I give thanks to God with everything I've got, Psalm 111:1 :: Scripture photo art :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Hallelujah!

I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got—
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God’s works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial—
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift!
He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last—
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:
He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He’s so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God—
Do that and you’ll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!

Psalm 111:1-10  The Message

 

Weather wise, this week has had its up and downs.

We went from the mid 50’s to high 70’s and tonight it will drop into the mid 20’s.  A roller coaster of temperature changes.  Do you ever feel like that’s your personal week as well?

Though I would love to change my circumstances, the only thing I can change is my attitude.  In order to prevent a roller coaster of emotions matching my roller coaster journey, I have continued my Lenten fast of early morning time.   That extra time in the darkness and solitude — alone with God — has helped me immensely.   Though I have read this passage many times, the other day it jumped off the page at me. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35.

What is it about this early time?  Why has it taken me so long to “get it?”

The only thing I can be certain about, is that when I fill my mind with His word and acknowledge His greatness and count my ‘gifts’ — good and no-so-good, my day is better in every way.  Every way.  There is something about this extended early time I spend in His presence.  It’s different then getting up and reading and praying and getting on with the day.

Maybe this is the sacrifice of praise?  Maybe it’s the setting aside my desire for sleep that puts me in the right spot for Him.  It’s too easy to put myself first.  Like always. [wink]  But, this practice forces me to lay down my desires and honor & worship Him in obedience.

 

I give thanks on Joy Day! :: April 21 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Today is Joy Day!

As we gather in community here to count our seven….giving thanks for the good and the [sigh] things we wish were good…we can mediate on the verses from Psalm 111 found at the beginning of this post.  It is a wonderful guideline for mediation and for guiding us in praise of our amazing and awesome God.

Will you join me now
…in counting just ‘seven’ things from this past week and give thanks?  I’ll start:

Thank you Lord…

  1. for an amazing morning of enjoying your creation, snapping countless photos in an attempt of capturing the beauty!
  2. for a few hours of paying work.
  3. that you provided funds to make the final car payment this month!
  4. for encouragement and support from my bloggy friends.
  5. that though there is nothing yet on the job front for my husband, You are our provider.
  6. that we can walk to everything we need and save gas.
  7. that you are healing my sweet Lily (tabby cat).

Now it’s your turn!

Please scroll down to “Share Your Thoughts” below and count your ‘seven.’  I can guarantee that your ‘Joy Meter’ will rise.  It really does make a difference.  I dare you!!   ~ Want even more joy?  Take the big Joy Dare.

Thanks for joining me for another Joy Day!
I hope you too will be able to say, “I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got.”

May God overwhelm you with His goodness and JOY this week!

Diane

P.S.  Exciting News!

I want to let you know that in one week, I will be celebrating the first anniversary of An Extraordinary Day.  Please be sure to come back and help me celebrate.  There will be a VIP guest joining in the fun on Monday, April 29.  I’m looking forward to a week full of giveaways for you, too.  Don’t miss it!  Please make plans to invite your friends to come and join us in the celebration.

To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.
Let’s chat!   “Like” An Extraordinary Day ~ A Place of Joy & Inspiration Facebook.


*   *   *  *  *  *  *   *   *   *  *   *   *   *   *   *  *  *  *  *  *   *  *  *  *  *  *

 Please stop by Longaberger Lifestyle and check out the new online catalog.
Don’t miss out on fantastic Tuesday & Wednesday SALES!


Sharing with these Extraordinary spots:
Create with Joy + Playdates with God + A Holy Experience

Comments

  1. Gail says

    Helpers (firefighters, docs, emts,etc) who selflessly helped in Boston & West, TX
    Beauty of flowering trees &perrenials
    Fellowship at Sunday School this morning
    Successfully adopting out 2 cats & 1 puppy from shelter
    Meeting a caring doctor, Dr Wu
    Fun supper on Thursday with a friend
    CLean bed linens

    • Diane says

      Thanks for taking the time to tap out your ‘seven’ Gail! Such goodness and blessing in your words. I love how you included even the smallest things in life that make our day, like slipping in between fresh sheets at night. Oh how we can take it for granted while others are experiencing crisis.
      May your day be overflowing with JOY!

  2. Susan Roquet says

    Thanking God for…
    His comfort in my grief.
    His Word to guide me.
    Holy Spirit that breathes life into me.
    Beautiful, caring Christian Friends via wonderful blogs.
    All the beautiful birds in my backyard.
    Cold, windy, rainy-snowy weather that will make true Spring all that much sweeter.
    Molly, my cocker spaniel, who keeps me company day and night.

    • Diane says

      Dear Susan, thank you for joining me in giving thanks! I pray the God of all comfort will surround you with His loving kindness and hold you close. What blessings you have received this past week! May you experience unspeakable JOY in the days ahead. [hugs]

  3. I’m thankful to live in a country where we have freedom to worship openly (and whisper prayers of continuance), snipping herbs and smelling their sweetness, safety in bad weather, morning breezes to enjoy as I spend time with God on my porch, family time together, the gift of laughter, and finally, the beauty of horses running and playing in the pasture. For these, and many more, I am thankful. God is the author of everything and I deserve nothing. His grace astounds me.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Kim for tapping out your ‘seven.’ Do we not live blessed lives? Our God is truly kind and gracious to us. 🙂
      May your week overflow with JOY!

