Everything in love

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 91 : Today, I am grateful for instruction to do "everything in love".

Simple instructions are the easiest to remember. This is one of my favorites:

"Do everything in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Not the things we enjoy. Not the things we don't. Everything.

How much time is wasted on evaluations that really don't matter. So often, the choice is to love or not to love. Oh, how many times to do I fail this test? I am grateful for each new day and each new opportunity.

Nothing done in love is wasted. The choice is real.

Today, I am grateful for instruction to do "everything in love".

Lion on my Left

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 90 : Today, I am grateful for the Lion on my left.

"I was quite safe. That is why the Lion kept on my left. He was between me and the edge all the time." -C.S. Lewis (The Horse and His Boy)

Doesn't this grab your heart? It does mine. There are scary edges with unknown dangers in this life. Isn't it comforting to know we have a "lion on the left"?

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." -Psalm 5:11

Heights make me nervous. I don't like being to close to any edge. Safety first!

There is great comfort in a God who puts himself between us and the edge. He knows our hearts and the sound of our heartbeat. We have nothing to fear.

Today, I am grateful for the Lion on my left.

Tuesdays

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 89 : Today, I am grateful for a series of Tuesdays.

I firmly believe that our lives are the sum of hundreds of Tuesdays.

Not the big events. Not the Christmas mornings.

Tuesdays.

Tuesdays at the orthodontist, or the dinner table,

or the sports practice or picking up from detention. All the Tuesdays make us. -Esther Joy Goetz

Simple gratitude today. Make the most of the Tuesdays, the Wednesdays and every other ordinary moment. In those moments are the richness of life and sprinkles of God's grace.

Today, I am grateful for a series of Tuesdays.

 

Courage and Patience

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 88 : Today, I am grateful for lessons in courage and patience.

"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world." - Helen Keller

I am on a Helen Keller quote kick to start this week. She is simply amazing to me. All that she accomplished in a time without fancy technology. Her stubbornness met its match in Anne Sullivan and it changed not only her world, but the future for all people who lived life deaf and blind. I cannot even imagine the challenges. For Helen to come to the conclusion that her struggles produced good and important fruit reminds me to be more patient and more brave. I prefer the safe route, but life is fuller when we step outside our comfort zone.

This scripture might seem hard to swallow on tough days:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." -James 1:2-3

But I know this, the Bible is truth and light. Pure joy from trials? Maybe not in the moment. The scripture says it "produces perseverance". A flower or fruit is not produced on the day it is planted. It comes in time. With good soil, watering and of course... light from the sun. Or is it light from The Son?

Today, I am grateful for lessons in courage and patience.

Face to the Sun

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 87 : Today, I am grateful with our face to the sun, we cannot see the shadows.

My friend, Gypsy Stockley, gets credit for this amazing photo. Isn't it special? Look how the shadow stands out. It is almost menacing. In fact, it seems to have sharp edges, almost as if it were real. But the flower does not notice. The flower has her face to the sun.

“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” -Helen Keller

This quote is more interesting when you realize Helen Keller was blind and deaf. She had to trust the feeling of the warmth on her face to know the sun was even shining.  She had to trust what she could not see.

I have always loved the idea of sun and son sounding the same. If you keep your face the Son, you will never see the shadows. If we look up and to His face, there is new hope and His light means the shadow brings no fear. 

" to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” -Matthew 4:14-17 

God moved the shadow at the prophets request in Old Testament times. Then came Jesus. We have seen His light. The new light has dawned. He is the light. Keeping our faces lifted to the Son, we need not fear the shadows. 

Today, I am grateful with our face to the sun, we cannot see the shadows.

Simple Kindness

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 86 : Today, I am grateful for simple kindness.

It is not that hard. Simply, be kind. The world is full of so many chances to choose kindness. The opposite might appear to be meanness. It might be. I think there are other opposites.

Being hurried can be the opposite of being kind. What about arrogance, sassiness or impatience? All of these things can be the opposite of kindness, too.

Kindness requires a quiet observation of the world around us. It is easy to be wrapped up in our own wants and needs. Kindness looks outward and into the heart of another.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

"The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever." -Isaiah 32:17

Today, I am grateful for simple kindness.

