Thursday, November 26, 2015

The Power of Thankfulness

faint
Admit it. You enjoy being thanked. We actually expect it. We become deflated, wilted if thanks are withheld from us. Giving thanks and receiving it is more than courtesy taught by your parents. Thankfulness is an expression of the heart. Joy shared from one being to another invoked by sincere gratitude.

God gives us power in many ways. His power. I know you. You just thought,  "Well, I don't have any of God's power." Actually, yes you do. Imagine this. You notice a family member, co-worker or friend looking sad. The stress of life is visibly compressed in the lines on their frowning face. God sends you a memory of them. You smile as you remember the compliment. You walk over to them and say, "Thank you for being you!". They turn quickly answering, "What did I do?" You explain the time they gave you a compliment on the very day you needed it the most. A brilliant smile replaces the burdensome look on your friend's face. Amazingly, instant joy and contentment! God just used you to give power to the faint! Your one simple kind act also increased your friend's strength! They have the power to make it the rest of the day, week, maybe even month. Can you believe that? Have you ever thought about serving God in this manner? One of the easiest ways to see God's power at work is through thankfulness.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:28-30 Life is a puzzle to us that God is fitting together one piece at a time. We may not think small actions are important. They are! There is no searching of his understanding. We must simply be obedient and follow his instruction.

During this planned season of thankfulness, strive to exercise God's power in you. Tell the man at the shelter, "Thank you for coming to eat this meal." Tell your children at the dinner table "Thank you for spending this time with me."  Everyone wants to be thanked, especially God. Here's a catchy phrase to help you remember you are God's workmanship and he wants to use you in the smallest yet mighty way.
 
Purpose the Power you Possess! 


In His Power,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Five Things Christians Should Learn From Veterans

veteran
photo credit: rodlamkeyphotography.com

Thank you to each and every man or woman, past and present, who has served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. I personally can never repay you or thank you enough for your sacrifice.

As I reflect on Veteran's Day this November 11th, 2015, I quickly recognize so many things Christians should learn from veterans. Please allow me to share five:
  1. Train for your service. Soldiers have to make it through Basic Training before they enter the battle. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." You cannot battle the enemy without adequate training. 
  2. Willing and ready to fight. A true soldier stands armed and ready to do their job. Philemon 1:14...., that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
  3. Unashamed. Soldiers don't challenge orders and act responsibly. Psalm 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  4. Stick together. Once a soldier always a soldier. There's a special bond between the band of brothers. Psalm 34:3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
  5. Love their fellow man. Soldiers love people above themselves even unto death. I John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Happy Veteran's Day!

So thankful for freedom,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
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Friday, November 6, 2015

Nobody Comes

HLH
HLH
Rana Elyse Mashburn (12/03/1997 - 10/22/2015) continues to impact my life daily. I followed her recent journey with HLH from Day 1 - July 13, 2015. The calendar makes her journey seem short. Rana's courage and words make her journey everlasting.

I read this note written by Rana shared by her mom on September 24th. (Please take a moment to read the entire passage if you did not already.)  I felt the anguish Rana was experiencing trying to understand and cope with the situation, her circumstances. Hundreds of miles from home in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, except her Mom. Her words won't leave me. "Nobody comes." 

You and I know what Rana meant. People were coming. I saw visits posted on facebook. She knew people were coming also. Those closest to her were there every possible time they could be. Her mother never left her. I believe Rana was sad because her extended family and friends didn't visit her for whatever reason. It was a critical time in her life. She knew more than us. She couldn't wait.

God used Rana's words to show me his heart. He said, "She's right. Nobody comes." As I began to ponder the phrase, the magnitude of  "Nobody comes" enveloped my mind and sank into the depths of my heart. Jesus shares...

Every time people worship me in public places, those closest to me are there every possible time they can be. I am sad because those who need me as Savior, those who have accepted me but not totally dedicated their lives, those who have turned their back on me, those who say they know me but don't, those I died for never comes. Nobody comes. My Father has never left me.

It is a critical time in all our lives. Praise God. Jesus waits... 

 Lovingly,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
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