Tag Archives: thankful

Mar15

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Beremedy

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Have you heard of Beremedy? Beremedy is an organization that exists to helping others…at the speed of social media. It connects those who are in need with those who can help. The mission of beremedy:

Our Mission
beremedy connects those in need with the individuals who have the means to fulfill them.

So often, community and social service organizations have no expedient outlet for their clients’ requests. They spend countless hours tracking down resources to fulfill basic human necessities. Those in need suffer because there is no quick or efficient manner to replay their message.

On the other hand, so many individuals and organizations want to help, but don’t know how. beremedy provides them with a reputable source for their resources and efforts. People give knowing their donation is going directly to those who need it most!
By taking all these needs and matching them with people who can help, we’re streamlining the process and making it easy for both sides to benefit.

This is an organization that I believe in. They are currently in the midst of an Indiegogo (non-profit) campaign raising funds to try and take beremedy from an Atlanta-based organization to a platform which will make it have a much larger footprint – a nationwide impact. They are working on a technology which will make this dream into a reality. A nationwide platform where you can see the need, and be the remedy. How can you help? Would you consider supporting beremedy? Any and all amounts will go a long way in making a difference and sharing hope in real, practical ways all across this nation. You can find more information about this effort by visiting their fundraising campaign.

What is beautiful about Beremedy is the selfless heart and passion that drive it. No matter who you are, the view is that you are important. Whether it is a pair of shoes, a bed, toys for Christmas, clothing — when there is a tangible need, the opportunity is available to be the remedy. They harness the power of social media and reach people in more places with whatever the need is. You will often see strangers from across the area responding in support, to show hope and help in practical ways.

One thing I believe to be true is that people need people – no matter who you are. I do, and you do too. You do not need to walk through life alone. If you need help, reach out. If you are able to help, be the remedy. Will you join me today in being the remedy? Even if you cannot financially support Beremedy at this time, I know they would value the prayer support and spreading the word about what they are doing.

Please spread the word.

Mar14

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Tears

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Tears are such an interesting thing. They can signify both happiness and sadness – and an array of emotions in between.

Today was quite an emotionally draining day, a day which included many tears. Tears are not always bad. They allow an expression of emotion. They provide a release. During a few moments where I had no words, the tears said what needed saying.

I am not always fond of tears. Though I am exhausted, I am thankful that God gave our bodies the ability to express emotion via tears.

Mar13

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Social Media

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Social Media is a powerful tool, and can be leveraged to build up, or to tear down. I am grateful right now for social media because God is able, through it to foster friendships and cultivates relationships in places otherwise unlikely.

I just sit here right now, grateful. I am able to chat with a friend in a different continent, clear across the ocean – all courtesy of social media. Many relationships can be torn apart, or strengthened by resources online. I choose social media to be a platform to spread love, to reach out, and to connect with people globally.

When I see someone hurting – whether I know them or not – I do not hesitate to reach out and let them know they matter, and that they are loved. Likewise, I have had much encouragement, support friendship and prayers courtesy of the internet.

Social media isn’t evil. It’s all in how you use it. Use it as a tool to strengthen others, to share love, hope and grace. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. It really is that simple.

So yes, I am grateful today for social media – and the relationships, friendships, support, encouragement and prayers that happen as a result.

Mar12

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Courage

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Courage comes in many shapes and sizes. It is often difficult to walk in, but a necessity for moving forward. There are so many things in life that require some level of courage – stepping out in faith when the end result isn’t a guarantee.

What may look to you like common sense might be a huge act of courage to another. There are days that it may take courage to get out of bed and face the day. There are times you might need courage to stand up for what is right. Your reality might sometimes include needing courage to just reach out and let someone know things aren’t alright. And, you know what? That’s okay! It’s okay to not always be okay.

If you are in that place today, and you feel like all hope is lost, know that you are not alone. It doesn’t make you broken, it makes you human. Smile, and know that you are loved – and that you matter. I encourage you to reach out. It might just surprise you to see the hands that would reach back. I’d be happy to pray for/with you. Feel free to leave a comment below or to send me a message via my “contact me” page.

I’m thankful today for courage – in all it’s shapes and sizes. I pray for more of it, and for each and every one of you reading this – because life isn’t always going to be easy — but you CAN do it!

Mar11

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Uneventful ER Trip

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This afternoon / evening, I was in the emergency room with one of my children. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking when they have pain and when we can’t do anything about it. However, while the ER trip wasn’t able to pinpoint what was actually going on, it was able to rule out anything more serious. All in all, I’m thankful because it was a pretty uneventful trip.

I am grateful to believe in and serve a God larger than life. Our God is Healer.

