The blessings that we have been bestowed with are too numerous to count, but many times we become so accustomed to what we have been favored with, we lose our perspective and in turn we forget to be thankful for our great and undeserved blessings. When we live our life gratitude minded, we will in essence become quick to look for things to be thankful for and give God praise for the abundance that He has graced us with. What are you thankful for? Do many things come to mind quickly? For me, I am quick to be thankful for my mother. She is my Angel on this earth who has sacrificed much for my well-being. I could never repay my debt to her, but when I make known my appreciation, my gratitude, my love and my thankfulness for all that she has done for me, I am repaying her albeit in a very small way.

We should always make known our thankfulness to whomever has enriched our life. Whether it is a friend, a family member or God Almighty, we should be quick to show our appreciation for all that they have done for us. Never take for granted your many blessings because you never know when they may be taken away from you. Instead, recognize your blessings, be thankful for them and make known your appreciation. It isn't enough to think "Thank You" because appreciative thoughts that are never spoken are also never made known to the recipient. That is why we should make known our love while we still have the opportunity and when we do, our many blessings will also be imparted upon those who took the time and made the effort to be a blessing to us.

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do all that you can to show your gratitude, love and appreciation to those who have helped to make your life better in any way.


MEMORIES OF MOM

Memory is often the source of our greatest joys as well as our deepest regrets. I cherish every memory I have of my Mom, but at the same time I regret no longer being able to create new ones with her. My Mom left this world when I was only 25 years old. I was far too young and foolish then to realize what a blessing every moment with her was. I never got a chance to say, "Thank You" to her for all of them. All I can do now then is to share these memories with you and pray that Mom will be reading this as well by God’s side in Heaven. I also pray that you too will take today to thank all those who bless your life with their love.

Mom, I remember all of those little bowls of cereal you would bring me as a bedtime snack when I was a boy. I remember all of those stories you would read to me before bed and how safe and loved I felt when you tucked me in at night.

Mom, I remember you showing me how to pop popcorn in our old cast iron skillet, how you smiled when I sometimes burned it, and how we would share it out of a big bowl when we watched TV together.

Mom, I remember how scared you were when I wrecked my bicycle and split my head open. I remember you rushing me to the hospital for stitches and calming me even though you were more frightened than I was. I remember too another time in the hospital when I woke up alone and terrified after having my tonsils taken out only to see you sitting by my side with a bowl of ice cream.

Mom, I remember the time you spanked my butt when I took something that didn’t belong to me and I remember looking into your eyes after it was done and seeing that it hurt you more than it hurt me.

Mom, I remember when you spent hours walking with me searching for my dog, Duke when he ran away. You never let me lose hope. I remember too you putting him in my bed after he finally found his own way home.

Mom, I remember every time you inspired me to work hard, do good in school, and go on to college. I also remember all those boxes of food you and Dad would bring to me when I was in college. You always kept my stomach full and my mind hungry.

Mom, I remember you teaching me to drive even though I nearly scared you to death when I got behind the wheel. You taught me well and never gave up, even when it cost you a scratched bumper and a few more gray hairs.

Mom, I remember you crying with joy the first time I ever wrote something about how much you meant to me. It was the best encouragement this writer ever got.

Mom, I remember how you never complained when you took me, my wife, and newborn baby son into your home when I was struggling financially the first years of my marriage. You showed me what it takes to love and raise a child.

Mom, I remember all the lessons you taught me about patience, humor, and courage when you faced your long battle with cancer. It may have finally taken your body, but it never got your spirit. I also remember how you always ended our phone calls those last years of your life with those three words that live on inside of me today: “I Love You!”

Mom, I would give everything I have for just one more hug from you. You gave me so much love. You helped make my heart and soul what they are today. I love you and will continue to love you more every single day of my life.

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

Colossians 3:23-25 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

1 Peter 3:8-11 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible. 


Today’s Selected Poem: THE POWER OF ONE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem125.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: THE PINK BIRDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony155.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry