Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday 7-30-2020

Thankful Thursday hears prayers of joy and gratitude along with prayers asking for comfort, direction, and peace for several people throughout our life. News from family and friends weaves its way into my prayer life. While having an intimate relationship with our Savior is a priceless gift, that intimacy reaches beyond the concerns for ourselves to those in our lives.

For our personal relationship with the Lord, Romans 8:26 says “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” The Holy Spirit acts as our intercessor when we ourselves can not express or even understand that which we need in our prayers.

Intercessors

The intercessory role is not reserved for the Holy Spirit alone. Each of us can fill this role. Find encouragement with these words from James 5:16, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Have you have ever felt a prodding to call a loved one? Had the name of someone you know randomly pop into your head? Or repeatedly run into someone that you have not seen in a long time? God may be calling you to lift them in prayer. You might be called to speak to them directly through words or thoughtful action. Follow that prodding even if it seems small. Often times, God uses the smallest actions to have mega impact in life.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 7-30-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 7-23-2020

Thankful Thursday welcomes a new driver in our household. So many emotions fill our home. A sense of freedom fills our new driver. Confidence in his driving ability and concern for situations on the road that cannot be practiced fill my mind along with many others. Through it all, prayer wraps each moment, thought, and emotion.

Excitement for his first drive alone fills the air along with the many future rides he will have with his brother. The beginning of new adventures always brings a mix of emotions. Choosing to embrace the excitement while the anxious knot of the unknown rests in your belly is the fuel for rising to meet the new venture before you.

New Roads

Jesus walked several roads throughout His life time. Always connected to God. His approach to life is a model for ours. As we walk (or drive!) new roads, connecting to God is our greatest means of comfort. It may not take away the pain. But connecting brings us closer to the One who can offer peace that passes understanding.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 7-23-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 7-16-2020

Thankful Thursday sees forward motion in life. A new day dawns. Opportunities to live, create, and grow await my choice of action. Being careful and selective of my inspiration is paramount.

Currently, I walk the fine line of keeping the TV off, but checking for the latest updates for the healthiest and safest ways to interact with others. My goal is to make wise decisions for both the people in my care as well as for those they will engage with plus all of our families we go home to at night. My thought process, emotions, and energy seesaw as I reach to see as many perspectives as I possibly can.

There are so many seasons of life, personal situations from risk factors to healthy self care, and group care responsibilities impacting the everyday decisions we make. Our current situation is certainly highlighting the web of connectivity and impact we have on each other as humans. In an effort to live into as much good as possible right now, follow the words of John Wesley:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
― John Wesley

The Heart

As we continue forward day by day, the responsibility of our actions lies within each of us. Our hearts will be laid bare through the actions we choose. Will we fall prey to the negative self talk that keeps us focused on ourselves? Or will we fortify ourselves in God’s Word and be strengthened by our weakness by Christ who lives within? Will we step away from judgement of each other allowing God to do His work?

Stay grounded in God’s word as new information is continually shared. God never changes. His Word and guidance will direct you along the paths He has laid before you to choose.

We humans try to figure out our life plan and the steps to take all along the way. Is there one right path? One correct decision? Only the decision to turn our eyes, thoughts, and hearts to God allowing Him to use our lives for His glory.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 7-16-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 7-9-2020

Thankful Thursday offers opportunities to try experiences in new ways. In preparation for sharing this post today, I read through the various devotions I usually read. Having gone through them, I still felt a bit uninspired.

So I decided to hop on the computer and check in with the Bible Gateway site to see what verse was being highlighted today. Here is what I found:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV Powerful words before my eyes went to my brain and stirred my heart. However, I still felt there was more for me to grasp from these words.

Sound Power

While looking at the verse, I happened to see a sound symbol beside it. Intrigued, I clicked on the symbol. Up popped a new window and the sound of a soothing voice began to share the words my eyes had just read. Through these sounds, I was able to close my eyes and envision Paul writing to the Ephesians through his inspiring words.

