Sunday, March 18, 2012

For those who give their lives…

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I have something on my mind and heart making it hard to know what to say today.

Here is the link to current news in case you haven’t heard.

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/03/18/Yemeni-Qaeda-linked-group-claims-it-killed-American

Lest you think this is an isolated incident,

I’ve read that approximately 270 Christians are martyred for the cause of Christ every 24 hours.

I am both heart broken and humbled by this.

This week we were prompted to record three “hard eucharisteos”, things that are hard to give thanks for.

I wrote down my three in my little green journal,

but today I must add this…

Thank you God for those who give their lives for the gospel.

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I’ve taken the Joy Dare.

I’m counting one thousand thanks in one year.

I hunt for thanksgiving using the prompts Ann gives us each month.

If you are interested in joining in, click the link above or at the bottom of this post.

I continue to count my thanks

piling up gratitude day by day

in my little green journal…

#1742-#1763

a gift in wind-

-the way the two old growth cedars in our backyard wave their branches in praise to God

whenever the wind blows

a gift in water-

-the familiar sound of the shower running when my Hubs gets ready in the morning,

me still sitting in bed sipping my first cup of coffee

a gift in white-

-all my thrifted ironstone

3 gifts round-

-plump blueberries for my morning smoothie

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-grapes to munch on during the day

-baby granddaughter’s sweet round face

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3 gifts found in silence-

-the power of His Word to save my soul

-God ordering my day when I quiet myself and submit my to-do list to Him

-making bread-a satisfying task in the quiet of a house all to myself

3 gifts given away-

-my children and grandchildren, as I surrender them to His will again and again

-tortellini soup and homemade french bread for a friend recuperating from surgery

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-sending off a package to a blog friend

3 hard euchaisteos-

-our girls, next week all three will be scattered around the world doing kingdom work

-the joy and pain in seeing my grandbabies growing up oh so fast

-a too full to-do list

a gift turned-

-a fried egg cooked in my cast iron skillet

a gift folded-

-laundry day-clothes to wash, dry, fold, and put away

a gift hung-

-cool cotton skirts and nighties hanging up and ready to pack for our trip to hot, muggy Ghana

3 gifts red-

-Jesus’ blood shed for me

-the cup and the bread, taking communion

-mixing cookie dough in my red mixer

Gratefully yours,

Elizabeth

6 comments:

  1. Your posts are like fresh water to my soul, Elizabeth. What a blessing you are! I wanted to thank you for your sweet comments at Heaven's Walk. You truly made my day. Just wanted you to know, that after deleting all of my Pinterest boards, I started some new ones. I'm just pinning my own photos and only photos that my blog friends have taken themselves. That way I know I'm safe. So, cheer up! I'll see you over at Pinterest! ♥

    xoxo laurie

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  2. So humbling to think that we live while others give their lives for the Gospel! My heart aches for their loved ones.
    ~Adrienne~

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  3. Oh yes... we were talking about those brave souls who give their lives for the Gospel. Your blueberry photograph is beautiful! Adorable little one! Such a sweet gift for your recovering friend. I'm sure it is so appreciated!

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  4. Thank you for visiting my site today! I immediately related to your beginning words - my heart is heavy over the pastor in Iran. I almost wrote about his bravery last Friday but I couldn't find the words. I often wonder if I'd have the same courage...could I sacrifice my life for my Lord? That question keeps me awake sometimes because I don't know if I'd be strong enough or if I'd crumble under the pressure. I appreciate your list and your willingness to share your heart!

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  5. This is heartbreaking. It's sad to know there is suffering in the name of Jesus. But, we know this world is not our home and we are hated for serving him. Thank you for sharing this. It's good to be reminded of the martyrs of the faith.

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  6. what a beautiful, genuine list dear elizabeth... and yes. what a hard, hard eucharisto, this thanking God for those who suffer or die on behalf of the gospel. that i should have such faith. love to you friend. xo

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