Perspective: the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point; particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view; true understanding of the relative importance of things; a sense of proportion.

I named this blog Perspectives, because I think it might just be what God is growing in me. Slowly but surely, giving me a correct understanding of myself, and by His sweet grace, shifting my perspective away from the slavery of self onto the beauty of Jesus. I hope to have a “true understanding of the relative importance of things”—a right perspective...to find that place of freedom. These posts will hopefully all point back to gaining a truer and better perspective.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

practicing praise: 11 things I am thankful for today...

So...awoke in a bad mood, which clung to me like a leech for countless hours. I couldn't shake it. I was angry, bitter, and a whole spectrum of emotions no one really ever wants to be. What to do? Well, 1 Thess. 5:16-18 says..."Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." SO...here I am, practicing giving thanks. As Ann Voskamp calls it, I am hammering in the nails of thanks. Pound, praise, pound, praise, pound...

ONE: A thoughtful text from a friend reading… “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 ESV)

TWO: Learning from Ann… “The work of a life is to reorder the love — to turn all things towards the True Lover.” (http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/02/the-perfect-valentines-day-gift-for-a-mother/)

THREE: Free coffee refills at McDonalds this morning…and the jittery feeling that ensued. I love that feeling.

FOUR: Friends who send up prayers, broken record prayers.

FIVE: A spurring on from the Scriptures… “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:11 ESV)

SIX: David’s emotive power in the Psalms. Drawing me to devotion.

SEVEN: A house that smells like fresh flowers. Spring’s greeting amidst winter’s overdue stay.

EIGHT: Driving in the car and listening to worship music…melting a hard heart on a cold morning.

NINE: Ginormous cards in the mail from caring grandfathers.

TEN: A life-GIVING church offering breakfast, perspective, and worship to our God on a day, like every day, meant first and foremost to bring praise to Him.

ELEVEN: A view of love, 1 Cor. 13, from the Message Bible: “We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

The Gospel IS the TRUE love story.

…a student being schooled in this practice of giving thanks…it is WONDERFUL.

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2 comments:

  1. Jen T.February 14, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Love it. Great writing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rita SinghFebruary 14, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Your enthusiasm comes trough in your writing and makes me want to jump up and down screaming the Gospel out my front door! I am so incredibly encouraged Kate!

    ReplyDelete

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