  4. Dona says

    Thankful for:
    1. My church, pastor and friends
    2. My daughters, who also attend and live for God
    3. My grandkids, who ALSO attend and live for God! (great-grands which will too!)
    4. Finding that the more I love God, the more he blesses me!
    5. Blogs like yours, that remind me, when I tend to forget
    6.Two part time “businesses” that I stepped out in faith about, and I LOVE
    7. Knowing …..and I mean KNOWING….God

    I’m glad there’s not 8, cuz I’m about to burst with joy this minute as I write these!
    Thanks for the opportunity. Dona

    • Diane says

      WooHoo!! I love that you are bursting with JOY! Donna!! Yay God! He is AWESOME!
      Thanks for taking the time to tap out your ‘seven.’ Oh are you a blessed friend. 🙂
      May you overflow with JOY this week!

  5. Your photos are amazing!

    Giving thanks to God for:
    1. God’s continued provision through unemployment.
    2. A date night with my hubby.
    3. The birth of my Pastor’s TWINS!
    4. For new life.
    5. For a jump start on planning next year’s homeschooling.
    6. For His steadfast love and faithfulness.
    7. For children who seek Him with their whole heart.

    Have a blessed week!

    • Diane says

      You know taking pics and sharing them makes my heart sing. 😉 Thanks for the encouraging words!
      And thanks for taking time to tap out your ‘seven.’ When we look at our predicaments we might see loss….but look at all the goodness God has placed in our lives. I celebrate his goodness with you, Barbie, and the things that mean most to a mother like children seeking God with all their hearts, and dates with our lovers.
      You ARE extraordinary!
      Wishing you a JOY-filled week!

  6. Gwen says

    Thank you Lord for these blessings
    1. a friend staying to help care for me
    2. Nice talks with Mom
    3. Good sharing time of the great Lord with a friend
    4. Friends I can count on for fun and help
    5. My very kind overworked husband who works, cares for me, all our needs, and yes, we need greater pay to meet so many medical expenses and have funds to get a break
    6. I don’t really get my TBI and that’s a blessing at times but not always. I cry
    7. Oh the roses this year!!!! So pretty and big!!!!

    • Diane says

      I celebrate you and God’s goodness in your life today, Gwen! How blessed you are to have such a wonderful husband who loves you dearly and demonstrates it so valiantly. Praying with you for God’s healing of your TBI. He is able.
      May your week be overflowing with JOY, my Extraordinary friend!

  7. Thanks, God, for:
    1. a weekend with my youngest daughter
    2. getting to visit my oldest daughter yesterday
    3. sunshine today
    4. blogging friends who lift Your name high
    5. money to go buy groceries
    6. health to go buy groceries
    7. less activity planned for this week

    • Diane says

      It is so sweet of you, Lisa, to take time to stop by and share your, ‘seven.’
      I love how you are so grateful and relish the extraordinary ‘little’ things of daily life.
      May your JOY cup overflow this week. 🙂

  8. After a week filled with evil and violence in our country, reading such a joy-filled post!
    Grandchildren! Love, love, love them.
    Meaningful work
    Great Bible study groups
    Spring flowers
    Hope for tomorrow

    • Diane says

      Nancy…your words bless me! Thank you for taking time to share your ‘seven.’ We have so much to be thankful for…you are surely blessed!

  9. Sunshine, a job even though temporary, to be together at the end of the day as a family, family dinner time, peace within, pudding for dessert made by my girls, and quietude tonight! Blessings to you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart

    • Diane says

      I love the sweet gratitude with which you tapped out your ‘seven’ Rachael. God is good. May your week overflow with HIS JOY!!

  10. Laura says

    The thing about the morning for me–especially before sunrise–is that most of the rest of the world is still sleeping and it feels so intimate between me and God. Yes, I have not been as faithful as I should be with this early morning meeting. Thank you, Diane, for encouraging me.

    • Diane says

      Amen to that Laura. That’s exactly how I feel, too. 🙂

  11. Mel says

    After an ‘unwell’ day–I’m here! The stuff that happens with my body is laughable some times.

    Let me count! An attitude of gratitude would be a wonderful thing for me…..and for the world around me.
    Oh, but let me first say–totally won’t give up my time with My Maker in the morning. There’s something about early mornings, the fresh start to a day and LISTENING that is central to the whole of the 24 hours I get gifted with. The world is better off for it. LOL (and so am I!)

    My seven:
    * shingles…of the blistery kind (seriously–apparently My Maker wanted me off of that foot/leg)
    * doting spousal units (talk about being blessed!)
    * the neighbor’s daffodil that’s blooming
    * the meeting no one remembered (gave me time to clear out a mess of papers I’d been trying to ignore….LOL)
    * the gift of awesome, freshly ground coffee and a friend to share it with
    * wee green leaves on the buddleia
    * hearing G-d

    Blessings to you and yours–and more of those quiet moments of walking….and another 300 photos to wade through! 😉

    • Diane says

      I know exactly what you mean, Mel when you say “the world is better off for it.” Haha! That is too true. 😀
      Oh my friend…shingles. I am so sorry. Will pray with you to have a speedy and complete recovery. Keep me posted.
      Thank you for sharing ‘seven’ – even the gifts we wish we weren’t blessed with.
      Take care of yourself my friend. 😉 [hugs]

  12. I find early mornings are the best time for my quiet time with God too. They make a huge difference to my day and if I try and slot in a quiet time once the day has begun I find that the momentum of all the things I have to get done squeezes it out. I’m also an introvert and love that brief moment of quiet before the day starts.

    Linked here from The Wellspring. Blessings.

    • Diane says

      It really is amazing how that time creates such a foundation for the day. I think of the famous men of God from the past who would get up even earlier and spend fours hours before they started their days. 😉
      Thanks for stopping by Mel!
      May your day be Extraordinary!

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.