Give Thanks

"What if the only things you had with you tomorrow were the things that you thanks God for today?"

This quote made me think. I realized that most of the time, my prayers focus on me. My need, my requests, my problems. In my prayers, I don't thank God very often for blessings or answered prayers.

I'm blessed with  wonderful husband. Now if I only talked to him when I had problems or only talked about my problems, I would not be in a healthy relationship.

If we are to pray without ceasing, I picture a conversational prayer going on throughout the day, in short little bites.

Prayers are to praise God (May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you).

Prayers are to thank God.
Prayers are to confess sins (Lord, have mercy on me a sinner).
Prayers are to intercede (who will stand in the gap?).

If you're thinking this sounds a bit like A.C.T.S. (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication), it is. It's just sometimes I hear group prayers that just ask, ask, ask, and ask. No where in the prayers is a thank you. No where is God praised.

James 4:1-3 We don't get our prayers answered if we ask for the wrong reason. Do we ask for our gain, our comfort or His? For His glory or ours?

But back to thanking God:
I'm thankful for:
-hubby, loving family, friends
-house, running water, electricity, heat, a/c
-enough (more than enough really) water, food, clothes
-tech to make life easier
-His love
-to live in a country where I am free to practice my faith

An Ode to My Darling

Several of my blogs have referenced this delightful husband I am married to, but who is this man and what are some of the many ways that I love him?

This is my beloved (he's the one with blue eyes)

Lucas is a sweet, loving, compassionate, caring, nerdy husband. He listens to me, plays video games with me, builds lego creations that transform into other creations, and watches mythbusters. He tries to build community wherever he goes. He encourages me and it is my blessing to be allowed to encourage him.
He shows me time and time again what God's forgiveness looks like in practice. He extends unconditional love toward me.

So without further ado, here is my ode to you!!

I have a handsome husband,
Who's handsome as can be.
I have a handsome husband,
Who's so very good to me!!
He's handsome kind and oh so smart!!
I love him even when he farts!!
I have a handsome hubby-kins!!
And so I say that I win.

When I think of love, I think of your behavior toward me.
When I think of joy, I think of your face lighting up when I come into sight.
When I think of peace, I think of when I'm in your arms.
When I think of patience, I think of how you put up with the pranks I pull.
When I think of goodness, I think of your encouragement and non-maliciousness.
When I think of kindness, I think of your eyes upon me.  
When I think of gentleness, I think of your shoulder rubs.
When I think of faithfulness, I think of your loyalty and how I can trust you.
When I think of self-control, I think of how you waited for me to come into your life.

So thank you. For marrying me. For loving me. For being you. 

Husband, this is my ode to you.