August’s Blessings and Reminders

Posted on September 7, 2024 by

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Here we are again with another blessings and reminders post. This year as each month has come to an end, I have been reflecting on things that I have learned or beauty I have seen during the month.

Honesty with God

Last month there was an incident that vexed me. With all the worries that my family has been dealing with, we didn’t need additional stress.

I felt guilty for blasting my feelings in prayer. However, I was reminded that it’s okay to be honest with God when we are feeling down or frustrated. He already knows how we are feeling, so we can’t hide it from Him. And when we talk it out with Him, He can bring us to a place of peace.

We might not have all the answers as to why certain things happen, but we can still trust that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Speaking Up

Last month I was on the phone with someone when our conversation steered towards a touchy topic. (This is something that is often debated in politics, and has caused anger on both sides. I’m not mentioning exactly what it was, because the point of my story could apply to many different topics.)

This person and I had a difference of opinion on the matter. Initially, I did let it be known that I didn’t agree, but otherwise I didn’t say much. At the time, I felt what I said was fine. But after I hung up, I felt that I failed God for not speaking up from a faith perspective.

Well, I did happen to talk to this person again a few days later. I didn’t want to, but I felt the Lord nudge me to bring up the subject again. I explained that the last time we talked I should have said more, and I expressed how I felt that God’s point of view was what really mattered on the topic.

The person didn’t argue and said they never thought about it like that. They said that when it’s mentioned in the media, they don’t present it from that standpoint. And I replied that much of the news and politicians don’t like talking about God at all.

The point of this story is that I am not always good about speaking up, particularly when it means disagreeing with someone. I would rather keep the peace. But over the days surrounding this incident, I had been hearing various messages about standing firm in our faith. So I knew it was a nudge from God.

When it’s all said and done, the main thing that matters is our faith in Jesus. And as Christians, we have a responsibility to share it with others. We are Christ’s ambassadors and we need to let His love shine to those around us. When we face situations like this that intimidate us, the Holy Spirit can guide our words.

Holding onto Faith and Hope

Something else I was reminded this month – no matter how bumpy the road, we can’t give up. We have to keep pressing forward. Day by day, we keep abiding in Jesus. We keep praising the Lord. We keep looking around for His goodness. We keep praying with belief. We trust Him and His will.

God is on the throne. God is in control. He is bigger than anything we face. He can make a way where there is no way. His faithfulness never fails. Nothing is too difficult for Him!

Yet God, in His kindness, teaches us how to tend to our hearts in the middle of hardship and heartbreak. Though it’s tougher to stay hopeful amid suffering and expectant amid hardship, it’s what our souls need. That’s where spiritual heroes are made. – Susie Larson

Whenever you find yourself saying, “I’m worried about…” Or “I’m afraid that…” replace those negative words with “I trust God.” When we say that we trust God, it releases His power to work in our lives. When you are in a battle with worry, instead of vocalizing it, study God’s Word and remember His faithfulness in past situations. – Joyce Meyer

The LORD of armies says this: ‘If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the LORD of armies. – Zechariah 8:6 NASB

There is more I could write, but instead I would love to hear how your month went!

Thank you for reading. You all are in my prayers. If you have any specific prayer requests, please let me know. And thank you for saying a prayer for my family. God bless you!

© 2018-2024 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.

Category: Seeking God

25 Comments on “August’s Blessings and Reminders”

    • I know you also enjoy taking pictures of animals and nature! (Maybe not squirrels though 😬) I’m glad this made you smile. The picture was taken with my phone, so maybe not the best shot. 🦌 Thank you for your thoughtful words. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

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  2. My month went well. We had our first small vacation up in Sedona here. It was a break from the heat and I loved every bit of it. GOD just showed me along the way of travel that HE is so good and HIS protection is there. Was thankful to get up there and home safely. People are crazy out there with their driving!

    What GOD showed me is that there are areas of unplowed ground in my life, especially when digging deeper into HIS word. I think I was kinda on autopilot in the mornings and this new class I started has given me already tools to dig in deeper. I love GOD’S word, more precious than gold. So thankful HE is showing me this daily.

