Gifts One and Two

I love people who "spur one another on to love and good deeds," and I pray I am one myself.

Recently I read a post by Jennifer at Gathering Grace about the journal of gratitude she was starting online to continue her "1000 Gifts" posts. When I went to check out her grateful blog I found that her inspiration was Ann. So I headed over to Ann's place A Holy Experience. It had been one of those days when I was talking to my soul, you know, like David, looking down at my chest with my tired, about to bust forth into tears eyes, questioning, "Why are you so downcast oh my soul? Why so disquieted within me? Put your hope in God woman!!!" (okay, that's not an exact translation ;). And just reading the expression of thankfulness in Ann's blog to the Lord and her acknowledgement of Him in everything from clothespins to a child's words was like a dose of much needed medicine. It sent that downcastness flying away.

As I prayed after reading I said something to the effect of, "Lord, this is what you want me to do. This is the action of faith I need to take daily to walk by Your Spirit and not by my flesh and feelings. I need to speak and write out the seeing of You and YOUR benefits in everything in my life!

So this evening I begin my blog of benediction. Benediction is one of those old words we don't use very often, but it's rich with meaning. According to the etymology dictionary it means "to speak well of, bless". I want to speak well of God and bless Him whether on mountain highs or shadow-of-death-valley lows.

Tonight I begin with gift number 1 and 2:

1. The testimony of God's presence, restoration and power during suffering shared with me by a young woman I just met a few weeks ago. Truly:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with
the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings
of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if
we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective
for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted,
it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 Corinthians 1:3-6

2. People who spur me on to love and good deeds. Thanks Ann and Jennifer.