The Word) also holds all the details of my life. I will sometimes grab my kids to go watch the sun set behind the mountains proclaiming about how creative and glorious is our God who made these beauties.
C. Go outside, breathe in the beauty of the earth or skies, and come back and share what you saw or felt. The peaks this morning are covered in snow bright against a glowing red sunrise sky. The air is quiet from the covering of snow. The skies are clear. All speak his greatness and peace to me.
6. Challenge question : My favorite association to God’s truth from nature is fresh snow. When the snow falls it covers all things making bright and new and flawless the world around us. Broken things become beautiful from ice crystals and icicles twinkling. Dirt and wear and tear become charming from snow sparkling on the imperfections. It also makes things very quiet and slows down the busyness that distracts us from the important. People bundle up to stay warm and stay close to home and hearth. So too God’s grace covers us and makes us bright and new and flawless offering purpose for our brokenness to glorify him and show the beauty of his love sacrifice and purpose. This association always goes through my mind when it snows.
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this. My mom is a picture of the gospel. She has always been patient but firm with me with right and wrong. I do not ever remember her being “angry“. She did indeed discipline me and guide me in my choices but I never felt that I inconvenienced nor put her out nor that us kids were in the way of her selfish desires. I know she was not perfect but I am able to better understand my God’s love because of her love. To this day she rejoices our presence. She desires nothing more than time with us. She is a true gift. Thank you, God!
8. What do you the following verses tell you of God‘s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27 God is our dwelling place and we are in His everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy. We are safe and secure with Him.
B. Psalm 71:5-6 God is our only hope and our only trust. He has been with us since before we were born. Because of his everlasting character we will continually praise Him.
C. How have you been aware of God‘s love recently? Thank Him. God, I do thank you for your love. It is a constant. Even if things are “badly” your love remains. I beseech you for good things but your love is not waxing and waning with yes’s and no’s but remains overwhelming in your care of me…to truly care by refining me and not spoiling me. Your gifts are precious but even more so your gift of your presence when my expectations are not fulfilled.
Oh, Dee, I think I made a typo on my info on my answers to 7 and 8 so it went to be approved. Sorry!
9. Give thanks for a “saint“ (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this person? I am extremely thankful for my mother‘s father. My grandfather. My father’s side of the family was harshly legalistic and “religious“. My mother’s family, however, was gospel oriented. My grandfather served and loved his community, his church body, and his family with the love of Christ. That legacy lives on in my mother. I get emotional just thinking about seeing him in heaven. He died when I was in kindergarten. I still have a vivid memory of my mother sitting on the edge of her bed in her room crying over photographs of her father after getting the call that he had passed. I keep a picture of him and my grandmother on their wedding day by my sink to remind me that our calling is our joy in obedience to Christ.
10. How do you handle Halloween and why? We have had different approaches through the years. Our children are now 11 and 12. In their early years we did not really celebrate it. A couple of years I helped host a community harvest festival at our church that had thanksgiving as the focus of the celebration. Those times were blessed. When we entered the military we saw a new side of Halloween. Many if not most families attempting to be as gruesome as possible. I think somehow their occupation of dealing with warfare, death, and Trumatic combat experiences contributed to the practice of “teasing death“. We avoided these situations after an unfortunate encounter with them not realizing that was the culture in the military. We have stayed home and ““ while watching a movie. We have stayed home and headed out candy. We have gone trick-or-treating. Now we talk to our kids about how Halloween came about and practices that different families have. And we let them have a say in how we celebrate. We do not allow any “evil“ costumes. However they have never really asked to be anything gruesome or evil. Tonight we will go to a church harvest festival and then come home to enjoy popcorn candy and a movie. We always try to have conversations about the WHY and about God’s Gospel and scripture (what does the Bible say about it?) in our decisions as a family.
Sounds like you handle it very well, Jill. How interesting about the military and Halloween. Won’t it be wonderful when we go to war no more?
