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Hi! Welcome to my first-ever video blog – my VLOG… which is really a video devotional. I’m so glad to be doing life with you. What’s my goal with the vlog stuff? Simple: to encourage you to think big thoughts about God and to inspire you to live fully in His grace and truth.
This morning a girlfriend of mine stopped by and shared a story with me. We both felt that there was a huge lesson in it. I believe it will encourage you BIG – just like it did me. Watch the video to hear more…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
When we worship and give thanks – in any and all circumstances – our hearts become aware of God’s presence and our eyes become open to His blessings
What can this look like for you today?
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RESPONSE TIME: Leave a comment below posting three things that you are thankful for today. Be creative! Have some fun with it. We love fun around here. 🙂
Thanks for doing life with me!
Gwen
Comments 60
Thank You Gwen …I love it. I will continue praying and being inspired by all you Girlfriends in God. As I pray for my family it seems that I get attacked through my husband with conflict.Sometimes the understanding between us is conflicted.But I will hold strong with prayer and will not give up.I know this is just away of satan trying to come in our lives. Please pray for us that there is understanding with peace,as I believe everything is possible in Jesus name. I am reading praying for my husband from head to toe. Very good book.
Wow, Gwen. Thank you so much for this!
I have been facing health challenges the last 7 years and been on the longest recovery journey ever…and just a few minutes ago, I made my usual dash to the bathroom (a weak bladder is one of the side-effects) and got there too late.
I was so frustrated and humiliated, I began throwing a tantrum. I cried out to God – “Why ME? Why do I get THIS struggle, Lord! What have I done?’ And I was met by silence….A few moments later, in my bedroom, I repented, but still felt low. Defeated. Then something told me to come turn on my pc. And when I opened it, I saw your website, saved on my open Google tab. I’d put it up after getting your newsletter the other day, but not yet listened to the vlog. So I hit play and BAM! Your message hit me. THANKSGIVING!
In the middle of this hard time, despite everything…even in times of complete humiliation and extreme smallness – THANKSGIVING is what I am to offer Him…and His blessings will flow back to me in return. I needed that reminder. I needed to come back to recall the faith-filled woman that I am at my core.
Thank you Gwen for being a vessel for me.
I CAN and WILL overcome this, just as He overcame the world.
Thank you Jesus!
God Bless You Anna Marie Hopewell!!! You continue to STAY STRONG AND STAY IN FAITH!!! God will turn your Tragedy into a Triumph!!! He has turned my tragedy into a TRIUMPH!! I had numerous failed back surgeries, and then was diagnosed with a Systemic Skin Disease…. I was hurt at work in 2004. My doctor looked at me, in 2009 ans said, “I have Never seen anything like IT and I don’t know what to do about it”. Those were frightening words. Terrifying.
I was home bound, wheelchair bound, Bound to Doom.I went into the deepest darkest pit of my life. For the last 3 years, I shut everyone and everything out. Not purposely. My HOPE was taken away, then my Spirit was Broke. I was Broken, God FIXED ME. I was so so Lost, God found me. The doctor said I wouldn’t walk again. GOD SAID I COULD DANCE. 😉 and now, at this very moment I am EMBRACING HIS GRACE AND THE MIRACLES OF HIS LOVE!!! He is literally giving me a REVIVAL, a Revival of my Spirit, My Soul, My Mind My Body!!A Revival of MY NEW LIFE through Chris!! Everyday He is Showing me something new I can do. On Jan. 12, 2013 He Blessed Me with PEACE 🙂 PEACE DOES SURPASS ALL UNDERSTANDING 🙂 “I can do All things through Christ, who strengthens me”. On Jan 14th I drove for the first time in 6 yrs. On Feb1, I drove to see my doctor, (alone)who is in another city 2 hrs. away. (It took me 4 😉 ) and then I drove from there to the Beach. And I’m still here. Growing Through Christ, Healing through Christ, PRAISING HIM, THANKING HIM FOR HIS AMAZING GRACE!! HE HAS BLESSED ME BEYOND BELIEF 😉 I have had a SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, and I CAN”T get ENOUGH OF HIM!!! I’m DRINKING IN JESUS, and I am Parched, I NEED MORE OF JESUS, THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! He FEELS SO GOOD. LIFE IS RIGHT WITH CHRIST!! So Anna Marie, Focus on God, On His Word,
