Reflecting on 2010...

Well now that Christmas has come and gone, it's once again time to prepare to bring in another new year!  For some this may be the beginning of some new resolution or regime.  For others it is merely another year to embark on.  I have never been one to make resolutions or goals initiated by this time of year.  In-fact 'New Years' has always been one of trepidation for me.  I don't know why 'change' in and of itself strikes me as troublesome but it always has.  I guess I'm the type of person that just likes things to stay the same.  I would absolutely love it if we could just slow time down..minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years seem to just fly by way too fast!! 

 I'm sure if we were able to, even if there were a cost, it would be the hottest commodity on the market!!!  

My 2010 will always be a memorable year as this past March was my first time being on an airplane...first time going on vacation...first time in CUBA!!! :-)) Thanks to my awesome parents <3 

This past year was also filled with new things...such as a new 2006 Pontiac Torrent that my husband and I bought.  We also sold my minivan and bought a car for me to drive.

2010 marked my step-daughter, Maddy's graduation from Kindergarten to Grade 1...her Daddy and I are so proud of how far she has come...she is now learning to read and write!!! :-)

A new member was also brought into my husband's side of the family, Nathan McCarnan was born July 11th of this year!

This year my husband's Nana was Baptized and it was very special to be able to witness it!!!

  This year, I also created 'Rebecca's Reflections' not only as an outlet to sound off my thoughts, but as an attempt to become more open, honest and real about myself and what matters to me.  I hope those of you who frequent my blog feel even just a bit closer to me through my writings.

Thank you to all of my regular readers for caring enough to take the time out of your lives to read my reflections.

From my heart to yours, I wish you a Very Happy & Blessed New Year filled with plenty of memorable moments, new beginnings and inconceivable love!!!  

Making Traditions...

When we think of the word 'tradition' most of us revert back to our childhood, some long-ago ritual or routine that held a special meaning for us.  For some, they may think about times like Christmas and the festivities that their families participated in every year that made the holiday special for them.  Like picking out a real tree together and cutting it down.  For others dragging it out of the garage and setting it up (like me)...and maybe even a Christmas Eve tradition of which movies are watched...which stories are read.  Others might think about how they had taken their childhood traditions and somehow made them new for their own families.

My husband and I don't have very many 'traditions' only two that I can think of.  Every year on or around January 28th we head back to the restaurant that held our wedding reception 'El Stavros' to enjoy an anniversary meal together.  We do have one Christmas tradition and that is every year around this time we pick one evening and he will take me to one of my favorite restaurants 'Swiss Chalet' to enjoy their traditional festive special and then we grab coffee and hot chocolate and head to Scugog Rd. to see all the Christmas lights.  This is something that has become a necessary part of our Christmas routine.

Today, I am thinking about the idea of creating or making new traditions and this is something I have recently already begun to do!

Every Friday after work I come home and get ready to head down to my best friend Jessica's house.  Her husband is a truck driver that drives team with his best friend and they are on the road all week long.  So in celebration of their return every Friday her and I (mostly her)...throw together a big meal with all the trimmings.  We talk about our weeks, we laugh, we joke...this brings us together and it's something that I personally look forward to every week!

Another new tradition this year will be incorporating my step-daughter Maddy into our dinner out and drive to see Christmas lights, as I think she is now old enough to stay awake in the car long enough to enjoy them!

I am a huge fan of 'tradition'...maybe because I tend to disagree with change...or maybe it's because I am a very 'traditional' type of person.  Either way, a change of ritual or routine that makes more time for friends & family and makes our moments with them more special, is a tradition I'm willing to make!

T'was the Month before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday !

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

A 'Paws' In Communication...

Today I am coming to a 'Paws' to reflect upon one of the most important aspects of marriage...'Communication'.

Why does it seem that before marriage we are more capable of successfully communicating with each-other; but after marriage all communication seems to breakdown?

Often, I believe the answer can be found within our 'emotions'.  Before marriage we felt one over-powering emotion....love.  But now the emotions of hurt, anger, disappointment, resentment and fear often dominate.  These emotions do not encourage us to communicate.  Or, if we do it is likely to be critical. 

Sometimes our emotions cause us to speak out of anger and create even more negative feelings.  I guess the key is learning how to share emotions without the hurtful connotation of  condemnation, while still being able to share whats on our hearts openly with the person we love.

