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
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love the pictures of the sunset and the women! So thankful for a wonderful time you have had, Dee, with Laura-dancer and Jackie.
“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.”
When I am thankful to God, the focus is not on me but in who He is. Everything takes on a God-perspective as I filter my pain and suffering or any circumstance that are not to my liking in terms of comfort and/or control. The idol then fades into oblivion and God is in His rightful place in my heart.
2. 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!
My daughter (thank you, Lord for her!) gave me a little 5 year journal book for Mother’s Day with enough lines to fill for each day. It is on my night stand and every night, I try to reflect on my day and write specific things I am thankful for. There were nights I have forgotten to write something so I would go back and write a few notes. I would sometimes read my past entries and they would always bring a smile to my face and a “thank you, Lord” even for the hard.
During this seemingly hard season with my Mom’s health, I am more determined to be thankful for I do not want the enemy to have a foothold (resentment, bitterness, anger, physical and emotional fatigue, etc.) in my life.
3. Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories?
Yes. I remember this song as one of the songs I learned when I was little and my parents would take us to a Baptist Church in the Philippines. I always liked, “Lord of all to thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise”. It is also harvest season at my husband’s parents farm and I love hearing his stories of past harvest time now and when his parents were still alive. As of late, I have sang the song as I gather produce from the small garden my husband, Richard had planted for me.
Wonderful post. How good you write a few things each night for which you are thankful.
And love your memories of “For The Beauty of the Earth!”
Love the idea of finishing the day by writing down our days thankfulness to God.
Giving thanks to our Lord and Savior is my delight
Welcome Chris for Christ!– So glad to have you here!
Welcome to you Chris for Christ. Love this user name.
Hi, I would like to participate in the month of gratitude. Thank you!
Wonderful Kimberly — glad to have you!
Welcome Kimberly. Glad you found Dee.
Would love to be a part of your Thanksgiving group.
We’d love to have you be a part, Linda!
My first time here, and looking forward to a month of thankfulness.
Christy Meek
Christy Meek — having just studied the Beatitudes — is that an adjective? We learned meek meant something entirely different than we thought! Welcome!
Curious Christy Elliott
We have 3 new Christy’s! Welcome Curious Christy! We also have Christy Meek. Chris for Christ. and Just Christy. We’ll try to keep you all straight. So glad to have you.
Welcome to all the new Ladies. So glad you found Dee’s blog. You won’t be disappointed.
Haha! Dee I love you 😉
Fabulous “thanks” plan!! This should be a year-round plan!!
You are right! Welcome Joyful Joyce!
Such a great idea for preparing our hearts for Thanksgiving
So glad to have you, Deb!
I’d think I’d like to try this. Thanks for offering. I’m going to invite my siblings, so we can share long distance.
Wonderful Claudia!
1) What stands out to you? My own need to praise. To praise the Lord in the good times and in the hard times. I’ve been struggling with more sadness this fall than in a long time. My oldest moved away for his first year of college. I took a 2 year leave of absence from teaching last year and this year to help my youngest navigate this new season with her brother away. Their father passed away 10 years ago and even though the Lord has blessed us with a new husband/stepdad, grief still resurfaces from time to time. (Thank you Dee for responding to my email I sent you 10 years ago after I read your book, The God of All Comfort). And my only niece is battling pancreatic cancer. Yet I know the Lord is in control of all, so for that and so much more I praise HIM.
2) Is there anything specific that has helped you with gratitude? I’m not always consistent with gratitude in all things but the one thing that really helps me with where my mind gravitates to is praise and worship songs. 3) Familiarity with For the Beauty of the Earth song? As a teenager, my piano teacher told me that my church needed a church organist in our small town and she had nominated me. She told me I could do it and gave me maybe 1 or 2 lessons on the organ. So I became a church organist at 15 or 16. One of my favorite songs to play and sing was For the Beauty of the Earth. I have wonderful memories of going to the church all by myself and practicing and singing to the Lord in private.
