blessing – Amy Linnea

Thanksgiving

Published on November 29, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

This holiday, created by the Pilgrims in 1621 and made official by President Lincoln in 1863, evokes many types of emotions.

Thankfulness to God for all He provides, including food and shelter.

Thankfulness for our family and friends.

Thankfulness for our great country and the freedom she gives.

Deep down thankfulness for every blessing in our lives.

But what about the icky parts? The ones you’re not thankful for?

Give thanks anyway.

Thank God for keeping you safe within the storm.

Thank God for giving you His peace when your world seems anything but.

Thank God for filling you with HIs joy when yours has walked out the door.

Thank God even if. Because ‘even if’ still includes God.

Your world may look dark, but God is light. He’s your light in the darkness.

God will forever lead you down the path He has for you. Faithfully.

He will never leave your side in good times and bad. Period.

He stands with you, surrounding you with Himself.

And that is something we can all be very thankful for.

Photos by Thibault Mokuenko, Libby Penner, Debby Hudson, & Autumn Mott Rodeheaver on Unsplash

Assignment

Published on April 26, 2025April 26, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And God has given us His Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. 1 John 4:13

God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, the Helper Jesus mentioned.

What is God asking you to do today?

What is God asking you to say today?

Who is God asking you to trust today?

When God nudges you, listen.

When God asks you to do something for Him, obey.

That still, small voice deep inside your head is God.

That decision you know you need to make.

That phone call you should dial.

That friendly hug you should share.

What is your assignment today from God?

If you pause, you just might miss it.

You might miss that blessing God has for you and the other person.

That surprise behind the door of obedience.

Don’t hesitate to obey the whispers of God.

He’s asking you today if you will.

Photos by Skyler Ewing on Unspla

Pouring Blessings Out

Published on January 27, 2024January 26, 2024 by amylinnea2 Comments

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

Are you praying for God to bless others?

For others to have great success?

How about those you struggle to love?

Or people you cannot stand?

Shouldn’t we ask God to bless them, too?

Oh wait, they don’t deserve it. Is that it?

Well we don’t either, according to God’s law.

We are no more special than any other person.

What if instead of complaining, we bless?

What if instead of keeping division, we seek peace?

What if instead of walking away from we walk towards?

God is calling us higher.

Followers of God must differ from the world.

Blessing those who curse you is a real difference.

And it’s a great place to start.

Besides, when God begins to hear your heart, He just might bless them.

And they’ll be way less annoying anyhow.

More importantly, your heart will soften.

And don’t we all profess to want to be more like Jesus?

Choose to speak life over others.

The ones who will receive and the ones who will not.

You can start by inserting their name into Psalm 1:1-4, declaring that person is blessed. Like a well watered tree. Producing much fruit.

By speaking life over someone, your irritation will lessen towards them and God just might break through in their lives. And yours.

We cannot pretend to know God’s ways, but we can place our hearts with His, blessing instead of cursing those around us. Especially those who are the most irritating.

Photos by Creative Captures, Fumiaki Hayashi, Blake Cheek, & Sebastian Pichler on Unsplash

Nudges From God

Published on June 3, 2023June 2, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

What is that nudge deep within your soul?

You know the nudge.

Deep within your soul you know God wants you to do something.

Something new.

For Him.

Listen to His whispers.

God is telling you something.

Could be big or small.

Life altering or life giving.

He wants you. All of you.

He wants you for the purpose of spreading His word to others.

His encouragement. His wisdom. His truth.

Answer that nudge.

Allow God to work through you.

Write that note to a friend.

Surprise your loved one with generosity.

Open that door for a stranger.

Speak life to the person behind you in line.

Connect with others, ministering God’s love through your kind smile.

Be His tangible hands and feet today.

In return your soul will be filled to the brim with the blessing of God as well.

Photos by Chris Smith & Hans Veth on Unsplash

Stamped

Published on July 27, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

I just love the following quote: Be stamped with God’s nature, and His blessing will come through you all the time. (Oswald Chambers)

Stamped with God’s nature means to be marked.

To follow God.

To follow His will in me.

To mirror ourselves after Him.

To keep inline with Himself.

To reject self-pity when faced.

To reject fear when faced.

To reject jealousy when faced.

To react in life how God would want you to react.

To react with His nature through you.

Through me.

Because when we do this through Him, His blessings will follow.

God’s abundant peace will flow through your fingers.

God’s perfect love will cast out all fear.

God’s total acceptance of you will keep you safe and secure.

We can only be stamped with God when we decide to follow Him.

And we can only stay stamped and fruitful with His strength in us.

That’s the miracle.

God uses weak humans to fulfill His purposes here on earth.

He uses us to bless others.

But only if we do our part.

Only if we allow Him to do it, rejecting the flesh when moments arrive.

I want to be continually stamped with God.

I want to let God’s blessings flow through me to others so they can taste the goodness of God.