Mar10

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Reckless Ones – Part 3

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So today, like each week at Skyline, proved to be motivating and convicting. The message today was a continuation of the Reckless Ones series – where we dig deeper and learn how to love like Jesus loved. Does your behavior, and do your words reflect Jesus? Do your actions show love? What we say is a reflection of what’s in our heart. Allow God, today, to do a work in your heart. Pay attention to the words coming out of your mouth – even the tone you are speaking with. Our words can build up, or they can tear down…it’s important to keep in mind how you would feel if the conversation were reversed.

Let’s strive to live and love as Jesus loved – continuing to love recklessly.

Here is a video of today’s service. I encourage you to take a few moments and watch.

Mar9

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Hope

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Hope. It’s a little word with a powerful meaning. I mention hope all the time. Why? Because it is that important!

I’m thankful because hope is not fleeting. It’s real. When life seems overwhelming, there is hope. Hope isn’t an elusive thing either. It’s real, and it’s ever-present.

There is ALWAYS hope of a brighter tomorrow – or of better times to come. No matter what you’re going through, don’t lose sight of the fact that hope is real, and it’s for you. If this is you today, and you are struggling, I urge you to reach out. You are not alone. You matter. If you’d like to talk through this with anyone, know that I’m here – even if just across the internet. You can comment below, or feel free to message me through my “contact me” page. Know, though, that you don’t have to walk through your struggles alone. There is hope.

Mar8

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Redeemed Tour

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I am blessed and encouraged to know that in a few short hours I will be able to attend the Redeemed Tour with Citizen Way, Chris August and Big Daddy Weave. It has been almost two years since I’ve been able to attend a concert. In an amazing showing of God’s love for me, a way has been made for me to attend a completely sold out show. What a blessing to be able to go “as a guest” of one of the artists.

These last couple of weeks have been an interesting variety of curveballs thrown by life. I believe this concert will a perfectly timed oasis in the midst of recent chaos.

Thankful for this opportunity. Now it’s time to hit the road and get there nice and early.

Mar7

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Changing Mindset

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The topic today is pretty personal, but one I would imagine many people deal, even struggle with. It is with that thought process that I would like to share a pretty neat experience I had today.

Let me back up for a moment. As I have been sharing, our church is doing a series that talks about loving recklessly – learning to love as Jesus loved. It conquers the idea of an us vs. them complex. In said scenario, no one is perfect – with the only exception being Jesus. So, with that said, it is His commandment that we love one another.

I’ll be the first to tell you – this is NOT always an easy feat.

I will now fast forward to today, with a brief background. The objective – show God’s love. To everyone. Yes, everyone – even those not easy to love. Check.

If you are anything like me, there are probably a few different “kinds” of people you probably find yourself with disdain, as opposed to love for. Yes? I will be the first to raise my hand. But, thank God, this mindset of mine is changing. Through God working in my heart, I’m learning to see people and situations differently – through His eyes.

Let’s explore this for a second. Love how Jesus loves. How do we know how Jesus loves? It’s simple. He does. Period. He loves people simply because they are people. He has a crazy unconditional love for us. As human beings, will we always be able to love like this? Not highly likely. Should we try? Absolutely, without a doubt.

Okay, so today.

As I was out and about running errands, the individual behind the cash register was some I would have once been very inclined to say something (in my head) like, “it’s another [insert stereotypical, and likely judgmental classification here]– gosh, they’re everywhere!” I’d probably have some other mental thought process going on, and it wouldn’t have been nice. Like I said, God’s working on my heart in this (and many) area(s).

Today, however, was different. I saw this individual and had compassion. I smiled and was friendly. I had that initial “it’s another [PERSON TO LOVE]” thought. I did not see them as a negative member of society. Instead, I saw them as another person to love. I didn’t do anything super spiritual. I didn’t go above and beyond. I just carried on pleasant conversation, and I allowed walls in my own heart to crumble. I was kind to this person (not that I’d ever have been mean) and I did what I could in a short amount of time to just not judge and to show love.

I hope you’ll join me on this mission of loving people recklessly – even those who are hard to love. It isn’t always going to be easy, but it IS always going to be worth it.

That, my friends, is what I am grateful for today. I’m grateful to see these small, yet huge, changes going on inside me.

Mar6

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Friendships

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There is one thing you have probably heard me talk about before, and something you will likely hear me speak about again (often) — and that is people. People need people. Everyone needs friends surrounding them and supporting them. It doesn’t make you weak to need a friend. It makes you human.

I am taking this day to be grateful for old friendships, and new ones forming. God is blessing me with beautiful people with such sweet spirits. God is helping me look internally and figure out a need for transparency. No matter how happy or how sad a situation is, it all boils down to being real. Having friends who love you through both the good and bad times is priceless.

I strongly suggest you reach out to others in your life. You might just be surprised at the love that reaches back.

I am thankful today for friendships, new and old.