A Little Flower

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 85 : Today, I am grateful for a little flower.

"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."-Hans Christian Anderson

Something resonates about this quote. All three things are special in their own right. The sunshine, the freedom and the little flower, but together, they are magnificent.

The daffodils are blooming. I really like them. I hope they last for a long time, but their time is usually short. Their bright yellow blooms perk up the spring landscape.

Do were remember to bloom? Wherever we are planted, we have choices.

Today, I am grateful for a little flower.

C.S. Lewis Observations

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 83: Today, I am grateful for observations from C.S. Lewis.

I am always taken back and humbled by C.S. Lewis' observations and interpretations out a life chasing the heart of Christ. His brilliance and perspectives challenge me to the core at times. Other times, he makes me laugh. This is a quote I've not seen before:

"It takes courage to live through suffering; and it takes honesty to observe it. -C.S. Lewis

One more time:

"It takes courage to live through suffering; and it takes honesty to observe it. -C.S. Lewis

Suffering is humbling, however it comes. Through loss, illness, injury or separation from loved ones. Suffering shakes us down to "the cavity in our souls" as Twila Paris once sang in the song "Do I Trust You Lord". Suffering shakes us up.

Yes, it takes courage to live through suffering. But there is so much more to this quote. Note the semicolon. The literary pause is clearly and intentionally placed. After the pause: " and it takes honesty to observe it."

Watching a loved one suffer shakes us up. We ache when our children hurt. We wish we could take their suffering away. If we could remove "the cup" as Jesus referred to it, we would. Sometimes, the cup is not removed. Sometimes, there is a bigger picture that we cannot clearly see. Sometimes, we are called to honestly observe the suffering.

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us." -Ecclesiastes 7:3

Don't we all prefer laughter? Solomon's reflections on life as an old man are full of wisdom. He reflects on the refining fires in our lives that reshape us into people God can use for the Kingdom and to His glory. Solomon, in retrospect, saw the value of the refining fires and honestly observes it.

He asked God for wisdom. Godly wisdom lead to power, wealth and fame. Things did not satisfy the heart of King Solomon. Walking closely with God is where he found his peace.

"That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Easter is on the horizon. I cannot help but think of those who looked upon Jesus suffering on a hill called Golgotha. John with his mother, the multiple Marys, Peter who denied him, those he had healed and those who felt their life would not go on without Him. So much pain and brokenness to observe. But... as always with those who know Him as Lord... what seems like an ending is really a beginning.

Courage. Suffering. Honest reflection. What they did not know was that Sunday was on the way.

On the darkest of days, always remember... Sunday's on the way.

Today, I am grateful for observations from C.S. Lewis.

Baker's Twine

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 82: Today, I am grateful for baker's twine.

Spring is a season for crafting and projects. One of the items I grab for often is baker's twine. The red and white is reminiscent of a candy cane. The black and white classes up many simple projects and is perfect for hanging tags and gift wrapping in the season of weddings and showers. I have it in an assortment of colors. It is inexpensive and always increases the cuteness factor.

One of the things the Love of My Life does to show his deep and abiding love is his tolerance of my crafting supplies. He knows that a creative space is a happy space for me. He prefers the chaos stay in a room where he can close the door. I find it impossible to be creative and tidy. Pulling out supplies stirs the creative juices and leads to inspiration. Then, the clean up time always seems to be interrupted.

Baker's twine is a supply item that is most often used to finish off a project. The baker's twine is the "something extra" to take a finished item up a notch. I always have to use scissors. It does not break easily.

I can't help but think of this scripture when I see baker's twine:

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:12

We are better together. Even better than two are three, when Christ is the third strand in the triple braided cord.

Today, I am grateful for baker's twine.

Doors

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 81: Today, I am grateful for doors.

Doors are pretty important. Can you imagine how hard it would be to keep the cold, wind and dirt out if we didn't have doors? There are doors made of wood and steel. Some have special qualities and features that make them better insulated or perfect for particular climates. I am partial to beautiful wood doors, but they are not always practical.

"When one door closes, another one opens. Other than that, it's a pretty good car."

