Simply Thank God

Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 by S. J. Little

I helped my toddler climb into her booster seat, then clipped her tray in place. I placed her water cup in front of her.

“Hmm. Something is still missing.”

My daughter looked down, then patted her tummy. “Bib missing.”

I grinned as I reached for her bib. “You’re right. You are missing your bib. Here, I’ll put it on for you.”

I settled into my seat and pulled a slice of bread from the bag.

“What would you like on your bread this morning?”

My toddler straightened. “Pea-butter. Stra-sa jam.”

“You want peanut butter and strawberry jam? Okay. That sounds yummy.”

I spread the bread for her, then set my knife aside.

“Okay. Now it’s time to pray and then you can eat your bread.”

My daughter leaned forward earnestly. “Mary, Tommy, Dada, Mama.”

I nodded. “Okay, we can pray for your cousins and for Mommy and Daddy.”

Folding my hands, I bowed my head to pray, but before I began, her little voice piped up again.

“And wawa.”

“Yes, we can thank God for water.”

Her eyes scanned the area. “Pea-butter, stra-sa jam, bread… and tray too.”

“Okay. We can thank God for those too. Let’s pray now.”

Satisfied, my toddler folded her hands and sat quietly while I prayed.

“Dear God, thank You for Mary, Tommy, Mommy, and Daddy. Help us all to have a good day and to know that You love us. Thank You for the yummy food we get to eat. Thank You for water, peanut butter, strawberry jam, bread, and trays. Help them make our bodies strong and healthy. Amen.”

I passed my toddler her bread.

Happily she took a big bite.

This sort of interaction just before, or more often right in the middle of, prayer has become common recently. Almost any time we tell her it is time to pray, she lists off various cousins and relatives. Her eyes then roam the room looking for anything else we should pray for.

Water, various food items, tray, bib, crib, soother, bear, clock… Nothing is too insignificant to mention.

This got me thinking. How often do I stop to thank God for His many blessings?

When was the last time I paused to let my eyes roam my surroundings and simply thanked God for what I have?

Certainly not recently enough.

So many times we are instructed in the Bible to give thanks to God, yet how rarely I stop to do so.

Here are snippets of a few of those places. I encourage you to read the full passages to get proper context.

“Be filled with the Spirit … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything…” Ephesians 5:28b,20a NIV

“… Singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16b-17 NIV

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Beyond giving thanks for the things I have, how often do I pause to thank God for the people in my life?

Over and over again Paul mentions that he thanks God for people. (See 1 Corinthians 1:4, Colossians 1:3, and Philemon 1:4, among others.)

Furthermore, when was the last time I thanked the Lord for who He is? Regardless of my current circumstances, God never changes. There is always much to be thankful for regarding who He is.

As the psalmist puts it:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

Today, may I take a moment to simply thank God.

What’s For Snack?

Posted on September 30, 2023March 6, 2024 by S. J. Little

I step into the kitchen feeling peckish. Surely there is something I can eat as a quick snack.

I head for the pantry. A salty snack would be perfect.

Opening the door, I eye the options: chocolate, breakfast cereals, crackers, chips.

Perhaps a few crackers or a handful of corn chips would do the trick.

I reach for the chip bag.

I pause. I had recently been reminded to try to include fruit and veggies in my snacks.

I ponder my options: apple, orange, carrot.

None of them quite strike my fancy, since salt is on my mind.

I know, a couple of lettuce leaves with a generous sprinkling of salt.

I retrieve the lettuce from the fridge. Rinse a few leaves and add salt.

Tasty.

I’ll have to remember to head for the veggie drawer next time I am on the hunt for a salty snack.

Why do I share this seemingly insignificant moment? Because it holds a reminder I need.

First off, are snacks like crackers, corn chips, or even chocolate bad? Will it harm me to eat them?

No, unless they are all I eat.

If I never include vegetables or fruit in my diet I would not be very healthy. I would be at risk of getting scurvy.

Okay, hopefully I’m doing reasonably well at keeping my physical food intake healthy and balanced, but what about my spiritual diet? Is my spiritual snacking healthy?

Am I including healthy spiritual snacks in my week, or am I starving my walk with Jesus?

Recently I found myself pondering why it can be so hard to have room in my thoughts for God.

