Wisdom and Discernment

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 212: Today, I am grateful for wisdom and discernment.

If I could memorize any book in the Bible in the Old Testament, I think I would choose Proverbs. It is chock full of goodness. It is sweet at times and in other moments it is very convicting. Moments of conviction help us stay on course.

This verse was in sermon I heard today. It is full of truth:

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." -Proverbs 14:12

Humans are so arrogant at times. We think we know everything and can outsmart God. We can't. Pride was the original sin that led to partaking in the fruit forbidden by God. Living in Paradise and they wanted what they could not have. When their eyes were opened, the were full of regret.

God knew where they were. He knew what they had done. He totally busts them when he asks:

And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” -Genesis 3:11

What seemed so right, turned out to be so wrong. How many times do I fail him in similar ways?

Today, I am grateful for wisdom and discernment.

Walk with us in the mundane Moments

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 211: Today, I am grateful for those who walk with us in the mundane moments.

Back and forth. Back and forth. Daisy Mae “mows” every step of the way with Randy. He can’t even say the word “mow” unless he means it. She gets so excited. Yes, excited to mow. Even in the heat of the summer.

We have those who join us for big celebrations and starring roles, but there is something special about those who are faithful in the most ordinary moments of our days. They are the people we can count on.

Some of my favorite recorded conversations of Jesus took place in ordinary moments of life. The woman at the well. The guys fishing for a living. The tax collector people shunned. Ordinary guys and gals, until He walked with them.

The invitation to “Follow me.” or “Drink and never be thirsty, again.” Letting Him be the leader of our ordinary days. Do many only invite him the their weddings and funerals? His desire is to be apart of our “all things”. He longs to be invited into the most ordinary moments of our days.

He, alone, makes even the mundane moments holy.

Today, I am grateful for those who walk with us in the mundane moments.

Break Out In Song

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 210: Today, I am grateful for those who unabashedly break out in song.

There is something about music. We all have so many songs in our heads. They pop up at random times. Some of of us sing. Life is more joyful when we sing together.

Our Library had “Groove in the Garden” tonight. It was dueling pianos and the variety of music was fun. There were songs from all eras for all ages.

Music, I believe, comes from our souls. I think there is God connection that is unlike any other form of communication except prayers, tears and hugs. We are supposed to be the "Light of the world".

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." -Matthew 5:14,16

Be the light. Get up and sing! Don't just sing, dance!

Today, I am grateful for those who unabashedly break out in song

A Gaggle of Geese

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 208: Today, I am grateful for a gaggle of geese and Susie.

Apparently, it is a thing. We have a plethora of Canadian Geese in different seasons. Fall is one of them. What I was unaware of is their ritual of stopping traffic in our little village when they decide to cross the road. 

My sweet neighbor, Susie, and I were coming back from a trip to "the farm" as they call it. On a little country road near our homes, there was a line of geese in single file lined up to cross the road. It appeared to go on forever. Not dozens of geese, but probably hundreds. (The picture here is not mine... our geese were much more straight and orderly in their single file line.)

Susie was in the car behind me. We sat and waited... and waited...and waited. She called and we chatted while the geese casually crossed the road. It was quite a sight to see. Oncoming cars waited, too. Nature had decided to halt our agendas. 

Susie said she has seen the geese stop traffic on Courtland Rd, too. Courtland is a busy street that divides Walmart and Culvers from Farm and Fleet and Aldi.  Four lanes of traffic and they take their time. Our village people pause and wait them out. 

As we sat, the sunset was beautiful. Deep colors of purple and red were painted across the sky. We were reminded of the splendor of God's creation that we often fail to see in our hurried lives.  I am so grateful for the interruption and the chance to share it with a special friend. 

Eventually, I began to inch the car forward and we humans took our turn. We moved slowly, bumper to bumper, and they allowed us to break up their march for a minute as we passed through. 

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Today, I am grateful for a gaggle of geese and Susie.

God Appointments (God Winks)

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 207: Today, I am grateful for God appointments. 

Well, Cleve may get a couple of days in my gratitude post. This one came from his visitation:

Literally, the day before he died, Cleve ran into a former student from Peoria Alternative High School. Both student and teacher were excited about the encounter. Grandson, Cooper was with Cleve and he  took this picture for her. She was a good kid who had experienced some pretty hard life stuff. For so many of students, that was their story.

