Tag Archives: thankful

Bible Disciple Prayer Wisdom

I Am Being Blessed – how are you doing?

on Sunday, November 24, 2024

As we approach Thanksgiving Day I wanted to share something that I hope will help season your conversations with family and friends that you don’t get to see very often.

How many times do you run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and ask – “how are you doing?”

What is the most common response? Good

Their response is usually the same – good. So out of obligation you return the same – “how are you doing?”

AND they will respond with the same ole drab – good. They might even slightly pepper the conversation something like “thanks for asking.

And the conversation is over.

I want to submit that if you know Jesus as your Savior you take those conversations and turn them in to a juicy moment to brag on God for your blessings or show your dependence upon God.

I believe you can do both by responding with one sentence:

“The Lord is really blessing me right now.”

whoa – can somebody walk away from that response? Well, they can and if so that is ok – you have already bragged on Jesus. Mission accomplished.

BUT, if that person wants to know why. What is this hope in you? Why do you feel blessed by God? Have at least three examples of how you are seeing God’s blessings or how you are depending on God for how things will turn out.

Have those three examples in your head, and really focus telling each story giving God the glory for the blessing, or as your hope for the outcome. Weave the name of Jesus into these stories. Tell them in such a way that Jesus is glorified and proud that you are bragging on Him!

Remember if you are saved from sin then God’s blessings are:

  • An acceptance that can never be questioned. (Ephesians 1:6)
  • An inheritance that can never be lost (I Peter 1:3-5)
  • A grace that can never be limited (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  • A hope that can never be disappointed. (Hebrews 6:18-19)
  • A joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11)
  • A nearness to God that can never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13)
  • A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27)
  • A salvation that can never be canceled (Hebrews 5:9)

I AM BLESSED! I hope that you can say that you are as well.

If you want to hear one of my three blessing stories – bump into me sometime. I hope that I am prepared to share with you the Hope that is in me!

Adventure Positive Attitude Reading Wisdom

Blackberry Wisdom eBook Promotion

on Thursday, August 18, 2022

For those who haven’t had a chance to get my book Blackberry Wisdom – here is an incentive for you. For the next 2 weeks the kindle version will be $0.99!

I am trying to share the message of the book and request ratings on Amazon. If you already have a copy of my book could I ask you to leave a rating at Amazon?

To rate:

  1. Go to the product detail page Blackberry Wisdom. If you’ve placed an order for the item, you can also go to Your Orders.
  2. Click Write a customer review in the Customer Reviews section.
  3. Select a Star Rating. …
  4. (Optional) Add text, photos, or videos and click Submit.

To order my book you can search for Blackberry Wisdom on Amazon or follow this LINK!

Let me also say THANK YOU to those who have bought my book and provided a rating on Amazon! I am truly thankful and appreciate you!

Wisdom

My unique view of a procession

on Thursday, September 9, 2021
funeral procession in Knoxville
funeral procession in Knoxville (picture not mine)

Today I had a unique view of a funeral procession. The funeral procession of a hometown hero and the last soldier killed in the Afghanistan war – SSG Ryan Knauss.

funeral procession in Powell heading toward Halls

I stood on the side of the road and waited for the funeral procession like hundreds of others. I didn’t have a bird’s eye view or anything special like that. But I do have a background that affords me the view of this funeral procession like few others. I saw this funeral procession today as a veteran, father and a citizen.

As a veteran, it is hard to watch a funeral procession. In the back of a veteran’s mind there is always the thought – that could have been me at one time. Veterans serve our country with no guarantee that we will return in the same manner that we left. That is a forgone conclusion. And to see a fellow service person come back home in a hearse just doesn’t sit well with most. It is a deep understanding of the sacrifice that was offered.

As a father it is sobering to discuss with your family – my son in particular. Austin graduated high school with SSG Knauss. They were not that close of buddies, but his cousin and friend were close with Ryan. When we speak of Ryan I can tell that my son is pondering these conversations in his head. For a classmate to die is still fairly unique to these young adults. They still do not have the proper perspective to process it all. I also know that he is thinking of his cousin and friend who are really having a hard time processing this loss. Only thing I know to do is to talk honestly about these situations.

Lastly I watched this funeral procession through the eyes of a citizen of East Tennessee. I saw all walks of life stop their busy Thursday to stop and watch this funeral procession pass by. I saw hundreds of people put all their differences in this world aside to pay respect to a young man who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom. All walks of life stood in silence, waiving flags or saluting as the motorcade slowly passed by. I saw my community stand together as Americans which made my heart swell with pride.

My view was not totally unique, but it was one of thankfulness, humbleness and pride. The emotions were hard to describe and hold back.

Today I was reminded of the blessings I have in my life and thankful for those who realize the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many others.