Ten Things I’m Thankful For (That I Can’t Say in Church)

November 17, 2014April 25, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

At the risk of sounding unspiritual, I am going to compose a list of ten things for which I am extremely thankful – things that would barely receive an honorable mention during Sunday school, or a Thanksgiving service. I will not be sharing the typical offerings, i.e. the joys of: my saving relationship with Jesus Christ, my precious marriage to an amazing man, my children, extended family and dear friends. I will forego babbling on and on about how my heart puddles when my baby grandson “kisses” my face or how I almost cried when I had the privilege of feeling my youngest grandson kick in my daughter’s tummy. I will not share scripture about keeping a thankful heart. I will simply list a few things that make me smile.

So here we go…in no particular order…

1 – Peanut M&M’s

2 – Autumn in the South (Cotton fields, sunflowers, cooler temps)

3 – Diet Dr. Pepper

4 – Our overgrown mutt, Harvey, who can turn 27 circles in 10 seconds

5 – Peanut M&M’s

6 – A genuine wood-burning fireplace on a cold rainy day

7 – My husband’s goofy jokes and laughing till it hurts

8 – Andy Griffith reruns

9 – Football season (Go Panthers!)

10 – My favorite pair of blue jeans and a pair of fluffy socks

11 – Hobby Lobby

(I added an extra one, just in case someone noticed a repeat)

*******

Thank you, Father, for your good and perfect gifts – the heart-stopping amazing ones, and the simple-everyday ones!

(I have to share just one…) Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

Now it’s your turn! What are your “everyday” favorites?

It has occurred to me that while we might not hear these “blessings” shared in an adult setting, we would surely hear many like them in a group of children. We can learn so much from the simple thankfulness of a child!

No Sense of Loyalty

November 3, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

I hate my bathroom scale.

It has no sense of loyalty whatsoever. I mean, all I did was overeat just a teensy bit last weekend, and it actually turned on me, claiming I had gained four pounds in three days.

That’s gratitude for you. I bought the scale in good faith. I placed it in a prominent place in the bathroom. I regularly replace the batteries to ensure complete accuracy. And now, with no warning at all, it mockingly flashes extra poundage at me.

The scale is obviously mistaken. I mean, I admit to savoring three pieces of my mom-in-law’s world-famous chocolate pie—but I was standing up when I ate them. And we all know those calories don’t count. I also sneaked a few items off Roy’s tray when we went out Saturday night. But it’s common knowledge that food originating from someone else’s plate is completely void of calories or fat grams.

And yes, I confess to inhaling a half-dozen doughnuts in one sitting. But that was only because I feared recrimination for leaving just two or three in the box. I had to eat them all in order to destroy the evidence that they ever existed in the first place.

So you see, the scale’s claims are completely unfounded and irresponsible. But just as a precautionary measure, I plan to limit my snacking this week to low-cal popcorn. To help the taste, however, I’ll need to use just a teensy-weensy bit of butter. . .

Father, sometimes my lack of discipline amazes even me. Help me to give everything to You,
including my eating habits. I want to glorify You in all things.

Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Proverbs 23:20-21

(From Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional)

Mission Extraordinaire

October 23, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

As a young wife and mother, mired in the day to day, I sometimes wondered if I was doing and being all God wanted or expected. I yearned for a sense of purpose, at times not realizing it was right in front of me…

I sat spellbound as the guest speaker shared experiences from her years of missionary service in Kenya. With a crown of white hair and clear blue eyes, this gentle servant’s face seemed to glow with love for her Lord. I was moved to tears as story after story unfolded, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to people in physical and spiritual poverty.

As I listened, I found myself drawn to this servant of God in a way that seemed to reach to the depths of my heart. Deeply moved, I prayed, Oh Lord, I want to serve You like that! I want to go. I want to do something for You. Oh Father, please show me my mission field!

Later that week, lost in my regular routine, I found myself questioning my earlier feelings of urgency. Lord, where is my mission field? I have a husband and children. I have endless responsibilities. I can’t just run off to a foreign country. I felt Your call to deeper servanthood, but what is it You want me to do?

I could almost hear the heavens sigh as the light went on in my mind and heart. That’s right, I am a wife and mother. My first calling is to serve God by serving my family. I felt a thrill as I realized that I am a missionary, right here, right now. By divine appointment I am here in this place to minister to those with whom I come in contact.

