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Monday, September 19, 2011

The Gift of Trust

I was reading from Ann Voskamp's 'One Thousand Gifts'. She spoke about how the very act of being thankful for the moment we are in, creates a cathedral...a cathedral of praise.  We can be anywhere, doing anything and if we enter into gratefulness for that moment He has given us, it as if we are in the world's most beautiful cathedral, giving our sacrifice of praise...but it's right there in our hearts.  


As I'm sure you know by now, my family loves to take little day trips to the mountains, to the prairies, to the lakes, to the woods...any place away from the grind and the noise of everyday  life.  In those moments, those snippets of time, when we are surrounded by God, His creation and all of His glory, it is easy to turn our hearts towards Him and become caught up in a cathedral of praise.


But what about those moments where we don't see His glory?  What about those moments when we can't seem to sense His presence or understand why life is playing out the way it is, or we can't see past the "yuck"?  Can those moments become a cathedral of praise? Does He really expect us to be thankful in all of life's moments and to see everything as a gift?


I do know that He is my heavenly Father and  He will cause everything to work for good in my life.  He may allow me to stay in an unwanted situation for a while as I learn a truth or develop a character trait that I'm lacking or am weak in; maybe staying just long enough to forgive someone, or to learn patience or selflessness.


Recently, after losing my job, I forgot to be thankful.  I forgot that I had met wonderful people, learned new skills, deepened my faith.  How could I turn a moment like this into a cathedral of praise when panic and fear would like to set up residence in my heart.  How can I trust Him enough in this situation to turn my heart Godward and see great things coming from this...this place of pain?


I know that it means change is coming, but I don't know what that looks like.  As I press into Him and put all my trust in Him, I am certain of this...He will not let me down, nor forsake me, nor turn loose of His hold on me.  But what am I to learn?  How long am I to stay here?  Can feelings of distraction and fear be gloriously changed to hope, trust and peace, merely by entering into thanksgiving and praise?  He has blessed me so much and He will walk with me along this crooked path until it becomes straight once more.  And while we walk, I contemplate more gifts that I am thankful for.


49.  That He walks along side me no matter the path I choose, if I ask Him to.


50.  Feeling His tender mercies...new every morning.


51.  The sounds of my fountain and wind chimes on my front porch as I write these words.

52.  The soft rainbow that reminds me of His covenant with me.
53.  That He has never left me forsaken and alone nor begging for bread.
                 
54.  The gentle rain that brings my lavender and herbs back to life.

55.  My son telling me this week that I am the kindest person he knows.
56.  There is always food in the refrigerator and the pantry.
57.  That my group of Bible study "sisters" is so faithful to each member of our group.
58.  That I serve a God who believes in "doing life together".

Can you think of ways that you have put your trust in Him and are thankful that you did so? Are there areas of your life that are in His hands right now that you are steadfastly praising Him for, trusting that He will cause those things to work out for your good? Share some of those things with us so that we may be encouraged and build up our faith with yours!

"Make every moment a cathedral giving glory." ~Ann Voskamp
To see what others are giving thanks for today, hop on over to Ann Voskamp's site and visit for some inspiriation there!



From His Lap,

                                                                             

24 comments:

  1. I love the picture of you and your son!! How wonderful and what a great thing for him to say to you!!! I needed this post because I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that is on our plate and I know the one way to change that is to be grateful for all that I have. Thanks again, I always get so much out of your post!! You are an amazing lady!!

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  2. Kathy,
    Yes, be thankful for each moment that you are in and He will bless your time and your family! You always inspire me!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  3. Erin,
    Thank you for sharing all of your blessings... your son is amazing and I know proud doesn't say enough.
    Hugs
    Lisa

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  4. Every time He has me stepping out of a comfort zone, I take that Mighty Hand of his and trust Him.
    Right now I am also trusting Him with my prodigal. I can move forward and live and have joy because I know my loved one is in most capable hands. Trusting Him with my most precious gift, I can trust Him with everything else.

