Big Cups

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 243: Today, I am grateful for big cups. 

This is perfect. I had just grabbed a mug of "Yogi" tea... and chose the biggest cup available. Then, this picture popped up. It is the perfect gratitude for today.

Today has been a little cooler. Two cups of coffee this morning and now I've switched to tea. Sheldon from "The Big Bag Theory" is right about a warm beverage. It makes you feel better... even when you don't feel bad to begin with. I love a big cup of something warm. Coffee is life support... but there are so many other beverages I enjoy in a large cup including a London Fog, a Spiced Chai or Hot Cocoa. 

My co-worker, Jill, helped me recognize the value of a big mug handle. I do not have small hands so finding a cup with a big enough handle for 3-4 fingers is a sweet little victory. 14 oz is a small mug in our house. 

The scripture that comes to mind is: 

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.-John 1:16 

God's blessings fall abundantly on us so often that I fear I take them for granted. Like the big mug... I use it daily, but do I savor the gift of abundance? 

"I like big cups & I cannot lie." 

Today, I am grateful for big cups.

Character Tests

 Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 242: Today, I am grateful for character tests.

This is a really good quote from the Harry Potter series. Sirius Black is one of my favorites in the books. He is misjudged and unjustly jailed. Most would have given up, but not Sirius. He persists and finds ways to care for Harry and keep his promises. His true character shines in this quote:

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -Sirius Black 

Such a simple character test. The way we treat the people who can do nothing for us reveals our hearts. 

I had already started this post when I looked at my "verse of the day". His timing is always perfect. 

 "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family." -Ephesians 2:19

Isn't it humbling and altogether too wonderful that we have a Savior who suffered in our place so that we could be fully forgiven and adopted children of God! He took the cross, paid our sin debt, battled death victoriously and longs to take us home. Seriously, who does that? We are no longer weighed down by sin, but free to live fully in His grace. 

Love found a way to make those born in sin joint heirs to the Kingdom of God. It is mind boggling. 

Earworm is awake and singing the song "How can I be silent?" 

Today, I am grateful for character tests.

The Well Equipped

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 241: Today, I am grateful for the well equipped.

A catch phrase for selling many items is  "well equipped". Cars, stoves and even vacuum cleaners are advertised as being "Well equipped." What does that mean? 

It depends on the product.A well equipped camera or lens can produce better pictures. A well equipped washing machine is kinder to your delicates. A well equipped car has extra safety and comfort features. 

What does it mean to be well equipped in The Word?

Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. -Matthew 22:29 (NRSV) 

With the Bible available in so many translations, there is no good reason to ignore it. I love looking up a favorite verse in multiple translations because it gives new depth to the meaning. Perhaps, it is like looking at the same tree from many different angles. The tree is the same, but our perspective changes based on what we see and understand. 

The Spirit invites us to "go deeper". So many scriptures seem to have layers. It is why we can study God's word for a lifetime and learn something new with each reading. It is the most amazing book. It feels like an old friend, but it is still fresh and new at every new discovery. 

Today's challenge: Choose a favorite verse and plug it in at www.biblegateway.com. Then, click "All English Translations". Look for similarities and differences and choose your favorites. Go a little deeper at www.blueletterbible.org where you can explore the original Hebrew and Greek. We have so many tools at our fingertips. 

Today, I am grateful for the well equipped.
 

Deodorant

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 240: Today, I am grateful for deodorant. 

I know we are a little obsessed with deodorant here in the USA. I am showing my red, white and blue with this post. Deodorant makes small places more pleasant. It adds something by taking something away... the stink. 

I really don't know if I have ever been grateful for deodorant on a daily post.  I did a quick search of past entries and nothing popped up. It should be on my once a year list!  I work at a Jr. High... need I say more?  

Deodorant is sometimes optional, but it does make a difference. I found this Bill Murray Quote: "Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it." Funny and true. 

There are so many choices in deodorants, it is hard to decided. It is hard to find one without aluminum that still provide ample protection. It is always a challenge. 

When I think about the stink, I am reminded of Jesus arriving at Bethany where he is too late to save Lazarus. His friend is in the grave... three days... and his sisters are hurt, disappointed and confused. They did not expect it to turn out the way it did. Real life was stinks sometimes. Real life can have plot twists when we trust the Author of Life who gives us victory over death.

When Jesus decides the story will have a different ending, it does. 
There is hope and promise... and so much more. 

"Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”  -John 11:40" 

The people witnessed His power over life and death. And then Jesus says, "Told you." I love it!  

Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb and people feared he would smell like death. He did not! He was fully alive. When death is conquered... even the stench... we bear witness to the mighty power of our living Lord.

Our God has power over life and death... and bad smells... but while we wait for his return, I am grateful for deodorant. 

Today, I am grateful for deodorant. 

Busy Vs Purposeful

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 239: Today, I am grateful for the days living with purpose wins. 

Do you ever feel like the the calendar controls your life? Is our day planner where we place our trust? Do we let it guide are days? Do we sacrifice purpose for the badge of being busy?

"It's easy to confuse a lot of activity for a purposeful life." -Bob Goff

Let's face it. Work doesn't leave many extra hours for the good stuff. The only alternative is to bring the good stuff to work.  It can be added into meetings, sports practices and dance classes. The good stuff makes life sweet. 

Again, my heart goes back to"
 "Be still and know I AM God." -Psalm 46:10

Punctuation can change the emphasis of the verse, but the truth shines clearly through each and every punctuation option. 

His truth is unchanging. We need to "Be still". We need to "know" without a doubt,  "I AM"... the name God gave to Abraham. "God"... let there be no doubt. 

We can live out our days with intention as we differentiate "the busy" and "the purposeful". 

Today, I am grateful for the days living with purpose wins. 

I Am The Storm

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 238: Today, I am grateful for the moments we realize the power of God at work in our lives.

This sassy little munchkin is our great niece. She is truly sugar and spice. Her vocabulary is stretching but not quite big enough for all that goes on in her pretty little head. I love reading all that she has been up to as she grows and goes. 

"The Devil whispered,"You can't withstand the storm."  The Warrior replied, "With God on my side, I am the storm." 

The quote fits perfectly. Adelynn's journey to Craig and Monica's arms is one that still amazes me. God moved in big and unexpected ways to place her in the arms of her Mommy and Daddy. There were so many prayers for this little one, even before they knew her name. 

Adelynn was just a few months old when she was placed in the arms of the parents God chose for her. After multiple scenarios where their plans for adoption did not work out, our nephew and niece were ready to be done. They were trying to come to terms with not being parents. But, then, in the midst of a big sorrows... this little miracle showed up with a twinkle in her eye and an irresistible smile. 

They said "yes" to fostering her... knowing that they might once again face heartbreak if they had to let her go. They had been living in the storm of infertility and failed adoptions. They were weary. The Enemy was sure he had broken their spirits... but that was when God began to unfold his perfect, powerful plan. 

The turning point in this story happened when this young couple began to sincerely pray for the souls of the birth parents of this child and developed real compassion for their struggles. In learning to pray for them, they discovered a flood of blessings. God moved mightily in the midst of their fears. He opened their hearts and answered the prayers. 

He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. -Psalm 107:29

Our God still calms the storms. Sometimes, he lets the storm rage and calms our fears. Other times, he calms the wind and the waves so we can rest easy in His goodness. We do not always recognize His hand in our trials, but He is always with us. He is always working things out... in His time. 

Today, I am grateful for the moments we realize the power of God at work in our lives.

Quick To Listen

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 237: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be quick to listen and slow to respond. 

I've heard it before but the reminder was good... "Most of us listen to respond." Is that really listening? I know I am guilty of listening to respond at times. It is a hard habit to break, but deeper communication happens when we learn to listen better and listen deeper. 

There is tone of voice and articulation of the words that adds to a message. Communication can be very complicated at times. We make it harder when we listen to fast and miss something important. 

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." -James 1:19

Many tense situations can be diffused by simply listening fully to what the other person is saying. Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to get angry. We can't always change the situation, but we can change how we listen, speak and cope with trials. 

What is the impact of learning to control the tongue? The benefits are endless. 

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything." -Proverbs 13:3 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be quick to listen and slow to respond. 

Voices

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 235: Today, I am grateful for familiar voices.

A familiar voice can be one of the most comforting and reassuring sounds on the planet. It can help calm the fears of a child and ease the suffering of someone sick and living their their last hours on earth. Voices make a difference. 

Sibling voices can be so close they are hard to differentiate and our children can sound like one of their parents. I always loved hearing Uncle Mel's voice after Dad was gone because they sounded so much alike. 

I liked this quote: 

"God, let your voice become the loudest one I hear and the one I'm most sensitive to." -unknown

What a great prayer! To seek to be sensitive to the voice of God... through His Spirit... is something developed in relationship and time spent together. It is easy to get distracted and busy, but his voice whispers, "Be still and know I am God." 

"Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."-John 5:27b-29 

There is a promise of a home and a future for those who listen for his voice and choose "The Way" that leads to life. We don't have to be afraid. 

Today, I am grateful for familiar voices.

Simple Truths

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 234: Today, I am grateful for simple truths.

In the past few 10 years, I have been smitten with the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Intellectually, I have always known they are connected, but it wasn't until recent years that the quest to dig deeper and uncover more of His truth has burned deep in my soul. 

Putting the pieces together relies on trust and relationship. This is one of those simple truths:

"The serpent did not tempt Adam and Eve to steal, to kill or to commit adultery; he simply tempted them to question God's Word." 

Questioning God's Word caused nothing but trials and troubles for those whose life stories are woven into the pages.Do we learn from their poor judgement? Do we  fall into the trap of missed opportunities?   

I am grateful for the reminder that the battles and temptations do not have to be overwhelming. We can stand firm on the rock.

Today, I am grateful for simple truths.

Firm Foundations

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 233: Today, I am grateful for firm foundations.

The Love of my Life and I enjoy watching home renovation and reclamation shows. Fixer Upper, Good Bones, Home Town and others. It all began with "This Old House" many years ago. 

There is something that speaks to our souls when something worn, broken down and weathered is viewed with hope and possibility... and not despair. One of the things that makes saving a house more challenging is when the foundation is crumbling and in need of repair. It is a costly fix, but not a showy one. You can see the goodness of a firm foundation. Yet, when the storms come, we all count on it. 

This verse, from the Amplified Bible Classic edition is struck a chord this morning. 

And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. -Matthew 7:25 (AMPC)

That house did not fall! it is a solid exclamation to the value of a firm foundation. There are storm warnings in different places around the country. Honestly, through the world lens, there is always a storm somewhere. A house that will hold up to the storms of life matters. 

A foundation is a good place to make an investment when you build a home. It isn't flashy or pretty, but it is indisputably something you want to get right. It is teaching our children "The Way" that leads to life. It is investing time and energy into what some might think is monotonous or boring. Building blocks of faith that hold in life's storms is precious, important work. 

"the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall" What a great epitaph this would make! What if that is what people remembered when you were gone? "Founded on the rock". 

Rock solid!

Today, I am grateful for firm foundations. 

Grace Wins Every Time

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 232: Today, I am grateful grace wins every time. 

I have a magnet at my desk. It says, "Listen to grace." It helps me to remember to be intentional. The Matthew West song "Grace Wins" is one that always causes me to pause, ponder and find peace in the truth that His grace means we can divorce the guilt of our failures forever. 

"There's a war between guilt and grace and they're fighting for a sacred space, but I'm living proof grace wins every time." -Matthew West

It doesn't matter who we are. A fisherman who failed His Lord... that guy discovered grace wins.  A man who persecuted early believers discovered grace wins on a dusty road to Damascus. Tax collectors who cheated others out of money discovered grace wins. Our past will never be the factor that determines our outcome. His love and His grace breathe fresh, new life into our days. 

"Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." -2 Thessalonians 1:12

We can choose to live our lives in a way that points to the cross. We aren't perfect, but grace helps cover our imperfections. 

Today, I am grateful grace wins every time. 

Freedom In Letting Go

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 231: Today, I am grateful for the freedom in letting go. 

Someone once said, "Life is what happens while you're making plans." It is true. It is in the nature of some to try and plan out every detail. People make their livings calculating error margins. Sounds like hard math to me. I think planning out of a heart to act responsibly with resources given is God honoring. 

On the flip side, planning to the point of obsession is a place the enemy tries to steal our peace. 

"At some point you just have to let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening."

Those words are profoundly freeing when put into action. When we make the move from attempting to control our own destinies and move into the laying each day of our lives at our Savior's feet... everything changes. A burden is lifted and real freedom begins. 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." -Romans 12:1

We are invited into daily conversation with Him about our lives, relationships and the needs of those around us. We are instructed to not worry. We are challenged to choose freedom in and through Him. That free will means we must make a choice. Part of that choosing Him is developing trust.

If He can hold the universe in place... and in balance... nothing is too big or too small for his attention. We can loosen our grip and leave it to Him. 

I have not perfected the art of letting go, but on the days I do... joy and peace follow.

Today, I am grateful for the freedom in letting go. 

Good Medicine

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 230: Today, I am grateful for laughter.

I cannot imagine a world without laughter. 

There is something magical in a cheerful exchange that results in laughter. It is interesting that we tend to use the term "burst" when we talk about someone starting to laugh. It can seem so unexpected. 
A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. -Proverbs 17:22

Laughter can lower blood pressure and reduces tension and fear. It can sneak up in unexpected places.I cannot and do not want to live in a world without laughter. It would change the emotional landscape of our days. 

Savor the sweetness of a giggle or a full laugh each and every day. 

Today, I am grateful for laughter.

Thanksgiving Produces Joy

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 230: Today, I am grateful thanksgiving produces joy. 

"As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible." -Ann Voskamp 

Joy blooms in a grateful heart. It is a fact. It has been illustrated throughout history that in the toughest of times, it is those who focus on gratitude who survive... and even thrive. 

No one enjoys a complainer. They are exhausting. They can suck the air right out of a room, until those around them feel they can't breathe. They complain about everything. 

The joyful ones, on the other hand, are sought out in social circles. A positive, upbeat spirit can be contagious. We have a choice. Choose joy. 

Be grateful for something every day. There is always something in the day that causes us to pause and recognize God is the giver of good gifts. Even when things are not perfect... or even good... there is always something that evokes gratitude. 

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. -Psalm 28:7

Let a song of joy burst out!

Today, I am grateful thanksgiving produces joy.

Salsa

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 229: Today, I am grateful for salsa.

We love salsa at Casa de Smith. We like it hot and spicy. I like to add a little garam marsala to it when I am craving Indian flavors. 

Pink Dip... a house specialty... is one hunk of cream cheese (or Neufatchel) mixed with 1 Jar of Sam's Hot Salsa. It is delicious with chips, mixed with rice or topping a taco salad. My friend, Kim, has made it her signature dish. Her kitchen recommends Tostitos "twist of lime" chips for an added flavor kiss. 

Fruit Salsa is another family favorite - in fact- I will make some this afternoon. It is raspberries, kiwi and peaches with a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve it with cinnamon sugar chips or with a spoon works, too. 

Pumpkin Chipotle Salsa from Aldi's is worth trying. It would be interesting over spaghetti squash... or Cauliflower rice. We are pumpkin everything in Morton. Pumpkin salsa is good stuff.

I "Zumba-ed" this morning. That is a whole different kind of salsa. It is a great way to work up a sweat and burn some calories.  

This scripture seemed to fit today's gratitude perfectly:

“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said.-Daniel 1:12

Four Hebrew boys... in captivity as slaves... have the courage to stand up to a King in a foreign land to honor God. They do not want to defile their bodies with food that had been offered to idols... even if it was rich and delicious. They chose a healthy diet of vegetables and water as a test before the King. Risky? Not when you know their God. They never doubted that He would bless their choices. They thrived and the King was impressed. 

They did not have salsa as we know it... but who knows how they mixed vegetables together to make them more interesting? Healthy does not have to be distasteful. Neither does following God's instruction. Nehemiah, another prophet,  said this:  "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  

There are so many flavors to mix into salsas and so little time. Be creative. Be healthy. Be original. 

Today, I am grateful for salsa.

Grace Is Enough

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 228: Today, I am grateful grace is enough. 

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, form my power is made perfect in weakness." -2 Corinthians 12:9a 

Human energy and wisdom has limitations. He does not. Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit we can not just survive; we can thrive.

Paul carried the life changing power of grace with him daily. Jesus forgave him, casting his sin as far as the east is from the west, but Paul remembered where he came from. He looked in the mirror and saw a work in progress. Do we see that, too?

When days are long... He is more than enough. His power is made perfect in our weakness. His grace is enough. 



Today, I am grateful grace is enough. 

7-Layer Salad

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 227: Today, I am grateful for 7-Layer Salad. 

I like 7-layer salad. I don't know that I "love" it... but it pleases my palate and makes me smile. 7-Layer Salad makes me think of Grandma Marge Lindgren. She served it at any family gathering. It was standard food fare for family gatherings in the 70's and 80's. 

At Grandma Marge's table, we learned about fancy place settings and polished table manners. Mama Ina Mae was serious about manners... but she was fighting an uphill battle with my Dad when it came to table manners. He wanted people to feel comfortable and welcome around the dinner table. They were welcome. Salad forks and bread plates made no sense to him. 

Grandma Marge's table was different. It was impeccable. She had the most beautiful glass serving pieces. 7-Layer Salad sweeps me back to the joy of family around the table. Aunts, Uncles and cousins made everything more fun. We always had ample food on the table. I love vegetables but many do not. This verse seemed a good fit for today's gratitude. 

A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. -Proverbs 5:17  

Steak is pretty yummy, but there is wisdom in Solomon's words.  Vegetables with loved ones makes a meal more enjoyable the a filet mignon when there is discord. 

When my heart remembers my childhood, it is clear... many sweet memories were made at Grandma's table. Dad and Uncle Mel survived the fancy table settings. Mama and Aunt Mary were grateful for Grandma's attention to detail. Aunt Jan was so proud of Grandma's kitchen talents. We enjoyed all the layers of family, faith, fun, fellowship and feasting on festive foods.(Yes... that is seven words that start with "F")

What food brings back similar memories for your family?  

Today, I am grateful for 7-Layer Salad. 

Prayer Opens A Window

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 226: Today, I am grateful prayer opens a window. 

"Prayer is the window that God has placed in the walls of our world. Leave it shut and the world is a cold, dark house. But throw back the curtains and see His light. Open the window and hear His voice. Open the window of prayer and invoke the presence of God in your world." - Max Lucado

The imagery in this quote is powerful. Prayer is a way to invite His light into our darkness. This world grows increasingly dark. Inviting His voice, His peace and His truth to pierce our darkness is where hope takes root. 

Prayer is a first line of offense... not a last resort. Opening the window in prayer means taking time to listen for his voice, and not just offering a shopping list of our wants and needs. Prayer is about spending time together with the Master of the Universe. Who wouldn't want to take some time for that?

How often should we pray? 

Never stop praying. -1 Thessalonians 5:17

In the same way some need a fan to sleep. Prayer is like fresh air. It helps us breathe, re-energizes and restores us when we are weary. Jesus modeled this behavior on more than one occasion. 

It is a great day to throw open the windows to heaven. 

Today, I am grateful prayer opens a window.

Choices Reflect Hope

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 225: Today, I am grateful for choices that reflect hope.

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears." - Nelson Mandela

It is an interesting question. What drives your choices, hope or fear? 

Hope seems to have its own unique heartbeat. When we know our God is with us, for us and making a way for us... we can set fear free. We don't need to carry the weight of it anymore. 

‘I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. -Acts 2:25-26

Ahh... my body rests in hope. Let's choose hope. 

Today, I am grateful for choices that reflect hope.

First Born

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 224: Today, I am grateful for my first born.

Twenty eight years ago today, I became a mother. Crazy! How did time fly so quickly? How did he grow up so fast? It wasn't until I held him in my arms that I understood what it meant to be fierce. I would have died for him, even before I held him. 

I still marvel that God entrusts something as precious as new, human, soul bearing life to some of the most inexperienced people on the planet. I had helped with younger siblings and had done my fair share of babysitting and nannying... but this child was our responsibility. All ours. I am grateful God designed him to be forgiving and patient. 

We will always treasure the memories of a little boy who loved dinosaurs... who explored physics by lining up cars and moving one of them by a fraction of an inch... who looked at the night sky and saw the greatness of our God and who was always gentle with animals and all living things. I think the man has all of these same qualities only with the maturity that comes with years. 

He is a thoughtful husband, a diligent employee and a loving son and brother. Yes... I am still in awe that he survived our inexperienced parenting. 

"So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy." -Proverbs 23:25 

I love this picture because of the dinosaur shirt (thanks Robin), Emma(now his wife) in a ponytail and Walker enjoying their attention. It was taken at a VBS we held at Kennel Lake. It make me smile because it reminds me of the simple joys of childhood, the promise of the future and a God who plans better things than we could ever imagine. 

Today, I am grateful for my first born.

Morning Moments With The Father

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 223: Today, I am grateful for morning moments with our Father.

There is nothing like beginning the day with the Father. The break of day when the day is fresh and unspoiled. A little coffee. His Word. All is quiet. We can lay our day before the Father before we face the world. 

"Before you face the world, face your Father." - Max Lucado

We simply are better prepared when we begin the morning breathing in His peace, His word and find direction there. Don't forget to listen. Silence isn't just golden, it is where we often know it is His voice and not our own mind wandering off. 

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! -Psalm 139:17-18 

His presence is real, calming and helps us take on the day. 

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” -Romans 8:15

Sweet moments with the Father! There is nothing quite like it. We are fully adopted children and joint heirs to His promises. It is not about our past. He is present in our praise. He promises us a real future. 

Today, I am grateful for morning moments with our Father.