This quote makes me laugh. Thank you Tim Perkins for sharing. Tim is an old friend and a great encourager.

Doors can be unexpected. Sometimes, one door closes and another opens. The old saying is true. Doors, with windows, allow us to anticipate what is on the other side, but most doors don't have windows. We are forced to trust. We choose to open the door or remain ignorant of what is on the other side.

Doors help create a sense of safety. They keep danger out. They allow us to escape when something inside becomes threatening, like smoke or fire. The value of a door is somewhat determined by what we need.

In the old Clifton Congregational Church, there was a beautiful stained glass window. I portrayed Jesus knocking on a door. Dad always loved the window. I imagine he spent many hours staring at it as a child, waiting for the Sunday morning service to end. His favorite part of the image was the fact the door had no doorknob. It had to be opened from the inside. I remember Dad saying that the artist didn't forget it. It was intentional. He said, "Jesus will never force his way into your life. He gently knocks. You have to open the door from the inside and invite Him into your heart."

The scriptures remind us to keep knocking on His door, too. Relationships require time together. Persistence and patience as we pursue the prize makes all the difference.

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."  Luke 11:9

In the ancient Jewish wedding traditions, the bridegroom would go to the bride to claim her. She had to wait. She didn't know exactly when he would come. Her role was to be ready. It required planning and patience. Imagine the excitement when the day actually arrived. Imagine the excitement when her groom knocked on the door. " Do we wait with eager anticipation for Christ to knock? Do we make him wait or do we respond with the excitement of an eager bride? Do we seek to know His heart and find ourselves eagerly waiting at the door?

Today, I am grateful for doors.

A God Who Exercises

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 80: Today, I am grateful for a God who exercises.

I've never enjoyed exercise much. I am grateful my friend, Kim, took me to Zumba to try something new. IT took her two years of inviting me to convince me. I've not been faithful lately, but it is still my favorite exercise. Dance is good for the soul. When I am motivated, I go. Other times, I dance at home. Sometimes, I'm too tired. I feel energized when it is finished. It is still hard to get started when I am tired.

This scripture struck me because it used the word "exercise". Exercise is an action verb. Exercise requires discipline and persistence. Exercise is good, but it is not always easy to get it initiated.

Pay attention to what our Lord exercises:

"but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord." -Jeremiah 9:24 NIV 

He exercises kindness, justice and righteousness. These things require exercise. We were made in His image. Do we struggle with these things at times. We understand the value of kindness, justice and righteousness. Shouldn't they flow out of us as we draw near to His heart? 

Perhaps. They get easier to choose as a daily way of living... like regular exercise... but there is a choice involved. The original Hebrew (āśâ) means "to work at" something. Exercise is a good choice for translation. 

"In these things I delight." Runners high? Satisfaction when a workout is over? 

Today, I am grateful for a God who exercises.

Limited Perspective

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 79: Today, I am grateful for reminders of our "limited perspective".

Many years ago, Jill and I used "The Story" for our Jr. High students on Wednesday nights. The deal was she would do tech support and help generate conversation and I would teach most of the lessons. We worked together easily, in the way old friends do. To our surprise, we both fell in love with the way "The Story" told about God's love for his creation.

"The Story" focused on "The Big Picture" and showed how many short stories and chapters added up to the "Big Picture". As humans, then and now, we are so often focused on our own individual chapters, we miss seeing the bigger story.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8-9

Have I missed the perfection in this passage?

There have been times I have quoted this passage in acceptance of an answer to a prayer that didn't go the way I had hoped. Sometimes, it looks like a "No". Sometimes, it is a "No", but I forget that seeking His Heart and His Way means we want what He wants, too. His way is simply beyond our earthbound perspective and understanding. He is not hiding it. Our minds cannot conceive it.

We are required to be humble before Him. The closer we move toward Him, the more humility is a reflexive response to his awesomeness. Just as we react to the brightness of the sun, our souls react to the brightness of the Son. We cannot help but feel a genuine humility to a God who chooses to walk with us in all seasons. On our best days and in our brokenness... He never fails us.

He is so much more than we can imagine.