Allison Carmack (Marks) did a Facebook create the post as she said she would. Allison didn't know their picture would become a priceless and special memory. Perhaps, God wanted to remind Cleve of his "well done and faithful service" here on earth, before he left it. 

Cleve's ever patient manner of living gave her encouragement, hope and an extra push when she needed it. He believed in her and she knew it. 

The day before his last day... what are the odds?  Before she knew of his passing, she wrote this  Facebook post celebrating their "chance" encounter. I call it a "God Wink" or a "God Appointment". 

Their picture and her post were on the center table at the funeral home. It was a prominent display of his character, his calling and the Christ who called him to pour light into the world. 

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master’s happiness!’" -Matthew 25:21

Today, I am grateful for God appointments. 

Finish the Race

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 206: Today, I am grateful for the moments we finish the race. 

I am not a runner. I run to Wal-Mart and the grocery store in my car. I admire those who have the stamina to run for many miles. The St. Jude Runs are happening soon. Some will run many miles between Memphis and Peoria. Others will run long races locally. 

The event amazes me. The people, the stories, the lives saved and the hope that is generated in the battle against pediatric cancer. 

The hours the runners cross the finish line are emotional. Some are in pain. Some are in tears... tears of joy, tears of loss, tears of remembering and tears filled with hope. They finish the race. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." -Hebrews 12:1

The triumph in finishing the race is beautiful. When exhaustion sets in, love propels them forward.  

There is a bigger race ahead. One we all complete. Dad used to say, "You've got to be paid up, prayed up and ready to go up." I still think of His words. I'm grateful for the two souls I've known to finish their race in the past week. We can only imagine.  

Today, I am grateful for the moments we finish the race.

Cleve

 https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/peoria-il/cleve-klopfenstein-10858122

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 205: Today, I am grateful for Cleve.

When you leave home and plant roots in a new place, God sends special people to tend your garden. This guy... we meet through my days at Peoria Alternative High School... is one of those people.

The things I learned watching him and listening to him will be a part of me until we meet again in Heaven. He and Kathleen set the bar high for a Christian marriage. His love for his wife and family were second only to his love for Christ.

I was 22 or 23 when we first met. When I was a new mom at 25, he seemed to exhale wisdom. When I was unsure, he was like a big brother more than a co-worker. His honesty, generous spirit and integrity imprinted a bit of Jesus on all who knew him.

The girls at work would call him "Your Cleve" because they knew how dear he was to my heart. When I first accepted the counseling position at Peoria Alternative High School, they had no room for me. Cleve generously shared his space. I missed him when they found office space for me the next year. We had so many conversations about students, raising kids, life, family and of course... our faith.

Since Cleve couldn't bring his Kathleen to work... the love of his life... he would bring her recipes (upon request). I have some in my recipe box. Handwritten reminders of their love, marriage and partnership.

Cleve invited Randy and I to bring Chase out to fish in his precious Cabin and the lake when Chase was little. Cleve was as tickled as Chase when he caught a fish. I knew he would be an amazing Grandpa when he reached that season in life... and he was.

Cleve would send handwritten notes at Christmas that often included old photos from our PAHS days. So many good times with the students and staff we loved captured in those images. I didn't get Christmas cards sent last year, but I kept his note on my desk to "write a handwritten note" when I had a chance. That note... sadly... was never written. We never got the chance to share a meal and his scrapbooks like we talked about doing the last time we were together.

This verse, in the KJV I know he knew well, sums up the way Cleve lived out his days.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." -Psalm 19:14

I am grateful for his life that was well lived. I am grateful for the example, the light and the love. He has heard "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Today, I am grateful for Cleve.

The Job Given

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 204: Today, I am grateful for the job given.

Elisabeth Elliot always touches my heart with her words. She is someone who truly understood the freedom in complete surrender to God's will. Not out of obligation or pressure, but looking beyond any one trial or situation into the face of a God who loved her enough to find a way to rescue her from any sorrow, disappointment or brokenness. 

Turning sorrow and pain into hope is not something this world can understand. Thank God we have a Savior who breathes new life into anything this world may throw at us.

Let us do what he gave us to do, knowing we never walk alone. 

"David also said to Solomon, his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished." -I Chronicles 28:20

Today, I am grateful for the job given.

Comings and Goings

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 203: Today, I am grateful for His hand on our "comings and our goings".

We make our plans, and sometimes they stick. Other times, they have to be rearranged. Making plans is good. Being flexible is essential. 

