“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” ~Philippians 4:4
Or as the Message version says,
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! …Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers…”
In every situation, we can find reasons to complain — because, quite frankly, there are some really yucky things that happen in life. OR we can look for reasons to rejoice — because no matter what the situation, there is reason to rejoice because Christ is always with us! Rejoicing cultivates a heart of hope, and I believe gratitude is a way of rejoicing, so I keep counting…
1121 – a neighborhood pool to play in — and although we thought it would be closed most of the summer, it will only have to be closed for repairs for a couple of weeks
1122 – magnolia blossoms on my new little tree
1123 – fresh bell peppers as a yummy snack, and the promise of our own homegrown ones!
1124 – We are [mostly] done with our school year!
1125 – amazing things we’re learning about birds from the robins on our back porch
1126 – Kathryn and I got to hold a baby robin last week!
1127 – a nice rain, without any accompanying scary storms
1128 – Running into our former pastor (who married us) when we were out to eat — and learning that they’d read our featured adoption story because they receive Lifelines magazine since one of their children was adopted through Bethany 20-something years ago!
1129 – another good visit from my dad, complete with a bit of silliness
1130 – bittersweet moment: our baby robins flew the nest today!
Join more folks counting their multitude of gifts at A Holy Experience.
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
I’m not a huge fan of the Message, but I LOVE how it words this verse from Philippians. Why should we NOT celebrate? We have a hope and a future given to us freely by the One who knew no sin and took a death we deserved. He is ALWAYS reason to be thankful.
The Message isn’t my favorite, but I do love to read it for a fresh perspective sometimes!
We are mostly finished with our school year too:) At least we’re finished with official curriculum. . . seems there’s always more fun learning to be had.
Enjoyed reading your whole list. Also, I do enjoy The Message. I have a Bible with NIV and The Message side-by-side. It truly enriches my understanding.
Beautiful list of celebrations to be thankful for.
I enjoyed your page, Jamie!
Keep shining your light brightly!
Many blessings,
Juniper