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Friday, March 30, 2012

Choosing Contentment


"Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition." -- Jeremiah Burroughs


I have been talking with some friends about contentment this week...you see I think contentment is a choice and it's one I am having a hard time choosing right about now. Finding myself looking back instead of ahead, focusing on my lack instead of blessings.

Need an attitude adjustment...I have many blessings in my life...thought it might be time to change my focus...time to start focusing on what I have to be thankful for... so I took a moment to list some things...and there is so much more...but here are just a few of the things I have to be thankful for and they are in no particular order


1. Family and friends who are always willing to help point me to the word of God when I need encouragement
2. Beautiful weather....spring has come early here, there is all kind of stuff blooming in my backyard
3.Season passes to the Gardens in our city...there is something always in bloom...azaleas should be beautiful this weekend
4. A husband who enjoys the Gardens as much as I do
5. Grandchildren who live close by...remember I said this list was in no particular order
6. Renewed relationships with extended family
7. Unexpected opportunity to see youngest son and friends last weekend...and Cherry Blossoms
8. We had funds to pay for car repairs...the cars were quite needy this month
9. Although not where I want to be physically...I am so much better than I was than a year ago...all a matter of perspective....need to be thankful for that

What I need to remember is, I am exactly where God wants me to be...I really am ..he has me right where he wants me to be... could there really be any place better than that? Lord, help me choose contentment, thankfulness instead of grumbling


O Lord you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold O Lord you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:1-6

17 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Hi Maryann!

My longtime friend (and blogger) just posted on contentment concerning her name. It was a lovely post and I urged her to link to my next Think on These Things. I hope you will too.

What a blessing reading your list of thankful things! Your love of gardening is evident in the gorgeous tulips! So pretty!

Debbie said...

Good morning...I loved your thoughts and list this morning. How I can relate. We DO have a choice, and with you I am chosing contentment. Hope you have a wonderful week-end! HUGS

Reformed rebel said...

Hi ~ Loved your list. Being content can sometimes be a challenge. But...if we just keep our eyes on...and hearts tuned to...Jesus, it will be possible!!
Blessings...Chelle

NanaNor's said...

Dear Maryann, I love this post and agree that when we choose contentment, our thankfulness grows. Like you some days are easier to be contented than others but once we focus on the blessings, it makes the day better.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful words to go with such beautiful photos.
Hugs, Noreen

Glenda said...

I share your thoughts and recognize my need to be content where I am. When I remember that He knows every detail of my life and that He IS in control, I find contentment much easier.

You have a beautiful blog!

Donna said...

What a beautiful post. To be content with all that He has blessed us with. Great list. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful verses and such lovely flowers. I am visiting with you via LDH's blog.

Maggie Ann said...

Your post is helping me also...to trust and rest in Him. I have some tests coming up soon.

Susan said...

Great flower pictures. You are right, contentment is a choice. Even when bad things happen, if we rest secure in the Lord, we know that everything will be okay. Susan

marie said...

Your post is a perfect reminder that contentment is a choice...thank you for your list of special blessings too. Reminded me of some things I need to remember to be grateful for!

Paula said...

Hi Maryann,
First time here. Funny, I read your "about me" first and was thinking how blessed you are to have 4 grandchildren.

We all have so much to be thankful for but it is still easy to digress. I do it too. How God must be shaking His head and wondering how much more He has to do to get a heart-felt thank-you for every blessing.

Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for your post–it's a great reminder for me to choose contentment in all circumstances! I like the verse you included at the end, too, from Psalm 139. That's one of my favorite chapters in the Bible!

Pamela said...

I love the quote! A couple years ago I chose contentment as "my word." When actively choosing to be content I found contentment spilling over into every area of my life. You sure have a beautiful list to begin. My mother is a 30 year breast cancer survivor.

Anonymous said...

Such a great reminder to choose to be content, and grateful - all acts of worship to the Lord. Thanks for sharing. Hugs ~ Mary

♥ my diary♥ said...

nice post thanks for sharing...looking for to visit more blessings

Petra said...

Beautiful and timely reminder, my friend. Scripture is full of much more than mere words when when it speaks about renewing our minds, about being thankful in all things, about setting our minds on things above... God does give and help and lead faithfully, lovingly, patiently... and i am running out of words. Much love to you and many peace- and joy-filled blessings on this our Holy Week! And one glorious, joyous Resurrection Sunday to you and yors!

Vee said...

If, when we are feeling low and ill, we remember that there will be a future day when we feel so much better and things are brighter, it really helps. It's good to look back and see where we've been and now rejoice in where we are. A thought-provoking post...