I believe we all can agree that we’ve shared a collective trauma over the past few years. That’s why I want to let you know I’ve got a new YouVersion devotional plan!

Everyone’s story may look a little different, but a lot of us are finding it hard to find our stride…to get back into the swing of things. In fact, I’ve had numerous conversations that lead me to believe that many are finding it difficult to break some negative habits or destructive thought patterns.

I know I’ve had to work through some difficult emotions and explore my own thinking. But, it occurred to me that some of you might sense there’s something amiss, but you don’t have a clue where to start.

God’s Word is living and active.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Still, no matter how much you know God’s truth, it can be hard to apply it when your mind and emotions are stuck.

Are You Stuck? Daily Steps To Break Free

First, you’ve got to identify the lies that have you in their grip. Then, you can learn practical steps to draw you outward and onward.

This will be my second devotional plan on the YouVersion app. The first one, Find Freedom From the Draw of Food: Renew Your Mind for Lasting Change has had more than 25,000 completions. I’ve loved hearing testimonies from people who were impacted by the devotional and Find Your Weigh.

I hope you’ll join me in this new Youversion devotional plan. Better yet, why don’t you make the YouVersion app part of your daily routine? There are tons of great resources to encourage you in your faith and challenge you in your walk with Christ.

~ Shellie

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On this 3^rd Advent post, I’m talking about the Joy…joy that He came, joy that He offers to all who love Him and joy that He’s coming again to call up all who believe in His name.

We’re all known for something…maybe it’s your hair or sense of humor. Me?? I think I’m known most for my smile. Interestingly enough, I didn’t use to smile in pictures. In fact, there’s not a tooth to be found in most of my childhood photos.

Somewhere along the way I found my smile in late high school and early college. But, here’s the thing, a smile is only as good as what’s behind it. For me, it reflects the joy of knowing I am loved, valued and accepted by God.

I’ve accepted the good news that the angels heralded so many years ago…news that a savior came to earth to save me and invest my life with meaning and abiding joy.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

Luke 2: 9-14 (The Message)

Does a sense of abiding, there-all-the-time-regardless-of-what’s-going-on-around-me, joy sound appealing to you? Believe it or not, that’s why Jesus came!

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If you don’t have the joy I’m talking about or, pretty much, you feel joyless a lot of the time, then I encourage you to do something about it. And wow, Christmas is the very best time to find out about the authentic joy found only in Jesus.

Practically every church in the country will be doing a special Christmas program this Sunday and they’ll be excited to tell you more about the true meaning of Christmas.

~ Shellie

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I’m huge on planning and organization. Yep, all eyes are on me when it’s time to plan a family vacation or trip. No one stresses because they all know that I’ll have everything figured out when the time comes. So, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that peace and preparation go hand in hand for this second week of Advent.

Here’s an interesting fact about me…I played Mary in a live Nativity in my hometown every year from the age of 12 until my senior year in college. Of course, peace is an easy one. We’re all familiar with the iconic phrasing recited and remembered at every community Nativity observance and yes, I heard it spoken as I held a host of little babies throughout those years.

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Peace

Well…maybe it’s easy to see how peace fits into the Christmas narrative, but I don’t think any of us assume it’s a foregone conclusion in everyday practice. We get the concept; we know we’re supposed to have it, but the daily execution can prove much more difficult to master.

Why is it so easy to allow fear and worry to replace peace in our hearts and minds?

Obviously, God knows it’s a daily struggle for us to walk in peace. That’s why the His Word consistently encourages us not to worry or fear. But, did you know that the Bible actually mentions “fear not” 365 times Yep, one time for every day we’re tempted to succumb to doubt, fear and anxiety!

Preparation

While the worries of this life loom daily, so does the firm reality that God has our lives and this world under control. It’s right here that the whole preparation part comes into play…this world as it is right here and right now isn’t all there is…nope! Jesus is coming again and we can be ready.

‘‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled in,
    every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
    the rough ways smooth.

Luke 3: 4-5

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What does this preparation look like in practice? It means to consistently take things back to Jesus and God’s Word. When I feel tempted to follow the path of cynicism or speak words of judgement, I ask myself, “Where is this emotion coming from and does it reflect Jesus?” God promises to bring peace as long as I refuse to allow myself to wander down crooked paths.