To do this, it takes tremendous amounts of patience and self-discipline.  Some-days, more than I think I could ever possibly posses!

I guess the thing to remember is that no one is a 'mind reader'.  Without positive communication, loving relationships cannot flourish!

Stress is another aiding factor that works to further breakdown our communication.  If we are not at peace within ourselves...how much more can we bring into our relationships?  When we are stressed or disappointed in life, oddly it's much easier for us to take it out on the person with whom we are closest to.  Probably because we all know that no one else has to listen or care as much about us or our feelings.

I believe the solution to these problems are finding ways in which we can resolve conflict quickly and calmly leaving both people feeling loved, heard, validated and understood!  There are many ways to go about attaining information on conflict resolution, one of my favorite resources can be found here.

A Wife of Noble Character...

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:10-12

As it draws near to the Christmas holidays I have been contemplating all of the reasons that this particular season means so much to me, and in reflection of that, I have found that it has less to do with the festivities and more to do with the 'spirit' of the day or the 'reason for the season'!

Christmas is an opportunity to give, to love upon those we cherish the most.  To me, it's not about finding the biggest most expensive gift, it's about giving from the heart and finding the perfect gift for each person.

Today, I am not focusing on gifts of the 'monetary' variety necessarily.  Instead, I am concentrating on those things that we can all afford to do this season.  We can all slow down our pace this year and remember what Christmas is really all about.  We can become the 'warm' in the midst of the cold by sharing with others, by opening our hearts and giving what we can to those less fortunate, even just a smile to a random 'passer-by', giving our shopping cart to the person behind waiting in the cold to get one, or even paying for the coffee of the car behind you in the drive thru, just small random acts of kindness to brighten ones day is what makes this holiday so magical!

'Paying it forward' is a motto that everyone should embrace all year round; but especially at this time of the year!

Throughout my reflections of this season I have been made aware that 'charity' begins at home.  If we can't treat those whom we love with utmost compassion and respect how much more will we be able to treat complete strangers?

I have never claimed to be a 'perfect' wife; as I'm most certainly not!...But seeing I am married and with no children I have committed myself this Christmas to becoming a better helpmeet and wife to my deserving husband.  I am choosing to focus on what I can do before the end of the year to become the virtuous wife that God has called me to be and then make it a habit before the new year arrives!

A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

Proverbs: 12:4

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

Proverbs: 14:1

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day.

Proverbs: 27:15

Lest We Forget...

For the men whom bravely fought; it was for our freedom that they sought.

For the families whom hearts were torn; it was for our sake that they have mourned.

For the soldiers whom fight today; may they find peace along their way.

For the loved ones awaiting their return; may they find comfort as they yearn.

For everyone that enjoys freedom that was bought; wear a poppy today to show you haven't forgot!

Before I Kick 'The Bucket'...

My 'Bucket List'

• Visit the CN Tower
• Own a house
• Create a lucrative business that will allow me to work from home
• Go on a boat cruise with hubby
• Pay off all of our debt
• Swim with dolphins
• Publish a book
• Write a song
• Invent something
• Ride the 'Sky Wheel' at Niagara Falls
• Shop in the states
• Own a Lab or Boxer
• Learn how to play the guitar
• Learn how to make Mom's meat pies
• Start and finish my 'Cuba' scrap book
• Research and learn about my ancestors 
• Create a family tree
• Learn how to drive a standard
• Drive a motorcycle
• Learn how to ski

This is what I have come up with so far, I hope to check some off my list before adding more...

Bucket List...

In recent days I have come across a few people I know discussing their life aspirations; things they feel that must take place in their life before they leave this earth...all wrapped up in something they call a 'Bucket List'.

This idea, this 'Bucket List' phenomena has got me thinking...what in my life have I yet to accomplish?, Am I where I should be in life?...What am I lacking?...If I died tomorrow would I be able to leave this earth knowing there was nothing left 'undone'?

I have never been one to make 'New Years Resolutions'...why you may ask?...Simple, I never want to set myself up for failure.  This may sound obsured to those of you who know me, as I've always been so organized and detail oriented. You may have figured I had my life all figured out, planned out, even scheduled to a tee in some super organized date book...to all of you whom think that...I'm sorry for the disappointment but no..I do not have my life anymore 'figured out' than the next person.

