Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday 10-15-2020

Thankful Thursday brims with excitement. “Why?” you might ask. Well, tomorrow brings a new addition to our Sunday preparation sharing on social media. Usually on a Friday, you will find a post sharing the title of the message for Sunday along with name of the pastor sharing and the scripture. A link for reading the scripture to prepare your heart and mind is always included too. However this week a new sermon series begins.

The series is called “The Gospel According To Dr. Seuss.” To go along with each week’s sermon, Pastor Dan will read a Dr. Seuss book that ties to the message being shared for the week. If you are not on Facebook or Twitter (the video link will be shared there), no worries! View the readings on our YouTube channel: GravelHillUMC. (Click the link and subscribe to be ready for the upcoming reading each week!)

The comfort of a good story draws us in, reaches our heart, and shares a message that touches the goodness inside each of us. Dr. Seuss crafts tales that do just that. Draw on that goodness connection. In preparation for story time, this girl will get a warm drink to wrap my hands around, a cozy blanket to snuggle under, and my device to watch story time. I hope that you will enjoy these readings too!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 10-15-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill: currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 10-8-2020

Thankful Thursday whispers to me to keep it simple. The “it” covers a variety of areas in like including but not limited to tasks, thoughts, and time management. Yes, life gifts us each a multitude of opportunity to say yes, but we humans have limited amounts of energy and time to put towards these places we choose to say “Yes!”

My husband has many saying he shares with me. The following one I have modified slightly: “You can’t put 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound bag!” No matter how hard any of us would try, a 5 pound bag will only contain 5 pounds of whatever you put in it.

So as we go through our daily lives, it is SO important to intentionally and carefully select to what we say “Yes” in our lives (and to what we say “No”.) If struggling to figure out where to say “Yes”, follow the words of wisdom from Paul in his letter to the Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Still not sure? Keep seeking God through prayer. Read His Word. He will reveal the sweetness He has in store for your life.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 10-8-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill: currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 10-1-2020

Thankful Thursday presented a wonderful message in my devotions this morning. From Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burden and I will give you rest.” We worship by resting in God’s presence.

Far too often, I find myself grabbing my planner, checking time slots and availability, and filling up the space with “to-do” activities. Today’s scripture and devotion remind me to consistently make space for time spent with God, but also to make space to rest. To have downtime for my body, mind, and spirit.

The swirling and twirling of my thoughts and actions drain me. A nap calls to me today. My body wearily agrees that rest is what is needed. I know in fulfilling this action, I will be restored with energy and excitement for life. So today I choose rest and choose to pause normal daily activities for a bit of time today so that the sapped feeling consuming my body will be healed by resting.

Sometimes a break from the norm gives us the spark we need. Slow down. Change things up. Give yourself a break. Take a nap. A nap may be just the ticket you need too!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 10-1-2020 Experience Opportunities:

Tonight October 1 Babe’s Grill House Fundraiser Proceeds from food sales between 4pm – 12:30am will benefit Gravel Hill Church. Live music by Jake Nguyen will occur from 5 – 7 PM.

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 9-24-2020

Thankful Thursday burst forth with a gorgeous awakening of rich orange and vibrant pink lighting up the sky. The cooler temperatures this morning have put a spring in my step from my jaunt outside to send the boys off to school. These little reminders from God draw my gratitude for the life I been given.

Upon my return inside, I joyful greet the moments of silence. In these moments, I fill my bucket by spending time with God in His Word. Through the various devotions and scriptures I read, messages of inspiration, encouragement, and direction meet me. I receive them with eyes, heart, and mind open to the nudging, guiding, and edifying.

One of the scriptures I read today struck me:

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” -Hebrews 10:35-36

This scripture reinforces a message of encouragement I read yesterday: “Confidence looks good on you!” As I ponder individuals I remember noticing that exude confidence with a God-centered heart, I remember each of them with a glow to their being. They possessed a knowing of why they were taking action.

Purpose surrounds us. God does too. Purpose can change. Thankfully, God never does. We have confidence in our Lord and Savior. As we look to Him, He guides us and directs us for His purposes and His glory. As we make that connection and confidently take action, we too will glow.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 9-24-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 9-17-2020

Thankful Thursday greets my ears with the rhythms of nature. The humming white noise buzz of the insects provides the steady backdrop for the chirping crickets and calling birds. As I sit soaking up the many nature noises, I am awe of the variety and complexity of wildlife.

From the little cricket with big noise beside me to the winged grasshopper flying by to safety, the little guys of creation have big impact on this world. Each consistently does what it is created for. When we close our eyes, take a deep breath, and allow the blanket of nature’s symphony to cover us, our minds, bodies, and spirits slow down.

When we slow down, fall in line with the rhythm of nature, we allow restoration of our souls. Our thoughts calm. Muscles relax. And hearts beat more freely. Their only tasks: being open to be loved and to love. I’m grateful for nature and the calming force it bring to my soul to remember: I am loved and am built to love. John 3:16. Sending prayers for you to be loved and to love others today.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 9-17-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 9-10-2020

Thankful Thursday anticipates the forecast of cooler temperatures this weekend. With these cooler temperatures, my excitement grows. Yes, the girl who loves the hot summer days does find appreciation in the change to fall. Unsurprisingly the warmth the season has to offer is where my fondness lies.