You?

Photos by Amador Loureiro, Marcus dePaula, & Susan Kirsch on Unsplash

True Thankfulness

Published on November 24, 2018June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1

Are you thankful?

Truly thankful?

For all of it?

Good things are easy to list.

Health.

Joy filled days.

Grocery stores brimming with food.

Meaningful jobs.

Secure homes.

Fuzzy socks.

Steaming hot coffee.

Loving husbands.

Precious children.

But…

How thankful are you for the darkness?

For every thing that has broken your heart?

A spiteful boss.

Ungrateful children.

A friend’s betrayal.

Abandonment of a spouse through death or divorce.

Children born in heaven.

God has a purpose for all things.

All of it.

Every little thing.

Thanking Him in the good times is easy.

Effortless.

Thanking Him in the bad times, is not.

It’s painful.

Sounds almost ridiculous to even suggest.

I mean, how can we possibly even think about thanking Him for the darkness?

I ask myself, can I thank God for my life?

For my entire life?

Everything?

Honestly?

I can try.

Found it’s easier if you can thank Him for pain AND redeeming you all at the same time.

Well, here it goes.

Thank you, God, for the relationship rupture and my dear sweet husband.

You know best when allowing things to happen.

Thank you, God, for child heartaches and our precious relationships now.

Thank you, God, for the babies in heaven and the promise of new life for a bit.

Thank you, God, for the agony.

And thank you, God, for the relief.

The blessings I have are brighter when viewed through the prism of pain.

I know I’m more thankful, because of it.

All of it.

More conscious of the blessings.

My husband is, too.

It’s when you can thank Him for all,

For everything,

That you know you’ve put Him first.

Your trust in Him is secure.

Why?

Because you know He is in control.

Absolute control.

And you are safe in His arms.

Completely safe.

Ok, now it’s your turn.

Photos by Chris Lawton, Lina Trochez, Steve Halama, Guillaume de Germain, Ben White, & Simon Maage on Unsplash

Disappointing People

Published on September 29, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Ready for a bombshell?

Mind blowing reality check?

People are not perfect.

Shocker?

People will fail you.

Regularly.

No, really?

We often become disappointed in people.

Could even say all the time.

It’s almost like we expect them to be perfect, especially in their actions towards us.

We expect people to act entirely better then ourselves.

It’s almost like we allow ourselves to behave however we please, expecting others to never falter. Ever

Whose standard are you holding yourself to?

I’m not asking for perfection from you.

You can’t be perfect either.

Just don’t expect perfection from others.

You do, and you’ll continually be disappointed.

Continually.

Spread the grace of God you’ve been given to others.

Love them even when they fail you.

Even when they disappoint.

Newsflash.

I can guarantee that you, in turn, also regularly disappoint them.

You’ll want the same grace extended from them to you, regularly, won’t you?

Give grace.

Walk in forgiveness.

And smile with absolute gratefulness at the blessings of those surrounding you.

Photos by Nicole Honeywill , Pascal Lottenbach , & Ivana Djudic on Unsplash

Horribly Disappointed

Published on August 11, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. Zechariah 9:12

When you are horribly disappointed at something in life…

When there is not a thing you can do about it…

What then?

What is your response?

Wallow in self pity, relishing the mood of despair hanging over your head?

While that might be fun for a moment, it will send your mood straight into the toilet.

There is a better way.

I like to make a list.

A list of my blessings.

I try to keep it updated, but I admit, I do a horrid job at best.

Alternatively, you can also compare your bleak disappointment to something even worse.

That definitely puts things into perspective.

The point is this: switch your focus to the precious things God has given you.

Like that list of blessings we all should have somewhere.

Or encouragement whispered to you from your dear friend or spouse.

Because, when you focus on the blessings instead of the disappointment, you will pass God’s test with flying colors.

And your mood will stay out of the toilet.

In fact, you’ll be quite pleasant.

Respond to life with grace.

Your example will be a stepping stone to God Himself.

A stepping stone to God instead of a stumbling block to Satan.

So, what will your next disappointment turn into…?

Life, or death?

Photos by Casey Fyfe & Matthew Smith on Unsplash

Willing

Published on April 28, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grand me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Miracles regularly plop into my lap.

Small ones or big ones.

It’s true.

Am I looking for them?

Yes.

Am I praying for God’s hand in my every day life?

Yes.

Am I listening for His voice so I can spread heaven’s love?

Yes.

God can do anything.

Anything.

He doesn’t need us, because He is God.

But He likes to use us.

He wants to show Himself through our willing hearts.

Is God working through your lips?

Is He using your hands?

Is your heart filled with His love so you can reach beyond yourself to speak into the heart of others?

If so, you’ll witness miracles too.

Life is a miracle.

I admit, I fail regularly.

But I’m learning.

Learning to listen to God.

His wisdom will help you in good times and bad- and every moment in between.

Tune your ears to listen.