Today, I am grateful for reminders of our "limited perspective"

Clean Slate

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 79: Today, I am grateful for a clean slate.

There is something special about a clean slate. A blank page with no imperfections recorded makes us feel renewed. Life is complicated. What should be easy and makes perfect sense can get muddied by unexpected twists and turns in the road.

Humans have long understood the beauty of a new start. Many have changed continents to find one. Some learned new lifestyles and languages to flee from less than stellar pasts.

This image made me giggle. Our past can be costly.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

New life. New beginnings. We can begin to rewrite our story. There is power in the blood that becomes the ink with which our story begins again.

Today, I am grateful for a clean slate.

Mind Transformations

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 78: Today, I am grateful for mind transformations.

We can't always control the situations we face; we can control how we respond. Those curve balls and life twists thrown our way can shake us. The enemy loves nothing more than for us to be discouraged.

I love the hope found in this passage:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2

Not only can we survive the tough days, we can find a sense of renewal. I find it so easy to flunk the patience test. It is necessary to slow down. The pause is part of the process.

 If we pay close enough attention, we may be able to hear His whispers. 

Today, I am grateful for mind transformations.

Favorite Shade of Green

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 77: Today, I am grateful for my favorite shades of green.

I know everyone has shades of green they love. My favorites are warmed with yellow undertones. New life sprouting a Spring brings back the greens and the bright, tropical greens, too. Even neon greens like chartreuse make me smile. These greens remind me of new life and happy times. 

Many are wearing the green for St. Patrick's day this week. Ireland is a place I dream of visiting for the many shades of green... and to listen to the Irish accent. 

I cannot help but think God has a special love for the color green. He uses it in so many ways to paint our landscapes. In the greens there is renewal and hope. We tend to think of blues as calming and serene, but the scriptures say:

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. He makes me to lie down in green pastures Psalm 23

I once associated the 23rd Psalm with funerals and death. Max Lucado wrote a beautiful book unraveling it verse by verse. It is a song of peace and contentment and full of hope and renewal. There is protection and abundance when the Lord is our Shepherd and providing our pasture lands. 

Take in the greens. They are popping out all over. Share your favorite shade and make note of the blessings in the greens. 

Soon... rows of new baby corn and beans will be popping up on the landscape. Fresh, a little fragile and full of promise.

Today, I am grateful for my favorite shades of green.

Soft Towels

Gratitude Year 10 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful for soft towels.

Big, thick and thirst towels wrap us in comfort after a bath or shower. The best of the bunch are the ones that are super soft. They do more than dry us off. They are like a hug. If you house is like ours, everyone has their favorites.

The luxury of being able to bathe and dry off in a private, safe and comfortably place is something many of us take for granted. It is one of the ordinary things in our lives that is truly extraordinary. The right towel finishes the job perfectly.

There are many who struggle, with their basic needs barely being met. My Sister-In-Love, Jan, is part of a ministry that helps those who do not have access to home showers a place to bathe and clean up. Those who use the service look forward to their turn. The chance to be clean and fresh... it helps give them back some of their dignity.

Purge me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." -Psalm 51:7

Oh to be comfy, cozy and clean... inside and out! 

Today, I am grateful for soft towels.

He Knows Us By Name

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 75: Today, I am grateful He knows us by name.

Is anyone else over the Username and Password thing? I can barely remember where I parked my car at Kroger, so the plethora of Usernames and Passwords... each with special rules... does not amuse me. It does confuse me.

There are several scriptures that talk about God numbering the stars and calling them by name By His great night, not a one of them is missing.

"He determines the number of the stars and gives them all their names." -Psalm 147:4

What an awe inspiring declaration! The wonder of it all, right? It paints a picture on the vastness of God and His omniscience and omnipresence.

But our God went a step further, He made a way to redeem the broken, lost and out of sync with His heartbeat. It really is Amazing Grace!

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. -John 10:3

He already recognizes us by name. No password required. It is better than free Wi-Fi!

Today, I am grateful He knows us by name.

Curiosity

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 74: Today, I am grateful for curiosity.

The old saying goes:"Curiosity killed the cat." Not a very nice saying. Where is the hope and the sense of adventure? Einstein said, "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." I like his perspective better. 