Joy Mom — good name despite this season of sadness. I do understand grief resurfacing.
What a wonderful story of being a young church organist!
Welcome, Joy Mom! I am a teacher, too but planning on retirement soon. Glad you can stay home for now. My husband is a pianist/organist so you both have something in common. I love to listen to him play.
Welcome Joy! I can relate to your sadness in having your oldest child move away for college; it is a difficult transition when our children leave home. My two oldest sons now live in different states, and my youngest is a freshman in college this Fall. I remember her sadness, though, when her brother closest to her in age was leaving for college, and she became an only child at home, for most of the year. I will keep you and your family in prayer….your niece, too. I’m so sorry.
Jacklyn Joyful
Welcome Jacklyn Joyful!
Looking forward to joining in with my sisters over the pond!
Allie from UK
Email: the.taylors23@yahoo.co.uk
How fun is this, Allie! Welcome — you live in a beautiful country!
WOW, great praise to the Lord to be able to worship Him no matter where you are located. Love technology for this reason.
I’m going to do this too for I need it too.
Ann VosKamp’s One Thousand Gifts helped me be more conscientious about giving thanks.
I am always thinking of the lyrics of “For The Beauty of the Earth,” for it was one my parents loved, and living in this beautiful place, it comes to mind often.
Great idea Dee on pulling out Ann’s book. I have it and was not able to focus on it when my church did a bible study on it. At the time it was too flowery for me and just could not get a handle on it. I will pull it out and try again.
First time it took me a little while to get into it, but then I did love it. And I love her.
Wow-welcome to everybody new on the blog! Praise the Lord, indeed!
Looking forward to this study.
What stands out to me from above on Day 1? You mentioned Linda Strom and her age and her gratefulness to God about everything. That’s how I want to be. I’m 68 and I want others to describe me as a grateful person about everything in my life. God is so good all the time, so faithful and He does a multitude of things to awe all of us. I want to notice these things each day this month and develop a deeper gratitude to Him for all He’s done and is doing in my life.
I’m not familiar with this hymn but I listened to it and I will listen to it over and over again. So beautiful. I love the words in it.
I’m grateful for you and your ministry. I’m glad I can participate along with others and I look forward to it.
Maria HOPE — so glad to have you here and love the desire of your heart.
This will be soooooo helpful as we continue to walk through Cancer treatment and life with specisl-needs kids!
Thank you so much! 😁
Oh Kind Kimberly — what a calling you have. So glad to have you here!
I love the reminder to be thankful. As I walked over, and returned from my friends house today I reflected on God’s bigness. I finished Jen Wilkin’s book, None Like Him, last week and love the way it’s helped me ponder God. I find myself so thankful for the new perspective I’ve developed, seeing Him for who He is and not how He is working in ME, or helping ME or doing for US but simply who HE is. You see my friend’s husband is dying, his brain tumor from over a decade ago has returned with a vengeance. He is losing feeling on his left side. His death is imminent. “Feel free to drop by for a last visit” the text encouraged…what a painful message, yet we can rejoice, he can rejoice in knowing his Savior. I am thankful for the opportunity to step towards their pain with love instead of away with fear. I am thankful for the opportunity to embrace God’s love in the challenges of life and not reject Him. I’m thankful for the reminder that life is short, but God’s love is abundant.
I am thankful when I read scripture consistently…the further I get from His word, the less thankful I seem to be.
On the hymn front: I do miss several old hymns (not all, some of that theology is a bit off) but I can hear For The Beauty of the Earth in my mind and feel the joy of sitting, surrounded by others, of all ages. Oh the connectedness of hearing music sung in harmony…(I can’t sing but the melody myself). Hymns bring a feeling of connectedness and unity to my memory. I am saddened by the divisive way hymns and choruses became a wrestling point in several churches, but am pleased to see them popping up in several choruses. I am thankful for the ability to sing in unity of God’s glory.