Our backyard campfire got it first use in a couple of months last weekend and I’m looking forward to our family lighting it up again this weekend. The evenings around the fire relax the mind and body. All cozy in my jeans and sweatshirts, I come away from those nights with my spirit renewed with praise and gratitude.

The great outdoors always reminds me of my Creator. The vast reaches of the night sky with the innumerable stars that fill it, the plant life that surrounding me from the grasses to the bushes to the towering trees, and the smile faces of the humans I’m sharing this time and space with, each humble me. God is great. God is good. And I thank Him and praise Him for all these blessings and so much more.

I pray that you look for and find the greatness and goodness of God in your day. He revels in your praises and gratitude. Lift them up, enjoy,  and be renewed.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 9-10-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 9-3-2020

Thankful Thursday started with a song of praise: Bless The Lord Oh My Soul! This song erupted from my lips as I made the bed after seeing the glorious colors of the sunrise. It felt so good to lift a song of praise. Yes, I was alone in my room, but the praising made my heart happy and God heard it!

My praises continued through the morning as our family went through our new routines for this season of life (getting ready for school and work). The specific praise I lifted up: Lord, thank you for creating humans with the capability to learn! In life, we face many new situations with so many unknown pieces and parts that can feel daunting.

Growth in Learning

Those daunting feelings get tamped down when I remember this truth: God is bigger than anything in or of this world! He made you, He made me, and He made all those unknown (to me) pieces and parts. He can AND will use all of it for His glory!

We are built to learn about ourselves, others, and all those unknowns. Through that learning, we also grow.  Many resources provide opportunities to learn. The best and first place we should look to learn information and direction can be found in Isaiah 48:17. Happy praising, learning, and growing!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 9-3-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday In-Person Worship 8 AM & 10:30 AM (click the time you want to come to sign up) or Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 8-27-2020

Thankful Thursday tests the oven throttle today by cranking the the temperatures to the mid-90s here in central Pennsylvania! Quite the difference from one week age! And as the temperature has risen, so too have the wind speeds.

Plants

As I peek outside, the green vegetation is showing off its flexibility and spectrum of color as it dances in the wind and the sunlight. At times moving rapidly enough to create quite a sound effect (and a spectacle!) These wonders of nature stop me in my tracks as I pause to take in the awesomeness of Creation.

People

These wonders and gifts receive sprinkles of joys each and every day. The small joy of your first cup of coffee warming your hands. Or the quiet backdrop of your home as you take in God’s Word while preparing for your day. (This morning’s for me: John 14:27.) Sprinkled joy reaches the realm of connection: a shared smile with a stranger on the street, a “pay-it-forward” kindness given in the drive thru, or letting another know they were on your heart and lifted in your prayers.

Perspective

Wrapped in wonder, sprinkled with joy, our lives brim with blessing. As you step forward through your day, may your eyes see the beauty and blessing of Creation. May your heart receive the little sprinkles of joy tucked throughout your day. And when the day ends, reflect on the sweetness of the experience and care that surrounded each moment of your day with the joyful dashes too.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 8-27-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 8-20-2020

Thankful Thursday started with cooler temperatures here in Pennsylvania. As I ventured out for our morning walk with Cooper, our chocolate lab, he happily greeted the coolness with many tail wags and a spring in his step! Cooper’s joy magnified at the end of the driveway as we greeted one of his fellow dog “friends” and her owner.

We joined them for a portion of their walk and the beginning of ours. What a pleasant treat to begin our day! The gifts of cool temps and shared conversation were delightful. (Don’t get me wrong- this girl LOVES the warmer temperatures!) But the change from warm to cool and solitary time to shared conversation enhanced my appreciation and gratitude for all the these experiences.

No matter the situation or experience our lives become blessed and have the potential to be a blessing to others. The key is in keeping our eyes on Christ with gratitude. It is in Him we find our strength, our guidance, and yes even, the impossible.

So grateful that He delights in making a way when we can see none and providing beauty in the most unexpected ways. From the really big situations to the little pieces of everyday life, like temperature changes and conversations, God’s graces abound! Enjoy them!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 8-20-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday Online Worship at your chosen time. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

Thankful Thursday 8-13-2020

Thankful Thursday is move-in day! Finally here: the day our oldest moves into college. The vehicle is packed. As departure time creeps closer, the final tidbits list sits on the counter marking the countdown to leaving.

This milestone of life carries many emotions. Each of our minds wonder about the unknown possibilities ahead. Entering into new roles (parents of a college kid?? We can not be that old, right?). We look to engage in learning new information. Using that information combined with  our abilities, we approach this adventure with positive support.

Our Mindset

The feeling of “butterflies in the stomach” or “nervous energy” resides in our household today. We choose to guide that energy toward the emotion of excitement. We look for the new and fun opportunities that await us this day.

This fact grounds us: God is good all the time. We choose to joyously accept the moments to come today because God will be in each and every one of them. If I may humbly ask for your prayers not only for our family, but also for all the families and individuals embarking on the new adventure in their lives. The changes to comes are different for all and exciting goodness awaits just as Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10 tell us:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

Thank you for your prayers!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 8-13-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday Online Worship at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:30 AM. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.