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and give thanks to God for this. – I had wonderful parents. Though I don’t remember a lot of love you being said growing up, but the care that was given to me and my sisters was memorable. We were not rich by any means, but what was taught to us, loving others, being kind, respecting your elders, working hard, so much more then anything money could have given me. My dad was forced to go on disability at the age of 55 after his heart attack but he still worked hard to provide for us as my Mom was a stay at home mom. I was the son my Dad never had. I learned so much from him on how to take care of myself and my Mom was there to nourish and care for us when we had problems come our way. My Dad has been gone now for 12 years, and my Mom is going to be 92 on 11/18. I remember so much of what my Dad taught me and I’m still learning how to care for others as my Mom always does. Thank you Lord for providing me with my Mom and Dad. I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the love they showed by their teachings. I appreciate everything they have done for me and that my Mom continues to do for me and I can’t thank you enough for giving them to me.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27 – He is my refuge, his everlasting arms are always surrounding me and he will walk before me to protect me from my enemies.
B. Psalm 71:5-6 – He is my hope and my confidence from the beginning of my time here on earth and created me in my Mother’s womb.
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him! – Lord I thank you each day that I wake up in the morning that I can be a blessing to someone that I meet. Though I fail at this daily, you are still walking beside me. Your unconditional love for someone like me, a sinner every day, is my comfort that reminds me I am YOURS.
9, Give thanks for a “saint” (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this person? – I grew up Catholic so I knew about God and Jesus but did not fully know them until my real estate agent Sandra Owen (I later was under her when I was a Realtor) was bold in her faith and not afraid to let me know how important it was to have a relationship with Jesus. She lived her life trusting and relying on only Him, but as I grew in my own faith and accepted Jesus as my Savior I wondered if she was not fully using all that the Lord had provided for us. But I learned more by digging in and working under her we had more Bible time then selling house at times so it was a great way to grow my faith. If it wasn’t for her being bold in her faith, I would not have known that I needed more then just knowing about God and Jesus, I needed them fully in my life.
10. How do you handle Halloween and why? – When I first became a Christian, (story is above) I was more on the Charismatic end of being a Christian, so things like the devil and demons was made more aware. But as I grew in my faith and my situation changed when I had to stop being a realtor and got a steady paying job, I found a Bible believing church that did expository preaching, and that put a different light on how things are viewed. I felt freer then before and not so stressed out of how I was handling things are what I was allowing my kids to participate in. They did Halloween, but their costumes were always more neutral, more bible based or super hero kind of costumes. I would bring them to church related events for Halloween and just made them aware of the enemy’s ways. My way of thinking about these things was more of what Jesus wanted us to know about them from his Word then what the man speaking on the alter thought I should know. It’s kind of hard to explain, and I hate to use the word, but it felt like brainwashing to me, but my mind is much more open to learning what His Word has to say about the gray areas of this world.
Wednesday
7. If you have experienced love from earthly parents, share a way they loved you well and
give thanks to God for this. My parents took care to provide well for us. They taught us to be morally upright and treat others with respect. I do thank God for this.
8. What do the following verses tell you of God’s love and care for you?
A. Deuteronomy 33:27: God provides shelter and protection for us.
B. Psalm 71:5-6: God has always been and always will be our hope.
C. How have you been aware of God’s love recently? Thank Him!
I had a friend thanked me for being there for her. Really we were there for each other as really it was the Holy Spirit working 🙂 Also, this study draws me to Him. His love has provided hope for me in challenges I’m facing. I’m so thankful for this.
9) I remember my “saints” of my parents who passed away, Mom in December 2009 and Dad in October of 2011. They had me when they were 44 and 42; I was the youngest of 6 children. My oldest sister was 19. To think that they called me “Joy” still amazes me. We were not rich by any means but I knew I was very loved and I also knew that they loved Jesus. I’m thankful for that! I also have to remember my first husband who loved Jesus and was a great husband and devoted father. He passed away in August of 2009. He was often helping others. So many people loved him. I’m thankful for who he was and for his tremendous role in our lives.
10. We do participate in Halloween but nothing scary. I probably wouldn’t have with my own children but my husband didn’t have any concerns with it. So we compromised. Today I do enjoy seeing my neighbors and their children coming to our door.
I love it that they named their sixth baby Joy as well. Reminds me of twins who surprised their parents, as they expected just one, and the mother said “Hallelujah” when there was a 2nd, and so they named her that and she goes by Halley.
