Petal + Ply

formerly Dear Emmeline

finding the right perspective: turning my gripes to praises

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Why do we do it?  We have so many reasons to give thanks and yet we complain, and whine, and grump around feeding on and creating negativity everywhere we turn.  Approaching a holiday centered on giving thanks, I have been especially convicted of my ungrateful attitude.
 
I am so thankful for a God who loves me despite my sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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I pray my spirit of complaint would turn to a spirit of thanks.  And, I resolve to start right now!


Time to change my perspective:

from
“My children are driving me nuts!”    
to
“Thank you Father for the blessing of my children who are beautiful, sweet, smart, active, and healthy children who I am blessed to be with every day.”


Psalm 127:3-5  ESV   
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

from
“Can’t this moron learn to drive?  If you’re going to cut someone off at least get up to speed!”
to
“Father, thank you for the blessing of cars and roads.  The ability to travel to a fro with speed and ease.  Thank you for keeping us safe and reminding me to be a careful and safe driver.”
 
Ecclesiastes 7:9  ESV
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

from
“I have nothing to wear.  Everything looks like crap on me.”
to
“Thank you Lord for giving me life and health.  I praise you for a husband who loves me and finds me beautiful no matter what I wear and even when I look my “worst”.  Please help me to understand that true beauty is not in the shape of my body or the type of clothes I wear.”

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

from
“Ugh.  Why do we have to be so busy?  I never have time to get anything done.”
to
“Oh how wonderful it is to have family and friends who want to spend time with us.  Thank you for activities which we enjoy and desire to be a part of.  Thank you that we can provide our time and gifts to serve the needs of others.” 
 
 
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV   

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

I encourage you to think of how you could turn your complaints to praises!  Feel free to leave one in the comments.  AND, Thank you for coming to spend time with me.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!



Comments

  3. Oh that's wonderful! I especially like the one about feeling busy to be thankful for those who want to spend time with us! God inhabits our praises. May you be blessed today! Happy Thanksgiving!!

  4. This was a beautiful post, Jessica. I've been doing a lot of this lately. I found myself getting frustrated over really trivial things in the grand scheme of life. It's all about perspective…so true. 1 Peter 3:3-4 is one of my favorite passages ever…and always a work-in-progress. Thanks for the love on my white withdrawl post! xo Jami

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Formerly the DIY, craft, & decor blog Dear Emmeline. We decided it was time for a new site and new name!

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