The words of encouragement transcended time and space reaching through to my heart fanning its flame and love for Jesus Christ and our Creator. It took a different format and new way of learning something I do day after day to reach my heart well today. But the great thing is: new and different are God’s specialty. Be on the lookout for how God is reaching out to you today is a new and different way and enjoy!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 7-9-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 7-2-2020

Thankful Thursday counts down the days we remain living under one roof. Our oldest is about to head off to college beginning the process of forging his life through his chosen experiences. While both my husband and I graduated from college, being on the flip side as a parent preparing to send our child (technically young adult) off to college has its own set of emotions.

Unknown Future/Recent History

To prepare for this unknown path for our family, we reach out to trusted friends whom have already traveled this path. What is our future is their recent past. They share their knowledge and advice and we are grateful. Being able to learn from someone “who has been there” soothes the anxious feelings of preparing the physical items and the emotional transition that will occur for each of us.

Here, Now, Always

While we have the gift of others whom have trod the path before us willing to share their insights, we most importantly have the gift of a relationship with Our Heavenly Father, the Lord God. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 He transcends space and time. In Him, we find comfort, peace, and rest even in the face of the unknown.

So as we gather the college items for the rapidly nearing future, prayers continue to rise from our hearts and minds. Prayers asking for the direction, guidance, and wisdom to grow more fully aligned with God’s Will for his life. Additional prayers for grace and mercy for the inevitable learning moments that will occur. And finally, love.

Love for the passion God has placed in his heart, for the people met on the ebb and flow of life, and for the exciting unknown that holds one known: God waiting for us.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 7-2-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 6-25-2020

On today’s Thankful Thursday, my mind continues to travel to thoughts of dad’s creativity. Growing up, we used to watch a show on TV called MacGyver. If you’ve never seen the show, MacGyver is a top agent who uses his scientific knowledge and little more than a paper clip and duct tape to thwart his enemy while fulfilling his mission of righting the wrongs of the world. I loved watching this show with dad.

Real life Macgyver?

While watching the show was fun entertainment, the challenge to use what he had to create what he needed was ever present. While attempting his creations, he often shared about the commission for Christians to be good stewards of the gifts given to us. This included the land we live on, the supplies (or “stuff”) we use to live, and the people in our lives. So while he used clothes pins and tent lines to craft drying lines for the dish towels and wash rags, he modeled repurposing of every day items to gain even more function out of them.

(Im)possible?

There is another “Dad” who specializes in creating the impossible to become possible. Our Heavenly Father. He loves us dearly. When we turn to Him for our everything: guidance, direction, comfort, and joy, our eyes are opened to new perspectives and new thoughts. Mark 10:27 states: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

An abundant supply of resources surround us waiting for us to use it to create. Where one may see impossible road blocks, God has gifted you with the vision and talent to create something the world needs. Like dad and MacGyver, use what you have to create what is needed. God and the world excitedly await your blessing. Cheering you on!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 6-25-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 6-18-2020

Thankful Thursday sits on the doorstep of Father’s Day. A moment where we look at the lesson learned through the fathers and father figures in our lives. Lessons that impact the choices we make each day in the we choose to live our lives. Key components of life for dad include fun, family, and faith.

Fun

My earthly father loves our family and to have fun with us. Memories of tent camping, family Olympics in the backyard (winners earning a willow tree branch “crown”), and playing board and card games fill my mind with the ways he had fun with us. We continue beloved traditions of campfires and whiffle ball games in the backyard instilled from years ago.

Family

Dad is an incredible conversationalist. Nothing seems to hinder him from having a conversation with any random person (a trait I’ve been told hasn’t fallen far from the tree!) While my dad’s profession deals with building and repairing physical objects, his gift lies in building connection. Honed at family family gatherings, his gifts of storytelling and listening blessed those outside our family. Strong relationships grew from these foundational gifts.

Faith

Each day growing up, I would see dad eating his two bowls of cereal while soaking up his daily devotion and scripture reading. Having fueled up for the day physically and spiritually, he went out to complete his jobs and connect with his clients. About once a year, our family lived out our faith by doing family mission trips together where even as kids we began to learn the art of physically, relationally, and spiritually building a home.