Christmas comes around each year to remind us that God’s got a plan for every step of our journey…and that plan starts and ends with Jesus.

I encourage each of you to reflect God’s peace this Christmas season. You may know that this world and all its problems is not the end, but is your life reflecting this reality to others who so desperately long for peace?

~ Shellie

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Ding, dong, ring those bells…it’s the Christmas season and I have a reason to hope! Hope was sent into the world as a tiny baby born to an unassuming couple in an unassuming town in an unassuming way. Although the setting was simple, the implications of Jesus’ birth are anything but simple.

I love the trees, the ornaments, Santa and don’t get me started on the Christmas treats!! But, I also love the fact that I get the opportunity to shine a little light on why we celebrate Christmas…why did Jesus come??

I don’t think I’m the only one who loves babies. There’s just something about the hope in their eyes that draws us in and helps us to forget all the other stuff going on around us. I think that’s why we love to tell and retell the Christmas story each year because it’s all about a baby born on a starry night in Bethlehem.

But, I’m so glad that the manger scene was only the prelude to so much more!

Jesus came because I need him…because this world with its war and pestilence is just more than I can handle on my own! I have a reason to hope when my world seems shaken and it’s hope that sustains me.

We have entered into a season that some call Advent, which literally means “coming.” Yes, Jesus came as a baby some 2,000 years ago, but HE’S COMING again.

His birth means much more than a sweet story or a cherished symbol that we set out on our mantles. 

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Jesus invests our lives with HOPE. No matter what obstacles, worries, or struggles stand in your way right now, Jesus offers a way for you to look up over, under, around or even through your circumstances to the enduring hope he represents and freely offers.

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15: 13

May the Holy Spirit stir up your hope this season. But, even more than that, I pray that you would grab ahold of the joy and peace that only truly comes as we fix our eyes on the God of hope.

Reach out for him and he will be there for you every time!

~ Shellie

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If you’ve read my blog for any time, then you know I’m big on perspective, because I believe it’s the secret sauce for living a victorious, overcoming life. I’m convinced that our lives are determined not by what challenges life brings our way, but by how we choose to think and subsequently act when faced with inevitable obstacles.

When life gets hard, pour on some perspective and watch God elevate your character to frame your circumstances in a whole new light.

While blogging is one place I hang my hat, I spend most of my time as a missionary working alongside my husband. In addition to our work in the Philippines, we’re also oversee an awesome band of fellow missionaries in Southeast Asia.

Today, I’ve asked one of our missionaries to the Philippines, Lindsay Choi, to share her recent journey and some tips she’s learned to help shift your focus when you lose perspective.

Panic, Pesos, and Perspective

I was in the fetal position in my daughters’ closet, weeping, sweating, terrified, and only able to stammer a few words: “God. Help. Please.”

A week earlier, a wave of inexplicably severe anxiety had crashed over me. Panic attacks sprang on me without warning, leaving me gasping for breath, unable to function, tortured by devastating scenarios that played on repeat in my mind.

What instigated this storm? I honestly don’t know.

As a nation we were facing social upheaval, a contentious election, and divisive opinions about the pandemic… but this anxiety was more personal than all that. The icy hand of fear grasped my heart and conjured up visions of the worst things I could imagine happening to my family.

The anxiety and panic plunged me into depression. While I was never suicidal, I remember thinking, “If this is what my life is now, I can’t do it.” And the enemy of my soul shouted back: “YES! This is your life now. Give up!”

What eventually pulled me back from the brink of despair?…Scripture, worship, prayers and messages from my family… and a lesson I actually taught on perspective back in 2012.

I was teaching English in the Philippines, and we were using the book of Habakkuk to practice reading comprehension. As we watched Habakkuk go from fear to faith, I prepared a simple object lesson to demonstrate how Habakkuk made that leap.

I had each student hold a Philippine peso, a coin about the size of a nickel, up to their left eye while closing their right. When they all complied, I asked the class what they saw.

“The peso,” came the replies.

“Only the peso? How is that possible?” I pressed. “I’m here, and I am a little bigger than a peso.”