there is No Circumstance BIGGER THAN GOD. I Promise you He will GET YOU WHERE YOU NEED BE, WHERE HE WANTS YOU TO BE. Never Never GIVE UP, GOD IS THE DOCTOR 😉 HE LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO BE WELL, TO BE FULL OF HIS JOY. STAY POSITIVE, STAY IN FAITH, STAY IN CHRIST 😉 😉 He gives us His Grace to Get us through ANY circumstance we face. GOD BLESS YOU!!! 😉
Love in Christ,
Missy Baker
aka GODSGIRL4EVER 😉
“Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and
whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.” Mark 5:34 MSG
Hey Missy, thank you so much for your encouragement and for taking the time to cultivate the heart of worship within me. I bless you in Jesus’ name! Amen. How wonderful it is whenever sisters can come together and just pour the love of God over each other. Doesn’t it make such a difference? I appreciate you sharing your journey and reminding me that there is an end to EVERY tunnel – no matter how far or how dark the path may seem. I pray that you continue to make good astrides in your recovery and in everything God calls you to do. Blessings! Anna.
Gwen thanks thanks thanks! I really needed to hear a word of encouragement I am on my road to quitting smoking and it is a difficult thing to do but I know with God I will do it please keep me in your prayers I love you in Christ and keep up the good work. I love the vlog hope you do some more. Take care and God bless you.
Melissa Adams B-)
Gwen, your timing was perfect for me as well. GODS TIMING IS PERFECT!! Your words of encouragement, your excitement for Christ is so fulfilling. I did follow you before, but I did get lost along the way. But each and every single day GOD RENEWS MY STRENGTH, MY SOUL, MY SPIRIT 😉 And yesterday 2/17/2013 by Gods Awesome Amazing Grace I discovered that it is not time that heals all wounds… GOD HEALS ALL WOUNDS, GODS WORD HEALS ALL WOUNDS 😉
I can not PRAISE HIM ENOUGH FOR THE MIRACLES OF HIS LOVE. He has BLESSED ME BEYOND BELIEF;-) No one, myself included thought I would be alive today, much less walking, driving and vacationing…LIVING, LIVING THROUGH CHRIST. I AM SO THANKFUL TO MY LORD FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON ME. SO THANKFUL FOR BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO MY SOUL, MY BODY, MY MIND, MY SPIRIT!!! I am going to EMBRACE this GIFT OF PEACE, this Gift of LIFE and I’m SINGING PRAISES TO MY LORD, ABOUT MY LORD TO EVERYONE
I POSSIBLY CAN 😉 I am going to continue to GROW, continue to REST IN GODS PROMISES 😉 GOD BLESS YOU GWEN!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS NEW JOURNEY, THIS JOURNEY THAT INCLUDES YOU AND YOUR INSPIRATION 😉
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! BLESSINGS AND LOVE THROUGH CHRIST!!! 😉
Missy Baker
What perfect timing. As my husband and I are at retirement age, we have major decisions to make as we have a dairy farm and are not in agreement on how to proceed which leaves me in a turmoil. I’m most thankful for being saved and for the love of God in my life. Your vlog is very inspiring to me and gives me hope that the Lord will provide and give me peace. I need to be reminded to praise God in all situations. God bless you Gwen for all you do.
Awesome vlog! I enjoyed the story! My eyes are opening more everyday!
Thank you Gwen for your words of encouragement. It seemed like today I really needed to hear them. Bless you for sharing your love of Jesus, The Vlog is great look forward to more.