I praise the Lord for the gift of my earthly father. Dad will tell you he lives his life in a way that when he comes face to face with his Maker he may be greeted with the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21. As dad continues on the path of life with fun, family, and faith centered in Christ, God is at work. His servant is ready and willing to serve. And the Lord gets the glory of a life well lived in Him.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 6-18-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 6-11-2020

Thankful Thursday launches the value of perspective for our family today. When we see things one way, check with a trusted resource. Through these trusted resources, our misunderstandings can be corrected. Our hope and spirit renewed.

Today my one son came in from his work out in tears. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, “My workout.” “Please explain a little more.” I commented. He shared, “I’m only one third of the way complete and am not going to be able to finish it all.”

A couple of minutes later, my other son came in from the same workout. He asked his brother what was wrong. When the younger one said, “The workout.” His older brother asked “Why? You only have one more thing to do.”

Renewed Perspective

Upon hearing this comment, they looked at the workout together to find this latter statement to be true. The youngest believed he was going to have to complete the listed exercises three times through for the complete workout! When in reality, it was only the one exercise he had to do three times in a row.

The immediate relief that swept across his face was sweet to see! From tears to a smile in a matter of moments, his heart once again happy. I saw Proverbs 15:13 lived out before me: “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”

I pray you seek Godly counsel with any of the tough stuff you may be facing. The greatest perspective of all: His! And He yearns for each of us to turn to Him.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 6-11-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 6-4-2020

Thankful Thursday feels the sun shining down in central PA warming all it touches. As I type, the hum of a lawn mower plays its continual sounding in the background. And the birds make it known that they will not be outdone by man made noise!

The brink of summer is upon us. For those lucky enough to be mobile, the outdoors may be getting quite familiar by now. During the quarantine, many people I know sought solace in the great outdoors. Reconnecting with nature, moving bodies, and slowing down the pace of life are all actions I tie to summer, but in retrospect, we were gifted these delights a bit earlier this year.

I pray these actions continue through the summer season and beyond. By getting outside, we step into God’s creation. We open the door for our eyes to see the work of the Holy One in action. May this choice lead to opening our hearts to the Lord’s call on our lives.

We witness the blessings and abundance of the Lord in His Creation. We connect with Him by sharing our thought life in prayer. Learning from God comes by reading His Word. The Bible offers each of us clear direction and guidance as we dive into it.

I encourage you to open up the Good Book and hear from God. You can even find the Bible online through one of the many Bible apps available to read or listen to. As a bonus, soak in these words from God while immersed in His creation ~ it is good for the soul!

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 6-4-2020 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.

Thankful Thursday 5-28-2020

Thankful Thursday offers contemplative time with the falling rain and our family dog modeling the benefits of being well-rested. My mind visit several conversations I have had the pleasure of sharing in this week. The topic of time consistently arose throughout the various conversations. As my mind pondered this frequent occurrence, it also recognized the musings of thoughts working together to grasp lessons and learning from the blanket pause button that has occurred on everyday life.

Shared observations include: what was everyday life in Mayberry, the 80s, and this past decade. Then conversations also shared a glimpse of life over the past two to three months. When visiting the impacts of these lifestyles and the good that has resulted from this pause, some common themes evolved. People getting outside and moving their bodies (I’ve even met many new neighbors on our walks with the dog!), pollution reduction opening views of Mt. Everest in India, and creative connecting of people and ideas becoming the seed of greatness for the future.

This great wake up to the importance of pausing and its impact on our lives beckons us to become more intentional with the gift of our time as we reenter the gathered community. As individuals and families begin to build new rhythms for their lives, remember this pause and its impact. Be intentional in curating space in your schedule. Pause. Get outside. Thoughtfully let an important person in your life know you are thinking of them.

Thank you Lord for your amazing gifts of time and space and connection!

Thankful Thursday 5-28-2020 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.