Wednesday, November 13, 2013

WOYWW: Intentionally Grateful!

I almost forgot to take a picture today!
I realize that my work space is getting smaller and smaller!
But I still get a painting done every single day!

Today I read in the 17th chapter of the Gospel of Luke 
about 10 lepers. Jesus instructed them to go to the priests.
On the way, all 10 lepers were healed.
Only one returned to Jesus.

Jesus said, "Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?"

As I was thinking about this passage,
I thought about the survivors of the typhoon Haiyan
that ravaged 2/3 of my country.
Now that they lost their homes,
where do they seek shelter from the rain?
Where do they sleep?
Where do they get their food and water?
Where do they get their hope?

I do not want to be like the 9 lepers,
who did not even turn back 
and express their gratitude to God
for their healing.
They took it for granted.

I want to be like the one leper
who went back to Jesus,
fell at His feet and thanked Him.
I look back at my prayer journal,
and although I have a list of blessings,
I see days when I do not list even one.
I have to be more conscious, more awake,
more aware of what I have, of my blessings!

Scientific studies show 
that gratitude expressed and shared,
 restructures our brain,
physically remaps the connections in our brain,
and unlocks happiness and even, joy!
Digging up bad memories, hurts,
traumatic experiences, 
reinforces the negative and holds us back.
So let us be INTENTIONALLY grateful,
and let that gratefulness overflow
into blessing for others.

"Put on your apron..." Luke 17:8
Here Jesus tells us we are His servants,
and we should do what is our duty,
what we are obliged to do.
And what is it that we should do?
"What we do to the least of our brothers and sisters,
we do for Him." Matthew 25:40.
Perhaps the least of our brethren today 
are our hurting brothers and sisters
in the devastated areas of the Philippines!

Although what I can give is so meager
compared to the overwhelming, heartbreaking need,
I can trust that God will multiply what we give
as He did with the loaves and fishes the little boy
offered in Matthew 14.

Would you like to offer something
Jesus can multiply?
Visit CNN for a list of organizations
on the ground helping to provide the basic necessities.

Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
Random.org chose
 #40, Jenny of  Big Family, Small Farm.
She has a big family of 9!
I wonder how she does it,
maybe she is superwoman
in disguise? :^))))





Blessings!
Patsy

34 comments:

  1. I feel so bad that the people in your country are suffering such tragedy and loss, I can't begin to understand the loss. Relief from all over the world will be there, lets just pray that it can help them all.

    I do love your work, just awesome.

    Hugs Eliza & Yoda 2
    Happy WOYWW

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  2. I'm so glad that you are okay. I will keep you and everyone affected by the storm in my prayers. #13

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  3. Gratitude for you Patsy! So happy to know you are safe.
    Prayers and healing Light to all!
    Robyn 14

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  4. Anonymous12:05 PM

    Prayers for your country--I hope the relief agencies are reaching the areas of need. I am glad to know that you are okay.

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  5. It is lovely that you manage to put such a positive spin on the tragedy that is unfolding around you and can see things to be grateful for, we are all so happy that you are okay. Annette #5

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  6. What a lovely, lovely post. I'm your newest follower. I invite you to my online home for a visit back. Love your art. ~Zuni

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  7. So glad you are okay and I hope that aid reaches everyone quickly. Such a terrible thing.
    Love your artwork,
    Von #26

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  8. Wanted to stop by you first today to express support for your suffering country! Thinking of your countrymen and women and you at this time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and meditations. Julie Ann xx

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  9. Just wanted to stop by and wish you and everyone well. Helen 17

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  10. Have been thinking about you this week & hoping you were safe. Such devastation for your country - I hope the help starts to get through soon. Ali x34

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  11. Such an amazing post and I'm sure there will be love and help flowing from WOWWers. Already aid is flowing from UK and I hope the victims get enough medical help, food and shelter asap.
    Thinking of you,
    Jo x

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  12. Hi there. Just popping my head round the door to say hi.
    Thanks for the peek into your creative world today. I am so grateful to hear your encouraging voice this morning.
    Hope you have a blessed week too.
    Sending prayers your way.
    Neil#39

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  13. I can't even begin to fathom the conditions there - but as you believe, as I do, that so much stems from our heart and our faith I know you will find the way through. I appreciate your comments about gratitude...if we think for just a moment we all have so many things to be thankful for...our families, the sky, colors, silly animals, and on and on. my thoughts and prayers are with you all. sara j #43

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  14. Glad to hear you are ok and sending supporting love and thoughts to you for strength to pass on to those around you....

