That Thankful feeling

Being thankful goes along with being content.  The person who is always yearning for something more in life misses the enjoyment of even the mundane moments.  Granted, its important to have a dream and a vision that carries you to adventure and drives you to improve your life and the lives of others.  That's not what I'm talking about. 

The simplest things such as a bed to sleep on at night.  Sometimes when I lay down at the end of a particularly tiring day--a thankful feeling sweeps over me and I'm so very thankful for my bed, my home and the warmth of my blankets.  Of course, I'm thankful too for my family, my health, a wonderful husband who puts up with me, and for so many of the most important things in my life

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But that "thankful feeling" that brings a contented sigh for little things is a part of what makes me happy.  I have not been taking a daily count of the things I'm thankful for as so many friends on facebook have done.  However, this time of year does bring into focus the many blessings that I often take for granted.

The Apostle, Paul reminds us that "Godliness with contentment is great gain."  He backs me up in my belief that when someone is truly thankful--they are content; and when they are content they are truly thankful.  These two feelings are glued together and determine our outlook on life.

My son gave a sermon once and talked about Happiness versus Joy.  Happiness, he said, is determined by our circumstance.  Joy can be ours despite our circumstance. So, perhaps Joy is another sister to thankfulness and contentment. 

So, Happy Thanksgiving one and all.  Be thankful, be content with what you have, and rejoice in the blessings of your life.  That "Thankful Feeling" will be yours on a regular basis and I promise it's a good feeling--one that gives you real Joy!

Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me!

Hugs

Today I was jarred into realizing how little time I spend trying to make someone else's day pleasant.  Oh, sure I work hard doing what is right and performing ministry good deeds and fulfilling the call God has placed on my life.  I give of my time and what little talent I have to teach and train young people spiritually and academically.  I prepare sermons, studying and asking for a Holy anointing so that people's hearts will be stirred and lives will be changed.

I feel that I seek and strive to do God's will and His bidding.  I'm elated that He has called me and given me opportunities that I never dreamed possible.  The publishing of my book, Generations is one example of that. 

But how often do I just pause and say or do something purposely beyond the scope of my duties and plans to make someone smile and feel good about themselves?  I mentioned being jarred into the realization that doing that would probably make me feel even better about the wonderful life God has given me.

Today we went to a fast food restaurant after church.  Our grandson, Bradley, (Bo) offered to buy our lunch.  His words, "I'll buy your lunch at a fast food place if I can go home with you--I've got $19."  What a sweetheart he is.  He's always generous and is a wonderful blessing to us.  Well we told him we'd get our own--but his thoughtfulness blessed me.

But that wasn't the jarring incident.  Bo is always giving hugs and expressing his love for us.  :)

We sat near some long-time acquaintances--actually friends, but we don't see each other often--they are busy in ministry and our paths don't cross a lot.  They were eating with some of their family.  We exchanged pleasant conversation. They got up to leave and spoke to us again as they passed our table. 

A short time after they left the restaurant--their daughter came back in and over to our table.  She put her arm around me, hugged me and said:  "You know, I've always liked you."  I'm sure my expression was surprise and delight.

Don't we all want to be liked?  I still remember Sallie Fields acceptance speech when she received an Academy Award (Oscar).  "They like me, they really like me."  She exclaimed with wonder and delight.  She was mocked and ridiculed a little for her blatant honest and transparent remark.  But, seriously--don't we all want to be liked.  And most of the time we aren't sure if we are or not. 

It was just so heart-warming to have someone tell me they'd always "liked" me.  I guess because she took the time to come back and say it--after she had already gone through the polite and expected ritual of greeting and pleasantries.  It made me feel good!  I'll never forget it.

So, with the Lord's help, I want to pay it forward and take time to express (not phony), but true feelings of love and respect to others. 

Hope you "liked" my blog and it will speak to you--as Robin's comments spoke volumes to me.

The Sentinel

The Sentinel must be alert as they stand and watch for any sign of the enemy.  Theirs is a life and death position and responsibility.  To fall asleep or get distracted might mean loss of life, injury or an invasion that could cripple an entire army--possibly even lose a hard fought war.

