A Magnolia's Heart Beats

Irene chose a wonderful part of Philippians to use for Thankful Thursday.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I
still have.” ~ Philippians 1:27-30 (ESV - emphasis Irene's)

I've thought often about my manner of life lately. I want to live a life that is pleasing to God. I want my life to be worthy of Christ's death for me. I know that it is by grace that I am saved and not by my own merit, but that sure doesn't mean I can't "strive" to live a life "worthy". I want to stand firm, and when I am called to do so, count myself worthy to suffer for His sake.
This week I'm thankful for so many things.

I'm thankful for the gift of salvation.

I'm thankful for the Word of God.

I'm thankful that I was raised in a home where I was introduced to Christ at a young age.

I'm thankful for my Uncle Jimmy's optimistic doctor and the protocol she prescribed to treat the cancer.

I'm thankful that there is no sign of cancer in his body right now.

I'm thankful for my sister Jenn's good report on baby Ethan, her first child, due at the end of August.

I'm actually thankful for this cold. It's slowed me down and given me time to reflect and read God's Word.

I'm thankful for all the Bloggers out there and how their posts and meme's encourage me daily.

My heart has been blessed reading the devotions, musings, meme responses, etc. Truly blessed!

I'm thankful for She Speaks. I didn't go but I've read so much about the ones who did and it seems God was right smack in the middle of it. My heart has been blessed by reading about it.

Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Please visit Irene, the host of Thankful Thursday. There you'll find not only her thankful heart, but also a list of the other ladies participating. It's a joy to read their posts. They are so uplifting!