Blessed

Have you ever read Matthew 5 from The Message?  After yesterday's blog I tried really hard to block out any frustrations that I cannot control.  I did a pretty good job might I add considering two of my fellow teachers flat out asked me if I knew anything about next year.  I took a deep breath and calmly stated, "nope, but if you find anything out fill me in.  I will probably be the last to know...as usual."  I am always the last to find things out at this school.  ha

Anyways...Wednesday means the Encounter service at my church.  Today we had a special message from Mama Janis.  Her and her husband (our pastor) have traveled a lot this year and felt God showing her how blessed she truly is.  Ahem...cue the "ahhh, God you are sooo good" moment.  After my selfish post yesterday I should have seen this one coming. 

Anyways....
Matthew 5- The Beatitudes
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of god and his rule." 

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you.  Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-- no more, no less.  That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God.  He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat."

"You're blessed when you care.  At that mom net of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for." 

"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right.  Then you can see God in the outside world."

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete and fight.  That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.  The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom."

Wow, I have never heard it in those words.  For the first time I understand the Beatitudes.  I memorized them in my Sunday School class.  But that was all, memorized.  Ha.  I just thought I would share these familiar verses in a different version. 

Enjoy!  Happy Wednesday!