It’s so good to have you here, Joy Mom!
Thank you for your warm welcome from yourself and others! It’s a gift you all are extending and I so appreciate it!
I just listened to Tim Keller’s sermon! Man, I have missed that guy! Dee could you send me the link to the rest of the sermon series? I need to listen to all of this series from which this sermon is one.
There is so much here – some that comforts me and uplifts me; and some that convicts me. I do not have time to edit my notes but I loved his illustration from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. In the midst of the almost despair of the Shadow, the character saw the tiny star and was reminded that the Shadow was a passing thing and there was “light and high beauty” far beyond this life. Then he was able to fall into a deep peaceful sleep even in the midst of the ongoing battle.
I needed that!
Sure Diane — It’s:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/the-holy-spirit-1991/
I’m still listening to the sermon; SO GOOD! But I had to comment before I forget….
Keller says that people filled with the spirit are joyful people all the time; they have a thankful attitude for things even when the situation isn’t the best. He gives the example of the 2 people at a lecture (?) or play or something where the woman is going to blast the moment and the man speaks first saying how he thought “this and this and this were so good.” She mentions her negative comments and he agrees with her, but the fact that he is so positive at first makes all the difference in the conversation. I agree but…
I do have friends who are not Christians who are very positive people most all the time. How would we/he explain that? One in particular is a colleague of mine who is a biology teacher. She’s never proclaimed to be an atheist but I don’t think that she is “much of a Christian.” I do think perhaps her parents raised her in a Catholic church? Maybe that upbringing has stuck with her?
Laura — I love Lewis’s explanation at the end of Mere Christianity whey some unbelievers are so much nicer than some believers. He said it isn’t fair to compare, for they may have had vastly different backgrounds, etc. That cranky Christian neighbor of yours might be doing quite well considering she has ulcers and was brought up in a loveless home. He also talks about how since we are all created in the image of God, we all have beauty.
Ahh yes, Dee! You are right! I remember that now. Thank you!
Amazing message. I’ve listened twice and feel as if I’ve just scratched the surface. “Gratitude is the thing that drives me because of what HE’s done for me.”
We love Keller here and love that you do too, Joy Mom.
Thanks for focusing us on thankfulness.
Thanks, Leasha!
What a wonderful post and I love that Sally passed that down to her children, and oh how creative and cute Sadie is. I can tell that to see your children loving God is a thrill to your heart! This makes me happy!
The easiest thing in the world is to not be thankful-to focus on whatever isn’t going right or whoever isn’t doing something right. Not only am I vulnerable to this, I am around this all day at work and with a very close relative I keep in touch with daily for she is getting older and a bit more crankier. I need to make sure she is still doing well living alone. It is easy to miss that this can be infectious so I have to watch the foxes that can get in.
9, Give thanks for a “saint” (believer) who is with the Lord. Why are you thankful for this
person? I’m thankful for an ancestor, who in 1885 wrote a biographical profession of faith of her 10 year old daughter. It’s an amazing piece of family history, especially considering my parents and grandparents spoke very little of their faith and certainly never taught me the gospel. This mother of Grace Schaffner, was a saint who’s daughter memorized the catechism by age seven. Her conversion was quite dramatic and her mother wrote this booklet to benefit others. Little did she know her own descendants would read this.
What a wonderful story! The faith of generations past.
Three marks of the Spirit
How can the Spirit be manifested in you:
a. Song in the heart-music
b. A life of gratitude –Contentment
c. Submitting to one another –relationship of submission
Relationships are the places where you can experience the fullness of the Spirit.
As usual, Tim Keller is profound and enlightening of the Scripture.
Saturday:
12. What is one thing you are particularly thankful for this week and why?
The power of music and Christian artists whom God has used to bless me this week: Shane and Shane, Casting Crowns, Audrey Assad, Andrew Peterson to name a few.
13. What is your take-a-way from this week and why?
That thankfulness does not depend on my circumstances but can spring from the knowledge of the character of God. He is my ALWAYS-faithful, true, good, loving and NEVERS-never late, never disappointing, never changing, never out of control.
So excited to start this Thankfulness Study!
Excited to have you, Lisa!
I would love to join and develop an attitude of gratitude 😊