Welcome Authentic Audra!
Loved your whole post — but would like others to not miss this from Audra:
do miss several old hymns (not all, some of that theology is a bit off) but I can hear For The Beauty of the Earth in my mind and feel the joy of sitting, surrounded by others, of all ages. Oh the connectedness of hearing music sung in harmony…(I can’t sing but the melody myself). Hymns bring a feeling of connectedness and unity to my memory. I am saddened by the divisive way hymns and choruses became a wrestling point in several churches, but am pleased to see them popping up in several choruses. I am thankful for the ability to sing in unity of God’s glory.
Audra, I have read your post and there’s so much here! What a different perspective of Jen Wilkin’s book that you just finished (I have not read it) in that it’s not about how God is working in your life but rather focusing on who He is. I just might have to add it to my list of books I want to read! And, how you are able to stand by your friend and her husband and are willing to step into their pain instead of backing away in fear. Sometimes we are so afraid of getting too involved, too close, because we are afraid of their pain and don’t want it to become ours. And, that the less time spent reading Scripture, the less thankful we are – true. I also like how singing together makes you think of being connected to others.
Welcome Audra! I am touched by the story of your friends husband and being thankful. I forget to be thankful often (ugh). Thank you for reminding me.
Today my husband spoke at church on stewardship. That even gratitude is a gift of grace given to us by God. How fitting this blessing of this Bible study is also about gratitude. Looking so forward to joining my other Sisters in The Lord for this study. Very excited over what God is doing with his people.
God’s Blessings Dee🙏🏻❤️
So glad to have you Joyful Jan!
Hi. I am Sarita Sassy! I am excited to do this with you, Dee, and the many who will be doing this month of Thanksgiving! My sacrifice of praise. So much there in that small phrase.
Welcome Sarita. You said a lot in a few sentences!
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? – I love how excited your friend Linda Strom gets for serving the Lord and for the simple pleasures of seeing God’s beauty before her. I really like “The Lord commands us to thank Him, not because He needs our praise, but because He knows we need it.” And “we have been created to worship, so if we don’t worship God, we will worship an idol” These help me to see deeper that it is very important to think could thoughts and be thankful. The more we do these things the more our thoughts will be pure and will block out the thoughts and complaints of the enemy.
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! – I like to try and find the good in everything and in people, but that is not always what tends to happen, but I can direct my mind toward those things more easily now. I do keep an open mind about things and try not to doubt. I focus on Godly things so my mind is always being filled with Him. I am thankful that we have so many options now to be able to do this. Different apps for music set to what I like, to podcasts, to Bible blogs (Dee’s of course is top on my list). I can constantly be filled with God and his ways so I am thankful I can do this freely and not have to hide what I am doing.
3. Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories? – I do not know anything about this. Looking forward to filling my heart and mind with Joy these next 35 days.
Julie — thanks for being so welcoming to our newcomers. Loved your last paragraph of 2.
Paula Saved
Welcome Paula Saved! We have another Paula so thanks for putting that wonderful adjective with your name!
What stands out to you from the above and why? I love that happy people are thankful people.
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! The hard things in life have helped. Losing a baby at 21 weeks, difficulty in marriage, my parents divorce. These and other hard things make me SO thankful for the good times.
Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories? I remember a children’s book I used to have for my kids with this song in it 🙂
Good to think how hard times make us more thankful, Chris. So true.
WOW! So good to see all the new ladies and welcome…I know you will be blessed!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh how I need this right now! To be like your friend Linda Strom, praising and thanking Him all through the day. To realize that He doesn’t need our praise, but He knows we need it…wonderful to serve a God who knows what we need and that it’s for our best interest!
2. 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.
One habit that I have made is, every morning when I wake up I say “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” I then proceed to thank Him for a new day and the physical ability to enjoy it and spend time with Him. I also think back on times of struggles and how He has carried me through, thanking Him for His faithfulness!
3. Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty Of The Earth? Any associative memories?
I have vague memories of singing it at Thanksgiving services. Looking forward to looking into it in depth the next two weeks.
Great morning habit, Sharon! I want to do that too!
First time. Looking forward to the Giving Thanks Daily Bible Study
Welcome, Angela!
Hello thank you for the invitation to this bible study. Thankful Paula
We’re so glad to have you here, Paula!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Being thankful; I’m not sure it is always in the forefront of my mind.
Love those women at MBC!!!
2. 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!
When I look around at the world as at is, I am thankful for small blessings in my life. I am thankful for my husband.
3. Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories?
I remember singing this hymn in my church growing up. Beautiful!
Looking forward to change attitude of gratitude
Judy Praises — what a great pseudonym! We are so glad to have you, Judy.
There is always something to be thankful for no matter how good or bad our day is.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? Loved the photo with the rainbow behind the hill. The rainbow reminds me that God is love and He keeps His promises and that is something to always be thankful for
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! I keep a gratitude journal where at the end of the day I write down 5 things that I am thankful for that day. Often I will also write a Bible verse or other quote to go with it.
Do you have any familiarity with For The Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories? I was born and spent my younger years in Scotland and have memories of singing this hymn at school and at church. I remember quite a few of the words from it.
Ruth — we are so very glad to have you here. Your answers are thoughtful and clear. It’s fun to think of a young woman in Scotland singing For The Beauty of the Earth.
And yes, rainbows are a great reminder that God keeps His promises!
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 God spoke through the prophets but now His final word is through His Son Jesus – who is the Living Word.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3? Hi is God’s son, He is the radiance of God’s glory, He is the exact representation of Hid Father, His Word is powerful and sustains all things, He provides purification for our sins and He is now seated at the right hand of God.
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?
After the death of his infant son David went to the house of the Lord and worshipped
Are you able to do this — why or why not?
Yes because even in our grief God has promised to be with us and help us to get through whatever circumstances we encounter in our life.
Why should we?
God delights in our praise and it helps us to keep our focus on Him and not on our circumstances
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))
God spoke through the prophets in the past and now speaks through Jesus.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3?
He is God.
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?
Wow, David worshiped God though his son was dead. Well, I guess God has the master plan, and who am I to question it? I think my human would die alongside the child, but my spiritual self would accept the situation (eventually). I have equated our daughter with the death of a child. She is “dead” as I knew her. I have tried to accept the situation and I have talked myself through it being Gods will. I’m not sure I am joyful about it though; more resigned with respect to her. The babies remind me to praise Him though.
Why should we?
If we don’t then we are forfeiting His will for us and then I believe we are miserable. My brother is going through an extremely difficult situation right now. He is being rejected by people of his immediate family. My sister and I are trying to be supportive but we are very worried for his safety. I don’t think he is praising God in the circumstances and I don’t blame him for not. It is a grim situation. Don’t you think it’s kind of “Pollyanna” to do so? It’s hard to see the good in something when your world is crashing around you. I will say he has strayed from God though and if you are “in touch” you would be able to see things better. Please pray for my brother and his mental/physical life. We are afraid he might take his life; it is dire.
Laura, I am so sorry about your brother’s situation and the rejection he is facing. Rejection is so painful, but how much more when it is by your own family. I will pray for him and hope that you and your sister can encourage him to turn to someone for help, even if he were to call the national suicide prevention hotline as there would be someone to talk to him. As for your question about is it kind of “Pollyanna” to do so? I get that. I don’t think that giving thanks in hard times means we somehow are stoic and keep a stiff upper lip as if we don’t have any feelings. I have heard believers talking about, say, the death of someone they love, and one will quickly chime in, “Oh well, they’re with the Lord so we can be happy for that”, and I get that, but I think about the accounts of grieving that we read about in the Bible, like how Joseph and his brothers went out to bury their father and mourned for days and days. There are things in this life that hurt, and we shouldn’t negate our sorrow and grief. I think it’s still remembering to be thankful for what we do have, like our relationship with God.
