MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 5; Friendship & Love

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 KJV

Today, I am grateful for friendship. The inspiration for this week’s journal entry came from two sources. The first was my acknowledgment of the friends I have and my appreciation for the concern and encouragement they show me. I realize I am blessed to have people in my life who I can talk to about everything. The second source is Easter. Those of us who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ observe this ultimate demonstration of friendship and love every day; but, this Sunday, His act of obedience will be highlighted around the world.

As John 15:13 states, there is no greater love than a man who would lay down his life for a friend. For me, one of the ways someone can express friendship is by being a source of encouragement and love.

About two years ago, one of my friends gave me a gift that encompasses encouragement and the love God has for us. She gave me a devotional entitled, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Each day, I receive a message that is befitting to whatever I am experiencing. It was given to me at a time when I needed it. I felt broken and defeated, but the words of comfort and reassurance in this book reminded me that God is with me and He won’t put more on me than I can bear. I appreciate my friend for recognizing my need and giving me a matchless solution—the Word of God Himself.

I am eternally grateful for God’s unconditional love for me and true friendship and as a gesture of my gratitude, I am going to bless someone with a copy of Sarah Young’s devotional.

If you’re interested in a chance to receive a copy of Jesus Calling, share what you are grateful for with me. Please send an email to towandawrites@gmail.com stating what you’re grateful for and why.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 pm Saturday, 24 April 2021. The selected entry will be shared with our readers, and the author will receive a copy of the devotional.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 4; Requited Encouragement

“Be an encourager. The world has enough critics already.” - Dave Willis

My decision to become a blogger came with a desire to encourage and inspire others to love themselves more. I honestly believe I have a passion for encouraging because I realize how impactful it can be, and I also know how detrimental the opposite can be. In a previous relationship, I was subjected to a lot of ridicule. And unfortunately, the constant belittlement chipped away at my self-confidence, and I started believing it. But thanks be unto to God, I recognized my worth before I fell completely into the abyss of untruth that was presented to me. I was fortunate that I was able to figure out which was Shinola.

I am a huge advocate for self-acceptance and focusing on how we see ourselves over how others view us. But truth be told, there are some instances where we will encounter people who will offer kind words and encouragement, which is what I want to highlight in this journal entry.

Over the years, I’ve been told I am “diplomatic” and I have a “calming presence.” Recently, a co-worker shared something with me that I was not expecting. He walked by my office, then he stepped back in the doorway and looked at me. When I saw him pop up again I assumed he needed something from me, but he gave me something instead. He said, “you have a calming presence. A lot of times I get upset and stressed here, but seeing you calms me down.” Although I’ve been told I’m “calming,” hearing it again recently was encouraging and inspiring. It made me feel good because this isn’t something I do deliberately—it is who I am. And being told my natural and unapologetic behavior helps him, encouraged me immensely.

I am grateful to him for sharing his feelings with me. I also appreciate this validating experience. Contrary to what I was told in that previous relationship, being who I am is a good thing.

MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 3; It's Okay to Feel My Emotions

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” - Fred Rogers

I read the above quote from Mr. Rogers last year and it stuck with me. I believe that goes without saying because I’ve used it numerous times in things I’ve written. I’m not sure if I’ve used it on this blog before, but regardless if I have or not, it bears repeating.

I am human. God made me, and He included emotions. There will be times when I’ll feel happy and some when I will feel sad, and that is okay. What I must focus on is how I handle my emotions.

As I was gathering my thoughts to write this entry, I questioned whether or not to pray about what is on my mind. To be perfectly honest, I had a thought that made me almost believe praying about my feelings would be ridiculous. But thankfully, I realized where that thought came from.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeing whom he may devour; whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethern that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 KJV

I am grateful for realizing my emotions are a part of the package. And even if they feel overwhelming at times, I have a place of refuse and help.

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” - Psalm 139:2 KJV

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2 KJV

MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 2; Lessons, Love, and Gratitude

There were quite a few things that came to my mind last week that I highlighted as something I am grateful for. But I had a hard time focusing on what to write about and how to express it. It was difficult because I’ve been distracted by a desire that doesn’t look like it will come to fruition. Although the probability of not getting what I want is disappointing, I’ve decided to look for the good in it—mainly the lessons, love, and feelings of gratitude I can draw from it.

1. The lessons: (a.) I’m not going to get what I want all the time. Honestly, I think at the ripe age of 44, I should have grasped this truth by now. But considering how I feel, I hadn’t fully accepted it. (b.) Treat others the way I want to be treated. I’ve given myself a pat on the back for being able to look at situations from different perspectives and appreciate someone else’s point of view. However, how I have been feeling the last few days allowed me to see I’ve missed the mark. I’m experiencing an act or behavior that I’ve demonstrated to other people—and I don’t like it.

2. Love: I am operating in self-love by identifying my mistakes and being mature enough to correct them.

3. Gratitude: I am grateful for the lessons this disappointment taught me.

Don’t get me wrong, I still want it and I’m hoping it is just delayed, but whatever the outcome, I am appreciative of the lessons, the love, and the gratitude it birthed.

Introducing the My Heels in Life Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 1; Anxiety, Discontent, and Dread Oh My

'“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 KJV

Expressing gratitude is something that was instilled in me as a child. I was taught to give thanks for the blessings I received. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned and embraced the importance of being grateful for everything in life—even the bad things.

About three years ago, a coworker who knew about my blog, told me about the gratitude journal, which is a diary of things the author is grateful for. It is designed to help focus on the positive things in life. When it was mentioned to me, I thought it was a great idea and I wanted to try it, but I hadn’t carved out the time to do it. A few days ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook page and I stopped at two posts from two years ago this week, which inspired me to start my journal. The FB posts weren’t the only things that inspired me. I was also encouraged to do this by the way I felt when I woke up this past Monday morning.

Every morning when I wake up and sit up in my bed, I immediately tell God “thank you.” I do this because I know He extended grace and mercy toward me and allowed me to wake up. And although I am truly grateful for life, I had a little more pep in my step on a Monday—of all days. As I was preparing for work, I realized my mind was at peace. I wasn’t complaining about the fact that I was going to work. This is significant because a year ago this week, I felt completely different. Back then, I was consumed with anxiety, discontent, and dread. I literally hated going to work. I was actually sad about it!

Two years ago this week I started a different position at work. Honestly speaking, as the first day of that gig approached, I started worrying and wondering if I was equipped to handle what I was about to face. The night before, I was still feeling uneasy, and the song “My Life is in Your Hands” by God’s Property came to my mind.

I know I wrote about this before, but it bears repeating. When the song came to my mind, I thought it was to comfort and reassure me—sending the message that everything was going to be alright. By no means am I saying everything didn’t turn out fine—well I see it did now. What I am saying is, it didn’t pan out the way I envisioned. And now that I think about it, I didn’t listen closely to the lyrics. He was telling me my heart was going to be broken—I was embarking upon a test. But He was letting me know that I could take it because He was with me, and joy was coming later.

“For His anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, by joy cometh in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5 KJV

In a nutshell, my heart was broken and I was devastated, but my morning arrived. I am no longer fighting anxiety, discontent, and dread. However, I am grateful for that time in my life. I learned some invaluable lessons.

1. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28 KJV

2. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:10 KJV

3. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross , despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 KJV

4. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” - Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Everything that happens to me may not feel good, but it is for my good and for His purpose. There are some things in life that I will have to endure, but I know I can make it regardless of how it may feel. Today, I am grateful for peace and the knowledge that my life is in His hands no matter what comes my way.