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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: JOIE DE VIVRE (delight in being alive) (08/18/16)
The strains of harp music bring me to consciousness as the alarm on my iPhone announces another day. Before I open my eyes (which in itself is a small problem because my eyelids stick to my eyeballs) I thank God for this new day. I stay for a moment to luxuriate in the softness of my bed. There are those who sleep in the dirt, on the concrete or in a dumpster.

I feel blessed.

I sit up and once again thank God that the change in my position does not cause me to flop backwards on the bed. Constant dizziness was my companion for years, but has now abated. Slipping on my house shoes and housecoat, I head for the bathroom. When I enter, a soft sigh escapes my lips. The recent change in color on the walls is so soothing. My bathroom is exquisite.

I feel blessed.

I let the dog out. We have now bonded. When he came to live with us, he chose my husband as his compadre. As my husband’s life dwindled down, the dog would be by his side no matter if he were in a chair or the bed. It’s taken a year for the dog’s loyalty to switch to me.

I feel blessed.

I walk down the hall to what used to be my husband’s office. I’m in the process of converting it to what I am calling my Connection Room. In that room I read my Bible, pray and connect to God. In front of me I have placed three corkboards on the wall, one for prayer requests, one for scriptures and one for answers to prayer. I’ve never had a room like that before. I love it.

I feel blessed.

Time for exercise. For almost 40 years, I have been committed to taking care of my body. When my sister died at the age of 42 of overweight, I took a look at myself. That’s when I changed my habits. No more fried food, no salt, light on the caffeine and carbs. As I walked my way to health, I lost 100 pounds. Now I have a membership at a gym. It’s open 24 hours a day. I’ve found if I don’t go in the morning, my day takes over and I never make it. I’m healthy enough to go through different routines each day and at least 30 minutes on a treadmill.

I feel blessed.

Breakfast time. I open my refrigerator to make my choice of what to eat. I have choices, unlike the pictures in the news of people around the world who are starving. I take my food to my lovely table and eat with a view of a spacious yard with green grass. Even though I live in a desert, we have water, for the lawn and for our consumption. Uncontaminated liquid to replenish our body.

I feel blessed.

Time to strip the bed and do the laundry. I own a washer and dryer. Just like the refrigerator, they run on electricity, which I can appropriate in adequate supply. Around the world, people live without electricity, running water and proper chilling of their food. Not only do I have a supply of healthy food, but I also have a house with an air conditioner that keeps me cool.

I feel blessed.

I grab my purse and head out to run errands. I know I have money and a credit card. Others in my world have zero money and no way to get any. I climb in my car with full knowledge that it has enough gasoline to take me where I want to go. It’s a sleek-looking automobile. This summer it took me on a 1,000-mile trip to see the wonders of God’s creation in Canada.

I feel blessed.

Home with my purchases, I push the garage door opener. My car resides in the garage safe from the elements. I have a wonderful roof over my head and plenty of space. Others live in tents and under overpasses.

I feel blessed.

I prepare for a party. Not only do I have enough food for me, but also tonight I will have enough for 30 people. When my husband was still alive, we felt led to have parties on a regular basis. Every few months we invited our motorcycle, Starbucks, neighborhood and church friends to gather at our home for the evening. Since he’s gone, I keep up the tradition we started together.

I feel blessed.
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This article has been read 766 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Pat Small
08/25/16
Lovely reminder of the everyday blessings we take for granted. I think you did a great job with this.
Francie Snell 
08/26/16
I love how you point out every detail of your blessings. You describe your appreciation exquisitely. Well done.
Robyn Harbour
08/27/16
I also feel blessed. You and I are in the small percentage of the world that can say yes to all your points. We have a lot to be thankful for.
C D Swanson 
08/27/16
A beautiful and moving account of your faith and ability to move forward on a daily basis with sincere thanks for your blessings!

Excellent and touching and so heart felt...thank you for sharing this well written and amazing itinerary with us.

God bless you~
Lea Austin
09/01/16
Not taking our blessings for granted is a blessing in itself. You did a good job being thankful for your blessings but also remembering those in need. Thanks for sharing.
Francie Snell 
09/01/16
Congrats Joy on your win for 2nd place!
Catrina Bradley
09/02/16
Congratulations, Joy. If only you'd had more words, I'd loved to have read the end to this day, surrounded by friends, blessed. Wonderful entry. Love it.
Bea Edwards 
09/06/16
Perfectly written progression through your day and why all of us should have overflowing joy.

Keeping our mind grateful is one of the keys to appropriating His joy as our strength.

Thank you for this reminder.