There were a few giggles… and then from a student in the back came the one word I was seeking: Perspective.

I reminded my class that day that our focus can warp reality. Small things loom large when we hold them too close. We may be surrounded by beauty, by friends, by opportunities. But if we’ve brought our small, insignificant concerns to the center of our vision, life will shrink and our souls will be threatened by a coin-sized fear.

In Habakkuk 1, the prophet is asking God some modern-sounding questions: “Why? How long?” He vents his frustration and confusion. And God answers:

Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.

Habakkuk 1:5

Notice how God’s response to Habakkuk was not the obliteration of evil nor relief from pain; it was simply an adjustment of focus. Look, God says. Watch. In other words: shift your focus. Raise your eyes. See a different reality.

In 2012, I went to the Philippines as a missionary, leaving home out of a season of disappointment. While overseas, God highlighted Habakkuk 1:5 for me. For years, I had focused on my struggles; I finally realized that it was my focus, not my circumstances, that had birthed the disappointments I was fleeing.

God was calling me to watch what He was doing. And He was right: I would not have believed if I’d been told what He was going to do with me.

Fast forward to that August day in 2020. I huddled in a closet, unable to play with my kids or cook dinner or chat with my husband or consider the future without terror. And this verse is drumming through my mind on repeat: “I am doing something. I am doing something. I am doing something.”

I didn’t feel the truth of that statement in those agonizing moments. But I learned that you can know something is true without feeling it.

you can know something is true without feeling it.
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So again and again, I dragged my eyes away from the “peso” that had swallowed my vision and I looked up.

Minutes later, I would find my gaze fixed once again on the peso. Almighty God, Creator of all, King of kings and Lord of lords, had been eclipsed by my infinitesimal human fears.

Not once, not twice, but countless times I lifted my eyes until I saw Him once again, seated above the flood. Eventually, the turbulent sea of anxiety stilled and I floated again on the gentle waves of His goodness.

A repeated adjustment of my perspective finally brought me to the same conclusion that Habakkuk comes to at the end of his short book…

Even if the worst things I can imagine do happen, I will rejoice. I will trust. I will invite the Sovereign Lord to be my strength.

Practical Steps To Shift Your Focus

If you are in a season where your focus is continually eclipsed by “coins,” I encourage you to do a few things I’ve found most helpful:

1. Find Scriptures that speak to your situation and write them out by hand.
2. Post these scriptures around your house where you will see them often.
3. Fill your home with praise music.
4. Let trusted friends and family know you are struggling, and allow them to send you words of encouragement, lyrics to songs, and Scriptures.
5. Remind yourself, as many times as necessary, what you know is true; not what you feel is true in the moment.
6. Pray for a perspective adjustment so you can see your mountain as God sees it.

You will find proportions drastically changing as your focus shifts. Mountains may shrink down to molehills. Molehills, things that were on the periphery and seemed insignificant or mundane, may swell to become holy mountains.

The right perspective, a heavenly perspective, gives you power to hop over molehills, climb mountains worth climbing, and move forward in God’s perfect plan for you.

If you could peek behind the veil and see how God is working in the darkness of your situation, you wouldn’t even believe it. Lift your gaze to the One who is truly larger than it all… and prepare to be utterly amazed.

I’m Lindsay Choi, wife, mom of 2 princesses, missionary, teacher, and writer. I inhale coffee and doughnuts, and if I have a minutes of free time, you’ll find me curled up in a comfy chair with a book… or five. God has been incredibly gracious to me. I am humbled and honored to share my story with you. If you would like to support my family and me as missionaries to the Philippines, please click here.

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Today, on this sunny Florida afternoon, I’m reflecting on the past twelve months of craziness and one steady God. That’s the only way I can adequately describe how the last year has felt on so many levels.

On this very day twelve months ago, I sat in my Manila apartment and stared out the window to the ground 12 floors below. At this point, I had been on mandated lockdown for one week…and the reality of the situation was sinking in.

The things that I typically enjoyed so much about our apartment…no yard to mow, no dog to feed…we could just pick up and go anytime we wanted, became the very things that suddenly seemed restrictive and confining.