Yes, I love God, but throughout the day, rather than thinking about Him, I would find my mind focused on other things – what will I make for supper, which toy should I buy my niece for her birthday, how can I improve my preschool blog posts?

These are all valid things to be considering. It does not harm me to think about them. In fact, it is wise to put some thought into them.

It wasn’t that I was thinking about bad things, but I wanted my thoughts to turn back to God more often. That would be better.

Over several days I considered this. What was the answer?

Then I started to understand. I began to notice what I was feeding my mind throughout the day: social media posts, podcasts about writing, and grocery store flyers to name a few.

Was I neglecting God?

Not necessarily. I still read my Bible daily, took time to pray for my family, and attended and volunteered at church regularly.

The problem was, I kept crowding my mind with other things.

I don’t want to be the seed crowded out by thorns as mentioned in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13).

I want God to be first in my life.

What does this mean practically?

Just as I switched out an okay snack for the healthier option of lettuce, I can switch out some things in my life to be more intentional to be feeding my mind on the things of God.

Rather than only listening to writing podcasts, I can listen to a Christian podcast or sermon.

Rather than gorging myself on social media posts, I can read a Christian theology book or a Christian biography.

Rather than listening to more news, I can listen to some worship songs.

It is not that I will never listen to a writing podcast, browse social media, or listen to the news. Those things have a place.

Instead, I want to change the balance of what I’m feeding my mind on so as to fuel more thoughts about Jesus.

As Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” NIV

As the old hymn says, I want to turn my eyes upon Jesus; to look full in His wonderful face. For then the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

The more I think about God, the more those petty, unimportant things that can cause so much stress will bother me less.

For today, what is one thing, no matter how small, I can do to feed my mind on the things of God?

Need suggestions for healthier options? Here are some I have enjoyed:

Books:

Through Gates of Splendor

Elisabeth Elliot – Easy to read Christian biography

Seeking Allah Finding Jesus

Nabeel Qureshi – Easy to read Christian biography with apologetics

Mere Christianity

C. S. Lewis – Theology for deep thinkers

Evidence that Demands a Verdict

Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell – Apologetics (Why we believe what we believe)

The Case For Christ

Lee Strobel – Investigation into evidence for Christianity

Other:

Laugh Again

Phil Callaway – Christian Comedian podcast

https://redcircle.com/shows/laugh-again-with-phil-callaway3308

Women Worth Knowing

Cheryl Brodersen & Robin Jones Gunn – 30-minute podcast biographies about various Christian women

http://graciouswords.com/women-worth-knowing-podcast/

Stay in the Word

Glenn Nudd – Verse by verse Bible teaching

https://messages.calvarychapel.ca/stayintheword/

Enduring Word

David Guzik – Verse by verse Bible teaching

https://enduringword.com/media/audio/

Life-Giving Water?

Posted on August 31, 2023 by S. J. Little

I looked out the window as we sped along the highway. We’d left the forests and fruitful prairies of southern Alberta behind.

I stared across the barren hills of Montana. Even wild grass struggled to thrive here. There was not a house or building in sight.

This desolate landscape continued for mile after mile.

It changed, however, when the highway joined paths with the beginnings of the Missouri River.

As we zipped along the river valley, I observed lush trees and thriving farmland.

We drove past house after house clustered at the river’s edge. People were out on boats or busy tending their farms.

When I looked at the hills beyond the valley, I saw the same dry barren countryside with hardly a house to be found. Yet everywhere in the valley I saw vibrant colors of thriving plants and human habitation.

I marveled at the difference plentiful water makes. Good water is life-giving.

Then, hours later, we arrived in Yellowstone National Park.

(For those unfamiliar with the park, it is an area of the United States with volcanic history. Now, rather than lava, boiling water gurgles or sprays through holes in the ground. The water comes mixed with sulfur. The well-known geyser, Old Faithful, is only one of the many phenomenons to be witnessed.)

As we drove through the forests of Yellowstone National Park, I noticed a column of steam rising in the distance. As we got closer, we could see sputters of water bursting from the ground.

The runoff from this geyser poured over scaly white ground to a pool.

The steaming water from a nearby spring left orange build up where it trickled to join the pool.