Than just you for your comforting words Susan; I appreciate you and them.
Laura, praying for you brother and praying for God to give you wisdom.
Thanks Sharon.
Laura, praying God will intervene and speak to your brother words of comfort and love. May he be brought to an awareness that God will not reject him. You may have read of my Mom having dreams of Jesus visiting her at her hospital bed. I pray that God will visit your brother in a supernatural way so he will experience the One and only One who loves him no matter what.
I did read about your mom. It is difficult to watch your loved ones go through pain. Thanks for your prayer; he does need a visit from God.
Oh Laura, I’m so sorry for what your brother is going through. I will be praying for someone to come in to his path that can help him find his way back to the cross. I know sometimes it hard for siblings to be that person (I have that with my older sister) so I pray for God to lead the one to him.
Thanks Julie. Family is the hardest it seems.
Looking forward to this.
Welcome Anna Believer!
My thanks for today certainly includes all these wonderful newcomers from far and wide! You add so to our sweet family and I pray you will stay!
And when I meditate on “Christ our God, to Thee we raise, this our sacrifice of praise” I am so thankful Christ is not just a great teacher, but very God. And as one newcomer, Sarita Sassy, said, “there is so much to contemplate in the phrase “sacrifice of praise.” Sometimes, especially hard times, it is a sacrifice. Also, when I did a study on the Beatitudes with the Scottish preacher Cole, he said that fasting from certain pleasures may give us time to be with the Lord — and that may feel like a sacrifice at first, but so blesses us. I have so enjoyed not having cable television, though I know my sons who love football have found that a bit of a sacrifice for them (but have been gracious), but I am not longer tempted to watch a mindless show and that gives me time for the Lord.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Always, the reminder of how easily we slip into idolatry when we do not give thanks for the good gifts in our lives, instead turning them into idols, into our gods. I like how you describe your friend Linda Strom and how she is always giving thanks, and love to see all the women from MBC at the retreat!
2. Is there anything specific that has helped you an attitude of gratitude?
I like how many of you write down a few things in a journal each night; that’s a good idea to try. I find that getting out in nature encourages me to feel grateful. My husband was out of town for two weeks and evenings and nights were very quiet and I would feel a bit lonely. I don’t sleep as soundly when he’s not here. So, waking up early in the morning and seeing the night sky begin to lighten, the dawn of a new day, always made me thankful that God kept me safe through the night and that after the darkness, there is always light. It also reminds me that His mercy, love, and kindness are new every morning; just as faithful as the sun coming up each morning.
3. Do you have any familiarity with For the Beauty of the Earth? Any associative memories?
Because I did not grow up going to church, I really wasn’t familiar with hymns, except maybe He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands. I first learned of For The Beauty of the Earth through Dee’s book, The God of All Comfort, and the accompanying music CD, and Dee has incorporated it before into her online studies.
Love this whole post.
And to think you didn’t grow up in the church and just knew “He’s Got the Whole World…” 🙂
Dee, I went to a preschool at a Methodist Church and I believe we sang that song there!
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?
In the past, God spoke to His people in many ways through the prophets, and in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3?
Jesus radiates God’s glory and He expresses the very character of God. He sustains everything by His power. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, in the place of honor.
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?
The back story is that because of David’s sin involving Uriah and Bathsheba, God told David that his child, the one he had with Bathsheba, would die. While the child was ill, David wouldn’t eat and begged God to spare his son’s life. However, on the seventh day, the child died. Upon learning this, David got up, washed, ate, and went to worship. He told his servants that while the child was ill, he fasted and wept in hopes that God would change His mind. So after the death, it seems that David reached a place of acceptance. There was no more bargaining to be done. He also had the hope that he would one day be reunited with his child (when he died). I’m not sure about this. It seems that the “hard times” in this story was more when the child was ill, and I don’t see David praising God during that time, but refusing to eat, lying on the ground and pleading with God. What his returning to the tabernacle to worship, after his child dies, shows me is that even if God didn’t give him what he wanted, David still valued his relationship with God, didn’t want to turn away from God, and so returned to his habit of worshipping God. He accepted the Lord’s will in this matter. Perhaps he thought that because He still had God, he hadn’t lost everything. After all, God had not rejected him.
