Expectant

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After having a less than joyful week, I finally shook myself out of the doldrums and realized that my joy wasn't going to magically appear unless I shifted my perspective on situations. 

As I prayed through some things, I kept seeing and hearing the word "expectant" turning up. I realized some of my discouragement is the continued battle I have at times of not always taking God at His word. We are in the season of advent which means "coming" or "arrival." The people of Israel had to wait in expectant hope the Messiah would come. 

If I'm trusting that He will do what He says He will then I will wait in expectent hope. 

When I'm trusting in God's promises, I will have peace.

When I believe that the Lord will intervene and act in different situations, I can go about my day with joy in my heart.

And I can trust God because He is good and He loves me. 

All four of those advent themes are woven into the word expectant. It's amazing how a shift in perspective can change my attitude and stirs up thanksgiving in my heart.

On Mondays, I normally focus on how I God show up over the past week. 

💓I was disappointed about not traveling on Saturday, but I ended up being very thankful as I learned of a friend who is an international worker in our district who is in critical condition in the ICU in the Philippines after having a heart attack. Because I wasn't traveling I was able to get the word out in our district and mobilize some prayer support and ways to help financially.

💓I'm thankful for wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement in our service yesterday. It was a small crowd because of the snow, but it really was a meaningful time together.

💓 Our car went kaput yesterday morning as we were leaving for church. I'm thankful it didn't happen on the road!

💓 I'm thankful for special Christmas traditions that my family looks forward to each year.

💓 Despite the weather, I'm able to get out and walk around the neighborhood. I'm thankful for movement and fresh air that always lifts my mood.


💓 Inexpensive and fun ways to decorate. I dried some oranges and lemons and will turn these into garland.


💓 I managed to get all my cards done and the gifts that I needed to mail to the post office. 

💓 We have a warm house, electricity and food.

💓 Friends who pray with me and for me.

💓 A volunteer at church who keeps our walks clear all winter. It's a big task and yet, he does it cheerfully. 


💓 Hearing little ones belt out Christmas songs.

💓 Being able to bless a friend and her daughter.

and finally...

💓 Looking forward with expectant hope for the coming week. 

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