Love the new VLOG girlfriend. Such inspiration to seek His will when facing any difficult situation……praising Him no matter what you are feeling or going through! JEREMIAH 29 :12. Then you will call upon me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Whoot! Thank you Jesus for always being there in the dark, cold,wet days of our lives! Thank you Gwen for sharing the light! Xo
God Bless u Gwen… Thank u for sharing… Everyone needs encouragement, so thankful for u because God works through us to help each other and we need each other…. Thank God for his mercy, grace and u…
One thing I have learned recently is that my kindle fire does not support flash players and can not watch any video that I used to do on it, so to have your vlog work ! Grateful. “Lord I need a miracle!” seems to be my go to phrase. The sparkle in your eyes as you told the story of the Salmon fisher hit the spot. Thank you for sharing itit today.
Thank you for sharing this, Gwen! I really appreciate the message. I am a bit down right now and it is good to be reminded to praise God in the midst. I am thankful for you, for the season of winter and the senses with which to enjoy it, and for my Savior, Jesus Christ. There are so many things for which to be thankful. Praise Jesus! God bless you richly!
Wow! What timing!! I have been thinking about what will fill the empty space when I soon finish Rick Warren’s 40 Days in the Word video devotional and there you are, Gwen, with your new vlog. I love it!! I am thankful for you and your creativity, for what I have been learning by memorizing scripture to have it in my heart to recall and girlfriends walking beside me. Blessings to you.
Got to love smart phones that change your words! Hopefully you can make sense of my pervious commet. sorry
You going for sharing this video it was helpful and encouraging 3 things I’m thankful for are: Jesus, my family, the ability to worship him in spirit & in truth, put loud, & in my heart & mind. My list of blesses rally does go on & on & on but you only asked for 3. So again thanks for sharing & im still “looking for the lipsticks hiding behind my back ”
Thank you so much…I believe it is important to hear these encouraging words from someone who really cares for others…I really enjoyed your “first ever’ Vlog..it was really great and I had to smile when you told the story about the salmon and your friends husband….
Thanks. First time listener. This was great. I thank God for so many things, especially a possible job offer for my husband who has been out of work for 2 years and we have been struggling to provide for my family and our 4 children. I just pray they don’t change their mind like so many companies have been doing in the past.
HI, I’M THANKFUL LIFE, BEING A CHILD, THAT GOD IS AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED HIM. THIS VLOG ENCOURAGED ME TO THANKS BECAUSE I’M THROUGH RIGHT NOW.
Thank you Gwen! It’s like having you at my kitchen table sharing the things of the Lord. I was real cranking this morning and not so patient. I needed this reminder that in ALL things we are to praise Him. An ‘attitude of gratitude’ can change everything! God bless you.
I am thankful for my time with God this morning, that I was able to talk and play with my granddaughter while she took her bath – she is 3, and for what He has in store for me today.
I am so thankful for this vlog God has used you and spoken through you right to me! Thank you, it’s just what I needed!
Thank you for the reminder that we need to praise our heavenly no matter what we r going threw. Raise our heads lift our hands give him praise. Look to the sun rise look to the sunsets look at the flowers a child’s smile. What ever it might be we r going threw praise him.
Thank you Gwen for your uplifting message. I am thankful for the love of Christ for my salvation, the edifying encouragement of christian friends, and my health.
