1. 'Forget not that the Lord loves you.' This is the most important thing I learned after I started studying God's Word. Even though I am small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe, God knows and loves me. He is routing for me and wants me to return to His presence once more. This is a huge comfort on dark days, in times of loneliness, or following one of my huge mistakes.
I am 'known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! [I am] loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time! He who created and knows the stars knows [me] and [my] name—[I am a] daughter of His kingdom.'
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? …For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5
Gratitude fills my heart, because God wants me to be part of His kingdom, increase in faith, learn of Him, grow in godly character, strengthen my home and family, and serve His children as my way of life--little things that can make my life joyful and sweet. In so doing I must be patient and compassionate with myself and choose to be happy in my present circumstances as I strive toward my righteous goals. I am numbered just as the stars--I am not forgotten.
2. Thanksgiving with the Hollingsheads and Spencer was delightful. The children were charming--the parents relaxed and happy. Spencer acted like his old, lost self and enjoyed his niece and nephew. Joseph played and joked with the grands and washed a mountain of dishes. He now has a new generation of littles to thrill with his coin tricks. Emily was the perfect hostess. I looked on in pure joy and gratitude.
3. I like Ruth Stout's idea to grow old gracefully by taking the oft repeated advice of farmers, 'take it easy.' Double-booking, over-working, and multitasking will ruin one's health. Slow-moving, gentle, steady, unhurried work won't cause one to over-do or work to exhaustion. Amazingly, things still get done. Shortcuts, delegating, and doing only those things that can be done with enthusiasm is the way to go. She knew before I was born that it is all in the attitude--an attitude of gratitude and joy.
4. Another lesson this week--don't push for my own agenda. Let God's Will be the guide. Grateful to relax, let go, and let God guide.
5. Catering holiday meals is the only way to go. Grateful that I can let go of my image as Molly Mormon and enjoy making one or two things that really matter. The rest is just filler.
5TF
