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There are many instances in life when we focus more on what we don't have
rather than seeing the blessings of what we do have. The provision of God
is promised and as His children we are to rest in the Lord's ability to
meet our every need. We are to be thankful for all that we have and keep
in mind that there are others around the world who are much less fortunate
than we are right now. (Hebrews 10:22-24) (Psalm 37:23-25) (Luke 12:25-34)
There are many people who adopt the ‘Missing Teeth’ analogy. If you asked
them how many bad teeth they had, they could answer you in an instant, but
if you asked how many good teeth they had, their answer wouldn't come as
quickly. The reason for this is because people are quick to focus on the
negative instead of looking at the good that greatly outweighs any bad that
has come their way. The Bible tells us to put on the garment of praise for
the spirit of heaviness. Even in the tough times, we are to put our faith
forward and portray the attitude of praise and thanksgiving and see the
good and not the bad. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) (Psalm 118:24) (Isaiah 61:3)
I hope this message ministers to your heart to think more on the blessings
that abound in your life rather than focusing on the small things that do
not come close in comparison.
40 THINGS
I'll be turning 40 soon! I am so excited by this prospect that I'm
planning this big theme party! The theme will be “I've never....”
While explaining this to a friend of mine, I laughingly gave the example of
“I've never had a baby shower, so someone would have to bring a baby gift.
Then I'll donate it to the nursery at the church.” I was smiling through
this little explanation, until I saw the look on her face.
With tears in her eyes she said, “That's so sad”!
Well, there was a time when I felt that way too. Finding out in my 20's
that I couldn't have children was devastating. I immediately left the
child care field and went to work building cables for the B-1 Bomber! The
physical, repetitive labor was very good for me. Towards the end of the
three years, I found that I was just borrowing my co-workers' children to
do things with.
My first and only love was the children. I had a lot of time to think about
all of the things I had been cheated out of. I would never hold a new born
baby in my arms. I would never rock my baby to sleep. I would never get to
sing lullabies. I would never get to watch my child leave for their first
day of school. I would never get to be the tooth fairy! I would never get
to talk about boys, or proms, or pimples! Yes, I felt that I was going to
get cheated out of a lot. I would never get a Mother's Day Card!
I'm not sure when it all changed.
I don't think there was one specific moment when I realized that I had more
children than any mother could possibly ever have! And, that's the answer
I gave to my friend.
Smiling, I explained that as long as I work in the nursery, I will have
babies to rock and sing to. As long as I am a Head Start teacher, I will
have first days of school. Working with the youth will give me plenty of
experience with teenagers.
Carissa lost her first tooth at my house and no one was ever a better Tooth
Fairy. I hosted an exchange student from Germany last year and got to shop
for prom dresses. I even cried when she gave me a locket with her picture
in it, engraved with one simple word on the front, “Mom”.
I still have it and wear it, and I also have the Mother's Day card she gave
me. All treasures.
My babies are now growing up and having babies. Soon I'll get to have
“Nana” experiences. It doesn't matter that we don't share the same genes.
What we do share is a lot of love.
Truth is, I'm having a hard time finding 40 things I've never done. It's
hard to find them when you're happy, productive and living your dream!
Corrina, also known as Miss Cory, is a Heartwarmer Gem, and teaches at the
Choctaw Indian Program in Southeast Oklahoma, designed to meet the needs of
children with disabilities.
By Corrina Hyde
As children of the Most High God, we are to remember that God is on our
side and our attitude should reflect Whom we belong to. We should never
murmur and complain about our inadequacies, but rather we are to turn our
face and faith to the God who forgave us, cleansed us and made us new
creatures in Christ Jesus. The Lord will be with you to sustain you and
give you the strength to continue on. Trust Him and know that All Is Well.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Isaiah 61:3 “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for
the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.”
Hebrews 10:22-24 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies
washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider
one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
Psalm 37:23-25 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He
delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am
old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem25.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: I’M AN OVERCOMER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony76.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