I am so thankful that God loves me, forgives me and never gives up on me
I Thank My Lord, for saving me from the pit of darkness. I am so Thankful for all of the INSPIRATIONAL people He has placed in my life, used as tools of His, so that I could receive HIS AMAZING GRACE. SO THAT I CAN HAVE PEACE IN MY HEART NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. This is the Most beautiful Powerful Feeling I have ever experienced IN MY LIFE. GOD IS THE DOCTOR. HE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK. BUT NOT THE OLD LIFE, THE NEW LIFE OF PEACE. If I can give anyone a Glimmer of the HOPE AND PEACE that God has given me, just even to one person, then they can spread their joy and love for God, too. I once lost HOPE,
I was BROKEN, but God has FIXED ME. HE HAS HEALED ME. HE HAS GIVEN ME THIS AWESOME INCREDIBLE GIFT OF PEACE. AND DESPITE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO TRY 2 STEAL MY PEACE, I WILL NOT BE BROKEN. EACH AND EVERY SINGLE DAY I GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD. EACH AND EVERYDAY I WILL SHARE THE HOPE, THE LOVE THAT HE HAS GIVEN ME. I YEARN TO MINISTER TO OTHERS,TO SHARE HIS WORD, TO SHARE HIS LOVE…. it is as one young man said recently, “NO ONE CAN DENY MY PAIN. NO ONE CAN DENY MY VICTORY (THROUGH CHRIST) NO ONE CAN DENY THE SMILE ON MY FACE, OR THE PEACE IN MY HEART” 🙂 😉 THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. I WILL NOT EVER LET ANYONE BREAK MY SPIRIT, OR KILL MY SOUL OR STEAL MY HOPE, AGAIN. “THOSE THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH…” Isaih 40:31 and “STRENGTH COMES STRAIGHT FROM GOD” PSALM 62:11 I EMBRACE THIS GIFT OF PEACE, I EMBRACE MY LORD AND I EMBRACE HIS WORD. I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF GOD, HE IS SO SO AMAZING. AND I THANK HIM FOR LOVING ME, AND FOR BLESSING ME WITH THE MIRACLES OF HIS LOVE. FOR BLESSING ME WITH HIS AMAZING GRACE!!! I’M ALIVE AGAIN!!! HE HAS BROUGHT ME BEYOND MY DREAMS 😉 SO, PLEASE STAY STRONG, STAY IN FAITH, STAY IN GOD. HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. 😉
Blessings Always,
Missy Baker
I am thankful for the special people God has bought into my life.
I am thankful that God is forever by my side.
I am thankful that God is my Father. He never let’s me down and loves ME.
Blessings to you Gwendoline xx
Thankful to God for restoring my marriage. My husband and I married very young. He was 17 and I was 18. After 17 years and 4 children later our marriage ended in divorce. I lost my hope, but, God never gave up. His arm is not too short. Seventeen years later we were reunited. Praise God and thank you Gwen and for your vlog and GIG.
I have experienced that Praise and Worship control the God meter in my life. The more I Praise and Worship Him the more I see Him in action. He is always there, our senses get murky with the challenges of life. When we choose to Praise and Worship God in all situations, God pierces through and, amazingly, blessings flow; grace, peace, mercy, love, every good thing. Thank you, God!
I am Thankful for that Jesus Loves us Sooo Much, that He is a God who Forgives, and for this Wonderful Life He has given us to Live for Him in all we do and to Worship Him during it!! Thank you Gwen for sharing your life and your Love of God to encourage us Ladies!!
I am thankful for God’s inspiring word, grace and mercy.
I am so thankful for God’s grace and the fact He never leaves me.
Gwen, as always God inspires you to bring the right Word at the right time! Thank you so much.
Whoa….this is something I needed to hear. Thank you and God Bless You!
Also. Thankful for:
encouragement
inspiration
hope
Hi! Gwen ! Thanks for your songs I have started this morning listening them Very positive songs I am thankful for GOD having my lovely husband. I am happy to see how my sons are growing up .Thanks for god seeing my sunrise and sunset
Thankful for God consistent presence …my priceless son Ryan …heart that feels Deep, hears silent pain others can’t, & sees beyond eyes 2 find acceptance. ..
I am thankful for an amazing loving husband who loves me and loves God. I am also so thankful for a family who all serve the Lord. I am so unworthy of this and i Praise God for this. He carries us through the rough times and the good times. Praise the Lord
Hi Gwen, I met you a few months go (tru email devotionals and the web of course ;)) and I wanted to tell you that I’ve been blessed with a new friend, You. I love the Vlog and the message was beautifully enlightening. 1.) Thank you for sharing and doing life with me. 2.) I am thankful for the Barnes And Noble gift card I have because with it I plan to buy the new book “Trusting God”. & 3). I thank God for this day that He’s given me. God bless you and your family and may God continue to bless you to help brocken people like me become and feel beautiful again, doing God’s will. I ask for your prayer. Take care!! 🙂 xo – Flordeliz
Oh. My. Glory. Girl – you just got me all misty. Blessings and grace to you, new friend. Blessings and grace.