After her family, a mom’s mission field includes neighbors, the check-out clerk in the grocery store, the elderly lady sitting alone in the next booth at McDonald’s, and anyone else the Lord lays on our hearts. God want us to open our spiritual eyes and be aware of what He’s already doing around us. All He asks is that we be willing, ready, and faithful to His call.

Moms, don’t ever wonder where your mission field might be – you are living it every day. Little hearts are fertile soil for precious seeds of the Gospel.

Father, I am humbled by Your call on my life. I stand amazed that You would entrust me with touching others in Your name. May I be ever aware of the tremendous privilege and responsibility You have given me. Open my eyes, Lord, to every opportunity to speak for You.

These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 HCSB)

Overwhelmed

September 29, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

I don’t like this, Lord
Not at all.
It’s inconvenient, somewhat painful,
And to be perfectly honest…
Not in my plans.
Did You ever think about, I don’t know,
Checking with me?
I have a lot going on, Lord.
Wife, mother, co-worker, friend,
(And the list goes on).
People depend on me to be
Strong
Confidant
Resourceful
Spiritual…
Yeah, right.

But getting back to that honesty, Lord
I don’t like this,
Not at all.
This particular circumstance is
Unnerving
Draining
Frustrating
Exhausting.
Why this situation, Lord and
Why now?
Isn’t there another way I could
“Bring You honor?”
And Lord, if it’s ok…
I have one more question:
How am I supposed to glorify You
When I’m so overwhelmed with me?

Don’t you see, Child? It’s my desire for you to be Overwhelmed…with Me.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

What a RUSH

September 9, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

There we were–two grown women–strapped into harnesses, attached to the same monster-kite, and tethered to a speedboat.

In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

My brain is firing on all cylinders – I. Am. Going. To. Die.

My sister and I were enjoying a get-away-from-it-all mini-vacation, and Charlene had talked me into going parasailing. As we sat on the back of the boat, waiting to be yanked off into our forever-home-in-Glory, Charlene and I had dramatically different mindsets.

She had already begun to hoot and holler, anticipating the adrenaline rush of soaring miles in the air. I was fighting nausea and reviewing all the things I should have said to my husband and children.

I thought of everything that could go wrong. I didn’t trust the hardware clipping us to the overgrown kite. I didn’t trust the harness, or the boat. I didn’t trust the driver of the boat. I didn’t trust the sharks that I assumed were circling beneath us. And I especially had no confidence in my free-spirited sister who was rushing me head-long into an untimely death.

For the next ten minutes, two sisters soared over the earth, making lifetime memories. My cohort screamed with laughter and urged me to look around and soak it up. I kept one hand above the metal clips (just in case they were to fail…I would at least stay in contact with the parasail), and managed a quick smile for a sky-high selfie (way before selfies were cool). It was all over in a flash, and after being safely reeled back into the boat it hit me:

Charlene had experienced it.

I had survived it.

It all came down to trust. My adventure-loving sibling didn’t waste time worrying about the people or equipment involved. Because she trusted that all was in order, she was free to live the experience.

In our walk with Christ, it can happen in the same way. We can trust His heart, knowing that He works all for our good (the whole Romans 8:28 thing), or we can obsess and worry ourselves into simply surviving. What if God isn’t watching this time? What if this is actually out of His control? What can I do to fix this if He doesn’t come through on my timetable? What if, what if, what if…?

Jesus didn’t die on a cross, justifying me before a Holy God, just so I could worry myself through this life.

His sacrifice set me free to live the experience.

I can trust Him, because He is Faithful. I may be weak and inconsistent, but He is Faithful. I may be terrified of the surrounding storms and circumstances, but HE is Faithful and True. He invites me to keep my eyes on Him, not the surrounding chaos.

A trustworthy Savior Who loves me…

…now that’s an adrenaline rush!

Father, thank you for the peace You provide, regardless of circumstances. When I’m tempted to be distracted by the chaos around me, help me to keep my eyes and heart focused on You. Help me to remember that because I belong to You, You are working all things for my good.