    Much love....

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  15. Patsy
    I feel so guilty now, I am so poor at saying' Thank you' to God for all the wonderful things he has lavished on me. Wonderful hubby, kids, grandsons, home, friends, the list goes on. So blessed. Thank you Lord.
    Bless you Patsy for reminding me.
    Chris #41

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  16. I have read your post with tears in my eyes ...I feel for all the people in your country, I am glad you are ok and I hope with Gods help the country will overcome this horrible tragedy! We should be grateful everyday for everything we are given! Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts!
    Lots of hugs and love to you and your people!
    Cardarian

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  17. Your paintings are beautiful, and thank you for reminding me to be grateful for everything I have.

    Heidi’s Wanderings

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  18. A Wonderful post, I made a comment on an adorable picture on Facebook that showed lots of small children from the Philippines standing in a group with their tiny hands folded, saying some prayers. My comment was That Americans waste more than these people have each day, and take sooooooooooo much for granted and I said some more prayers. I shed some more tears and wished I could be there to help in some way. Sending love and prayers your way, with hopes that all can find food, shelter and peace within. They are loving people and believe in God so strongly, I hope they can remain strong thru His love and help.

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  19. So glad you are doing well, what a horrible, difficult time for the Philipines,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your country.

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  20. Anonymous12:31 AM

    Thinking of you and your countrymen and women at this very difficult time. Your post is as beautiful and heartfelt as your lovely art.
    Stay safe

    Happy WOYWW!
    Mary Anne (20)

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  21. Anonymous1:05 AM

    This is beautifully written and beautifully displayed through your artwork. I, too, do not want to be like the other ten. It is so easy to get caught up, get our blessing and keep going without showing much gratitude.
    Thank you for the check up! I will pray for you and your country.

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  22. Hi Patsy,
    Today's painting is beautiful and a wonderful reminder to be more thankful to our Lord.

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  23. I'm so glad that you are safe and I am praying for your country. Love your artwork about being thankful. Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#72)

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  24. We feel so helpless and I'm sure you feel that way too, being so much closer. I'm glad your art can help you x #49

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  25. I am so relieved to know that you are safe and sound after the horrific hurricane. I prayed for your country and hope that you will all be back on your feet very soon.
    Lovely journal pages you have created here.
    Bless you.
    Hettie 53
    xx

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  26. I totally want to be like the one that returned. My prayers are with the survivors of typhoon Haiyan.
    You are unbelievably talented. Found you on #DYWW, so glad I did

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  27. I'm just amazed at the devastation shown in your country. I'm praying the people get what they need quickly. So glad you are safe.

    Love your message today!

    Hugs,
    Kay

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  28. May the God of all comfort hold your fellow countrymen and women in His strong, capable hands at this time. Much prayer is being brought to the throne of God at this time. God bless you all.
    Margaret #42

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  29. Your art is beautiful, as always. I thank you for sharing these photos - I've been praying for the people of your country, and have been praying for your dear Mom. God is in control always, and we just have to trust Him with all the details. As long as we're faithful to pray and ask that His will be done, the rest is in His mighty and capable hands. Thanks for sharing with us again this week.
    Blessings to you,
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

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  30. Gratitude and compassion! Blessings to you

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  31. What awesome way to express yourself in the Lord!! I totally love your art work. It is beautiful. God bless you!
    fitandbeyond40.com

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  32. Just wanted to let you know that you and Peggy have been in my thoughts and prayers, Patsy, and I am glad to hear that you are both OK, despite the awful catastrophe that has hit your country. Your art expresses your love for the Lord so beautifully - each piece is an act of worship and a blessing for us all.

    God bless you and keep you safe.
    Shoshi

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  33. I am so glad that you are safe and sound. I was concerned about you and was so thrilled to see your post. That was a terrible typhoon. I remember devastating typhoons growing up. My husband was born and grew up in the Philippines so he has been very interested and concerned for the people.

    I love how you express your love for the Lord through your artwork. I loved how you want to remember to be thankful like the one leper that remembered to come back and thank Jesus for healing him.

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  34. Hello Patsy...As always, you have showcased some wonderful art in here...Love your combo of colors and how you always come up with wonderful ideas for a theme. I am totally blessed by your artwork. Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday. Hugs, always!

    JO ANN
    http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com

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I am so glad you dropped by! You are a blessing!
:^) Patsy