November 2016 Articles

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Spiritual Corner:

Spiritual Corner:
Replacing Complaints with Thanksgiving
I have a tendency to complain a lot. I also whine and throw myself pity parties. One reason I usually do this is because, as you all well know, life is HARD. I find myself dwelling on that fact all too often. I feel tired and burdened, worn thin and inadequate. Thus, I begin my pity party. Well, let me tell you my friends, I’m specifically writing this article to me, but just maybe it will help someone else as well.
As I sit here and think of all the things I want to complain about, I can’t help but be reminded of all the things I have to be thankful for, that so many others don’t have. I have a wonderful, loving husband and a mother and father who mean the world to me. I have 5 siblings, as well as their significant others and children. I have countless aunts, uncles, and cousins and a whole huge, new and wonderful family thanks to my husband. I also have several dear friends and my two horses, cat, and dog. I have 2 church families, a house to rent, a car, a steady job, and good health. Honestly, my list could go on. Most of all, I have my Christian faith which includes my salvation in Jesus Christ. So, even if I had nothing else, I know I will always have God.
When I sit here and count all my blessings, it makes it a lot more difficult to whine and complain. I want to approach every day and every situation as an opportunity provided to me by God. I want to be joyful in the midst of those opportunities and recognize that no matter what I’m doing or how hard it may be, that I have a purpose in God’s eyes and that He can and will use me. I want to thankfully embrace each day as the true gift it is from God. I believe as I begin to focus on how blessed I am and how much the LORD can use me, the hardships of this life will begin to dim and my complaining tongue will slowly begin to change into a tongue of thanksgiving.
If it wasn’t for God, I would be smothered by my responsibilities. I would drown in this life I live. But because of God, I have a Savior who will daily rescue me from life’s snares and help me to, not only survive in this world, but to joyfully and thankfully prosper and share God with this world. All I have to do is daily give it all to Him. I’m so thankful that my complaining and whining self does not have to be permanent, but that God will continue to mold me and make me better. If you turn to Him and ask Him, He’ll do the same for you. Let’s be thankful this month, and every month, for our blessings and, most of all, for the incomparable love of our Heavenly Father. —Dana Alexander
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30