Humans and animals have curiosity in common. Watching many species of baby animals is entertaining because they are so cute, Kittens, puppies and even baby monkeys find themselves in predicaments because of their natural born curiosity. Curiosity leads us to discovery.

"Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened..." 

Passionate curiosity is part of our design. There is joy in the journey and satisfaction in the find. 

Today, I am grateful for curiosity.

A Different Point of View

Daily Gratitude Year 10 - Day 73: Today, I am grateful for a different point of view.

Our niece Monica shared this Meme: "Don't think of it as losing an hour of sleep. Think of it as losing an hour of winter."

Now that is a change of perspective I can get behind. 

I believe re-framing is a powerful brain tool, We cannot always change our situation or circumstances, we can choose our response. No one, no thing and no situation defeats us without our final permission. 

Things many not always turn out as we hoped. Prayers may not be answered to our preferences, but they are always answered.

Our God is one to remind us of perspective. Many of our favorite miracles come with perspective changes. Ask Jonah... or Moses... or even Naomi after Ruth and Boaz gave her a baby to hold, Her sorrow turned to joy... in His time and according to His purpose. 

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

A different point of view can come from the smallest changes in perspective, but the impact is powerful.

Today, I am grateful for a different point of view.

Nothing Fancy

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 72: Today, I am grateful for nothing fancy.

Some of our favorite times with family and friends are “nothing fancy”. We have a place near home called the “Burger Barge”. It sits on the river and serves up great burgers and other delights. The homemade river chips are a fan favorite. The “anchors” are their version of a Midwest horseshoe” and one of them can easily feed two people. Skip it if you are opposed to rustic, sticky charm. Our people enjoy the fellowship as much as the food. 

In Traverse City, MI…there is a burger place downtown that is not even as fancy as Steak and Shake, but the food is excellent. JJ’s, I believe is the name. We went with Lola and enjoyed hearing them reminiscing about going to JJ’s with their Dad as kids. 

Kanakakee boasts some of the best burgers in the area at “Burgers and Beers”.  It was there the “Love of my Life” discovered Peanut Butter Burgers on a pretzel bun… don’t knock it until you try it. Yum! The great little restaurant brings a load of business to Kankakee. 

In St. Thomas, there is a nothing fancy place called “The Tap & Still”. Oh are the burgers good! The fries are obviously homemade to rival any I’ve had elsewhere. It is a gathering place for locals and visitors. 

All of these places you can show up wearing what are you comfortable. All of the prices are excellent and the service friendly. All of them are places where loved ones gather. All of the are nothing fancy. 

Hospitality is a gift. Those who pour it out in others keep us sheltered and feed. Warm and friendly places tend to grow their customer base quickly.  

We are told in the scriptures to share the Good News in love. Simple. Honest. True. Not fancy but life changing. Hospitality doesn’t require fancy foods. 

 Today, I am grateful for nothing fancy.

Speak my Language

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for those who speak my language. 

My brains seems wired to think in lyrics, especially when I am under stress. I love a good rhyme and rhythm. Randy and I are so much on the same page at times, it is scary. He knows what I am thinking and we quite often say things at the same time. As different as we are in some ways, the guy speaks my language and I adore him. 

If you ever travel to places where your native tongue is foreign, it is a relief to hear your language of birth. 

This cartoon made me giggle. If you laughed, you might speak my language, too. It is quite funny. Such a Ding Dong, right? Humor is another place where we can use the same words, but the message can be unclear if we don't hear the humor or sarcasm. This is why emails can be very dangerous. What is written can lose some of the meaning if we can't hear the tone of voice. 

Isn't it interesting that the three most commonly spoken languages were on the sign that identified Jesus? They wanted those who could read to be able to read what was written. 

“And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.” -John 19:19-20

The purpose was to mock him. The hatred was spewed toward Jesus, and he took it like a lamb. He was the lamb. The language He favored was love. And his choice to be our sacrifice opened the door for all to come to the cross and choose Him as Savior and Lord. Love was crucified, but then it rose again in victory. That victory is a common language for all who have believed and received.

Today, I am grateful for those who speak my language. 