I am thankful for the love of God.
I am thankful for the beauty of flowers.
I am thankful for a reminder that I don’t have to go far from my home to feel like I am somewhere far, far, away, from the city and in a wooded forest.
Thank you Gwen for being an unashamed, imperfect worshiper of God and having the guts to say so!
Blessings!
My heavenly father god who helps me in every way and every situation on a day to day basis.My family who i pray for alot.My blessings that god has given me and my children.This message helped me i have been discouraged lately asking for god guidance in the right direction so this has really helped thanks so much Gwen!God Bless!
I loved your vlog!!! Look forward to seeing more of you on them!!! Today i am thankful for my wonderful husband who has stuck by me trough thick n thin! I’m grateful for a loving family & friends.Most of all I am thrilled with my Hotline to God! This line is always open,never busy,always listens & always gives me answers!!!!
Thank you for this.It reminds me how much I have to be thankful for.I am thankful for the beautiful blue sky today and the sound of nature.I am thankful for my dear husband, my precious friends,a great church family and your wonderful vlog and most of all for the love of my Heavenly Father
Your vlog was so meaningful. The Lord used it to speak to me…so i’m going to be grateful! My nephew just graduated boot camp in the Navy. So very proud of him and good to see him smiling in the pictures my sister is taking. Thankful for the heater that takes the chill off the room. Grateful for making new friends in small group at church and with my business. The Lord is gracious.
Hi Gwen! This vlog was awesome..a little long but I’m glad I stayed with it. Bless you for blessing others. I am thankful for the beautiful white clouds ahead of me against a blue sky as I rode down the highway this morning; and for my 87 year old Dad’s witty sayings even while he’s dealing with sickness; and for the colors & images of the announcements, scriptures and snowflake picture on my refrigerator. I could go on and on. Thank you for helping me to slow down. God Bless.
It seems like everytime I read your devotionals or you post something on fb or just listening to your message today, you always say what I need to hear & you always remind me of how truely blessed I am!! I always look forward to your daily inspiration !! TY GWEN , you truly make a difference in my life by your messages !! 🙂
I am Grateful for forgiveness, second chances, a heart filled with God’s precious love. Oh, and your devotions that mean so much to me ; )
Ii thank God for the Girlfriends in God devotionals, photos and now vlogs that I can share with my daughter-in-law. They make such a difference in our days and bring us closer to God and one another even though we are hours apart. I thank God that He has not given up on me and that He continues to remind me that I must look to Him to be my help.
You’re an amazing woman of God. Your heart is Christ-centered and you radiate God’s love in your message and songs. Thank you for walking in the truth and being a vessel to spread His love for all of us. Your vlog is a blessing! Praise the Lord our God!
What a wonderful devotion and inspiration for the day! I will be sharing this for sure and am looking forward to your vlog. Thank you for be such a blessing to so many and sharing your gifts.
In all that is going on in my life…………feeling the presence of the Lord, the peace He is giving me, and knowing this too shall pass. Spring is coming.
Just made me realize again–God is good always! When I praise Him joy overflows and I can continue on in any situation. Thanks for the inspiration.
I just loved this Gwen! You are so encouraging! Thank you! <3
🙂
I loved seeing your beautiful, cheerful face this morning! What a great message with a fun presentation! This is THE PERFECT message for a friend of mine today. Thank you so much for sharing. I absolutely loved the vblog, what a blessing! Have a great day!
SO inspiring! Thank you for encouraging me in my mess!
What a joy to be your first commenter! Great word. I’m looking for eagles today. What he had was a moment of SUDDEN GLORY. Amen, Hallelujah, Woohoo.
Author
Yay! Hi, Sharon! 🙂 Look for those eagles, girlfriend. My eyes are peeled too! XO
Amen. Hallelujah! Woohoo! 🙂