I remember thinking, “What in the world am I going to do with myself all day, everyday with these physical restraints?” I was not allowed to leave the apartment and we had no balcony. In the first weeks, I would open my windows periodically to stick my head out to feel the breeze and hear the wind rustle through the trees below.

I had just come off a busy season of travel and appointments. In fact, I remember laughing about how hard I had worked to carve out a little time for rest and renewal during the busy few months of 2020.

Then suddenly, my “schedule” changed as if by the clicking of a switch. I had time…luxurious time…then, TOO MUCH TIME…to rest. Now, the things I used to fit in on the fly between all the other important stuff in my life became the only things I had to do.

I eventually sank into a rhythm by mentally dividing my days by various rituals. I became more mindful about creating positive connections by posting one encouraging or uplifting post per day on social media. And, I considerably upped my video game by making a series of videos.

In retrospect, I learned to live without the press of the next appointment. I realized once again, as I had in past life seasons…God didn’t send me here to do, but to be.

How many times has God brought me back to this same place?

I remember learning this lesson for the first time two decades before as a mom of young kids in the small communist country of Laos. I spent my days…and a lot of boiling hot ones at that…reading stories, fixing lunches and waiting for nap time. Shouldn’t I be doing something meaningful with my life?

Eventually, God got my attention. He didn’t love or accept me because of my competency or my ability to get things done….in that season, he wanted me to be present for my kids.

Twelve Months Of Craziness & One Steady God

Yes, the Covid season of 2020 was 12 months of craziness that hit many of us by surprise, but I have experienced other seasons that mirrored it in many ways. And, when it comes right down to it, it’s my presence in less-than-ideal circumstances that’s spoken loader than anything I’ve accomplished in this life.

Why would I leave America to raise my kids in a third-world context? Why did I stay in that Manila apartment for twelve straight weeks without leaving but a handful of times when I could have hopped a plane for the United States? Yes, America was also in lockdown, but I could have at least been able to walk outside the front door.

I did it because I can trust God with my days. It’s a lesson He’s taught me over the years…God is only ever interested in my heart, not what I do.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Corinthians 4: 16 -18

God renews us day by day and we can choose to fix our eyes on him regardless of the storms. Yes, it’s been twelve months of craziness! But ultimately, it’s our presence that speaks value to those we’ve been called to love and serve; whether it’s precious children; a husband in a two-bedroom high-rise apartment or the woman who reads these words in a blog post.

I believe God will continue to use me as new seasons arise, and yes I look forward to fully embracing, squeezing the life out of, some happier seasons to come. But, this one lesson I hope to remember…my greatest contribution is not to do, but to be.

~ Shellie

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The news was not at all what I expected. I heard the word malignant through my spotty connection after running out of my exercise class to answer the phone. It “IS malignant or ISN’T malignant?,” I inquired, but he couldn’t make out my words. After driving a few miles, I jumped into the three-way connection with my immediate family.

“Mom, the biopsy came back showing that it’s malignant.”

No mother wants to hear these words, but there they were spoken from the mouth of my son. Now, what exactly was I supposed to do with them when I literally could do nothing? My mind threatened to go to that place where all mamas go when faced with danger and a hurting child…the worst case scenario.

I sent out a few messages and heard comforting words from a few friends. Then, I glanced down to a little pile of books that had just come in the mail. Oh yeah, I had agreed to review the new “NIV Verse Mapping Bible” and the companion “Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal.”

I started flipping through the pages at the beginning of the journal until I came to these words in the introductory pages…

“What’s on your heart today? If you’re facing a difficult circumstance, or find yourself in an unexpected path in your own story with God, select a verse(s) that speaks to the theme of your heart for today.”

Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal(p. 11)

Hmm, I was definitely facing a difficult circumstance. Why not put this new method to a real-life test? A verse came to mind.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Could this verse mapping method speak to my heart today and possibly breath new life into what I already knew in my head? Could it speak something deeper at a time when I could really use some comfort? So, I read through the tutorial and then launched into the process of verse mapping this familiar verse.