And then do what our Savior requires of you.

Become His witness.

Let Him use your hands and feet to bless others.

And you’ll witness countless miracles, too.

Photos by frank mckenna , Jill Heyer & Lukas Budimaier on Unsplash

Point of Life

Published on June 3, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

So, what is the point of life?

Why are we here?

What is our purpose?

I’m asking because I’d really like to know.

Do you ever feel as if it just doesn’t matter one bit what we do?

We can pour years into a marriage and they can up and leave or pass away.

We can pour our very life into our children and they can grow up and walk away- from you and every value you placed into their heart.

I’m wondering about material things too.

Yes, I love a nice place just like you…

But it’s all completely temporary.

I think back to my size 4 self who thought it wasn’t enough.

5 pregnancies later and my mom body will never recover.

I can work hard for yet another masters, because I love education.

But I can’t take that with me either.

My only thought about this age old question of ¨what really does matter¨ is this:

It’s not about us.

Our desires.

If you look at my list up there, you’ll see it all points to me.

When we focus on ourselves, when we put all of our life eggs into the one basket of self, we will be disappointed when our basket of eggs is broken.

Or if our basket looks broken, yet is not, because it doesn’t meet our standards.

So why did God even create us?

For love.

For Him.

If we focus on God and what He wants us to do, we will be content.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter the color of my dining room?

Will it matter if I drive the car of my choice?

No.

How can God use us for His purposes so we can be content?

To give hope to others.

To heap love, too.

We live in a broken world.

But God’s redeeming love surpasses all else.

His never ending mercy and undeserved grace creates security.

Safety.

When people have no hope, they don’t feel safe.

When people don’t have love, they have fear instead.

And they’re not content.

So, what is the point of life?

To generously love others through the power of God.

If we can minister God’s love to others, we will be content.

Ask God who you can bless.

Ask God to be His vessel through which His love can pour out onto His children.

Because the one thing you can take with you to heaven is a friend.

Clothed With Him

Published on April 1, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

We are nothing without Him.

Mere shells devoid of purpose or real change.

With Him, everything changes.

When we are clothed with His mercy, we give others compassion.

When we are clothed with His love, we give others significance.

When we are clothed with His forgiveness, we give others freedom.

When we are clothed with His peace, we give others rest.

He continually pours out His blessings to us, so we can spread His character to the ends of the earth, blessing others with Himself.

His mercies are new every morning.

His precious ways are counted among the saints.

Taste and see how God is good.

So very good.

Allow Him to fill you up with His goodness.

Every morning.

Watch His good news spread to the thirsty souls near you.

Photos by OC Gonzalez & Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

Personally Yours

Published on July 27, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Make a list of your blessings.

I know you can, even if you are in the deep dark pit.

Physically write them down.

You’ll need to refer to the list often until you can remember them on your own.

If you honestly believe you have zero blessings in your life, if you can’t see the beauty past your own nose, just look harder.

You can start small: sunshine, flowers in the spring, hot coffee, the beach, newspaper on my doorstep, my grandmother’s quilt, pearl earrings, the color pink.

See, it’s not so hard.

Write down things that make you smile.

That’s how you know.

When you are down in the dumps, look at your list.

Jog your memory of how God has blessed you.

His faithfulness to you is written all over your blessings.

And remember all those details too?

Of How He’s been there for you in daily life?

Have you written them down as well?

These two lists will help you when you are pulled down into the pit of worry or despair.

In those moments, pull out your blessings or details list.

The process of worry will begin to reverse in your mind.

Little smiles will erupt on your face as you choose to remember God’s faithfulness.

That in turn will provide peace for your future.

God’s faithfulness to you needs to be continually on your mind.

And then, worries which creep into your brain, will become less and less.

The effects of worry will slowly die away.

Purpose your mind and surrender daily to God, choosing to remember His faithfulness.

It’s there for you to take.

To notice.

But you have to reach for it.

And when you do, He will be faithful always.

To the very end.

Photos by Glenn Carstens-Peters & Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

Need New Glasses?

Published on May 21, 2015June 5, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:5

How do you choose to view things in your life?

Ugly things

Beautiful things

Uncomfortable situations

If you look at a challenge through worldly eyes, fear will be in control.

You’ll worry

Fret

Obsess

However, if you look at that same challenge through godly eyes, you’ll see an opportunity for God to use you.

For God’s hand to remain in control.

The challenge will become a blessing.

Blessing?

Choosing to let go of a child is a blessing?

Searching through piles of help wanted ads?

Choosing to love the unloving?

Yes. Because you know God is here.

Present.

God loves that child more than you and your part is to seek God’s will and obey.

He’ll find that job, give you HIs love for that unloving person, and anything else you ever need.

Blessing or curse?

Fear or faith?

Which eyes will you filter your life through?

Photos by Luca Bravo, JOHN TOWNER, & Bud Helisson on Unsplash

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