Brave Little Crocus

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 70: Today, I am grateful for the brave little crocus.

The Love of My Life spotted the crocus coming up. It is always a thrill to see the first signs of spring. The brave little crocus pops up it's head... sometimes through the snow and whispers, "Have hope weary child, winter is almost over." 

Isn't that good news? 

It doesn't really make sense for the earliest spring flowers to bloom when they do. The risk of freezing is very real. Still, they bravely make their appearance. 

I am afraid that I will never be compared to a crocus. I am not very brave. I like to be comfortable. I need to work on stretching and courage. So much adventure is waiting for those who throw caution to the win and allow themselves to bloom under the shelter of His wings. 

This scripture is perfect for today, as we have snow once again. 

"and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," -Romans 5:4

I can't help but smile, every year when they bloom. Spring is closer than it appears. 

Today, I am grateful for the brave little crocus.

Liver and Onions

 

Gratitude Year 10 - Day 69: Today, I am grateful for "liver and onions". 

When the kids were little, we used to call "No Bake Cookies" liver and onions. It was all in good fun and attempts to share them equally amongst the family members. Our dear friend Robin and Sister-in-Love Lola probably could tell you when it all started, because I don't remember. 

No Bake Cookies vanish faster than about any cookie in the house. They are so easy for first time cooks, so making them with young children was fun. Of course, kids tend to enjoy food more when they have a hand in making it. 

For my friends in Australia, Canada and the Philippines "No Bake" cookies are a very American treat. Liver and onions are not popular here in most circles, so giving the delicious treat an unappealing pseudonym, was our attempt to make them last longer. 

Robin and Lola have both reminded me recently of "liver and onions". One of my favorite memories with Randy's siblings was making them at Lola's after Mom Smith's funeral. We made a huge batch. Monte stirred and we covered the counters with them and waited for them to cool. Some of us are more patient than others in the crew. 

Walmart will occasionally have them in the bakery items, but they aren't as good as the ones we make at home. More than the taste, the bakery can't deliver the fellowship of working together in the kitchen. 

No Bake Cookies are a reminder that simple ingredients can come together to make something unique and special. Some of the best treats are simple... not "churched up", meaning nothing fancy added. The Love of My Life isn't a big fan of fancy. These are definitely some of his favorite treats. Rice Krispy treats, too. They are as almost as much fun to make as they are to eat. '

Do we take the time to delight in the making and sharing of these simple pleasures?

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.  -Ecclesiastes 2:24

Today, I am grateful for "liver and onions". 

Worth of a Soul

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 68: Today, I am grateful for the worth of a soul.

Needs something to ponder today? This quote will provide food for thought.

"Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it." -Charles Spurgeon

We often think about caring for our physical bodies. It is most of what we see on commercials on televisions these days. From weight management and exercise, to pharmaceuticals, humans tend to focus on the body with all of its discomforts and pleasures. 

This quote made me think about how misguided we have become. 

In the Ten Commandments, the focus on the flesh was to avoid things that will damage our souls. Poor relationships with others and with God breaks a part of our souls that cannot be measured. From lies, cheating and stealing what is not ours...this includes infidelity (to God or a spouse) and murder (stealing a life)... we suffer at a soul deep level. 

Even the misuse of God's name is a relationship damaging thing to do. To remember the Sabbath and keep it holy is a reminder to focus on our relationship with God, and to rest our bodies. These human bodies are fragile, but the soul is meant for eternal life. 

If our souls are cared for with tender, God fearing choices... we are more whole and better equipped to take on whatever life on earth delivers. In our mistakes and mismanagement, we discover the amazing truth of His grace. 

"For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" -Romans 11:32-33

He died so that we might live. The worth of a soul? Ask the one with the nail scarred hands. 

Today, I am grateful for the worth of a soul.

Spring Cleaning

Gratitude Year 10 - Day 67: Today, I am grateful for Spring Cleaning.

The Love of My Life and I have differences of opinion on Spring Cleaning. I like to "micro clean" a drawer... he likes to throw things out. We meet in the middle and both feel good when something is accomplished.

Spring cleaning smells good, too. Walker always said, "I love the smell of mopped". when he was little. He still likes the smell. I think of the days when the boys were little when spring rolls around.

