LFB Ladies SS #5

I can hardly believe we are already 5 classes into this series. I just wanted to say how proud I am of all you gals and especially those that I am learning about more deeply. You wow me, encourage me, and I am so thankful that you are my sister in the Lord and that we are a part of this family.

October 9^th, 2011

Chapter 3: First Flight, pgs.42-50

…We have progressed into the “doing” stage. We have read about what to do; now we are going to learn how to do. We begin to write our lists. “This is the beginning and I smile. I can’t believe how I smile. I mean, they are just the common things and maybe I don’t even know they are gifts really until I write them down and that is really what they look like. Gifts He bestows. This writing it down—is sort of like…unwrapping love.” (pg. 45)

The author speaks of how she gets this rush and she feels happy, and finds herself wanting to write down more so that she can get that feeling again. She finds herself “quenched.”On the other hand, she also recognizes that this list feels 'foreign, strange.'

Her eyes open and she comes to the knowledge that the act of writing her blessings down is like receiving. “Like taking with thanks.” “ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them…” Gave thanks. This crazy-dare gift list—it’s language lessons in eucharisteo!”

Philippians 4:11-12 is quoted and twice the word ‘learned’ is mentioned. “ I would have to learn eucharisteo. Learn eucharisteo—learn it to live full. Learn it like I know my skin, my face…. Learn how to be thankful-whether empty or full.” (pg. 47)

“A nail is driven out by another nail; habit is overcome by habit.” Erasmus. (pg 49)

Our habits of ingratitude have to be driven out by sharper nails that can only become sharp by acknowledging and practicing this new, learned behavior, of gratitude.

Assignment #5

This week is simple. If you haven’t already started, please being your journal, your list of one thousand gifts. Try to remember to keep your journal with you wherever you go and begin this new practice. Such a simple act with such deep joy to be found.

Continue to blog and share your story with someone you trust. Remember to let your listener know what you need of them in their response.