I have been one of Dee’s Bible Study friends for a while now but have not been following recently. I love going through and reading the wonderful comments of all the ladies here. I live in Canada and we have already celebrated Thanksgiving here a couple of weeks ago. I still welcome the opportunity to give thanks and remember that God inhabits the praise of his people.
What stood out?
I love Dee’s winsomeness – drawing us in by her appreciation of the small and big moments in her life that she thanks God for – the beautiful sky, her daughter and granddaughters’ creativity in costumes, her thankful friend in Linda Strom. Also I love her penetrating words. This one jumped out!
“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.”
God has given me a good gift which I did almost turn into an idol, and which might have destroyed me. That does not mean the gift is evil, but that my heart is “desperately wicked”, as Dee says, “an idol making factory”. I need God to continually cleanse my heart so that I use his good gift for good, praising God for it and asking Him to use it for His glory and not for evil. “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Jumping for joy to see dear Diane here!
I just recently read “When the whole world came to Town” and thought of you often — how the Canadians were there for Americans during 9/11!
Love you Diane. Glad you are back with us!
Thanks, Dee and Laura dancer, for the kind words of welcome. This is such a special place.
Good to see you Diane, welcome back!
BLESSINGS…
Welcome Mari Thank Full!
Kim-salon owner/stylist & women’s ministry leader
Welcome Kim!
Before I read the Monday post, God put this prayer on my heart and I share it with you. I think it fits here so beautifully.
Father fill us with Your joy! Let us know the depth of Your love for us. Comfort us with joy. Teach us to experience Your joy in all circumstances. Fill us with Your word and the Spirit’s leading in moments of darkness. Shield us from the bleakness of this world. Shine Your light, Your glory, all around us. Prepare our hearts for the crushing despair this world has to offer. Replace it with Your joy. You see us always, in every situation, and every struggle but may we see You! When we see You we can be nothing but filled with joy! Renew our spirits and remind us, joy in You is our strength! Thank You for Your faithfulness to us, in us and through us each day. Amen.
“Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.”
Isaiah 49:13
“And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”” Nehemiah 8:10
What I noticed in Hebrews 1:2 is that He HAS spoken. So often we sit around waiting, longing, wanting Him to speak to us, he HAS spoken. Soak it in. Bathe in the character of God, it brings JOY.
I love that David’s behavior was, and is, such a contrast to our grief. Yes, we grieve when someone is dying but we seem to grieve so much more when they die. I am not criticizing or diminishing this but rather observing. A friend of mine once said, live for the living. I’m not sure if he was quoting someone else, but it’s really impacted me. I think this focus has helped me have perspective in challenging circumstances…what joy to know our God is living, He has conquered death, we can too with His strength. If He can conquer death, He can conquer my suffering circumstances with no problem. I am able to have joy knowing He’s already conquered every problem.
I am struggling with the line in the song: “To our race so freely given.” Can someone help me understand that?
What a beautiful post, Audra — such rich thoughts and a good prayer.
I’m eager to see how people answer your question! I have thoughts but want to wait and let others go first…
Audra, I think the line of the song, For the Beauty of the Earth” that says “to our race so freely given” refers to the human race. It would be awful if it was a racist comment slipped into such a beautiful song!
Is he talking about the human race for whom He freely gave His life for…the best gift divine?
Love your post!
Dear Dee, how thankful I am for you and your grateful heart. You make me smile! 🙂
I am grateful for the Colorado Skies and “purple Mountain Majesty” today above the snowy plains!
