Count Your Blessings

I just thought I'd take some time to reflect on how fortunate I am. You might like to do the same.

I read an article where the author stated that it is insensitive to encourage other people to 'count their blessings' as that person might be experiencing intense suffering at the time. While it is appropriate to acknowledge and even empathise others' hurts and trials, we can still give thanks for the blessings in our own lives.

I just read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in the Bible part of which states '...........give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' This is pretty clear and certainly doesn't leave room for the grumbling which I often find myself partaking in.

So next time........

I grumble about having to clean my house...........................
I'll be thankful that I have a home.

I grumble about my car....................................
I'll be thankful that I have transport so easily available.

I grumble about having to walk so far....................................
I'll be thankful that I can walk.

I grumble about having to go grocery shopping......
I'll be thankful that I have money to buy food.

I grumble about having to carry things................................
I'll be thankful that I have arms.

I grumble about having to vote.............................................
I'll be thankful that I live in a democracy.

I grumble about having too much 'people time'..........................
I'll be thankful that I have friends.

I grumble about going to work...............................
I'll be thankful that I have a job.

I grumble about bills.........................
I'll be thankful that I have electricity, gas, a telephone and a computer.

I grumble about being sick..........................
I'll be thankful that I have ready access to medical facilities.

I grumble about money........................................
I'll be thankful that I'm rich compared to many others.

That's just a start.

What things could you be thankful for today?

Wirra

If any AFL player deserves a big thumbs up it has to be David Wirrpanda (pronounced Wirrpunda).

Not only has he been a talented player for the Eagles for the past 12 seasons but he sets a great example by the way he conducts himself on and off the field. He doesn't get into fights, he doesn't get suspended, he doesn't hit the headlines for suss off-field behaviour. From what I've seen and heard about him, he just seems like a quiet, humble bloke. Wirra's also a great role model for both indigenous and non-indigenous kids with his charity work through the David Wirrpanda Foundation. He uses his profile to do good in the community.

I reckon more players should take a leaf out of his book and realise there's more to being a champion than just great onfield performances.

* Pic is from the Official West Coast Eagles website

Give Your Pastor A Hug

Okay, maybe not literally give your pastor a hug....they may not be into hugs ;)

But this week I'd like to give a big enthusiastic thumbs up to pastors.

The more I think about them, the more I admire them for their love and service to God and his people. And when I say 'pastors', I also wish to include godly men and women in full-time or part-time ministries of all capacities, examples being chaplains and missionaries.

I have no doubt there are evil men and women out there, peddling the gospel for their own gain and to manipulate and control those they lead. This post is not about them - it's about the thousands of pastors who serve with integrity, whose lives are bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, those who keep being faithful to God and faithful to those they lead despite opposition.

You wouldn't be in it for the money, that's for certain. Only love and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ would inspire them to give up lucrative careers to serve among the perennial whingers and complainers who often come with church ministry. I look at them and think 'Far out' - I'd be tempted to give up and I'm sure they are sometimes....but they keep going. They keep loving, keep being being patient, keep listening, keep holding out the word of truth to stubborn obstinate people while wrestling with their own weaknesses and finding time themselves to sit at God's feet and listen to him.

I've heard people say shocking things about some pastors. Sure, they make mistakes. But most of these guys are genuinely doing their best and trying to care for people to the best of their ability. It is virtually impossible to run a service or group in such a way that pleases everyone. How hard must it be to lead a group of people who all expect you to be their personal counseller. I was talking to Aimee's dad last night and he pastors a church in Botswana. He said as soon as he became a pastor, he became a counseller. Some people have genuine issues and need comfort and support. But surely pastors' patience must be stretched when people just want to complain that the pastor has not had them over for dinner as much as Billy or Bob.

No pastor is perfect just as no person is perfect. And they may not be perfect leaders but they need our support just as much as we need theirs. Think about how you can care for your pastor. Or just simply say 'thank you'. So many pastors 'burn out' and quit ministry as a result. It's a tough gig but a worthwhile one so give them the joy of seeing the fruit of their labour by showing them how the Lord has used their labour to impact your life.

• Tell them in person, email, SMS or a phone call (or write an anonymous note).


• Pray for them.


• Share scripture with them to encourage them to keep going.

If you're a pastor-type, THANK YOU. You are appreciated and we are grateful for you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

For more info on the Thumbs Up series, click here.

Thumbs Up!

Rodney Olsen over at The Journey blog wants to accentuate the positive and has rightly identified the negative vibe which often comes with the blogosphere. See the post here at his blog.

When thinking about what I'd like to do this week, I decided to follow the same idea as Amanda from Amanda's Musings and thank a couple of bloggers whose blogs I've really enjoyed reading for a year and a bit.

Before I name them, I just want to say what influenced my selections. There are tons of good blogs out there but I particularly like reading blogs that are real and gutsy, where you can actually get to know the blogger (as much as you can 'online') and find encouragement from hearing their joys and struggles.

I meet up with a Christian friend every Wednesday after I finish my writing day and currently we're reading through A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. The last chapter we read really struck me as it was about the real meaning of fellowship. Too often in churches we don't really get to know each other and the word fellowship has come to mean mere social chit chat. Fellowship is much more than that. It's about sharing honestly and being transparent as we bravely open up to others. It's about dropping the masks we wear and letting others see who we really are. And often when one brave person admits their struggles, the others who have kept quiet find the encouragement to do the same. The blogosphere is often just as littered with fakeness and inauthenticity as the 'real world'.

So I want to thank Bek from Longfur and James from Middo's World for their contributions to the blogosphere and for being authentic with their insightful posts. Often the only contact I have with Christians during my day at work is through the blogosphere. Guys, I am really encouraged by your passion for God and for mission. Keep blogging! That's a big enthusiastic two thumbs up from me!

(P.S. I can't believe I managed to include the logo in this post. It's a miracle!)