I miss the boy noises of spring. The ins and outs of them banging a screen door is a memory I hold tight, now that they are grown. I am fairly sure there were days I said the same things Mama did when we were little. "In or out! " "Make a choice, but stop running in and out." They preferred outside much of the time if the neighborhood kids were outside, too.

When cleaning, we would get rid of broken toys and games that were missing pieces. We would do our best to purge forgotten toys and outgrown clothing items.

Back in the day, we would have a garage sale with our girlfriends, enough to fill the Moschel/Akerman garage. The house next door had the best garage for garage sales and we made sure the Akerman's were on board to host when they purchased the house from the Moschels. We have so many fun memories of those days.

When I think of spring cleaning, I can't help but remember one of our children's church students responding to the question of who was harder to please, parents or God. One wise student spoke these words I will never forget. "Mom wants you to clean your room. God wants you to clean your heart." Nailed it!

This scripture is perfect:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" -Psalm 139:23-24

Make this a season of purging things unpleasing to God. Lift your hearts in celebration of new beginnings.

Today, I am grateful for Spring Cleaning.

Luxury in Simplicity

Gratitude Year 10 - Day 66: Today, I am grateful for the luxury in simplicity.

This is a great thought. It is concise and rich:

"I am convinced there can be luxury in simplicity." -Jil Sander

Don't over-complicate it. How many times do I make things harder than they need to be?

What are simple luxuries? Things like freshly washed 100% cotton sheets, a walk on a beach or in the woods, the smell of spring in the air or a bouquet of daisies are simple but special.

What evokes true "delight"?

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;" -Psalm 37:23

Simple instructions that result in big benefits. Simply learning to "delight in His ways."

Spring refreshing this year can include intentionally appreciating simple luxuries.

Today, I am grateful for the luxury in simplicity.

Shelter

 Gratitude Year 10 - Day 65: Today, I am grateful for shelter.

When the storms rage and the winds blow, we realize the value of simple comforts like shelter. Any four walls and a roof are better than nothing, when Mother Nature blusters and blows.

Many nights we take our homes for granted. We appreciate the comforts of a house, but can't really imagine day to day life without the essentials of home. Until, the storm rolls in and the thunder rocks us.

This passage from Psalm 91 is full of hope:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2

It is good to know we have a place to run to when the storms feel out of control. Peace, calm and safety are in His arms.

Quickly changing temperatures usually brew up some turbulence.

Today, I am grateful for shelter.

Forgiveness in the shadow of the Cross

 

Gratitude Year 10 - Day 64: Today, I am grateful for forgiveness in the shadow of the cross.

Forgiveness is hard for humans. Family wars and feuds can be passed down from one generation to the next. There comes a day no one remembers the source of the original conflict, but bitterness fed and multiplied grows wild and ugly.

One of my favorite definitions of unforgiveness is: " Giving someone else free rent in your head." The one who carries the anger and hurt suffers far more than the person they find difficult to forgive. It is wasted energy and delays healing.

One of the great joys of getting older is that the "forgetting" part of forgiveness gets easier. Just this week, I couldn't find my car at Wal-Mart and had to use that fun little "car finder" feature on my key. We can't be upset about the things we can't remember. What seems huge today is not that important in a week or two. What is always important are relationships.

It is good to be reminded that we are all undeserving, wrecked souls living in the shadow of the cross. This quote resonates with my soul today. The season we know as Lent has begun. It is a good time to reflect on Christ's suffering, sacrifice the sufficiency of His grace to make us clean again.

"In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feels like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another. " -Andy Stanley

"One undeserving soul to another." That's me! Undeserving, imperfect and easily distracted by unimportant things.

In some sports, bowling and golf for instance, there are handicaps to level the playing field for players with different skill levels. We have a God who knows our strengths and our weaknesses. The work completed on the cross... Jesus was the great equalizer.

 "then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus," -Hebrews 10:17-19

The Blood of the Lamb covered our sins. Forgiveness is available for the asking. We are joint heirs in the Kingdom. The blood will never lose its power.

Today, I am grateful for forgiveness in the shadow of the cross.