Tag Archive for: thankful

My Busy, but Blessed Day

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While enduring physical therapy, I began feeling sorry for myself. My headaches persisted, leg ached, and my neck and shoulders complained often.

“Should I keep coming if I’m not sure this is doing any good? You’re adding another exercise?!” Yes, you’d probably say I was grumbling.

My therapist paused, then replied, “Consider the man in here earlier. He had only one leg, and wonders if he’ll ever return to work, or earn enough money to pay the bills for the family.”

Oh. I guess I have nothing to complain about, do I? A good reminder to be thankful for what I can do and what I do have.

We did some deep breathing and slowly releasing my breath. He continually reminds me to relax and loosen my shoulders. Relax? Are you kidding? This is December! Who relaxes in December?

“You’d better or you’re gonna wind up feeling even worse. Be positive. You’ll never mend until you allow your body time to re-generate and mend.”

Next on my agenda: Fresh Thyme to capture gluten-free onion rings for a holiday green bean casserole. This stop helped me temporarily forget my next appointment. These are tough to find, but I was grateful that a kind sales clerk led me to the shelf where there was a supply of them. This store is a specialty shop and I love to wander. Near the deli a young Dad was scooping up chicken noodle soup. His son was pushing a mini cart full to the brim with items.

“Looks like you’re a great helper,” I commented.

Dad smiled, patted his son on the back and said, “He’s a great helper!”

“Good for you. Merry Christmas you two.” I said with a smile as I walked away.

I couldn’t stall any longer so I took off for a dreaded dentist appointment. I’ve spent too much time in a dentist chair ever since my automobile accident just five months after I got married. Upside: felt good to have fresh, clean teeth. Downside: they discovered a fracture in a molar which requires a crown. In the waiting room, I noticed a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments for sale. Proceeds would go to help Women at Risk—a most worthy cause. I chose several for my Christmas list. 😊 Score!

Drove home after my dentist appointment, connected with my husband where he reminded me of his Christmas concert at an assisted living facility. I could sit with the groupies or band-aids—spouses whose husbands play in the Celebration Brass band. I was tired and came up with excuses, but in the end I did go and am glad I did.

Soaking in the joyous, meaningful Christmas melodies helped me unwind; relax just like my PT advised me earlier in the day. I started the evening tired and defeated. When I left the concert, I felt refreshed and renewed. The music reminded me of a baby boy born in less than ideal circumstances, raised and walked this earth healing, sacrificing. Christ gave His own life for mine so we might be free and whole enjoying heaven after this body gives out. His birth night was a Holy night—the most special Christmas gift of all.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

“The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and

“Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others”

November, 2022 Newsletter

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Grateful & Thankful ! 🙂

Darlene Larson & Teresa Lasher with her new book!

I’m so grateful this season for many things. As you can see from our smiling faces, I’m privileged to know a famous author and life coach, Darlene Larson. Her name, along with others, is listed on the acknowledgement page in the front of my new book, The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief.

Listen to what Darlene has to say:

“About two years ago, I had the honor and joy of coaching Teresa Lasher (thank you, Teresa). A slice of her and her father’s story was talked about. It grabbed my heart. Then COVID steam rolled in and more of her story with her father unfolded. She published her book this fall and it covers MUCH in a loaded 50 page book about her father and her journey.”

We continue as friends and write together in community. What are you thankful for today?

Who would choose to walk a path of loss and grief? This path became Teresa Lasher’s story as caregiver to her elderly father. She wrestled with helplessness and exhaustion. Fighting for his physical, emotional, mental well-being and safety, he continued to slip further away during the Covid pandemic mandated isolation.

Desperately needing wisdom and preparation for existing and unforeseen battles, Teresa had to learn coping strategies. Granting herself permission to take time off, she often escaped outdoors to write and muse. She chose to exercise forgiveness where needed. When dealing with fear, doubt, and grief, God sent people who showed kindness at just the right time. In Teresa’s story of incredible hope and insight, she learns there are unexpected blessings in the midst of her grief journey.

If you’d like a copy for yourself, as a gift, or to be used in a group setting, local copies can be obtained through Kregel Parable Bookstore or online.

What folks are saying about the new book:

  • This is a very well written book, straight from the heart. It’s very easy to read and very relatable, having also gone through the slow loss of a parent as they struggled with dementia…”
  • This book was well written and easy to read. Teresa shared a very personal, difficult journey. It was a great encouragement to me, and showed God’s faithfulness each step of the way. Highly recommend!

Also available is my 90-day count your blessings & live life in the present devotional book, Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others. What others are saying:

  • “A story of bravery in the midst of uncertainty…an inspiring and truth told book for those that are walking through a fearful and pain filled health diagnosis.”
  • “Teresa Lasher’s book has been written not only to tell her story of surviving a brain tumor but to give each of us hope and encouragement as we find our way through each day. It inspires us to live our lives to the fullest by learning to love ourselves so we in turn can love others.”
  • “This is a carefully crafted book that step by step helps readers look in the mirror and assess their own life journeys – especially when those tumultuous moments arise.”