I glanced at the trees in the area. They were ugly skeletons of branches. Not a speck of green could be found on them. They were bleached white and dead – oh so very dead.

As we drove on, we again passed through good forest with strong healthy trees interrupted by the occasional meadow of thick wild grass.

“Look! Bison.” I called as we came across another clearing.

The giant animals were grazing peacefully.

But then the landscape changed once again. Ugly skeleton trees stood ridged.

I looked around. Sure enough there was a nearby geyser spouting its venomous water.

Some days later, as we drove homeward, I pondered the things I’d seen.

I came to the question, “What type of water is flowing through me?”

Jesus offers Living Water (John 4).

That Living Water is like the river in Montana. Everywhere the river goes it brings life and abundance.

It doesn’t matter that the terrain the river cuts through is dry and barren – hardly habitable for humans. The river brings life with it.

Have I received that Living Water from Jesus today? Am I filled with it?

If I am filled with that Living Water, it will spill over bringing hope and encouragement to those around me.

Sometimes, however, I choose to do what the people of Israel did in Jeremiah’s day.

God declared: “They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living water, and dug cisterns for themselves…” (Jeremiah 2:13b CSB)

When I choose to try to do things myself rather than receiving the help God wants to give me, I quickly become like those geysers and springs in Yellowstone.

The water spouting from them is not life-giving. Regardless of how clear it may appear, it is venomous. It sucks the life out of nearby trees.

Indeed, the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone has pools hot and acidic enough to melt through rubber boots and more.

So what will I choose today? Will I lean into Jesus to be filled with His Living Water, or will I try to do things on my own?

Cool Down

Posted on July 21, 2023 by S. J. Little

I turned the burner off and gave the sauce a final stir. A savoury aroma wafted up.

Opening the cupboard, I pulled out a small plate and scooped a little sauce onto it. I set this “cooling plate” on the table.

I glanced at my little one as she happily stacked tuna cans in the corner.

“Almost time for supper.”

I set two trivets on the table followed by plates and cutlery.

Using oven mitts, I pulled the rice out of the cooker and set it on a trivet. I paused to scoop a little rice onto the small plate.

I set the sauce on the other trivet, then filled the glasses with fresh water.

“Okay,” I said, turning to my little one, “let’s put away the cans and sit in your seat for supper.”

I helped her stack the cans in the cupboard. I lifted her into her seat and buckled her in.

My husband fetched the bib for our little one as I set her water on her tray.

We took our seats and paused for a moment to pray.

After the “amen”, I touched a finger to the food on the small plate.

“It’s ready for you,” I said to my little one as I scooped some onto her tray.

I laughed as she eagerly dug in, shovelling a handful into her mouth.

Later that evening, having finished our meal and put our little one to bed, I realized that I could be similar to the food set aside to cool for my little one.

How do I cool the food for my little one? By separating it from the rest. Otherwise, it would still be far too hot for her to eat.

As a Christian, I am to be on fire for Jesus, not a useless lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16).

When I separate a small amount of food out for my little one, it cools to room temperature much faster than if I had left it in the pot. The same happens to me as a Christian.When I separate the food for my little one, I spread it as thin as possible on the “cooling plate”. Why? Because if I leave it in a heap, it will take longer to cool. When I get separated out and don’t stay in touch with other Christians, I cool off. I lose my excitement and depth in my walk with Jesus.

I typically don’t notice this cooling down. I can’t feel it because it happens so slowly, so subtly, but it does happen.

Surely this is why, in Hebrews 10:24-25, we are told not to neglect gathering together.

When we as Christians remain in fellowship together, going to church, participating in small groups, and engaging with other Christians, we are far less likely to cool off in our faith.

You keep me accountable. Hopefully, I help keep you inspired. We help each other keep from cooling off.

If I want to stay on fire for Jesus, it is vital that I stay connected with the church – with other believers who know and love Jesus. I must regularly attend a Bible-believing church.

On the days I’m feeling distracted or just worn down by life, connecting with other Christians is critical. It is as soon as I stop attending church – as soon as I stop connecting with other Christians – that I am at great risk of cooling down in my own faith.

So today may I remain intentional to be connected with other Christians. May I not cool down, but stay on fire for Jesus. For He is worthy and the joy and peace He gives only comes when I’m walking close with Him.

