Blessed

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Blessed Facts: • 1/2 the world lives on less than $2/day • 80% of the world has no roof, electricity or running water. • Everything is God's and you are a steward.

Truth:

• As an American, I am blessed beyond my comprehension. While most people on earth are concerned about their next meal or fresh water, I am not. And chances are you're not either.

Too often we focus on what we don't have rather than what we do have. We allow our desires for the next high-tech device or trendy outfit overrule our ability to be thankful and content. Hey, I'm all for reaching forward and dreaming big, as long as we don't forget to thank God for what He's already done.

This is a big reason why I'm doing this 30 Days of Thanksgiving. To get you and I back to thanking God daily for His provision and blessings, many of which we can't even see. And also to consider ways to be a blessing to others, which is what leave your beauty mark is all about!

So, what are you thankful for today? Have you been on a missions trip or lived in another country where you've seen extreme poverty as I mentioned earlier? Are you thankful for the basic blessings of life that we so often neglect to even acknowledge? Please share your thoughts!

Emonne Markland | Leave Your Beauty Mark

Free Pho

My business card was selected from a tasty Pho restaurant in my area so I received a free entree today! Chicken fried rice? Yum.

Thank you, God for this free meal today!

So, what are you thankful for tonight? Share your comment below!

Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark

30DOT: Hope

America, we have just elected our president for the next 4 years. Many people are worried, angry and hopeless by the results. Many others are hopeful, proud and excited for what's to come. Here's my stance:

The same God that was in control of my life the last 4 years is the same God that will be in control the next.

Here's what the Lord says in His word:

“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8 NLT)

Friends, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, our hearts purified by love and our hope in God through prayer. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are members of the Kingdom of God. We serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We are empowered by the Spirit. We are commanded to love.

Last night, I had a powerful dream about the future of our nation and feel very strongly about the importance of prayer and love as we go into the next four years of presidential leadership. It's important to keep our hearts right, guard our words and walk in love no matter what. Remember: prayer, not politics, will bring the change we all desire to see in this nation. The same weight of responsibility we have to vote is the same weight of responsibility we have to pray. Please, pray for our president and nation as believers in Jesus. This is the way to true health and healing in our nation.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)

Today, I'm thankful for my ability to vote, as many people fought for this right. But most importantly, I'm thankful that God is in control. He is the leader of my heart. He is the captain to my ship. He is the source of my freedom and my hope is fully in His ability to shift the heart of our president and our nation towards Him. As we head to bed tonight, let's rest in peace, remain united in prayer and hopeful in our God's lordship over all.

GOD IS IN CONTROL.

So, what are you thankful for tonight? Do you trust that God is in control? Are you committed to walking in love, praying for our president and elected officials and keeping your heart pure?

Please leave a comment below!

Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark

30DOT: Anesthesia

Anesthesia? I know...not my average blog topic. But today,  it is absolutely necessary. I got a few fillings done at the dentist and as I was praying during the procedure I took a moment to thank God for the local anesthetic. I mean, c'mon people...imagine having dental filings, a root canal, or oral surgery without being numb!! Yikes!!!!

I'm thankful for modern dentistry and learned a lot from working in the dental industry a few years. My dentist is such a loving, caring woman of God and it's always a pleasure to be in her care. Most importantly, I'm thankful for the fact that God is with me everywhere I go.

Tonight, I want to encourage you that God is with you wherever you go. Whether you're in the dental chair, the hospital bed, a classroom, playing on the floor with your kids, the basketball court or just alone in your room, God is there. He is El Roi, the God who sees you wherever you are. Aren't you thankful for that tonight?! I know I am.

So tonight, thank you God for local anesthesia... and for seeing me and every reader of this post.

Friend, what are you thankful for tonight? Leave a post below and join me in thanking God for something or someone in your life tonight. I look forward to reading your comments!

Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Grace

{Grace: unmerited favor; blessing.}

This morning, I woke up to a delicate kiss from sweet little lips & a soft "mmmmmmwahhh." That's my Grace. The first moment I saw her I was captivated. She was honestly the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen. It's a joy to watch her grow and freely express herself without a care in the world. Everywhere we go she makes a friend, gives a hug and tries to share something with others. She has brought so much joy to our family and I'm so thankful for the one, the only, Amazing Grace.

So, what are you thankful for tonight? Leave a comment of thanksgiving below!

Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Hello, my loves!!! I know it's been a few weeks since we've spoken but I'm excited to get back to blogging with you! I've been working on an exciting project and can't wait to share the details with you soon! Last November, I participated in the #30DaysofThanksgiving challenge on Instagram. As I took time to reflect on God's goodness and express my gratitude for all He has done, I was encouraged and reminded of His faithfulness. This year, I want to share my 30 days of thanksgiving here on Beauty Marked. You can also join me on Instagram (@EmonneMarkland) and post your own #30DaysofThanksgiving posts! I pray that you are encouraged & reminded of God's faithfulness in your own life. So, let's get started!

Day 1: Stephan

This tall, dark and handsome man waited 3 YEARS for me in college while I was, well...in my process. Ha. Months before we got engaged, God led me to write out everything I wanted in a spouse. I was tired of counterfeits and didn't even want to THINK about marriage, but I obeyed God and began to write & dream again. I titled that list "My Manifestation of Love", since I wanted a husband that would be a physical manifestation/representation of God's love for me. God answered every desire of my heart & exceeded my expectations. He is the answer to my prayers, my best friend, my team mate, my bodyguard, my support & my love. He is a loving father to our daughter Grace and a great leader to our family. And for the record, he's the best, most anointed drummer I've ever heard. I still get chills every time he plays...

Thank you, Jesus, for Stephan Markland.

So, what or who are you thankful for today? Leave a comment below and express your gratitude for God's goodness in your life!

Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark