Thanksgiving

by Brenda Putnam

When I was asked to write this article I thought, “Wow, there is no way I can keep this short!” But I will give it a try, so here it is.

When thinking of the word “thanksgiving”, what comes to mind? A holiday? Turkey? A season? For me, it’s always been much more, but this year even more than years past.

I have had a rough year, to say the least, as I’ve been plagued with back problems, causing more health issues, financial reverses, and the inability to work. All of these put together have affected my ability to do many of the things I’ve loved and enjoyed doing—things like walking, playing with my grandsons, working, serving at church and doing household chores. I could be home angry, sad, and frustrated. Yet I choose an attitude of thanksgiving.

Here’s what I mean. Even with all the struggles I continue to have, I can look around and see so many things to be thankful for. I am thankful for each breath I take, my children, my grandchildren, my church, my husband, my friends—my list could go on an on. Let me give you an example. The other day I was at a stoplight. There was an elderly woman at the intersection, struggling to make it across that very busy street. A teenage boy, who did not seem to be her companion, came up to her, spoke to her and helped her across the street. That helpfulness could very well issue out of a heart that’s thankful for his youth and for his strength that allows him to help others. He was paying it forward!

In my Bible, the third chapter of Philippians is titled, “No confidence in the flesh”.  The first words of the chapter are, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the LORD!” It is the attitude I strive to have daily…rejoicing in the LORD! He is in control. Although His plans have not yet all been revealed to me, I can bank on His promise that He will not give me more than I can bear.  I will “stop and smell the roses”, choose to be thankful for the blessings He sends into my life and enjoy the journey God is taking me on.

So what’s my point? Look around: Enjoy a sunset, enjoy those around you, be thankful for the good and the bad because it’s all part of God’s master plan for each of us as He molds us into His likeness.  Let’s give thanks and praise to the Lord of lords, the King of kings, our Savior Jesus Christ, who began a good work in us, and who will carry it on to completion upon His return! (Philippians 1:6)

 

Prayer

by Brenda Putnam

When you think about “prayer” what do you think it sounds like? Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name…?

I asked several people what they thought the meaning of prayer was and these were the responses I gathered:  “Prayer is a way of asking for your needs and wants.” “Prayer is a way of confessing your wrongs as well as a way of being submissive.” To me, prayer is my way to communicate with my God.

DICTIONARY.COM defines “prayer” as follows:

1) a devout petition to God, or object of worship

2) a spiritual communion with God or object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration or confession.

3) the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship.

4)  a formula or sequence of words used in or appointed for praying: The Lord’s Prayer

5)  prayers, a religious observance, either public or private, consisting wholly or mainly of prayer.

6) that which is prayed for.

7)  a petition; entreaty.

8)  the section of a bill in equity, or of a petition, that sets forth the complaint or the action desired.

9)  a negligible hope or chance: Do you think he has a prayer of getting that job?

All that being said, all I know for sure is what I experienced. A number of years ago I was laying on a cold surgical table, alone, scared and uncertain of what was to come. I prayed that God would calm my fears and settle me down. It was in that moment I became calm and there was NO doubt who calmed my nerves and saw me through that moment. I give thanks daily and can rest assured my prayers are heard!

So what do you think prayer is or should be? Have you bared your heart before God in prayer?

A Look in the Mirror

by Brenda Putnam

Wow, sin! Where do I go from there?  So many things come to mind when I think of that one small word that has the power to change the world. Yes, you may think that I give that one word a whole lot of credit. Let’s take a walk…..You’re in the grocery store and you pay for your items and you get to the car only to realize there is something in your cart that wasn’t paid for. What do you do? Go back in and pay for it? Say, “Oh, well, their loss for not catching it”? Let’s say your child is with you: Does that change anything?

The word “sin” scares me because it’s a reminder to look in the mirror.  Sin can be obvious stuff…. adultery, theft, lying, being drunk, gossip, anything! Sin isn’t just what is viewed by others but also what is done in private. The evil thoughts running through your head, the thoughts of lust, the sin that isn’t public but rather known only by few. So what do we do with this? Romans 5:8-9 states “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” That’s great news! John 3:18 says “Whoever believes in him is not condemned…..” So there it is, Christ died to save us from our sins and then tells us we need to believe in him.

The effects of our sin trickle down to the next person and the next and so on and so forth. Think about the above situation in the grocery store. You can set an example for the child with you, the clerk at the checkout counter, and God to whom you and I owe our lives.

I look in the mirror everyday and in so doing, I see what needs to change in my life. I then ask the Lord Jesus to help me correct my wrongs. Sin did me in, so to speak, but with Christ’s help I am becoming the person He sees me to be. His view will always be the best view. That daily look in the mirror will always beg the question: “Am I becoming the person God wants me to be?”

Life On the Other Side

by Brenda Putnam

Life is always greener on the other side!  True or False? Any thoughts?  Bear with me for a minute. So what are your desires right now, right this very moment? A car, a house, something a little simpler? How about a laptop, a new outfit?

When I was a senior in high school I walked away from God, to the side that seemed a little greener than the side I was on. I wanted the “adult” life. You know what I mean: paying bills, staying out till you decide to come home, drinking where and when you want, being with whom you want. However it wasn’t all I thought it would be. I met a man, had a baby, and had the bills that went with it. With the bills came the need to have the means to pay for the stuff that I wanted on top of what my real needs were.

I was married, had two children, and I wasn’t walking with God. There was a horrible storm brewing and the sirens where going off. My husband was at work and I was scared to death. Thoughts flooded my mind: What should I do? How am I going to keep these little  children? How do I keep them safe? That night I prayed. Prayed that God would calm my nerves and see my children and me through this storm (the literal storm as well as the figurative storm). Instantly I was calm and we made it through both storms. It was that night I realized that although I left God for the other side, He never left me. I started attending church and getting my life straight with him. NEVER again did I want to visit the other side.

I received Christ as my Savior in the 4th grade and pretty much lived my life on the fence until the day I walked away. It was that stormy night that I realized there was no other life I wanted than the one I had in Christ.  In my home I have a plaque that has hung in my house since PJ and Pastor Yount gave it to me. It is Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve….as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” My husband knows this is my prayer for my family. He has allowed this to be hung in our home, although he does not share my passion for the things of the Lord. I pray for his salvation daily.

I want him to know the love of Christ and know how much better life is in Him.

So have you thought about it? What is your desire? What is your passion?