whatsoever things// PRAISEWORTHY

Focus:

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Definition: 

What does it mean to be praiseworthy?  Anything worthy of praise is anything that is worthy of honor, admiration, celebration, adoration, thanks, or some sort of exaltation.  It may just be something that tickles our soul, or sets a smile on our face.  It is definitely worthy of praise if it sets us in “WOW” mode ooing and ahing.  Sometimes those things that are praiseworthy just simply take our breath away.   If it is something that gets us talking about it in a positive way consider it praiseworthy.  Anything that draws us to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, or virtuous deserves our praise.

Quotable Quotes:

                 Psalms 145:9-13 

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

My Heart:

Much of this chapter in Philippians is focusing on how we can have peace.  Along with peace come contentment, joy, smiles and laughter.  The last thing these verses encourage us to think on is things that are praiseworthy.  These are some things that come to mind when I think of praiseworthy things: a child mowing the lawn or doing the dishes; a relative marked by positive thinking and words of encouragement; a stranger who returns a wallet exactly the way it was lost; the intricacy of a newborns tiny features;  a baby’s first step or  first word;  A young one taking the time to check up on, help, encourage or just visit with someone of  the older generation;  The one who made the last shot to win the game or the linemen that blocked to help the quarterback to charge on through to make the last touchdown of the night.  All these things tend to bring us warm fuzzies or sparkling faces.  Psalm 145:10 “All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee” assures us that all we have to do is take a look around us to fill our thoughts with those praiseworthy things.  All of God’s creation praises Him by just existing.  A beautiful sunset, reflections in the stillness of a glassy lake, A shiny new foul in the coral with mom, a lovely rainbow reminding us to see the light through the rain, a giant size copper moon peeking through the trees, the strength of the waves beating on the shore or the crack of lightening splitting the night sky declaring the power of God, Even the glistening of the stars in the summer sky. Maybe it is the intricate beauty of a monarch butterfly landing in the yellow glow of the buttercups, or It may just be the freshness of the crisp breeze blowing on our face and through our hair.  We don’t notice those things and curse God.  We do the exact opposite as we smile deep down in our soul and take a cleansing breath giving Him the praise and glory right beside all those wonders of nature. 

Something to think about:

Thoughts of things that are praiseworthy bring peace to the soul like things that are not praiseworthy produce turmoil.

Anything that draws us to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, or virtuous deserve our praise. 

Am I praising with my words?

Am I praising with my actions?

Am I praising with my expressions?

Am I praising with my attitudes?

If the answer to those questions is no, my thoughts need to be adjusted.

Do those around me feel peaceful or are they uneasy and looking for the quick escape route?

PEACEFULLY PRAISING      OR         CANTANKEROUSLY CHAOTIC

Both kinds of character are contagious!!!

PRAISE with a purpose of making God known to all men.

On your own:

Make it a point today to praise God for 10 things.  Once you get started you may have a hard time stopping at just 10.  I would love to hear about your praiseworthy thoughts.  Watch the domino effect as those around you catch on quickly.

PROTECT YOUR POSITION OF PEACE or CHANGE YOUR POSITION OF CHAOS!!!!

P    PAY SOMEONE OR SOMETHING A TRUTHFUL COMPLIMENT

R     RECOMMEND SOMEONE OR SOMETHING

A     ADORE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING

I     INITIATE A DISCUSSION OR THOUGHT OF PRAISE FOR THE SCENE IN FRONT OF YOU

S     SIMPLY CELEBRATE SOMETHING

E     EXALT GOD FOR HIS CONTROL IN A DIFFICULT SITUATION

THINK ON THESE THINGS (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

 I am Lynn Marie Crane (Eulian), born and raised in the mountains of Massachusetts. I spent most of my younger years engrossed in athletics, loving school and enjoying playing around in the fresh country air.  There was never a dull moment.  I have always believed that life is a precious gift from God, meant to be whole heartedly lived.  After graduating from Wahconah Regional High School in 1987 I completed a Bible degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  In May of 1992, shortly before finishing my college education, I became the wife of Ken Crane.   Currently I am filling the role as Mrs. Ken Crane and mother of four ambitious children in the State of Michigan.  Daily life for me consists of keeping up with my husband, a teacher and coach in the middle school, and my four children ages 18 years, 17years, 16years and 18months.  I enjoy making sure that my 18 month old not getting into too much trouble as curious “ Sam” as he keeps me smiling with his new accomplishments, and sticking my nose is into the lives of  my older three children. Each one of them blesses my life with giggles, tears, and those “I never knew that” moments.  In the midst of such a busy life, my love of the outdoors helps me to appreciate an occasional few minutes resting on the couch listening to the sounds of the birds and crickets outside my window while breathing in the fresh breeze.  I am not sure whether I will have more or less time to enjoy those sounds with three high school graduates and an 18 month old all establishing  themselves in this world.  My husband and I love riding our bikes after dinner most nights.  It is a refreshing time of exercise and chatting on the bike trail for Ken, Sammy and I.  Another thing that I enjoy as a big part of my life is music. Listening to cd’s, my children playing their instruments or spending time playing piano or flute encourage my soul. I hope to be able to share my love of music with others as I strive to establish myself as a piano and flute teacher, giving private lessons in my area.   Some share their -“bucket list”- I think of it as my list of goals and dreams.  It is never too late to learn something new or add memorable experiences that will help us grow as a person.  Publishing women’s devotional books and children’s books; advancing my painting skills; and making my Spanish skills useful enough to help others are all included on my list.