Welcome Karla Grateful — I guess we know where you are from! Beautiful state!
1. what stands out to you from the above and why? Just an overwhelming agreement with the principal of thankfulness. I remember resisting Voskamp’s 1000 gifts because I thought I “knew” about thankfulness (arrogantly regarding it a simple concept that I had already mastered). It is so much deeper and so much more powerful (and at times so much harder) than I realized. That book was a milestone in my spiritual journey. I think entitlement is a large barrier to thankfulness in our culture. Our expectations become our standard for being able to say thank you ….
2. Is there anything specific that has helped you develop an attitude of gratitude? If so, share! I cannot take credit for it but even from my childhood I have always been overwhelmed by nature. The plains, the mountains, the clouds, the stars… all bigger than me and testimony of a Big God who is present with his children. This has always welled up in me a gratitude from deep within. So when life gets rough I gaze at his creation and allow myself to feel that welling up – it is thanks not just for His creation but who He is shown to us by His creation (Romans…).
3. Do you have any familiarity with For the Beauty of the Earth?Any associative memories? It conjures 3 memories – my childhood church, my childhood home, and my mother playing it on our piano in that home.
I think many, including me, had that reaction to Ann’s book!
Hi
Welcome, Beth!
1. In the mystery of the Trinity, Christ is God. Meditate on Hebrews 1:1-3
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
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))
He has spoken and is speaking to us through Jesus Christ.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse 3?
the radiance of God’s glory
the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word
seated at the right hand of the Father
2. In good times, praise may naturally bubble up, but in hard times, it may involve sacrifice.
Yes, truly. Praise in hard times is a 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, after knowing that his child born from his adultery with Bathsheba was dead, put an end to his fast and worshiped God. It is his way of accepting God’s will and to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over the life of his son.
Many of you know of my Mom’s ill health. She started being in and out of doctors’ clinic and the hospital frequently since May. And then last week, she had a fall and had a heart attack. The last few days have been filled with waiting, her signs and symptoms waning between possible recovery or death. It is hard for me to see her suffer (video calls made this possible) and yet she seems to cling to life and does not want to “go”.
I truly find myself going to and fro praising God and asking and lamenting to God. Lord, please be gracious and just take her home with you. At other times, I feel guilty praying such prayer. And feeling resentful of the financial burden her care has placed on my shoulders for so many years. Ugh! (so much uglies inside of me) Still, I want to obey willingly and praise Him because of who He is. I know His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah) And He makes everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes) And His purposes will stand. “Listen my soul, to the truth of God’s Word.” Purify my heart, O Lord and let my meditations be acceptable to you. Thank you for loving me in and through this difficult time despite my human tendencies to doubt your goodness.
Listened to Laura Story’s song, Blessings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKstHeh5FHA
Bing (Ernema, is it still alright to call you Bing?), how hard it is to watch your mother suffer and not know how long this trial will go on. And how these trials bring out both the best and the worst in us. I am so encouraged by your honest and heartfelt cries to God – both the praises and the laments. I am blessed to be able to pray with you during this time.
But it was your link to Laura Story’s song and testimony, Blessings, that causes me to respond. That song is the song my daughter sang in church just before she and her ex split up. I still find this song hard to listen to; for it brings tears. It has been a long and difficult 8 years, filled with prayers and tears as well as visible blessings. As Laura Story says in her testimony on this video, healing (physical and emotional and spiritual) is a “process” that may not be complete in this life. We thank God for the healing that we are beginning to see in her life and we trust God (though often imperfectly) for His “mercies in disguise”. May we both be able to sing Laura’s song to God with a thankful heart!
I cry EVERYTIME I hear that song!
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?
He tells us that the heavens proclaim the glory of God and the skies display His craftsmanship, so they reflect His glory. It is as if they are speaking to us, saying “Look – we were made by God!” and they make Him known, yet the heavens and skies have no actual, audible voice that one could hear. And yet, their message goes throughout the whole earth.
