Blessings

Over the past two weeks my schedule has been crazy. From the moment I wake up to the moment my head hits the pillow (PTL for Day Planners)! Days filled with class, meetings, work, etc… I’m lucky if I find 5 minutes to sit and be still.

Up until about 3 minutes ago my mind has been racing and yes, I’ll admit it, slightly stressed (and beyond ready for Spring Break. Nine days- but who’s counting ☺ ).

As I was sipping my green tea and enjoying the “collegiate” atmosphere of the OU Library, the Lord reminded me how blessed I am. So often I fail to recognize that the Lord showers me with blessings.

In order to help myself refocus I decided to make a list of a few of the blessings I am grateful for, things I love and things that fill me with joy.

God’s love and grace
Family & Family Time
Friends
Health
Sunrises/the Sky
Positivity
Green Tea
Fellowship
Music
School

Bible
Goals
Freedom to Worship
Love
Mentors
Each new day (Life)
Traveling
Books
Photographs
A good workout
Smiles & Laughter
Bible Studies
Flowers
Accountability
Quality Time
Challenges
Creativity
Inspiration

Wisdom

Oh the list could go on forever…

What brings you joy and makes you happy? How are you blessed?

Praise the Lord for these gifts!

I pray that God will help me remember my list and help me to be grateful and give thanks constantly.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:18


“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6

Prayer

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Stop for a moment and really ponder this- how much time do you spend during the day praying and talking with God? Do you spend 5 minutes? Pray before meals and before bed? Do you spend hours with Him? Confession- I know I don’t spend nearly as much time praying as I wish I did, I’m working on it.

I feel the importance and power of prayer is often underestimated.  If Jesus felt prayer was so important, why do we not depend on it constantly? Why am I not always overwhelmed with thanks that the Lord has given me this blessing?

Just like any other goal, it takes time and discipline to form a habit. (1 Corinthians 9:25) You must train yourself to be successful.  God calls us to be in constant prayer.

Over the past couple years my prayer life has grown immensely and I have been so blessed because of it. I keep a prayer journal where I write my prayers, prayer requests I have received, verses I love and take notes during sermons I enjoy. Reading through past prayers and seeing how God answers my prayers brings such joy to my day and encourages me to speak with the Lord even more.

I pray that God will make my prayer life even more fruitful this year and that He will work wonders in the lives of those around me.

 Following is a poem I read at someones house once and loved. Had to share it :)

I got up early one morning,
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
I didn’t have time to pray.

Troubles just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task.
"Why doesn’t God help me?" I wondered.

He answered, "You didn’t ask."

I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"Why, child, you didn’t knock."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, "You didn’t seek."

I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
By Regine Anne Baldomar

Peace

Today is one of those days. The Lord has filled my heart with joy and regardless of how gloomy the weather is, I still want to put on a sun dress <<and maybe my Chacos ☺ >> and dance around!! Psalm 13:5  That is until I remember that I have my first major French exam tomorrow and two more exams on Friday. AHHH!! (Quick panic attack). Upon this realization my heart started racing a thousand miles a minute and my anxiety level jumped through the roof. God did not bless me with the gift of retaining knowledge after hearing it once in class; I have to study diligently to make good grades.

After a few moments of freaking out, the Lord truly filled me with peace. He reminded me that I need to turn to Him in my weakness.

“The Lord gives strength to His people;

the Lord blesses His people with peace.”

Psalm 29:11

Once again, God blessed me with the reminder that I don’t need to wear my self out by over planning and stressing about my exams. This negative focus just drains energy from my body. Instead, I should be thankful and trust that the Lord will give me peace and focus. Life will constantly be filled with things to worry about, but I need to choose to focus on the Lord.

With new found peace, I will put on my head sets and turn up Ben Rector and Michael Bublé. (Anyone have any more good music suggestions?) What a beautiful day the Lord has blessed us with! Enjoy your day!

“The LORD bless you

   and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine on you

   and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you

   and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26