Time to start singing

        It's  a fresh new morning.  Thank You for another day, Lord.  Thank You for eyes to see the dawn, a mouth to taste hot tea, and a mind to understand Your Word.  Thank You for another opportunity to choose to praise You and thank You.  Thank You for the reminder just this morning ('cause I'm a mighty quick forgetter!) that thanksgiving and praise are always a choice...but they are a choice that always renews our hearts and minds and brings us joy.  In thanking and praising You, we are transformed and encouraged.  That's what I call a win-win!
        "Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth!  Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day.  Declare His glory among the nations, HIs marvelous works among all peoples!  For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heaven.  Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary."  (Ps.96:1-6)
         "Joy takes practice," says Edward Welch.  "If you are willing to look for joy, the psalmists can lead you to it.  The goodness of God is shot through creation and the church, so joy is always possible.  When you can't see it, return to the cross and appreciate the beauty of what Jesus did."
         Yes, thank You, Lord Jesus, thank You.  When I look, really look, at the cross--that hideous, beautiful cross--and glimpse Your infinite love poured out for us on that cross, all my petty fears and complaints suddenly vanish.
         "God's splendor ascends over the sorrow of life.  Joy is possible.  Choose to become an expert int it."
         Thank You also, Lord, for Your myriad gifts to us.  The priceless gift of Your Word, of course but also the happy pleasure of a mug of tea--  

 The astounding, quiet beauty of sunrise on the greenway--

 A nice long nap in the warm rays of sunshine--

 Sweet memories of time spent in the mountains with those I love--

Chocolate...enough said.

         Today, this day--the only January 26, 2017 we'll ever have--let's choose first to praise our marvelous Maker for the greatest Gift of all gifts--the Lord Jesus.  And then let's choose to thank Him for His many, many little gifts that He extravagantly pours out upon us this day and everyday.  Sing Him a new song today--a song of praise and thanksgiving on this day.
         No matter how your day (or your week...or your month) has been going so far, everything can change for the better if you'll make the choice of praise and thanksgiving.  It's time to start singing that new song.  Make the choice.  Today.  Right now.
         To God be the glory.