Fact: I'm a doubting Thomas. Yes, it's true. I'm the queen of worry warts.
This is something I am always battling. Whenever an oppurtunity arises or a life change occurs I automatically assume the worst.
Example: Jonathan and I are engaged and looking for our first jobs before the wedding. I automatically think that neither one of us is going to get a job and we'll have zero source of income come the wedding day. Fact: We both got jobs a whole month before the wedding so we had 2 incomes come the wedding day.
I mean, this happens ALL the time with me. I assume the worst always...in trying to find our first apartment, with buying our first house, getting art jobs, changing to a part time job, paying for Jonathan's grad school, trying to get pregnant...the list goes on.
Where does all of this stem from?
God is perfection and I am NOT so therefore I think I don't deserve to have God's blessings...because honestly I don't deserve it. But, if God only gave blessings to those deserving, then NONE of us would ever be blessed.
I fully understand that God blesses our lives despite our track record. I fully understand that God keeps his word and fulfills his promises. Because I know these things I started to keep a "Thankful Journal". All I do is, everyday, I write down what I am thankful for just as daily reminder but I wanted something visual so I created a "Fulfilled Promises" jar. (This was a suggestion in a recent sunday school lesson...I can't take credit for it.)
I used some left over scrapbook paper to write MAJOR blessings on to remind myself that although I am a sinner God does amazing things in my life. So, when I begin to doubt what's going on in my life I can look at the jar and remember all God has fulfilled for Jonathan and I.
Here is a close up of the jar. I narrowed it down to things that have happened since Jonathan and I have been engaged.
I have it on the dining table so I can see it everyday and easily read through them if I want to.
And, here is an example. Yes, as soon as I decided I wanted to try and have a baby I assumed I would never be able to get pregnant...for no reason. Again, I always assume the worst but never once has God let me down...ever.
Maybe this will inspire someone else to create their own blessing jar...or, maybe nobody else struggles with this like I do.
19 comments:
love the blessing jar!! great post -- I feel very similar to you, especially in that I know I am not deserving of God's blessings. He is good and has a plan for us =)
What a fabulous reminder to be able to see every time you walk by the table =)
Love this idea. Def going to do one of my own! I don't really struggle with worry but I forget how big God is. Like the Israelites whom after 3 months crossing the red sea, made a gold idol to worship. I feel like I forget that God does huge miracles like that and that He wants to...nothing we can do or have done makes Him love us. So good to know that. I was reminded of King David this morning and how after he sinned with Bathsheba, God says, I could have given you even more if you only trusted me instead of taking things into your own hands and having an affair (paraphrase). I def need to trust Him more and I'm gonna start today with my Jar!
I like this idea! Thank you for sharing. I may have to borrow it. Right now, I write prayers on index cards. One of the reasons is so that I can have them all to look back on and remind myself of all the prayers God has answered...or the ones He has said no to but I can later look back and understand why and be thankful for. But I really like the Blessing Jar!! Have a great day!!
What a wonderful idea. This is such a great reminder of all the things God provides us with each day. Thank you for this idea.
That is a great idea! I might have to start a blessing jar. Paul and I were actually going to try and come visit y'alls Sunday School class after Ashley told us about it but we decided to hold off for a while. I wish I would have heard that lesson though.
I think that blessing is a great blessing and Georgia will be a huge blessing in your life.
Thanks for a great post! You are most definitely not the only one who struggles with this!
That is a great idea. Thank you so much for sharing! You are not the only worry wart out there :) God is Great and only gives you what you can handle. So every obstacle that is put in your path is by God because he KNOWS you can handle it! Have a great day! :)
Great idea!
What a great idea!
I am a worry wart also and this would be great for me!
Love the blessing jar and the tablescape in general. You are definitely not the only worry wart out there - I feel like something bad is going to happen around every corner because we've been so blessed and don't deserve it. Everything always works out though and then I feel silly for trying to be in control. We need to loosen up!
I struggle with this ALL.THE.TIME. I love the blessing jar idea, so inspirational but simple. Thanks for sharing:)
What a great idea. I am not so much of a worrier, but it is always good to count your blessings. And what a great thing to teach your kids early. I should start something like this wit my boys!
I love this idea too! I had started something similar for answered prayers, but I keep forgetting to write them down - I need to get back into the habit, because I want to remember everything the Lord has done!
This is such a great idea! I am such a worry wart too...always assuming the worst!
Good idea!! I can be a worry wort, but too bad for me- sometimes I have good reasons to worry. =P
You are so good at decorating!!!
I love this! :) For me, lately, this would be a wonderful thing to have at our house. Thanks for sharing!
That is an awesome idea. I am always trying to remind myself that even when something goes wrong in my day there are so many things to be thankful for.
Inspired.
This is a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing!
I am also a doubting Thomas and it's something I'm trying so hard to change. This is such a great idea - I going to have to find a jar asap!
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