Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
June’s Blessings and Reminders
I can’t decide if June sped by or crawled by. 🤔 Either way, here are some reminders that came my way…
Every Day is a Gift – One thing I learned in June is that everything can change in an instant. We shouldn’t take one day for granted. Every day really is a gift.
Habits and Routines – I learned something about good habits and routines. Habits and routines that are well established in our lives, as well as habits and routines from which we have seen progress – those habits and routines have a better chance of standing their ground when adversity strikes. However, any newly formed habits and routines from which we haven’t seen true results yet – those might easily be whisked away.
For example, for over a year I have been doing leg exercises three times a week. (Don’t be too impressed because it only takes about ten minutes of my time.) But I have seen results from this routine. Therefore, I have been able to keep pushing myself, even when I don’t feel like it. (Okay, to be honest, I never feel like it.)
On the other hand, about a month ago I told you all that I was trying to do Pilates more often. This routine did not get a good footing, though. So when circumstances took a turn, I didn’t hold onto it. (One day I’d like to get back to that practice.)
That’s why it’s important to form good habits and routines sooner rather than later. If possible, develop them in good times of life, and don’t put them off.
Perspective – I also learned that what seems to matter changes with the seasons of life. You might have thought that something in particular mattered; however, when circumstances change your perspective, what matters changes as well. Something that might have seemed important in the past, may no longer seem to be as vital, in light of a new perspective. In each season of life, we change as our circumstances change.
Prayer – In June I’ve been reminded that prayer is a gift. And when you have family and friends praying for you or a loved one, that is priceless. (Thank you for your continued prayers for my family. They are very much appreciated. More than you know. And please continue to share your prayer requests with me.)
The Bible – Staying in God’s Word is a treasure as it guides us on good days and bad days. God will use Scripture to speak to our hearts and encourage us.
God Speaks – However, God will also use other avenues to speak to us and encourage us. A song on the radio, words from family and friends, a blog post, words in a book, even something on television. He will speak to us in any way He can reach us. It’s important to keep our hearts open, so we can hear Him and receive His messages.
“We complicate things when we expect God to talk to us the way He talks to others. Or we see someone who claims to hear Him in detail and we wonder why we don’t enjoy such clarity. But if we can learn to trust His love and enjoy His presence, we’ll eventually learn to rest in His care. We’ll go about our day, trusting that if we’re about to lose our way, the Holy Spirit will convict and correct us as needed. And if there’s something we need to know, God will make sure to let us know.” – Susie Larson
Faith – I’ve learned that when it’s difficult to cling to our faith, that is when we need it the most. We can’t give up. We have to keep believing and keep hoping. God is on the throne and He can handle all the difficulties in our lives. He is bigger than any mountain we face. He can make a way where there is no way. He can do it, even if the world says it can’t be done. Jesus is our healer. And what a gift it is to know that He loves us and cares for us. He is with us, every single moment.
I created a playlist titled “God’s Got This.” If you need some encouragement, feel free to check it out. These songs and their lyrics remind me that God is in control and He can do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond anything we ask or think (Eph 3:20). 🙌
How did the month of June go for you? I’d love to hear about it.
© 2018-2024 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.
Bridget A. Thomas 
Bridget, I love your perspective on how our circumstances impact our daily walk with Jesus, our habits, and our routines. If there’s something God wants to say to us, He will be sure to find a way to make it known. In the meantime, trust in Him and His word, and pray. Good stuff! A playlist!?! What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing this insightful post. Blessings.
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Thank you, Rainer. They say the only constant in life is change. But as Christians we know that our Lord is constant. And that is a gift, as we walk through different seasons of life. We might change, as our circumstances change. But we can keep our eyes on Jesus through it all. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you too.
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Amen. Christ remains our focus. Otherwise, our faith is fleeting.
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I believe Pilates means “painful” in Greek. 😁 What you mentioned is spot on, Bridget: Fair weather habits prepare us for foul. Recently, my wife ended up in the hospital for two days. During that time I was so scared and worried I could barely pray or read the Bible. However, the scriptures I’ve memorized became mantras for me. (I don’t mean like in the Eastern religion sense.) Saying nuggets of God’s Word kept me at peace—at least enough to function with faith. As my military friends say, “You don’t rise to the occasion (when trouble comes), you fall back on your training. 🙏 prayers continue for you and yours, Sister B.
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May we all have the daily background of time in the Word and talking with Jesus so we can fall back on our training in the hard times!
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I agree. Jesus is our anchor.
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Thank you for sharing that, David. What a gift to have Scripture tucked away, so when adversity hits we have Truth to stand on. And such a good point about falling back on our training. May we all keep that in mind when we are met with difficulties. Thank you for your prayers. They are very much appreciated.
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“That’s why it’s important to form good habits and routines sooner rather than later. If possible, develop them in good times of life, and don’t put them off.”
I so agree! It’s important that we don’t sit back and rest in the good times because more trials are sure to come, as we’ve all experienced and also are told throughout scripture. It’s so easy to relax in those times, but if we’re thanking God for those things, shouldn’t we also keep WORKING? The work of Christ never stops in us unless we do, and that’s with anything.
June was full of decisions I feel like. Ive been thinking a lot about what I want and then giving that to God through my journal and through prayer. What I want may never come to fruition and I need to trust Him without whatever His will is for me.
Continued prayer for you and your family, Bridget. Your faith is encouraging 🤗❤️
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Such a good point, Summer – “The work of Christ never stops.” We have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I love that you have been bringing things to God. I’m reading a Charles Stanley book and he wrote how one time God told him that everything he wants to accomplish in life, he will have to do so on his knees. It’s comforting to know that God is there and He is on our side. He hears your prayers and He will work everything out for the best. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. Have a lovely weekend! 🤍
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Good reminders. The blistering summer heat has me looking forward to cooler weather. I’m making slow progress on my book. I was also a little less of a hermit. 🙂 More importantly, I look to God more. May God continue to bless you and your family.
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We have had the heat here too. But I’m sure it’s hotter where you are. 🥵 I pray fall comes quickly for you. I’m sorry the progress is slow, but at least it’s still progress. I’m cheering you on. I can easily be a hermit myself, so I understand. But I’m glad you are surrounded by a good community. And looking to God more is wonderful. Something we all need to remember daily. Thank you, Judy. Blessings to you.
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❤
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Bridget, as I was reading through your post, I was so in agreement with each of the points you make. Habits and routines, prayer, reading God’s word, How God speaks and faith. So true that when we form routines of spending time with God in various ways it strengthens us in ways that will be evident when challenges come.
Continuing to pray for your family. May the Lord’s hand be over you all meeting your needs in the way only He can.
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I’m so glad that the Lord can be our firm foundation, no matter what season of life we are in. Thank you so much for your prayers. They are very much appreciated. I’m praying for you too, my friend. 🙏
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The month of June flew by!
Keeping our eyes on the Lord is the best way to find peace through good times and not so good times.
Continued thoughts & prayers for you and your family.
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So true! Keeping our eyes on the Lord should be our goal, every day. Thank you for your prayers. And I’m sending prayers for your brother 🙏
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Thank you Bridget.
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You’re welcome.
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What I have in common with you is I have been really stretching each day and even in bed before I get up each morning. Has made a huge difference in how my body feels. And let us each day, spend time alone with GOD and HIS word and we will see a huge difference in our lives as well. Just a little each day is what I have learned can make such a change in us over time. GOD is so good that way!
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Such a good point. Often times adding something new to our routine feels like a big deal. But sometimes we also complicate things. A little bit of time can reap a large reward. 🙌🤍
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