How Gratitude Brings Hope to Our Hearts - The Crosswalk Devotional - July 1

PLUS...5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ &zwnj [Crosswalk.com Logo]( The Crosswalk Devotional  [Devotionals](        [Newsletters](        [e-Cards](      [The Crosswalk Devotional]( How Gratitude Brings Hope to Our Hearts By Jessica Van Roekel "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our [salvation]( Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" [Psalm 95:1-2]( ESV It’s cold. It’s cloudy. Why does it have to be so windy? These complaints run like a swift-moving river in my mind. If I pay attention to what I think, I’m a little shocked at the negative thoughts running rampant in my brain. Then, if things don’t go the way I think they should, my complaints ramp up to almost accusatory statements toward God and what I perceive to be his lack of care for me. Complaining is a common part of our human existence and can be contagious. It’s one matter to share our dissatisfactions over some experience and another matter entirely to stay in the chronic complaining loop. One allows a space to process our unmet expectations and the other is a trap designed to turn us into chronic complainers.  [CONTINUE READING →](            You May Also Like:        [5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids](  Stacey Monaco When writing about the relationship between grandparent and grandchild, it is very common in Christian commentaries and articles to mention Proverbs 17:6. The verse reads, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged.” This scripture seems both fitting and worthy of a greeting card, as it brings to mind visions of the elder generation loving and mutually being adored by their grandchildren. In the days of King David, when words of wisdom were recorded in the book of Proverbs, family and community life was intimate. Multiple generations were found living beneath one roof and carrying out the duties of family, making a living side-by-side. Three generations could be found at the table, and babies were bounced on the knee by parents and grandparents alike. While the term crown in Proverbs 17:6 can carry a more romantic and gratifying thought of grandchildren being a reward that beautifies and dignifies the life of a grandparent, in truth, it is imperative that grandparents consider seriously the charge of care and handling that comes with such a reward. Grandchildren, in the same way as a crown of gold, require proper care and handling. The wise and loving grandparent has the opportunity to treasure and value their grandchildren, seeking at all times to nourish both the child and their relationship with their grandchild. As is common with all relationships, there can be many seen and unseen pitfalls ready to wreak havoc between grandparent and grandchild. Here are five things that can potentially hurt your relationship with your grandchild and suggestions on how you can avoid these pitfalls. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Kuzmichstudio  [CONTINUE READING →](       [Mimi's Place: Learning the Rules of Being a Grandmother](  Mary Southerland We want to model that truth for them in every way possible – in our behavior, our speech, the way we treat others, the television shows we watch – the way we live our lives. We want them to be able to follow in our footsteps – to examine our lives and find us faithful.  [CONTINUE READING →](            [The Judges Were Out Of Golden Buzzers, But This Powerhouse Got One Anyways](  GodTube.com One Britain’s Got Talent contestant was so mind-blowingly terrific that the judges bent the rules for him.  [WATCH NOW →](        [10 Classic Hymns You Might Remember and Why They're Important](  Cindi McMenamin Although music styles and tastes change through the years, one thing never goes out of style: Worshipping God through song. While worship consists of many forms—not just singing— expressing our hearts toward God through song is older than the Scriptures themselves.  [CONTINUE READING →](                            Bible Trivia Question of the Day                                           When Jesus escaped the crowd that wanted to stone him in the temple, how did he leave? A. through the back door B. through their midst C. through a hidden exit D. to the side of the altar [ANSWER THE QUESTION →](     [Crosswalk.com Logo](  [Read about Salem Web Network](  |  [Unsubscribe](   [Email Preference Center](  |  [View in Browser](   © 2023 Salem Web Network. All rights reserved. 111 Virginia Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219. This email is never sent unsolicited. You are receiving this email because your email address, {EMAIL}, is signed up to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers from Crosswalk. Â