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A Heart of Gratitude
 
The Gratitude Seed
by Debra Hall
We always
want growth
when we plant a seed.
But sometimes the growth
is much like a weed.
The seed of self pity
can root quickly in
and wind through a life,
choke out
breath; cause to sin.
It wraps around peace
strangles laughs, wipes out smiles.
It takes away love
and
stretches for miles.
The seed of self pity
will trade for another.
The seed to be grateful
will grow as
no other.
It roots in a heart
makes changes these ways.
It winds through a life,
gives one
breath; cause to praise.
It brings in great peace,
laughter rings, out come smiles,
encourages love,
and
stretches for miles.
A life can now bloom
as a flower, a rose,
when self pity is gone,
a grateful heart grows.
Dedication
I dedicate this website, A Heart of Gratitude, to my parents, Viola and Bobbie Lee.
On January 10, 1995, at the age of 55, my mother passed away of Beta Strep A at Barnes Hospital
in St. Louis, Missouri. It seemed like such a cruel way to leave this earth. I fought with
resentment toward God over that for a few years, but have since come to terms with her death. I
now know -- deep down -- that she is in a much better place. Such a cliche', but true
nonetheless.
For me, she left a love for God and a wonderful example of motherhood to follow. Her headstone
reads, "Her children arise up and call her blessed". Her spirit was quiet; but when it came to
her children, she could be best described as fierce and protective.
My father passed on at 38 of lung cancer. His gift to his children was intelligence and a love
for nature.
For both of these people, I am very thankful.
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise be thankful
unto him, and bless his name.
Testimony
God has truly blessed me in many ways. I have a beautiful home and loving family.
Everyday when He blesses me with peace I am grateful. A grateful heart is my goal
and everyday that I achieve that, I am at my best.
One of my greatest challenges has been to remain hopeful and faithful while in the valleys of my
life. Oh, there has never been any doubt that I love God. It's just that there have been times
when my heart hurt and I couldn't feel His love for me. He has always been there, though, most
tenderly in those valleys. I can look back over the years and see so much evidence of His great
sacrificial love for me and all of his children.
As a young woman my identity was wrapped up in my role as "mommy". I believe that was the most
important job I've been given. I am learning to let go of my children. I had to decide that no
matter what my family does, no matter how their lives go, I will follow Christ. That was a
turning point for me.
Satan will use whatever he can to tempt us. It may not be immorality, although that is a strong
pull for most of us. It may be fear, anxiety, worry. All of those emotions threaten our witness
and stability as women.
That is my daily fight. I must daily give back to my Heavenly Father all of my fears, worries
and those children who were never really mine to begin with...
My prayer for you comes from Romans 15:5. "May God who gives patience, steadiness,
and encouragement help you to live in complete harmony with each other - each with
the attitude of Christ toward the other." May your heart be filled to overflowing with
gratitude...
Please click below, come on in and get a glimpse of a life, very rich in love and experiences.
This is extremely important!
Are you troubled? Are you
lonely? Do you feel as though you're missing something in your life, but not sure what it
is?
The single, most important decision of your life is to become a Christian. Believe it or not,
it's as easy as ABC!
1.Realize that being a "good person" will not get you into heaven. You must ADMIT that you are a
sinner. The Bible says, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans
3:23 NIV
2.BELIEVE that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again. "...believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 NIV
3.CONFESS your sins to God. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves
no regret..." II Corinthians 7:10 NIV
Pray the following prayer:
"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe in my heart that Jesus was crucified on a cross
in my place as a sacrifice for my sins. I believe that he rose again. I am very sorry for the
sins of my life. I ask You to come into my heart right now and I thank You for saving
me!"
If you prayed that prayer, then you are now a Christian! Praise God!
Now what? Tell someone, pray, read your Bible, and find a Bible-believing church to worship with
other Christians. These are very crucial to your growth.
Please email us now and share the good news!
Thank you, Christsites, for the Daily Top Site award given on August 12, 2000. A Heart
of Gratitude ended up receiving that same award 6 of 7 days that week!
This Weekly Top Site award was given on August 20, 2000 and several weeks after that.
Thank you! AND a big thank
you to voters.
© A
Heart of Gratitude June * 2000
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