————–

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 (NIV)

The Joy to Come

September 1, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Over recent weeks and months, it seems that our nation and community is overwhelmed with sad news. Many are burdened with loss and grief. God’s people are not immune to hard times…but we do have hope…

The Christian life is not an easy one. We face countless hardships, trials, and temptations. We juggle the demands of family, career, and church responsibilities. We fret about health and finances. We grieve over the loss of loved ones. All too easily, we become weary and disillusioned as we question our hope and purpose.

When daily burdens become overwhelming, I love to read Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. He reminds them to not lose heart when they have trials and persecutions. He encourages his fellow believers to fix their eyes on Jesus instead of the things of this world. He writes that our troubles are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glories to come.

To gain perspective, it is essential to take time to set aside worldly cares and focus on eternal joys.

I like to envision the beautiful reunions in store for the believer. Wives will be reunited with husbands. Parents will joyfully embrace their children. Mothers will tenderly cradle little ones that were lost to them on earth. Friends and family who have been temporarily separated will come together and celebrate.

And we will all meet at Jesus’ feet, our hungry eyes feasting on His awesome and precious face.

How wonderful to know that in Christ, we have a solid hope and future! How comforting that at this very moment, Jesus is preparing eternity for us. And how amazing that our Creator actually wants us to spend forever in His presence.

Oh, what joy waits for us!

Precious Lord, how I delight in knowing that I’ll be spending eternity with You! Thank you for Your promise of eternal life. Thank you for walking with me each day, and for putting my earthly troubles into heavenly perspective.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

(From Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional, edited)

Busted

August 18, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

I tried to keep it together…I really did. I was simply swapping child-in-college stories with a friend while standing in the cheese section of the grocery store, and before I knew it, my eyes were watering. What in the world? I’m supposed to have this down-pat by now!

This past weekend, Roy and I once again drove away from a college campus…with one of our children in the rearview mirror.

I wish I could say it is easier now than in years past. But every parting is painful, a tearing of tender emotions.

Over and over we tell ourselves, “This is a good thing…it is time for this child to take this step…time for her to go and grow…”

And that’s the rub.

Growth can be painful. There is risk involved. In this case, a child is stepping out into an unknown world. Parents are returning home to an unfamiliar silence (or home to one less sweet voice). And we’re asking a lot of questions – Is this child ready? Did we adequately prepare her for what lies ahead? Will she make the bed and wash her clothes?

I have friends experiencing this for the first time and my heart goes out to them. Sometimes you don’t know how to feel. Sitcoms and movies depict parents high-fiving and jumping for joy at their new-found freedom and I won’t deny there are perks – time with your sweetheart, time to refocus and try something new, less running, running, running. God offers fresh and exciting opportunities in every life-season.

But there is also a grieving process. That moment when it hits – that a time of life is transitioning, or coming to a close – can leave a parent slightly dazed. Unfortunately, we tend to internalize our anxiety and assume we’re struggling alone, that no one else could possibly understand.

Any major change can be challenging and a child vacating the nest is one of the toughest.

But there is good news!

We have a Heavenly Father who identifies with the upheaval of our hearts. Jesus experienced times of transition with all the accompanying emotions – pain, loneliness, sorrow, uncertainty. He knows the longings of our soul and He offers amazing comfort in our confusion. He loves us, and He loves our children.

Our God is faithful. He will never forsake His people. He provides His Word, time with Him in prayer, and (if we look around), others who are experiencing similar struggles.

If you presently have a child in your rearview mirror, (or you’re in theirs) through marriage, school (Kindergarten – college), or other life-events, remember…

…you are not alone.

Father God, I know in my head that this time of transition is a good thing. That it is Your design for families to grow and change. But Lord, right now I can’t seem to get my heart in line. At this moment, I feel a little lost. I want to dig in and hold on to the past. Please, help me to remember that You are in control, Your plan is perfect, and Your love is eternal.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 (NIV)

For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9 (KJV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Growing Up, Letting Go…

August 11, 2014August 11, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Watching our youngest daughter, Katie, prepare for another year of college has brought back a myriad of memories of those early “letting-go’s…”

“I can do it by myself!”

“I know you can, honey, but Mommy just wants to help you.”

“I don’t need your help!”

