With Thanksgiving

I've been meditating on the book of Philippians lately. Two passages have been standing out from chapter four. Here is the first:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 

Reasonableness can also be translated to mean "gentleness", being "considerate in all you do", "gentle spirit", "moderation", "gracious attitude", "humility", "fairness", "modesty", or "forbearance". I don't see much of those virtues in myself, partly due to my stubborn personality and partly because I have not made it a priority to submit my will and desires to the Holy Spirit, who has been given for my edification. I've been pondering a lot what it might mean in different areas of my life to be reasonable, especially in my interactions with others.

Here is the second passage that has resonated with me:

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Again the emphasis on giving thanks is making an impact on my heart. How often I approach God simply with petitions or even demands for what I think is best. Yet that's not the way our prayer relationship with God is designed to be: prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING. And from that position of thankfulness to proceed into worship, communion, application, pleas for mercy, wisdom, truth, and much, much more.


56. Final medical tests for prenatal care coming back clear

57. Lavender plants blooming

58. My eyes open to seeing and rejoicing over many blessings

59. Dress shirts that actually fit Chris at the Burlington Coat Factory

60. Surprise mixed CD of music from a fellow blogger I've never met

61. Our church's talented music director

62. Hearing one of my favorite British musicians on the radio in the car

63. Second knitted baby sweater complete

64. Singing thankfulness for God's blessings at small group

65. My mother joining me in the capturing of one thousand gifts

67. Delicious new baked beans recipe

68. Little girl's silly faces

69. Back issues of Real Simple magazine given free by a friend

70. Knowing that I am deeply loved not only by my family, but also by Chris's entire family