All this time I concluded to never make resolutions or 'Bucket Lists' for myself fearing failure, meanwhile I now believe I may have had it all wrong....a wise person once told me...'If you fail to plan; you plan to fail'

So here it is, a start of a fresh new way of thinking...and imagine...BEFORE New Years!!!

Once I have my 'Bucket List' figured out it will be documented here so stay tuned!! 

Dear Mom...

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.  Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."- Proverbs 31:28-29

Dear Mom,

In honor of your birthday, I would like to publicly write a love letter to you.

I hope I tell you enough how much I love you.  

I used to see you through only one set of eyes, through one perspective, through the eyes of a daughter.

Now that I’m a wife and ‘step’ mother, it adds a new dimension.  It helps me to appreciate you even more. It helps me to understand that love that is so deep and heartfelt. You have done so much for me and have always been there for me.  I don't know what my life would had been like without your perseverance through my ailments growing up, as a child I may had taken that for granted.  I want you to know that I now know and understand the amount of patience, energy and love that it must had taken out of you to care for me like you did.  I will forever be grateful to God for giving me such a kind, warm, nurturing and loving mother.  I believe he hand-picked you to be my mother when he thought of me!  

But most of all, you have taught me what love is. You have taught me the true meaning of love. You sacrificed alot for your children. You have taught me that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 

You need to know that I have never felt a lack of anything. You poured so much of yourself into me. I have always known that I am loved. And, I thank you for that. I only hope that I can fill Kevin & Maddy’s heart with as much love and grace that you have given to me, Tanya, kelli and Dad.

If I have never told you before, you have given me the greatest gift. For, it is your love that helped me to come to Christ. I saw you cling to him in the good and the bad, praising him equally through both. You were the Jesus and the light that I saw. Your love for me and the rest of our family was so self sacrificing, putting us before your own needs all the time. I thank you and admire you for that.

In Proverbs 31, it states that we shall arise and call you blessed but truthfully, it is us that you have blessed. 

I love you.

Always, 

Your Daughter, Becky

Our Game, Our Passion, Our Movie...SCORE!!!

Last night my brother Tait and I went and saw 'Score' the hockey musical. I was delightfully fascinated with both the songs and the story...I know when it comes to DVD it is one that I will purchase for sure!  It has been labeled as “A warm, irreverent and irresistibly goofy love letter to Canada's national pastime.” The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Rechtshaffen


Seventeen-year old Farley (Noah Reid) has the stick-handling skills of the next Sidney Crosby. Not that Farley has any idea who Crosby is. He’s led a sheltered life, homeschooled by parents (Olivia Newton-John and Marc Jordan) whose idea of homework is trips to an art gallery or ashram. His best friend is Eve (Allie MacDonald), the girl who’s lived next door since they were both three. Much to the dismay of his parents, Farley loves to play shinny with the local rink rats (Dave Bidini, Hawksley Workman et al.). To their even greater dismay, Farley is signed to a major hockey league, where he achieves instant stardom, throwing him into a world of hype. Farley soon finds that hockey fame comes with a price, including the expectation to fight. Throw in a changing relationship with Eve – and Farley is losing his way
http://www.scoreahockeymusical.com/synopsis
Special Performance of "Hockey (The Greatest Game)" at TIFF 2010!

Congratulations Nana!!!

A few weeks ago my husband and I had the opportunity to gather with his family to witness his Nana become baptized.  For the benefit of my readers, those whom may not be familiar with this procedure, I will explain.

In Christianity, baptism is commonly known as 'ritual washing'.  It is, for the majority, a right of passage, almost always with the use of water and almost always to gain membership into a  particular Denomination of Church.  Baptism has been called a 'sacrament' and an 'ordinance' of  Jesus Christ. It is also said to be a covenant between you and God.  It is believed to be how we show faith in Christ and repent of our sins.  It is also believed to be how we show obedience, to take upon us the name of Christ.

To me, baptism is a way of honoring God, through being immersed into water and brought up again as a new person in Christ, while having an audience of family and friends to witness and support you in your new direction in life.  It symbolizes outwardly your inward intentions.

Thankful For Family...

As this Thanksgiving weekend nears it's end, I would like to take a moment and share with all of you that of which I am most thankful for in my life...

I have submitted many posts to this blog; most regarding current events, songs, movies and personal reflections.  Today I am going to write about a few people who are near and dear to my heart...my family.