    Thanks for your precious post here. Loved your sharing. Ugh having those disagreements are tough. Can’t we just say this…….”let’s agree to disagree on that.” Our world is so divided right now, it hurts my heart to see it all happening.

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    • Thank you for sharing how your month went, Maxine. The small vacation sounds wonderful. But yikes about the crazy driving! I love how God has been showing up in your life and revealing new things to you. He is so good! And yes I’m with you on the disagreements. Some people definitely get too heated over things. I hope you have a lovely weekend 🤍

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  3. I love that another opportunity was provided to stand for God. He does that a lot. The God of second chances and third, and fourth, and fifth, and sixth, and seventh…

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  5. Hi Bridget, sorry for getting to your post late as I was fighting a cold bug and was feeling run down. These posts from you always remind me to reflect and be grateful. I agree that it is it is ok to take our raw emotions to God. And a big yes to keep looking for ways to praise God and to see His hand in the midst of whatever season we are in.
    Thank you my friend 💙

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    • Hi Manu! No need to apologize about when you read my posts. We are all busy, and the time difference makes it tricky. But I am very sorry that you haven’t been feeling well. I pray that you feel better very soon. 🙏 I’m glad these posts also help you to reflect. And you make a good point about being grateful. The Lord does help us to see the blessings in our lives, as well as lessons learned. Both of which we can be grateful for. 🙌 I love how the Psalmists also brought raw emotions to God. They didn’t hold back when they were down. But they also remembered to praise God in the midst of their storms. He is worthy of our praise, no matter what we are facing. And He is always so good to us, watching out for us, and caring for us. What a gift we have in Him. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Get some rest and be kind to yourself. ♥️

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  6. Great post, Bridget! Speaking up resonated with me because I too am a peacekeeper and avoid conflicts, but sometimes we have speak up and stand up for things even when it brings us discomfort and even anxiety. God brings us through and it’s easy to forget His presence through those trials.
    What if I said I don’t remember August? 😂 It was a good month. The weather hasn’t been torturously hot like it usually is this time of year, so for that I am most grateful because I’ve been able to get outside (and read) more.
    Prayers for you, friend 🙏🏻❤️

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    • Hi Summer! I agree that it is easy to forget the Lord’s Presence in those situations. Maybe the worry overshadows what we know to be true. But even if we can say a quick prayer in our mind, it helps us to proceed with His help…. Hmmm, if you don’t remember August, then maybe you should start journaling 🤣 I do agree with you about the weather! Although not fall temps yet, it’s still cooler enough to tell the difference. Sitting outside to read sounds lovely! Thank you for your prayers! And prayers for you too! 🙏♥️

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      • I missed this 😂 yes, I may need to start journaling!! iPhones actually have a journaling app and I’ve turned it on for notifications and recommendations a while back, but I just haven’t gotten into yet! How funny.

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      • A lot of people have embraced the convenience of journaling electronically, but I’m still old school! Each year I get a new 5-subject notebook to use. In the morning I use it as part of my quiet time with God. But I also jot down some things that happened during the day, as well as quotes or passages that I read and that really spoke to me. Then when I do these monthly posts, it’s easier for me to look back and see what happened. So, with all that being said – if I didn’t jot things down, I would forget too 🤣

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      • It’s sitting down and writing is the thing 😂 I’m bad enough remembering to jot things done when I have technology at my fingertips. Thats a great idea, though!

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  8. I’m another who would rather stay quiet and keep the peace. It amazes me how some people are not shy at all about sharing their views, but get rankled when others share theirs! I’m so glad your second encounter with that person turned out to be amiable, Bridget. I see potential there for further discussion that God can use to draw them to Him!

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    • Such a good point, Nancy. There are so many people who are quick to voice their opinions, yet they don’t like hearing the opinions of others. 🤔 And yes, you are right. There is potential there! 🤍

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    • Yes, it really can be challenging. When facing difficulties, hopelessness can overtake us. But you are right, it’s vital to keep holding on. We have to do as David did, and encourage ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). Thank you, big brother, for the motivating words! 💙

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© 2018-2025 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.