I love the word “celebrate.” I love what it represents. It’s a way of marking a special occasion or observing something noteworthy.
When I hear celebrate I think happy thoughts.
I think holidays, birthdays, wedding receptions, baby showers, anniversaries, team victories, and a host of other things.
For some, additional reasons to celebrate might include: a great sale, a prime parking space, a job promotion, pounds lost, desired test results, or the cake that didn’t flop.
Sadly, because of negativity in their own lives, there are those who might celebrate others’ trials and tribulations instead of sharing in their victories.
There are times, too, when things seem a bit out of sync in normal, everyday living. Like when we forget to celebrate the very Giver of life, but we remember when to tune in to our favorite T.V. show.
Our rationale can, in itself, be a mystery.
I believe the word “celebrate” can be overused or used too interchangeably to convey many different (and sometimes unintentional) meanings.
As Christians, I think we should be active participants especially concerning God. While we recognize that life is busy, there are simple ways we can celebrate Him:
- Acknowledge Him. In the big and in the small.
- Spread His message. We don’t have to be preachy. We just need to be real.
- Praise Him. Publicly and privately. Simply for who He is!
- Pray. He’s not looking for eloquence. He wants to hear our heart.
- Pay it forward. Generosity toward others is the same state of grace that God extends to us.
- Study His word. It honors Him.
- Show gratitude. Thankfulness is a predetermined mindset.
- Count our blessings. Once we start, it becomes habit.
- Visualize Heaven. Think about what His Son has prepared for us. Indeed, a cause to celebrate!
- Make a joyful noise. Sing! Our vocal range doesn’t matter. It’s the intent.
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ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY
10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer
How to Have a Personal Relationship With Jesus
LOVE ENCOURAGEMENT?
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What are ways you celebrate God?
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Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 10
Love the list.
My vocal range is pretty scary! lol
I praise in the sunshine and praise in the storm.
Nice post.
Author
Your vocal range is “just right” to the One who matters most, Loree.
What a great list, Cynthia. I really like the fact that you included paying it forward. I’ve been blessed in so many ways and love to share those blessings with others.
I love to sing, too, and am glad the Lord isn’t picky. He knows my heart, and I trust Him to overlook my less-than-melodious attempts at praising Him via song.
Author
Keli, you certainly are a “pay it forward” kind of gal and you really do practice what you preach. And when we’re truly praising God, our tunes sound like a symphony to Him!
A perfect list!! Inspiring reminders to celebrate. It reminds me of that older praise song, “Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate! He has risen, He has risen, and He lives….forever more…” Do you know that one?
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Sarah: Great reminders for little ones AND grown-ups.
Tanya: I pray that I always practice what I preach and that folks would see His love through me. Somedays, it may be difficult to celebrate, but I’m so thankful that the Holy Spirit discerns what’s in my heart.
Jess: Yes, they play that one on our local Christian radio station here. I love it! (My personal favorite is Mercy Me’s “I Can Only Imagine.”) And for some reason when Francesa B. sings “These Are the Days” I always think of you. 😉
Love this post, Cynthia! I may have to read
it a few times for it to sink in down deep. 🙂
Thanks for the awesome list!
What an awesome post, Cynthia. My son’s been dealing with a lot of jealousy and anger lately, and I’ve been quoting to him, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I want him to learn that when we give in to our anger and negative emotions, Satan uses them to weaken us. But our true source of strength is to focus on God and the joy that He brings.
Yes, “joyful noise” sums it up pretty well!
Author
Patti, I bet you sing beautifully. And our “noise” can be a joyful melody to God. 🙂