I will start by first introducing you to my parents, Bob & Faye Richards.  They have been the strong pillar in my life and in the lives of my sisters.  Not only did they just raise us, they loved on us, they taught us, encouraged us, picked us up, dusted us off and helped us back up on our feet when life knocked us down. Tanya, Kelli and I could not have asked or prayed for better parents and I'm honored to call them Mom and Dad!

I am the 'middle' child, growing up in the middle has it's downfalls of course, but we all know about those.  Today I will tell you what advantages it held for me.  I was raised after Tanya..so as that goes my parents learned from the first and parented 'better' with more experience gained. LOL :-)  I was not the oldest so I bared less responsibility for any 'wrong doing', I was not the smallest so I had more experience and knowledge behind me.  I was the first one to get my 'Cool' big sister's hand me downs, her used bicycle..everything that she no longer needed or wanted was mine for the taking!...I even got her waterbed, television and her room in the basement after she moved out!...I was on cloud 9!!! 

I always aspired to be just like my big sister, from the way she did her hair, her makeup, the clothes she wore, the shoes she bought, I even got the same ear piercing on the top of my ear just like her!  Tanya is only 4 years older than me but when I was little it seemed like a bigger gap...I just couldn't wait to be older like she was!...Tanya you are and have always been my 'Super Cool' Big Sista' and age nor distance will ever change that!

Another advantage to being in the 'middle', not only do I have an older sister...I also get to be a 'big sister'.  Kelli and I only had a two year age gap so we experienced pretty much the same in everything....same bed time, similar homework, parallel problems and struggles going through school and with friends.  We had the ability to share all of that together, which created a bond between us that will always be strong!  Kelli, you and I grew up together, we played together, we laughed together and cried together...you will always and forever be my kindred spirit!

Next, I would like to introduce you to my nephew and niece, Wyatt & Jaden.  I remember my Dad picking me up from Junior High with the news that I was an Auntie of a 7 lb. 11oz. baby boy...Wyatt.  I met him for the first time that very next day and was overtaken with love for the little dude..I just couldn't wait to hold him, to kiss him...he was and is so precious!  Once my sister was home and back to herself , I was more than eager to let my sister go out so I could watch him and spend time with him.  I remember my first time changing his diaper he peed on me!...He's always had a great sense of humor!!..LOL....Wyatt you came into this world and have been such a blessing not only to your Mom, but to the whole family as-well...I just know that you will not leave this world without changing something for the better!

Jaden, you are a precious angel.  I remember being on the phone with your mom as she was walking the halls in the hospital waiting for your arrival...she just couldn't wait to meet you!  You have always had such a similar attitude and personality of your Mom when she was growing up..it makes me smile when I look at you and see her 22 years ago!  Yet, you also have a very quiet and shy side...I think you got that from your Dad! :-)

Jaden, you are such a little darling, a princess...never forget that!...Make sure you hold high expectations when it comes to boys..you are a Precious Gem...Make sure you are treated as such!!!...And NEVER 'settle' for less!!!!

I am going to end this here, even though I've only mentioned my 'immediate' family I would like everyone to know that I hold just as much love in my heart for the rest of my family: My husband Kevin...not a day goes by that I don't thank God I have you by my side!, My brother-in-law Tait...you are my brother, my friend and my life would not be the same without you!, My brother-in-law Dallas...you can make me smile and laugh like no one else can!..I am honored to call you brother!...Greg..my sister is more than blessed to have you in her life, your appreciation for her and your love for Wyatt and Jaden is very apparent, you are part of the family, I think of you like a brother!  Grandma...without you this post would not be possible...thank you for being you, for choosing to have children, for raising my Dad to be the man he is today, for being one of the strongest pillars in the family..even though you may never read this, I want you to know that most of all my fondest childhood memories have you in them!...Thank you! Last, but certainly not least, Uncle Doug...you have been there for me and my family since day 1...always willing and able to help, to support, to encourage, to teach and to love...I want you to know that not an ounce of that went unforgotten or unappreciated!..We have all been so blessed to have you as a part of our family!!

Happy Birthday Jessica...

Birthday Reflections

Your birthday's a time for careful reflection
About your life, and its future direction.
You see where you've been when you look at the past;
Most of it's great; you had quite a blast!

You wonder what's coming, what life has in store; Will it be just the same? Will there be a new door?
Remember this, as you blow out the last candle:
Life holds no challenge that you cannot handle.