B. How do you take time to breathe in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
Oh wow….I was at the park again yesterday! I took my Bible study that I’m doing through my church, went to one of our Metroparks, and sat at a picnic bench, and then, I walked one of the trails through the woods. If I am not at work, and it’s nice outside, like it was yesterday with temperatures in the high 60’s, I am outside. I can’t help but staring at the thick carpet of leaves I am walking on….leaves from Sassafras. Tulip, Maple, Oak and so many other different kinds of trees…they make a mosaic of different colors, sizes, and shapes. I had read this quote recently. that “The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf.” I love that! A mystery to be found in each leaf. And because we’ve still had warm days and not a deep freeze at night, the crickets are still singing. I thought about that one time when I was at the park and listening to the “music” and thought that God could have made a soundless world, but He gave us birds that chirp and even insects that make music. I can go to the park feeling empty, and come away feeling full.
C.
This is the Susan we so delight to read!
Susan, I love you…
I’m doing this with you. Because I live on a great lake, the waves are often tremendous, as they are this morning. I admit with the water being so high, and having a huge ice shove last winter, I have some trepidation about this winter, for the water is supposed to get higher. But I think of how God said in Job 38:11 concerning the ocean: “This far you may come and no farther; this is where your proud waves must halt.” I am thankful He has protected me so far, and asking for that continued care.
Concerning the challenge question — I love seeing the parallels between nature and spiritual truths. I love how Psalm 19 compares the rising sun to a bridegroom coming out of his chamber for His bride, and I think of that each time I see the sunrise — as sure as the sun rises, the Son is coming for us.
Monday
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?
Long ago, He spoke in many ways and many times through the prophets. Now, He speaks to us through His Son.
B. What do you learn about Christ in verse three?
He radiates God’s own glory (reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine).
He expresses the very character of God, an exact and perfect imprint of His Father’s essence.
He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. Upholding, maintaining and propelling all things (the entire physical universe) by His powerful word (carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal). WOW!!
After He cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
What a beautiful verse to write out a song of praise from!
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 did this through His knowledge of God…the relationship that he had developed with God. I don’t believe he would of reacted the way he did without the building faith he had in God…something that didn’t happen overnight. David knew the faithfulness of God and His Sovereignty.
There have been a few times that I have had to do this, but only because of my faith in Him. He didn’t promise us a rose garden but He did promise to never leave or forsake us and this is what I bank on. After losing our son I clung to a verse from Job, 23:10, “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as good.” Hard times that involve sacrifice aren’t easy but when they cause growth in my walk with the Lord and to come forth as gold…it’s cause to give thanks!
In the verse from Job the last word is “gold” not good. 🙁
Tuesday
5. Read Psalms 19:1-4
A. What does the Psalmist tell us about the beauty of the earth and the glory of the skies?
They proclaim the glory of God, display His craftsmanship, they make Him known by speaking day after day and night after night without a sound or word. This is their message of the evidence of God throughout all the earth and the ends of the world. In them God has made a home for the sun.
B. How do you take time to breathe in the beauty of creation? How does it speak to you?
I have a hummer feeder right outside my window that brings me joy in watching these tiny and vulnerable creatures God has created. When they sit at the feeder and the sun shines just right on their greenish feathers making them look illuminated. I am amazed to see them fly backwards, upside down or hover over the feeder like a helicopter. To think that God put such precision and care into a bird tells me what a great God He is and how much He loves me!
6. Challenge question
I enjoy photographing sunsets and my favorite shots are of the clouds that are so brilliantly colored and formed. I envision God with a huge paintbrush on the canvas of the sky. Making sweeping motions of the clouds and dabbing them with orange, blue, violet and yellow! Painted by God…I praise Him for that beauty that I never want to take for granted!
I am so thankful that Jesus died for me.
Welcome, Audrey servanthearted! Good place to start!