May I engage with other Christians with the mindset given in Hebrews 10, that my aim might be to warm others up.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV)

Held Back?

Posted on June 24, 2023June 26, 2023 by S. J. Little

The other day, my husband and I went for a walk with our little one. The skies were clear and it was an exceptionally warm spring day.

As we approached a steep hill, we strapped our little one into her stroller.

With my husband handling the stroller, we began the descent, thankful for the well-paved path.

My husband, being much taller than I am, let the incline carry him faster and faster. I hastened to keep up.

I laughed. “You and your long legs. You can go so much faster than me.”

Slowing so I could keep up, my husband replied, “Our little one could go faster than either of us if I let her.”

I glanced down the rest of the hill. He was right. If allowed to, the stroller, with our little one in it, had the potential to gain tremendous speed. That is, until it reached the first bend in the path and toppled.

I wasn’t worried. I knew my husband and his deep desire for our daughter to have the best. I knew he would protect her from such a traumatic accident.

“I’m glad you don’t let her reach her full potential,” I replied lightly.

How ironic. Typically we want our children to reach their full potential, but here my husband was holding our daughter back and I was glad.

That got me thinking. Sometimes I feel stuck – like I’m chomping at the bit – unable to reach my full potential.

Could it be that God, my Father, is the one holding me back? Could His plans be different than mine?

The Bible says:

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are My ways higher than your ways

and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

(Isaiah 55:9 NIV)

Do I really believe God knows better than me?

Sometimes I feel stifled in my growth and in what I am able to do. If I were a full-time writer, just think how many books I could produce! However, most of my time is spent caring for my family and keeping house. These are very good things, and I typically enjoy them. Yet they hold me back from what could be my full potential in a different set of circumstances.

Don’t get me wrong. There is a time to change things up. A season to put some things aside so I can focus more on what God would have me pursue at that time.

There is also a time to embrace where God has put me now and learn to thrive in it. Like a plant flourishing where it is planted, not pining to be transplanted or let loose.

How do I respond when I feel held back from what I believe to be my full potential? Do I pout and mope? Do I dare to criticize God? Or do I take my frustration straight to God, telling Him how I feel, then trusting that He knows best?

If He wants me to do more, He will give me what I need for it when the time is right. I am thankful God is patient with me every time I forget this.

Indeed, there may be a time when it is good for my daughter to move at tremendous speeds – such as when her daddy teaches her to drive. Such speeds are beyond her one-year-old comprehension. That day in the stroller, to go zooming off down the path would have ended badly. It was beyond her ability to handle that speed in that circumstance. Her daddy understood this so he held her back.

God understands what is beyond my ability to handle right now. His holding me back from what I believe to be my full potential is because He knows best. He knows my true potential.

But, wait. Is this a Biblical principle? I’m glad you asked. Here are some examples of people in the Bible whom, I suspect, felt God was holding them back from their full potential, or at least from the life they felt called to or desired. Let me know in the comments if you agree.

David was a shepherd boy – a nobody. One day a prophet anointed David telling him that he would be the next king. At some point after that, David became a servant of the current king, Saul. Then things turned nasty. King Saul tried to kill David. For years David was running for his life. During that time, do you think David ever felt held back from his full potential – the thing God had called him to? Yet it was more than 10 years between the time God called him and when he finally became king. (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel 5)

The demon-possessed man Jesus healed in Luke 8 also comes to mind. He wanted to follow Jesus.

“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with Him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:38-39 NIV)

Finally, I think of the Apostle Paul. Something was holding him back from what he felt was his full potential. Bible commentators vary in their speculation of what that something was. Whatever it was, it felt like a weakness – a hindrance. Paul wrote about it in 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9:

“I was given a thorn in my flesh… Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV)

Today, in the midst of a culture urging me to push harder and reach bigger, may I rest in the fact that God knows what He is doing. His timing is perfect. May I thrive in this season right now.

As the well-known proverb puts it:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

in all your ways know Him,

and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)

Have you been running too hard recently? Do you need a reminder that it is okay to prioritize in this season of your life? I recently listened to a fantastic podcast on that very topic. I encourage you to listen in:

https://www.authormedia.com/why-saying-no-is-crucial-for-publishing-success-a-pruning-story/