By Joanna Fuchs

Dear Jessica,
      Although we've been friends for many a year, we've laughed in the good times and shed many a tear.
We pick each other up when we fall down, you make me smile when I'm wearing a frown.
No one else knows all my secrets like you do; as I know all your dreams, and hope they come true!
Fourteen years our friendship has lasted; it's weathered rain & storm, tribulations have tested.
We walk together, strong in our resolve, to make this thing work, defying all odds.
I will end this poem on a high note; I wish you a Happy Birthday and hope you've enjoyed what I wrote.
Your Friend,Rebecca

Here are some of the pictures I took at your party...

'Just The Way You Are'...

This song 'Just the way you are' by Bruno Mars has become one of my favorite songs.  And, because those of you who are reading this right now happen to be my 'favorite people', I feel I must share.   Every-time it comes on the radio I can't help but turn it up and sing along. In my opinion, it has the potential to be classified as the classic love song of today...I find it not only refreshing, but relevant to the heart of what many women today are thinking and feeling...the constant struggle of finding ourselves, proving ourselves, validating ourselves, even loving ourselves...the words in this song beautifully portray what we women all need to hear...enjoy!!

Comic Relief...

Tim Allen is an American comedian, actor, voice-over artist, and entertainer, known for his role in the sitcom Home Improvement. He is also known for his film roles in several popular movies, including the Toy Story series, The Santa Clause, and Galaxy Quest.

Most of us grew up watching 'Home Improvement', laughing along with all of the misadventures of 'Tim The Tool Man Taylor' .  We found common ground with his family in their day to day life and were able to relate to some of their relevant challenges.  As an audience, we had the unique ability to grow with the 'Taylor' family from the start of the first season to the end in the eighth season.  

In 1994 Tim Allen played Scott Calvin, an ordinary man, who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve and being knocked unconscious. When he and his young son finish Santa's trip and deliveries, they go to the North Pole, where Scott learns he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed, Father Christmas.

Just recently my husband and I had the opportunity to view Tim Allen as 'comedian' at the GM Center right here in our home town of Oshawa!  We laughed along with hundreds of fellow 'Allen' fans young & old, while at the same time getting to know him on a more personal basis, through his hilarious re-captions of his life growing up as well as through his memories of past characters he has played.

Tim Allen has had his hand in many a movie & television show over the past 30 years.  He has had the opportunity to become different people throughout playing different roles and characters. Something that has never changed and cannot be overlooked, is his incessant ability to make people laugh!

It was while watching him the other night on stage and as his 'comedian', that I realized how important people like Tim are in this world.  He may only be 'one man',  but he has affected many! 

Laughter is the Best Medicine

                              THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HUMOR AND LAUGHTER

Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

Let's 'face' it...

Most of us wake up every morning, login to our facebook account and check our 'wall', update our 'status'  create 'events', share pictures, play interactive games, and keep updated with all of our family, friends, & coworkers with only a few clicks of the mouse!  In no other generation has this been a possibility! But, thanks to 'Mark Zuckerberg' (founder & CEO) not only is this a possibility...it's a REALITY!!! 

Facebook is a social networking website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc., with more than 500 million active users in July 2010, which is about one person for every fourteen in the world. Users can add people as friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Additionally, users can join networks organized by workplace, school, or college. The website's name stems from the colloquial name of books given to students at the start of the academic year by university administrations in the US with the intention of helping students to get to know each other better.

Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with his college roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes. The website's membership was initially limited by the founders to Harvard students, but was expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It gradually added support for students at various other universities before opening to high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and over.

Let's 'face' it!...Our generation, our world, as we have all come to know and love, would just not be the same without our beloved 'facebook'. We, 60 million users statistically spend a daily average of 55 minutes per day viewing over 14 billion facebook pages per month!!  I once read somewhere that facebook receives more 'views' than Google!!!    If you have ever wondered how this social phenomenon first took root, you may enjoy 'The Social Network'. (The Social Network is a 2010 drama film about the founding of the Internet social networking website Facebook. The film was directed byDavid Fincher and features an ensemble cast—Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Max Minghella, Rooney Mara, and Armie Hammer.) 

