Thankful After the Pause

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take
for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed,and some few to be chewed and digested:that is, some books are to be read only in parts,others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.-Francis Bacon

I spent the other night fulfilling my resolve to de-clutter my room, which of course involved emptying my bags of paper scraps, safety pins and finding things that I thought were perpetually lost. This cleaning mode started with my books. I realized that I had the habit of appointing almost all tables (and chairs) in our rooms as bookshelves. Rearranging the books was therapeutic, putting together all the business/management books in one side and all the inspirational ones in a special section that I could easily reach anytime my spirit would need a lift. This helped me unearth the fact that I have purchased so many books, but surprised to see certain titles existing in our house. I think I was hit by a consumerism bug, which could be good for the economy but bad if you deem material possessions as your sources of comfort, security, joy and confidence.

The service this week was again full of lifechanging insights, but as our Pastor put it, a dumbbell on its own can't build your muscles.It's when you pick it up and use it that it transforms into something useful and beneficial. You may be touched by a powerful message but it's only our willingness and resolute commitment to change and renew our faith in God daily that can shape our lives into something that bears fruit with love, joy and heartwarming success. Not putting into practice what we have learned from a great book, can be as dangerous as not opening it. In a lot of homes, the Bible has just served to be "one of the books." It's not just any kind of book. It must be read and medidated on in order for you to know the manual of our lives' Creator. If you're sick you go to the doctor, but when you need strength, joy, love, security, forgiveness, healing and wisdom, go to your Life-giver.

Inspiration is available wherever we are. Yes, inspiration is available 24/7, not only through things that we could observe with our own eyes, but also by way of the wonderful changes that have happened, and continue to take place in us. The key is to remember all the good things the Lord has done in your life and that He loves us so much to the extent that He always wants to surpass the last greatest miracle He has performed in our lives. Do not lose your gratitude or you'll develop this "attitude."

HE deserves so much more than scraps of our time.

Choose peace-giving Truth over the world's empty promises.

I'm thankful for I discovered these after the "pause." =)