Thursday Thanks (51-55)

fiveEach week (I aim for Thursday), I’ll use this space to list five things (items, experiences, people, whatever) for which I’ve been recently grateful. Consider it my “blessings count”. Ann Voskamp’s famous challenge to list 1000 gifts seemed daunting — I’m committing to 500, a task which will take me two years of weekly posts to complete!

Despite disruption to last week’s post, I was still grateful! Here, I’ll prove it to you…

1) Small Voices
Our two-year old loves to sing. Every night before bed, we read a book filled with the lyrics to “You are My Sunshine”. I lead and leave out words for her to fill — and some of those fills are the cutest sounds human ears have ever heard.

2) Thunder
Our city had a lot of rain this week, and even some thunder. Even some morning thunder! What is it about those sky-shaking acoustics? I don’t know exactly, but I love it.

3) Execution
Though that word may bring to mind the death penalty in Texas, this is actually a statement about basketball in Texas. In the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs took a Miami Heat team loaded with talent and then destroyed them. If you wanted to see how basketball is supposed to be played, the clinic was aired on TV for the world to learn. It’s fun watching perfection!

4) Praying Friends
I sent a text to several friends last week, asking for specific prayers. Many responded quickly that they were on it. That makes me grateful.

5) Rockin’ Robin
Our five-year-old had her preschool concert this week. The whole program was about birds — trivia, jokes, poems. But no doubt, the highlight was a choreographed performance to Rockin’ Robin. My wife could hardly breathe, she was getting such delight from the show! And I was grateful for both a dancing daughter and a weeping wife. 🙂

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  • Did any of this week’s list especially strike a chord with you?
  • What’s one thing you’re particularly grateful for this week?

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Six-Pack (67)

Welcome to the Six-Pack!

My apologies for missing last week — I heard no rumblings of revolution, so I think we’re all right. Back at it with the six worth-sharing pieces from recent days — about ministry or faith or who-knows-what!

If a half-dozen feels daunting, start with the *Picks of the Week*, and move out.

For a steady stream of such links, follow me on Twitter to the right of this post.  Sharp quotes and solid articles are tweeted 3-4 times daily.

Today’s edition:

1) We Don’t Need Another Hero (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Sean Palmer takes issue with the relatively recent fascination everyone has with their “stories” — one particular issue. Bang on!

2)  What Cessationists Really Think About the Supernatural
Moving from what I describe as a Cessationist mentality into a life increasingly intrigued by the Holy Spirit, I was curious to see what Charisma Magazine would have to say in an article with that title.

3)  Clark Pinnock: Postmodern Pioneer
One of my favourite theologians was a Canadian man named Clark Pinnock. Capable of ruffling feathers and stirring pots while remaining absolutely humble and gracious, he passed away in 2010. This article of reflection back on his life and contributions was touching to me.

4)  Fundamental Greatness: The Oral History of Tim Duncan
I’ve been an ardent Tim Duncan fan since he entered the NBA many moons ago. This collection of quotes and comments is a fascinating chronicling of the “Big Fundamental’s” storied career.

5)  Six Subtle Things Highly Productive People Do Everyday (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
I like to think I’m productive; I like do dream how much more productive I could be. This piece from Business Insider has some valuable tips and reminders to get you closer to whatever productivity goals you’ve got set.

6) How One ADD Writer Focuses and Cranks Out Drafts
Jessi Stanley shares her approach for how to stop thinking and how to “get at it”.

May your week ahead be filled with life, as you seek the One from whom it flows!

leaveacommentYOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!

  • Which link above was today’s best-of-the-best?
  • Why that one?

Direct others to the best of the bunch with a quick comment.

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