[Mama_Bear]

I am sure it will be quiet here this weekend, with everyone busily preparing for Christmas. Stop by and say hello if you can. Have a great weekend!

FReepMail me if you would like to be added to, or removed from, the Finest ping list.

[Mama_Bear]

If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Dansangel; Dutchess; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; FreeTheHostages, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, military personnel, and their families and friends.

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Saturday !

[FreeTheHostages]

[lonestar]

Sleep? What's that?

[cyborg]

I am sleeping right now as a matter of fact....

[The Mayor]

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. —Psalm 143:5

Joy thrives in the soil of praise.

[The Mayor]

December 20, 2003

Thoughtful Praises

Read: Psalm 143

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. —Psalm 143:5

Bible In One Year: 1 Peter 1-2

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Most of us long to praise God more joyfully than we do. One common hindrance is that no matter how hard we try, we often don't feel like praising Him.

Bible teacher Selwyn Hughes says that God has placed within us three main functions: the will, the feelings, and the thoughts. Our will, he says, has little or no power over our feelings. You can't say, "I am going to feel different," and then accomplish it by sheer willpower. What the feelings do respond to are the thoughts. Quoting another source, Hughes says: "Our feelings follow our thoughts like baby ducks follow their mother." So how can we make our thoughts the leader of our feelings?

David showed us the way in Psalm 143. Feeling overwhelmed and distressed (v.4), he took time to think about the Lord (v.5). He remembered God's lovingkindness, trustworthiness, and guidance (v.8); His protection and goodness (vv.9-10); His righteousness and mercy (vv.11-12). Once David got going, his feelings began to follow his thoughts.

Name your own blessings daily; contemplate them thoroughly; speak about them to God and to others. Gradually your concern about feelings will diminish and you'll be praising God with joy. —Joanie Yoder

Take control of my heart today,
Keep it filled with joy and praise
And gratitude for every good
You bestow on all my days. —Sees

Joy thrives in the soil of praise.

[jwfiv]

Good morning, Mama_Bear...)

Santa's made his list and has the sleigh out of the garage, oiling the skids and checking the reigns and traces...he probabl gave the reindeer a little extra alfalfa and sugar cubes this morning.

He's carrying a load heavier than usual this year, what with all the gifts for our troops on station far away.

May the good Lord bless them as they go about their dangerous duties.

(Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for your words of wisdom).

Wishin' all the finest a very fine weekend...)

[dixie sass]

That is one tuckered out li'l ol' bear. Morning!

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Mama and all FReepers everywhere.