Of the many "hats" I wear; pastor, teacher, mother, grandmother, author, counselor, and more--I thought I should add "Sentinel" to the list.  But, as I contemplated this, I realize that "Sentinel" is a part of each job I endeavor to do.

I base this on Hebrews 13:17; "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."

It has always been with "fear and trembling" that I pastor the church and teach at the Christian school.  I know I've failed many times at being the best mother and grandmother--but constantly take those jobs seriously.  Knowing I've been handed a grave responsibility that weighs heavy on my heart and mind.  Is it more than I can handle?  This is a question I ask almost daily.  Because I do feel inadequate for each of my responsibilities--never mind all of them! 

When I'm feeling overwhelmed that's when I cry out--"Lord help!"  I guess He chose me as a Sentinel because I am so weak, helpless, and inept--because He promises that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

So, here I am another day He has given me--crying out for a Holy Ghost anointing to see me through as I Watch and pray for the young lives placed in my care and keeping.  Putting one foot in front of the other I make my way to the top of the "hill" and take my station as a Sentinel, asking for wisdom and the power of the Cross to overshadow my inadequacies.  Watching for the souls of precious individuals.  "I need you today, Jesus--more than ever before--because the enemy is on the prowl--seeking whom he may devour."

 

The Sower

My father and Billy Graham both share a birthday.  My Dad is celebrating in Heaven--and has for the past 23 years.  Billy will turn 95 on Thursday, the 7th of November.  Both of these men impacted my life.  My father, David Garlock, of course, more than Billy Graham--although I have always held Rev. Graham in the highest regard.  Both were sowers of the seed of God's Word.  Obviously Billy Graham had a much larger "field" in which he sowed--but David Garlock was faithful in sowing the seed of Biblical truth in his children, as he pioneered churches, in the hearts of his congregations as he pastored, and in the children who passed through the doors of South Park Christian Academy.

I am not the judge of either man--but I think I can confidently say that they were and have been faithful in the planting of good seed throughout their lives. 

When my father passed away on May 8, 1989 it was devastating in many ways.  He was not only my dad, but also my employer and my pastor.  The huge void left in my life and the lives of many others was traumatic--but the seeds of faith he instilled within me made it possible to go on--not just personally, but with ministry as well.  There is not a day that passes that I do not reflect on or draw on the words of wisdom and the example he was to me.  I penned the following poem that was read at his funeral.  As his birthday approaches--I share it:

THE SOWER

The sower in yearning for harvest,
Plods on through the heat of the day.
Not faltering though Satan buffets;
He'll toil despite trials and not sway.

The harvest will bring joy and gladness
'Tis worth every hardship he'll know--
To gather in sheaves for the Kingdom;
This vision of heart spurs his soul.

So, forward he pushes, still sowing,
Not caring for self or for gain.
Just thinking of harvest time coming;
And praying each day for the "rain".

The "rain" of God's Spirit will water,
And cause all his planting to grow;
To flourish, spring up, and blossom--
Ripened sheaves as white as the snow.

His heart is content with the planting,
He knows God's increase will come.
Though the reaping may go to another,
All that matters is the Master's, "Well-done".

This sower looks not for men's praises.
Intent on his labor so long;
For the tears he has shed in the sowing,
Will bring joy in the reaper's song.

Oh, hard-fighting soldier of Jesus,
Your labor will not be in vain;
For the Lord of the harvest will gather
In His garners great bundles of grain.

Now rest from your labors dear Pilgrim,
For the lost, your "All" has been sown
Henceforth, treasure awaits you in Glory!
Where your cross you'll exchange for a crown.

My father faced many trials, difficulties and discouragements as he faithfully served God.  He remained humble and worked harder than most men--both physically and spiritually.  He is now reaping the reward of his labor of love--and the seed he sowed continues to bring forth fruit.

Isaiah 59:21  "As for Me, this is my covenant with them, " says the Lord:  "My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your  mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring,"  says the Lord, "from now and forever."

And that word plants seed that will bring forth results.  Isaiah 55:11

 "...My Word which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."