It just hit theaters today and I had the privilege of being one of the first to see it. I have to say, it was worth every penny spent aswell as every moment of anticipation!!  I, for one, would like to give a HUGE Thank You to the Founder and CEO of facebook 'Mark Zuckerburg' he has forever changed the way in which our world interacts!!!

Thankful Thinking...

As it draws nearer to Thanksgiving, many of us are starting to plan for this season's family feast.  We are shopping around for the best deal on the best bird, screening through magazines for recipies and Fall home decor ideas, aswell as time management and other useful articles and noteworthy tips.  Some of us are making our 'to do' and 'shopping' lists making sure to include every last possible detail.

In one of my recent posts 'Transition" I put forth a challenge to my readers to stop for a moment and contemplate the most asked question of this season...'What in your life are you most thankful for?'

I will conclude this post with some 'Thankful Thinking' of my own, but first I would like to share a story out of the Bible.  You may have read this many times...or maybe this will be your first time reading it...either way I find this story to be very relevant to the heart of this post and the heart of this season...

The Story of Job

Job was a righteous man. He feared God and did everything according to the Lord’s will. God blessed him abundantly. He had seven sons and three daughters. His lands extended to a great extent. He had plenty of cattle, sheep and camels. His children enjoyed life and everyday one of his children would have a feast in their house and would invite all their brothers and sisters to join them. After they feasted Job would offer a sacrifice to God. This was because he thought that one of his children might have sinned and had cursed God in their hearts. He wanted God to forgive them for their sins.


One day the angles came to God and Satan came along with them. God told Satan about Job. He told him that there was no man as righteous as Job on earth. He shunned evil and was blameless and feared God. Satan replied that God had blessed Job with everything and that was the reason that he feared God might take all his riches away. He told God to take away everything from Job and he would surely curse Him. God told Satan to test Job as much as he wanted but not to lay a finger on him.


One day, while his sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine in the oldest son’s house, a messenger came to Job and told him that the house had collapsed and all his children were dead. Another messenger told him that all his sheep and cattle was robbed. Yet another messenger came and told him that all his crops were burnt. The last messenger came and told him that the neighbouring tribe had killed all his servants and taken away the camels. 


Job heard this but did not curse God.  In the second test by Satan, Job was covered with sores from head to foot but didn’t utter a single word against God. When his wife told him to curse God and die, he told her not to talk like a foolish woman. He asked her if he should only accept good from God and not trouble.


 A few days later, Job’s three friends came to meet him. They knew of his loss but were shocked to see the change in him. They mourned his loss along with him. After the mourning period was over, they spoke to him. They told him that it as all God’s doing that he lost everything that he owned, including his children. Though he was righteous, God had punished him. They told him to curse God for all his misfortunes. But Job said nothing and did nothing except praising the Lord. He said that God had his own ways and surely he must have done something wrong to be punished in such a manner. Whatever his friends said he always defended God. In fact, it was his friends who sinned by talking against God.
God was very happy with Job and also accepted his sacrifice and prayers on behalf of his three friends. 


Then God blessed Job and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters visited and consoled him. Each of them gave a silver and gold coin before they left. He had more cattle than he had before and his lands extended beyond his earlier boundaries. He had seven sons and three daughters again. His daughters were the most beautiful girls in the land and he gave them a share in his property. He lived a long time after that and saw his children and grandchildren to the fourth generation.


I believe we can learn a lot from Job, even though he had everything he was 'thankful' and feared the Lord.  Then, when everything was taken away from him he remained steadfast in his faith and remained with a thankful heart to the Lord.
As promised here is a bit of my very own 'Thankful Thinking'...

• My husband and I have a loving family who would do anything for us
• My sisters and I maintain good friendships
• I have a husband who doesn't just say, but shows me love in new ways everyday
• My dog is a blessing and brings more joy into my life daily
• I live in a nice house in a nice area of town
• My husband and I both have our own vehicles
• We both have jobs
• I have a brother-in-law living in my basement that I get along with and that I can call a friend
• I have a step-daughter that inspires and reminds us to play and not take life so seriously 
• I have a great network of friends whom often inspire, motivate, and offer helping hands or shoulders when their most needed
• God loves me so much, he sacrificed Jesus to save me and make me new!!! (1 Peter 1:18-19).      I have always been told that something is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.  How awesome is that?  You are so valuable,  Jesus was willing to die for you.

I will end this post here today, but with an encouragement for you to comment about some of your own 'Thankful Thinking'...