Thursday, February 20, 2014

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE---by Guest Lillian Duncan



Christine here: My guest today is Lillian Duncan, make sure you read down to where Lillian has a contest, giving you a chance to win a gift basket. The details are listed below on Lillian's website. 

An Attitude of Gratitude by Lillian Duncan
1st Thessalonians 5:18
…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.


Oh yeah, right? I’m supposed to be thankful for my brain tumors. That’s a little hard to do. God doesn’t really expect me to do that, does He? Mmm, but the above verse does say give thanks in all circumstances?

To answer the question, no I don’t think God expects me to be happy I have brain tumors, but I think He expects me to remember all the blessings He has done for me in the past, is doing for me in the present, and will do for me in the future.

Little words can make a huge difference in meanings. Notice the verse doesn’t say give thanks FOR all circumstances, but rather IN all circumstances. And I think that’s what God wants.

When we focus on the negatives in our life, we end up with blinders on. We only see our problems and that can make us angry and bitter. Not being able to see or to enjoy the blessings we have in spite of our circumstances.

I’m not saying it’s easy to be thankful, it’s not!

But keeping a thankful attitude will keep you in God’s peace and joy. Bible experts believe Paul wrote the above verse when he was in prison. I take comfort in knowing that.

If Paul could do, then I can certainly make an attempt at being thankful in all circumstances, too.

I think praising God and be thankful in all circumstances go hand in hand. It’s a little hard not to be thankful when you’re praising God and it’s hard not to praise God when you’re thankful.

If you feel a pity party coming on, and who doesn’t when life gets difficult, then put on your favorite praise music and sing of God’s great love. I promise you’ll feel better—at least, I always do.


SPECIAL NOTE FOR BLOG:

To celebrate the release of BETRAYED, I’m giving away a virtual gift basket at Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com. The virtual gift basket includes a copy of several of my books.  Along with the books, a $25 Amazon gift card is included plus a few books from some writer friends. To enter the contest, simply hop on over to Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com, leave a comment on the post titled CELEBRATION! Winner will be chosen and announced on February 14.


BETRAYED by Lillian Duncan

BACK COVER:
Witness Protection Program claims they can keep anyone safe if only they follow the rules so Maria follows the rules--every rule. She's given up everything--her friends, her family, her past, even her name to ensure her daughter has a future. 
Reborn as Veronica Minor in the sleepy little town of Sunberry, Ohio, she struggles to rebuild their life amid the beauty of her flower shop. A life where her daughter can have a happy normal childhood. A life where her daughter will never know that her father was a monster.
When a child disappears, Veronica prays it has nothing to do with her past, but what if she's wrong? Not knowing who to trust, she trusts no one...and that's her first mistake.

ABOUT LILLIAN DUNCAN
Lillian Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.
Lillian is a multi-published writer who writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net.  She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com  as well as her personal blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes at www.lillian-duncan.com

No comments: