Friday, November 21, 2008

The Season and the Theme

As this new year began, instead of making a New Year's resolution I wanted to come up with a theme for the year that would be honoring to the Lord. As I meditated on this, I believe the Lord showed me that He wanted this year to be one that produced fruit inspired from deep within ... from a thankful heart... and thus my theme became Fruit of Thankfulness. You can read more about that here, if you'd like. And now, as we reach the thankful season, I have been reflecting on how well I have "kept" the theme in my life.

My artwork has been a source of many ups and downs, but in all of it I have really and truly been thankful to be blessed to get to do what I love to do. God has shown Himself to me so often in this process, and for that I am TRULY thankful. I know that there are many days when I am not as productive as I could or should be, and on those days I am truly thankful that He loves me in spite of me.

I have also seen fruit in my family this year... not of my doing, mind you, but fruit straight from the hand of the Lord... fruit of children who are following the Lord and desire to serve Him, of a husband who loves the Lord and his family above anything else, of an extended family that is more excellent than gold or fine jewels and such a blessing to me, of God's healing mercies in my father and in my mother-in-law, of a precious church family who has gathered around us so often to lift up and encourage us in ministry, and so much more. I am truly blessed and as we head into this Thanksgiving week I just need to praise the Lord publicly for all that He has done.

From a thankful heart...

7 comments:

  1. Beautifully stated Christi... I can tell you poured your heart into this post

    I am thankful for all the fabulous blogging friends I have made... they brighten my day

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS

    LOADS OF HUGS

    JO

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  2. I wanted to stop by and wish you the happies of Thanksgivings Christi....enjoy.

    Ruth

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  3. It's wonderful to see progress, Christi, and a special blessing. I enjoyed reading this post and learning about all the things for which you are thankful... and no wonder!

    Have a great week gearing up for Thanksgiving Day...are you hosting?

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  4. Happy Thanksgiving and good to read of your personal thankfullness.

    Fish that fresh by the way has no smell to AT ALL!

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  5. Oh! and I forgot to say, that's fine you are using the boats, feel free. I am glad to be of help.

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  6. What a beautiful and inspiring post!

    Many sweet blessings to you and yours. :)

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  7. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Your post was simply beautiful and heartfelt. We have so much to be thankful for. I try to count my blessings throughout the day. God is good and you are right, he loves us regardless....

    You are one of the blessings I am thankful for. Your friendship and prayers mean the world.

    God bless you.

    hugs,
    Barb

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