    Great pic of you and your son! It makes me smile :)

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  5. I was on my face today crying out to God for HIs mercy. I had a need for HIs provision. My husband is training and moving from one shop to another and we have not had money for things for a while. Or shall I say he has not made money. People through the Holy Spirits unctioning has brought us food. Paid a bill, even given a car when ours broke down. I had to bless Him today because He took care of us in a way I never saw coming. Bless His Name. And I must get that book. Every time I turn around I am shown Ann´s writing by someone. Must be a sign. Thanks Erin!

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  6. Hi Erin - I also read her book and it definitely challenges a person to thankfulness. I believe thankfulness changes a person's perspective and we realize from whom all comes and its humbling. thus we don't take credit. To God all thankfulness and credit is due.
    Great post
    God bless
    Tracy

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  7. Lisa,
    He is a sheer delight & a gift from God.
    Love you,
    ~Erin

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  8. Kristin,
    I am walking where you walk with a prodigal of my own. They are in God's hands. I'm honored you stopped by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  9. Thomasina,
    You will love Ann Voskamp's book. I encourage you to get it. I too, am crying out to God, during this time that I need to find a job. We will lift each other in prayer!
    Bless you, Thomasina!
    ~Erin

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  10. Tracy,
    Living in an attitude of gratitude does change perspective on everything. I'm so thankful for the many blessings I see and don't see!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  11. Erin, I have truly missed my visits to your site during this time of healing. In retrospect I should have made it a stop each day for an uplifting post! I am feeling some better and need to keep my attention on The Hubby right now while he is enduring the pain from the accident. He had an MRI today and our prayers are that he is ok. God knows what is best. Sending you much love.

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  12. I love this post. Ann's book is great. It really brings things into perspective.

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  13. Karen,
    I have been praying for you and your hubby! Let me know how his MRI turns out.
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  14. Julie,
    Ann Voskamp in awesome. I am blessed every time I read anything of hers. Thanks so much for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  15. Hey chicky! Love this post. I woke up this AM and because of your emphasis on gratitude I took the time to tell God what I am thankful for!! What a difference.

    Love it and YOU!
    Dianne

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  16. I love you, Dianne! I know you are grateful for the blessed life that you have!
    I love you!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  17. I've never really subconsciously/knowingly put my trust on Him. However, last year when I was asked to leave student teaching early, I definitely believe that I put my trust in Him as I spent 5 weeks trying to decide my next step. I definitely think that student teaching and the aftermath were His way of telling me that I'm not teacher material but am instead a teacher's assistant or office worker and am somewhat meant to be a writer.

    Now, as a college graduate searching for a job, my life is definitely in His hands. The problem is, I'm finding it hard to trust Him as the 6-month deadline for my student loans gets closer. If only I could stop worrying...

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  18. Very inspiring post Erin; I have been trying to make a special effort to say “thanks” to God for every special blessing He has in store for me…before I see or realize the blessing. I have always been thankful to God for what He has done in my life, but it's so important to be thankful in advance for how He is going to work all things together for my good. He wants to give me what is best; His good and perfect will! :)

    Blessings and love,
    Denise

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  19. Sarah,
    Sometimes things happen and we don't even realize that God is working on our behalf! We find out later that we should have trusted Him all along. I'm so glad that you have found your calling and that you have your life in His hands. I wish you many blessings on your journey!
    ~Erin

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  20. Denise,
    Since I have started to be thankful no matter the situation, I have discovered so many blessings along the way. It really changes how we see things, doesn't it!!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  21. What a beautiful post, and I LOVE all the great pics :) Thanks for sharing this!

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  22. Debbie,
    Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope my post blessed you!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  23. Erin, thank you so much for all that you share! Thank you so much for the sweet birthday wishes! Sorry I've been a little M.I.A. lately. Things have been busy. Glad to catch up on your posts and be inspired as always! Such a sweet pic of you and your son!
    Xo
    Maria

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  24. Thank you, Maria. My son makes me proud every day!! I'm so glad you stopped by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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