Praise

Giving Thanks For The Small Things

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

Some days I find, it’s easy to lose track of time and place. Easy to forget the small but important things.

Yet, every second my mind is collecting information through the five senses reminding me there is so much more than the daily routine if only I’d stop and enjoy the moment. And those are the moments when memories are made. Those are the moments I never forget.

I’m a reformed workaholic. I used to work from the time my feet hit the floor until I fell into bed again that night. Never mind the breaks. My motto was to work until the job was done.

But in 2007 that began to change. Physical problems kept me from going 24 hours a day. I had to take breaks, pace myself and know when it was time to stop. I learned the world didn’t end when the job wasn’t done at the end of the day. It was waiting for me the next morning. With my slower routine, I began to notice the little things.

  • The melodious song of birds outside my window
  • The different hues painted upon a petal
  • The tranquil beauty of waves as they wash ashore
  • The smell of a slumbering newborn’s cheek when stealing a kiss.
  • The touch of the Master’s hand

And then, there is taste. I thank God for taste buds. Experiencing a new taste for the first time and finding that you like it is pure joy! My newest delight is salted caramel gelato from Fuse on St. Simon’s Island. But my oldest delight is chocolate. And yes, I have thanked God, many times, for chocolate. Anytime I can add chocolate to an old recipe or invent a new one, I do.

The following recipe is one of my favorites. Chocolate Ice Cream! Need I say more?

As before, you can eat it as soon as the churn stops. But this flavor tastes better when poured into popsicle molds or a freezer container and frozen. This gives the flavors time to blend. If you are not a CHOCOLATE fan, you will want to freeze it.

When you take your first bite, remember, close your eyes, allow your taste buds the pleasure of the moment, and thank the Lord for the small things. Enjoy!

Johnson's Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Johnson’s Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Johnson’s Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

2-14 ounces condensed milk
4 ½ cups whole milk
1 can evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
¾ cups unsweetened cocoa
¼ cup (according to taste) brown/white sugar (your choice)

Blend the cocoa and sugar with the evaporated milk, removing the lumps. Add remaining ingredients to the canister. Place inside the churn and layer with 8 parts ice and 1 part ice cream salt. Churn and enjoy!

Reflection

Using your five senses—sight, hear, smell, taste, touch—what are some of your favorite small things? Why not offer a praise for them today.

Blessings

Gail

You Are God

/ Gail Johnson

Often when going through certain circumstances, I find myself writing. Dark blue words spill on tear-stained paper as my frustrations leave me on the floor. But, as I continue to write, something begins to happen. My prayers become praises when I am reminded of His Faithfulness.

Psalms 23

As the words flow, they become part of me, never to be forgotten. Then, when life, once again, throws me for a loop, the words and music come out of nowhere and brings peace to my troubled soul.

Do songs come to mind when you’re in the midst of trials?

Prayer of Praise

Oh Lord, how I love You. I will lift my voice in praise to You. You are Faithful. Your mercies are new every morning! In times of trouble, You are there. I am not alone. Though I walk through darkened places, You are my light. I will not fear. When the enemy rages, You are my shield and buckler. I am safe from harm. Great is Thy Faithfulness! Great is Thy love and mercy! Let Thy name be forever praised.

Worthy Of Praise

/ Gail Johnson

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Psalms 107 is a song of thanksgiving and an exhortation to testify of the many blessings of God.

  • Deliverance
  • Safety
  • Redemption
  • Healing
  • Guidance
  • Blessings

Spring is a season of renewal. The earth wakes from winter’s nap and burst forth in song.

centerofhiswheel.com

Everywhere I look, I behold the beauty of the Almighty’s hands. I see His handiwork in the heavens and in the earth. I breathe in His fragrance.

My faith is renewed. My spirit, uplifted. A joy like no other fills my soul. Do I have a reason to testify to friends and loved ones?

Yes!

When I read this chapter, I see that everything He promised, He delivered. If He did it then, He’ll do it now. Do I have reason to fret?

No!

From Genesis to Revelation, the writers testify of His faithfulness.

And when I dig past the circumstances, when I push aside the worries, when I call to mind all the times He has seen me through, I can praise His name!

However, praise, like water, will not flow from a dry well. It must be primed. When my mind is filled with clutter, and it seems I have nothing to praise Him for, I look to the cross.

He came looking for me when no one else did. He loved me when no one else did. He helped me when no one else could. He healed my wounds. He guided my steps. He blessed me beyond measure.

centerofhiswheel.com

He alone is worthy of praise.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

When I praise His name in the midst of my trials, my circumstances change. He lifts me above my sorrows, eases my pain, and gives me strength to face another day.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!