Wrapping up the Month with Thankfulness

As spring creeps in slowly (she keeps retreating and then advancing!), it's time to reflect on February.

There are many things to be filled with gratitude such as NO SNOW days at all this winter. (Although, sometimes I like a snow day - as long as there is still power and internet ...)

During recent weeks, I've been reading Anne Graham Lotz. First, I read The Daniel Prayer, which revolutionized my thinking on prayer time - especially my quiet time, or Daily Offering, as I like to call it.

Then, after reading The Daniel Prayer, I dove into her book, The Magnificent Obsession. Here is a gem from her writings that I've been mulling over:

“The incredible truth is that God the Father not only extends an offer to you to belong to His Son, He has chosen you for that purpose! (Eph. 1:4) Out of all of the daughters of Eve and the sons of Adam, the Father took the initiative and sent His Holy Spirit, His Servant, into the world to search for you. When the Servant found you, He began to convince you to accept the Father’s offer. (John 16:6-15)
... Anne Graham Lotz, The Magnificent Obsession, pg. 253

This passage really spoke to me as I was writing a message for my monthly turn at speaking, "For Such a Time as This." 

You were uniquely created and specifically placed for such a time as this. It is no accident you are where you are!

I found so many examples of this idea that I actually did not include Anne's quote in my message, so I wanted to share it with you here on the Journey.

In the classroom:

Our adult Sunday School class finished up Philippians mid-February. I love that book so much. I started to say especially the fourth chapter but really all of it is so rich. 

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ..." Philippians 1:6 NKJV

In spite of my many mess-ups, I have hope. God will complete a good work in me. It doesn't say, "if you try hard enough." Because it's all about what He can do in me, not what I do with me!

In the family:

February was a good month for us as we celebrated our 41st anniversary and discovered our newest grandbaby will be a girl.

Once, Jim and I thought we would never be parents. God has been so good to us! We now have three children and soon will have three grandchildren. He is truly a miracle-working God.

On the blog:

Things have been quiet, but I assure you, it is but the calm before a storm of posts head your way. I've been promising a series on "What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do," so those will be forthcoming ASAP.

My favorite February post was entitled, "Rescued," based on a thought-provoking dream I had last December.

And that's a wrap for February. I'm excited for March and spring and all manner of growing things!

What are YOU looking forward to in the coming month?

~~~

I'm sharing this post with Susanne's Friday Fave Five, Emily Freeman's What We Learned This Winter, Arabah Joy's Grace & Truth, and Crystal Twaddell's #FreshMarketFriday link-ups. Please consider visiting these communities. You will find a wealth of wonderful words!