I just want to “Say Thanks”

Declaring Gratitude

I declared my word for 2018 as gratitude, and I knew that it would be  challenged the moment I pressed “share.”

Here I am again reflecting. Ever since December, I’m not going to lie this girl’s mental strength has been on a 4 or 5 out of 10.  Anxiety has crept its way back into my life, and it’s only because I’ve been allowing myself to rely on myself. Old habits die hard, and I am five months into my recovery from my ankle injury. I am at another commonplace in my faith journey and through the seasons.

Bad Habits Die Hard

Yep, I have been running on my own but unlike in the past. I KNOW better and know that relying on my own strength, know-how and provision will last for a moment. God has shown me some amazing things in my life when I give them to Him!

I also have too much going on; Way too much and when your “still” (whether intended or forced by an ankle injury) like in my case. It becomes pleasantly clear.

To say God hadn’t warned me would also be a lie. I knew what I was doing it as I am very capable of saying, “No.”  When God would say “slow down.” I’d say, “okay, just after this one thing.”

When God said, “Ask me?” I’d say, “Sure but let me see if this works first” and here I am ending the first quarter of 2018. Spent, warn, lost and like the knucklehead I can be; finally listening.

Different Reaction

This time it’s different. I am no longer like; “Why me?” I have yet to say that but before that would have been my first go-to. Although, I fell back into old habits. One thing that has changed is my strength in the Lord. I am lost, but I am lost in the right direction. I know the burden is too great so I know I must give it to God. Even though I was disobedient, God did not turn His back on me but persistently reminded me to lean on Him.  I also am now fully aware and have experienced an unconditionally loving Father who will never leave nor forsake me. I can turn to Him anytime and seek His grace, mercy, love and guidance. I will continue to grow. God will continue to prune me.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6

Why am I confessing?

I felt really led to share because I am not a perfect Christian. I am one of those who knows that my sinful nature will always take over my second nature to be obedient to God.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

That I too struggle with my faith walk. I think its great to see the highlight reel of life. To see how good it could be but let’s not forget and live in reality. We all struggle that’s why we need God, and we are also supposed to hold each other accountable.

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 NASB

You can’t hold someone accountable if they don’t tell you.  It’s also an opportunity to help someone else grow or relate. The facade of perfection has to stop. Because what are we genuinely seeking? Unless it’s to be more like Jesus, it is all in vain.

Plank Challenge?

So, I am giving all the things to Jesus second quarter and seeing where that takes me. I am going to give it my best try. I’ve done it in the past and it He has always surpassed my expectations or anything that I could have done on my own.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

Working on a Grateful Mindset

I am also doing a Challenge in April! I am beginning Easter Sunday and through the entire month of April!

Each day I will be planking for 60 seconds and saying “Thank you, God!” For the little and the big things.  Each day while planking I will be reciting or meditating Scripture!  

I want to invite you to join me? There is nothing to gain but a grateful perspective.

We did a plank “talk” challenge in Bibles and Bootcamps. Most of the women chose to meditate and recite their favorite scripture.  All were shocked at how much longer they held the plank with scripture. We call them “Power Verse” in #BaB.

One day I was thinking how amazing it would be to see women expressing gratitude to God; then planking came to mind-not because it rhymes with Thanks.  I just thought of my Beauties and how powerful it would be to see people praising God and thanking Him while planking.

Will you join me?

Join my event on Facebook and hopefully join a month of Praise and Thanks as we end our first quarter! Even if you do it privately on your own, I have some verses for you to use in your meditation.  If you do want to join me merely post on whatever Social Media platform you like (I will be on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and use and follow the hashtag #TYGod

Can you be grateful even with a little bit?