Thankful Challenge

I like a challenge. It just motivates me like nothing else. It seems like if I can make up some challenge to myself and set a time specific goal, it is almost ALWAYS achieved. Probably because I hate disappointing people, even myself...my biggest critic. 

I have had several self challenges over the years...most frequently weight loss/control, challenges of faith, how much I could clean out of my home and rid of stuff, fasting and praying, attempting to tame my tongue (probably the least successful :)....lots of things.

My current is the Thankful Challenge. Life has been weird the last few months. I was married in May and that brings up all sorts of change. And I started a new job three months before that. I practically have a new life and it has been crazy weird and hard at times! But I know in my heart of hearts that the Lord is faithful (Exodus 34:5-7, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 36:5-6 , Psalm 71:21-23, Psalm 100:4-5, Psalm 117:1-2 , Isaiah 61:7-9, Lamentations 3:22-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:3)

It has been SO easy to sulk in my perceived dejection of wishing things were easier, NOW, but the LORD really put it on my heart just to be content and praise Him for all the wonderful blessings I already have. After all, ..."godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

So I started the 40 days of Thanks, leading up to Thanksgiving! It started October 13th and I focus my prayer time each day on what I am thankful for and pray for what is on my heart. You know..."by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phillipians 4:6)  I also recently read this article: http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/effects_praise ,which talks a ton about the scriptural command to praise God, reminding me, "for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and the effects on satan when we praise God. Anything I can do to take a jab at satan, I do swiftly and often! Lord knows I owe him a few. 

I am looking forward to learning true contentedness .... and praising God all along the way!