Verse Mapping Bible and Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal

The verse mapping technique helps the reader go deeper to explore scripture from several different angles. Although I learned how to study scripture in seminary, I found this method well-organized and thoughtful for the everyday Christian. After all, it’s one thing to know how to do something; actually following through on a regular basis is an entirely different thing.

The verse mapping Bible and journal lead the reader through a thoughtful, doable process of Bible study. I really appreciate the simple layout that guides the reader deeper and deeper into the scripture. Researching the original meanings of key words from the verse opened the door to see things in a more meaningful way.

In relation to my verse, Isaiah 41:10, I felt God’s reassurance in a powerful way after researching the original meaning of the key words and placing the verse into the context of God’s continued care for the people of Israel. My natural inclination was to wallow in the fear of the unknown…to gaze at the imminent danger, which meant tearing up the internet in search of every grizzly detail. But, God’s Word reminded me that He’s ALWAYS been there in the past and He will continue to be our strength whatever the future brings.

I highly recommend the NIV Verse Mapping Bible for anyone who desires to take their Bible study to a deeper level, but who also desires a method that is straight-forward and easy-to-follow. I like that each page of the NIV Verse Mapping Bible includes lines and space to write notes beside the verses. What’s more, the Verse Mapping Bible includes 350 preselected verses to give any reader an easy place to start.

When I first received the Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal, I wasn’t really sure if it was necessary since the five structural elements could easily be recorded in a separate notebook. However, I must admit that I enjoyed having everything laid out and ready at my finger tips. I was ready to dive into the scripture immediately without any initial setup, which would undoubtedly help anyone who hesitates to go deeper with their Bible study for fear of having too little time.

There’s also an NIV Verse Mapping Bible For Girls. In substance, this Bible includes all the same elements as the adult version. The primary difference between this version and the adult version is found in the introductory material, which is all written to communicate with a younger reader. Also, the color and style of the girl’s version would be more attractive to younger girls. But even more importantly is the message it conveys to younger readers…meaningful Bible inquiry is something that anyone can do to enhance their understanding of scripture.

I am excited about the prospect of using this Bible study tool from now on; both in my personal study, but also as a part of my scriptural preparation for speaking and writing.

** I received these books for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, but the thoughts and opinions voiced in this post are solely my own. #BibleGatewayPartner

~ Shellie

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Last night, I put together a Christmas package to send to my oldest and his lovely wife in Europe. I wrapped each item and placed it strategically inside a small box, making sure to make the most of each square inch. Even though we won’t be together this year, I wanted them to have something to open from us on Christmas morning.

I can still remember my first Christmas abroad. My husband and I had arrived in Thailand only a few months before. That year, we had managed to find a tree to decorate. We woke up on Christmas morning to open our gifts from one another along with a small box from his sister. His parents had mailed a package to us weeks before, but it was still in transit somewhere amongst the miles.

It was definitely a quieter Christmas…our first year away from home. There was no family circle and no smells of turkey wafting from the kitchen…just my husband, me and our little Christmas tree.

Of course, we got a lot better at doing Christmas away from “home” as the years passed. In fact, just one year after that first quiet Christmas in Thailand we had a brand new baby who royally christened that little tree and his Mema who was changing him. Yep, just one year later we had family and a baby to share the holiday with us.

What a difference one year makes!

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

I guess this year brings back memories of that first Christmas away from home and that little tree. Although Christmas is only a few weeks away, my calendar is not filled with the parties or festive programs that I’ve come to expect during the holiday season.

This year will be a quieter Christmas. But what a difference one year can make!

ENJOY THESE 2020 CHRISTMAS (8×10) PRINTABLES

Print A |Print B | Print C | Print D

Print E |Print F | Print G | Print H

Yes, it’s different, but my heart is encouraged and comforted to know that Jesus is my reason for celebration all year long. He invests my life with meaning and purpose, whether I’m alone or in a crowd. In fact, I believe I can hear his voice clearer when it’s not drowned out by festive celebrations.

I know we’ll have big celebrations again in the future, but for now…Jesus is enough for me.

~ Shellie

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I’ve often been asked about this unique holiday throughout my years of overseas life…a holiday set aside solely for giving thanks and enjoying family. Today, I’m sharing 10 Thankful Days – Part Two. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

I’m not sure how you are observing Thanksgiving this year. Maybe you’ve chosen to forgo your typical large gathering in light of our country’s current health realities. Regardless of what your table looks like today, God’s presence can still inhabit your heart and home. So, before I type one more word, I just want to share this song with you…close your eyes and think about the Lord.

Now, let’s finish up my 10 Thankful Days, Part Two.

My Man

I reached the point several years ago when I realized that I had experienced more years of knowing and loving my man than not. This man who gets me, pampers me, and yes, pushes me to rise to the challenge on some occasions when he knows I’ve got it in me to do so. We are Sam and Shellie…in life together regardless of what comes our way.

Beauty

There’s so much beauty in this world if we take a moment to appreciate it…the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature, a well-considered design or a well-curated outfit…or, how about a well-worded sentiment. All of these things reflect beauty.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3: 11

My Overseas Life

Our lives are but a reflection of our experiences, so naturally, my 25+ years in Asia have inevitably left their mark. I am keenly aware that the world is much bigger than me or my people or my country. Thankfully, I’ve gained a greater perspective of true sorrow, suffering and sacrifice, which gives me greater empathy for others who don’t share my faith, my background or my circumstances.

My Sweet Four

I love to sit in a room and just listen to my grown kids talk to each other. Although our times together are less frequent these days, I relish every moment. This year’s celebration will be faces on a screen and yes, I’ll be thankful for that too.

My Many Blessings

Finally, I end this post with a shout-out to opened eyes; to the very fact that I recognize that my many blessings come from God. It is God alone who invests my life with meaning and purpose…and for this, I am exceedingly grateful.

Faith brings greater meaning to everything else on my list. It’s my faith in an all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present heavenly Father who knows me better than I know myself…a Jesus who offers grace beyond what I deserve, patience beyond what I merit and shelter in a year of storms that gives context for all my other bountiful blessings.

Lastly, I’m thankful for those of you who share life with me across the miles and megabytes each and every week. To you I say, “Happy Thanksgiving!”

~ Shellie

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In light of the events of 2020, it’s easy to see why some of us would just like to close our eyes, click our heels and wish the rest of this year away. Phew, it has been a toughie! But then, I’ve also felt God’s presence, seen His miraculous healing power, and sensed His direction in this year as well. So, I have marked off 10 thankful days leading up to Thanksgiving.

I’ve come up with my list to count down over the next two weeks…10 thankful days to focus on the awesome things in my life. Just maybe, my list can help you focus in on a list of your own.

Faithful Friends

It’s a slippery slope when you start listing friends. In fact, I had to redo this graphic two times to add more and still there’s quite a few who didn’t get added. But then, that’s the thing about good friends…I know they’ll love me anyway. Take a moment to thank God for the awesome faithful friends He’s placed in your life to share your sorrows and a few inside jokes that always make you smile.

Haircuts

If anything, these eight months have taught me to cherish all of life’s moments in a much richer way. God, thank you for the many haircuts I have enjoyed over the course of my life and the sense of well-being they bring. I will never again underestimate the life-changing effect of properly coiffed hair.

Cheese & Chocolate

We’ve all tried to answer this question before, “If you had to give up one thing, what would it be cheese or chocolate?”…to which my answer is neither! I’m so glad I don’t really have to make that choice. Now, I admittedly can’t eat all of them I want all of the time, but I can and do enjoy cheese and chocolate in moderation on a regular basis. Maybe I should have just said dairy products…smile.

Growing Up Southern

My life has been greatly enriched by my southern roots. Of course, the tastiness of our food cannot be denied, but then it’s much more than that. Growing up southern taught me a certain diplomacy of speech that extends far past a few leisurely I’s (ayes). Asians also prefer to circle the subject several times to get one’s meaning across.

Family

I send out big hugs to my family…those people who know me best and still choose to love me fiercely, because that’s just what family does.

Well, my list is half-way through and my cup is already running over with gratitude. It’s a “glass half full” thing! When we focus our gaze on our many blessings, our attention is immediately drawn away from those things that threaten to steal our peace and joy.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

Psalms 136:1

See you next week with five more…take a minute to share some of your blessings in the comments.

~ Shellie

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