Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Be enthusiastic!

Girls7

 

Life can become humdrum and wear you down. For example, a job that once challenged you can get monotonous, a relationship that was exciting and fresh can grow stale, and a daily walk with God that once elated and inspired you can feel like you’re going through the motions.

Enthusiasm comes from a Greek word meaning “inspired by God.”

Just as the Israelites had to gather fresh manna every morning in the wilderness, you need a daily infusion of God’s Spirit to “fan into flames the…gift [He] gave you” (2Ti 1:6 NLT).

Even when things aren’t going especially well, Paul encourages us to “serve the Lord enthusiastically,” adding, “It is good to be zealous [passionate and fully committed] in a good thing always” (Ga 4:18 NKJV).

So instead of going around complaining, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Life wasn’t meant to be a journey to the grave with the goal of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather a race to the finish line, used up, totally fulfilled, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”

Poet Maya Angelou says, “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, ‘I’m with you kid. Let’s go!’” We should be the most enthusiastic people in the world, because not only have we a great future, we have “abundant life” now!   (By Rick Godwin)

wordfilled Wednesdaytag Join us over at Penny’s blog PennyRaine for more WFW!

30 comments:

LisaShaw said...

Susan, I so enjoyed this! Love that photo they are so precious!

Your sharing is so true and I am very familiar with Maya Angelou and her sayings.

Thank you for the encouragement -- BE ENTHUSIASTIC!!! Praise the LORD!

Love you.

Anonymous said...

Praying as always!
Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I loved this post...and what a great blog..Just have an hour or so to blog hop tonight....I enjoyed my visit to your blog...Hope you will visit my Christmas blog...http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com
A great giveaway is on for the entire month of OCT...and all it takes is a comment...

lori said...

I LOVE this!!

"Life wasn’t meant to be a journey to the grave with the goal of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather a race to the finish line, used up, totally fulfilled, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”"

I imagine it as a convertible ride...so that when you arrive...hair in tangles, you say to the Father, "Wow, What a ride!"

hugs to you girlfriend!!
have a super ride today!
lori

SnoWhite said...

Thanks for that! The photo is that verse.

Wow - what a ride :) Love it.

Lauren said...

that is one enthusiastic picture!! WOW -- I love it! :)

Joyfull said...

Very powerful encouragement for today. I was blessed and energized! May we keep the fire of enthusiasm alive in all things! Thanks for sharing.

Cathy said...

Thanks for that cute picture and reminder.

LivingforGod said...

Great WFW! I love the verse and the photo. Have you ever read "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper? It's a wonderful book.

Peggy said...

Sweet Blessings Susan...What adorable enthusiasm and great how you caught their expressions perfectly! This is a great reminder and a fantastic teaching. Let us continue to serve the LORD enthusiastically! Now that puts a new fuse of encouragement for serving the LORD! You are so blessed with these adorable grand daughters!
EnJOY a Wonderful WORD filled day!

From the Heart said...

Beautiful picture for a great verse. The girls must be yours.
Thanks for sharing on my blog.

ellen b. said...

Love it Susan! I love enthusiasm :0)

Alicia The Snowflake said...

Oh what a great word! May the joy of the Lord shine through us. Happy WFW!

Keowdie said...

I love that picture! There is certainly a lot of enthusiasm there!

And what good words to remember. I almost feel as if you wrote it for me, as I've been going through a frustrating ho-hum period in my life lately. Thanks! ;)

Susannah said...

Amen! Love this: "Wow! What a ride!" The roller coaster ups and downs of life... That's certainly been true for me.

I often thank the Lord for sleep. Without it I'd be "toast." Every morning I wake refreshed and renewed and ready for the next challenge. I'm also glad for the natural rhythm of the seasons.

Have a wonderful WFW, Susan. ((Hugs))

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

And I'm with you, friend. Let's go!

Did hubby put this one together? What a team you make.

peace~elaine

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

What a great WFW post! Your picture is perfect for that verse! I didn't know that the word enthusiasm comes from a Greek words meaning 'inspired by God'... that is so neat!!

Denise said...

So very precious.

pinkyshelo said...

Beautiful words of encouragement.. Blessings to You!!!

Anonymous said...

Great reminder and photo on enthusiasm! May we serve the Lord enthusiastically!

Pia said...

beautiful picture and a beautiful message from the Lord too.

God bless.

Laureen said...

Thanks for sharing this encouraging post.I love the picture.Enthusiastic indeed!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for your encouragement! Your blog is awesome as well!
Ginger

Runner Mom said...

Love this!! How precious are those girls! This scripture is beautiful!

Hugs!
Susan

Jean Stockdale said...

Amen. What a gorgeous picture and a perfect verse. The Lord has been so good!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. May the Lord bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

These are such comforting words that paint such an amazing picture. Praying!
Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Anonymous said...

Such a wonderful picture and reminder! Thank you so much!

Maxine said...

He has certainly come that we might have life more abundantly. I confess here and now that I need more enthusiasm.

Great photo. Love it.

Anonymous said...

This is such a wonderful promise. If Jesus wasn't who He said He was, He would have told us. But He IS and His promises are true! Praying right now!
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Anonymous said...

No matter what happens, know that the Lord IS working. Praying!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Prayer Bears
My email address