I’ve dreamed of this moment – the time when the girls would actually start doing more for themselves – a time when I wouldn’t feel like I was waiting on them hand and foot. But now that this longed-for occasion has arrived, something doesn’t feel quite right. I feel as if I’m losing something, like something precious is slipping away.

In fact, the longer that I’m a mother, the more I see that this vague feeling of loss is a continuous process. From their infancy until the present, our children’s level of dependency on Roy and me has changed dramatically. They used to be content to cuddle up on our laps for a story; now they’d rather have friends over to play. They used to run and jump in their Daddy’s arms when he walked in the door from work; now they sometimes don’t look up from what they’re doing.

As parents, we knew this would happen. In fact, we prayed that our children would grow up to be strong, independent adults. But it still isn’t easy to let go.

On Laura’s first day of school, my legs were like lead as I walked away, leaving her in a classroom of near-strangers. My vision was cloudy with tears and I knew I had to get out of there fast before everyone saw Laura’s mommy cry like a baby. My heart was heavy for several days – but it did get easier.

Of course when Mary starts “big school,” I’ll experience it all over again, but that’s all right. All these little “letting go’s” are preparing me for the big ones later on. And I know that when the day arrives and the girls walk away into college, marriage, or a career, I’ll feel pretty much the same way. And I’ll breathe pretty much the same prayer…Oh God how I love these girls…please take care of them for us!”

Oh Father, the girls are growing up so quickly. I’m beginning to see just how short-lived our time is together. Guide me as I strive to make our home a haven – a place of love, joy, and rest from this world – so that no matter how far they go, they can always depend on the love-light of home.

(From Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional)

How has God helped you with the letting-go’s?

Ah, Vacation!

July 29, 2014July 29, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

Slipping away to the beach for an early-morning walk, I feel light rain on my face. Should I turn back? Is this the beginning of a downpour?

I pause before taking a few more steps toward the shore. Seagulls soar overhead, while waves race each other to the sand. The rain picks up a little. Again, I wonder if I should turn back. Then…

…I notice a faint streak of color. At first soft and pale, the colors deepen into the brilliant spectrum of a rainbow. Overwhelmed, my heart squeezes and I begin to sing…How Great Is Our God…

But wait…I’m in a public place. I must look pretty strange, feet in the sand, singing to a rainbow. I glance around, self-conscious.

But the moment draws me back in, and with God’s help, I stay.

And I worship.

As I cherish these all-too-brief moments, I am reminded of a couple of things. First, our Creator God can do anything. He is in control. He is bigger and stronger than any circumstance in our lives.

And second, if I had turned back when things became a little unpleasant, I would have missed a unique opportunity to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Oh Father, give me strength and courage…to be thankful for the rain.

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! Psalm 47:2

Loaded Questions

July 12, 2014July 29, 2014 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

I’ve done it again.

I’ve put that hunted, trapped look on my husband’s face. Good grief, I just wanted an honest answer to a simple question. I didn’t realize that I was asking so much. But his pained expression tells me my latest loaded question has set a new record.

All I said was, “Honey, if I died, how soon do you think you’d remarry?” and he acted as if I had said, “Honey, I’m going to destroy the computer or the flat-screen; which would you prefer?”

He finally responded. “I wouldn’t remarry, babe. No one could ever take your place.”

“Yes, you would. Anyway, I want the girls to have a mother.”

“Honey, I can’t even imagine being married to someone else.”

(Satisfied smile) “Thanks, sweetie…me too. (Pause) So…how long would you wait?”

I know I’ve gone too far when he sighs deeply and mutters something about needing to change the oil in the car.

I have a history of creating these sorts of conversations. Other hall-of-famers include: “Do you think this dress makes me look fat?” “Do you think I’m starting to look old?” “Is there anything you would change about me?”

He probably thinks I derive some sort of deranged pleasure from watching him squirm. He might suspect that I don’t even want an honest answer…I think I’ll ask him.

Oh Father, how many times have I come to You under the pretense of seeking Your guidance—and then gone my own way? Give me a yearning for the honesty and purity of heart that only Your light can give. Don’t let me cater to vanity and shallow living when there is so much reality to be lived in You.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

(Excerpted from Time Out: A Quiet-time Devotional for Busy Moms)

What’s your favorite loaded question? 🙂