And be thankful …

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“Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

  • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

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Check your Thankful Spirit

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“Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances,”—Jesus Calling.

*extra credit: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

  •  Just how close are you living to God? Or, are you satisfied with a long-distance relationship?
  • How’s your thankful spirit? What things/people in your life are you thankful for? Consider verbalizing that back to God and to that person(s).

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Give thanks

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“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” — Psalm 19:1–2.    

We’ve been having some crazy weather here in the mid-west. This spring we experienced unprecedented temperatures in the 80s followed by snow, hail, and sleet the next week. Farmers became fearful and went to extreme measures to protect their apple buds from frost and freeze. They built fires around the perimeters of their orchards and hired helicopters to hover above the trees in an attempt to maintain even temperatures.

As I live, breathe, and work in these extreme fluctuations and witness the sky in various forms of flex, I can’t help but stop and marvel at God’s handiwork. Only he could fashion the varying temperatures and atmospheric conditions choosing rain, snow, tornadoes, or pleasant, calm sunny days. No one can argue or match his greatness or majesty.

One thing I can do … I can praise God’s holy name and thank him for watching over us and sustaining this great earth.

Have you thanked God lately for food to eat and water to drink? Have you thanked him for the sun shining down and for lakes and rivers that provide your daily requirements to exist on planet earth?

Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Are you ready for Christmas?

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Only two more days before Christmas. Just two more sleeps before the big day. Reality check time again. Am I calmer — more rested? Am I ready to properly celebrate the birth of the Christ-child? His birth is a big deal and worth preparing my mind, body, and soul. His death manifests the ultimate sacrifice. How can I offer any less to God than to prepare myself in readiness for Christmas Day? He gave his all for me and any who believe in him.  

Back to the verse in Colossians 4:2 — “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” 

1.      I must “continue to pray” for family members and friends as I become aware of their needs such as: broken relationships, freedom from addiction, a vehicle to drive, housing, employment, zest and yearning for God’s approval vs. man’s approval.

2.      “Be watchful.” Ever present and aware of people and needs around me. Take the time to pause, smile at a harried clerk and wish them a Merry Christmas before I depart on my way. Many retail personnel work extended hours away from their families this time of year often dealing with short-tempered, frazzled and frustrated customers.

3.      “Be thankful.” I am thankful for a warm home to come back to, a faithful husband, loving family, delightful grandchildren and caring friendships — just to name a few. I truly am blessed and have much to be thankful for this Christmas season!

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

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Devoted to Prayer

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Just five days before Christmas and I need to do an emotional and physical check. To be perfectly honest, I’d have to say not so good. My emotions are all over the place between elated and depressed. I’m totally elated and eager to see my son and family with three young grandchildren; yet sad that I won’t be seeing other family members. Other relationships are still not what I’d hoped for given the past history. 

Last night I met a friend for our Christmas gift exchange. She remarked how she could barely contain herself with glee on the drive over. Really? Seriously? She wasn’t kidding. I found myself envious that I wasn’t able to muster up such feelings of joy.

Just what was the matter with me that I wasn’t feeling glowing and happy all over? Immediately I began to question my circumstances and lot in life. Why weren’t those same positive feelings invading my heart and life? After all, it is Christmas — the season to be happy and jolly. So why wasn’t I feeling happy or jolly? What am I investing my time doing? Running here and there, or investing in eternity where present and future rewards emerge.

In sheer desperation, I opened my Bible. Colossians 4:2 jumped out at me and I captured three valid pointers:

*  “Devoting yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” In all honesty, I certainly was not “devoting myself to prayer.” A quick SOS here and there (in between searching for a parking spot) probably did not qualify as devotion. But I’d grown weary of praying for the same individual year after year with no evident change. No matter. God honors persistence. My job is to continue to pray believing change is possible because with God nothing is impossible.

*  “Being watchful” — searching the store shelves and making countless phone calls for the hot ornament of the year is not what God intended by that phrase.

*  “Being thankful” — naming my list of complaints does not equal a positive spirit. It would serve me well to remember the words to the old hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr., (1897) , Count Your Blessings …

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

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God-gifts

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I’m thoroughly enjoying a book,  One Thousand Gifts-A dare to live fully right where you are,” my friend Kathy gave me. Ann Voskamp, the author, encourages the reader to be thankful. She claims the “real problem of life is never a lack of time. The real problem of life—in my life—is lack of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving creates abundance; and the miracle of multiplying happens when I give thanks—and He miraculously makes it more than enough.”

The author suggests creating a list of naming God-gifts. This list helps me reflect on the tiniest of good gifts God bestows. When I focus on daily good gifts, it steers me away from dwelling on what I do not have and causes me to be more thankful for what I do have.

I’m up to number 30 today:  

30)  Good night’s sleep rocked by gentle waves

31)  Leisurely morning wake-up

32)  Breakfast eaten out doors

33)  Full sun warms my brow and head

34)  First sail of the spring season, crisp winds—oh, so good to be out in God’s creation!

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