"The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."  -Psalm 121:8

We go out... we come in... repeat. It sounds pretty simple, but we all know that the hours in between can be quite full. Isn't it comforting to know He is watching over it all? 

As a new week begins, we can rest assured that we are not alone. 

Today, I am grateful for His hand on our "comings and our goings".

Patient... Not Late

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 202: Today, I am grateful for those who are patient for my sake. 

One of the most patient souls in my world is my friend, Cindy. Everyone should have at least one Cindy in their life. A teacher and a librarian, she knows so many things and I think her head is like a rolodex of information. She is a quick learner, hard worker and enjoys trying new things. She is retired, but she is far from old.  She is a gift to all of us who get to share her days (Thank you  Don and Mother Jennings for sharing her with us) . 

Learning new things is good for our minds. It isn't always easy.  Sometimes, we stretch with ease. Sometimes, we ride the struggle bus. I have learned that riding the struggle bus helps me cement the new learning and makes it stick. I don't always like it, but there is a benefit.  Things I learn quickly are often as easily forgotten.

What comes fast and easy is not always good for us. Fad diets have long been risky. Slow and steady wins the race.  God created certain parameters that we can't really cheat on for long. In the end, His way is always best, right and good.  His patience is to be emulated. 

Most healthy growth and learning relies on a certain amount of discomfort. A good example is building up endurance or strength in our bodies. It takes time, work and patience. It is not instant gratification.  

How many times does our Lord allow us to struggle for our own benefit? Do we perceive him to be slow, uninterested or uncaring? I hope not. The scriptures are full of promises that contradict such thoughts.  We are often in one of His training programs, even if we are unaware. 

There is a big difference between slow and late. Our God is slow to anger, but He never shows up late. When He says it is time, we had better be ready. 

"The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." -2 Peter 3:9 NLT 

Such a powerful verse. He is not slow or late. Are we going to be ready when the timer goes off? 

Thank you Cindy for being an example of patience, sprinkling salt and adding light to the world. 

Today, I am grateful for those who are patient for my sake.

Peppermint Herbal Tea

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 201: Today, I am grateful for Peppermint Herbal Tea.

Peppermint Herbal Tea was one of Mama Ina Mae's go to remedies. She prescribed it  for tummy aches, female woes and colds. It never failed to bring comfort. 

This tea tin takes me back to my college days at Olivet. The tea was "Boston's Crème De Mint" . My beloved roommate, Laurie Jean, and I would drink it for comfort and to warm ourselves when winter was upon us. We would share it with our neighbors in the dormitory. This brand is good and very similar. 

An herbal mint can be savored any time of day. I enjoy it at night. I know the temperatures are blazing, but tea is still good for our souls. 

Cousin Angie, this tin probably looks familiar to you, too. Mama drank her Boston's Crème de Mint with Uncle Lee. I am thinking I need to brew up a cup tonight for the memories and to unwind after a busy week. 

There are verses in both the Old and New Testaments about healing with leaves. I find it interesting. Many medicines are derived from nature's plants. 

" Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” -Ezekiel 47:12

"down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." -Revelation 22:2

Pour a cup of peppermint tea and take in the aroma, the taste and the steam as it fills your nostrils.  Savor the sensations of touch, taste and smell. 

Today, I am grateful for Peppermint Herbal Tea.

Fruit Salsa

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 200: Today, I am grateful for fruit salsa.

This is one of the Love-of-my-Life's favorite summer treats. Fruit salsa. It is peaches, kiwi, peaches and raspberries. It has a splash of lime and a splash of sugar. Cinnamon Sugar chips are perfect for dipping. When I make it, I make a lot. It seems to "evaporate" into thin air. 

It is relatively healthy and loaded with fiber. I would make  it more often, but it takes time to chop it all up for mixing. The right fruits are important. There is a balance between the fruits that makes the salsa just right. 

In a similar manner, we  remain in Christ so that he can bear fruit in us and through us. Abiding in Him and grafting ourselves to Him and His purpose is where  we find joy. We don't want to be severed from the One who gives us life. 

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." -John 14:5

The Body of Christ is full of mixed fruits, right? Together, we live, laugh, love and celebrate the hope we have in Him. 

Today, I am grateful for fruit salsa.

Things That Last

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 199: Today, I am grateful for things that last.

"Be ambitious about things that last." -Bob Goff

I have a soft spot for things that are timeless. Like a classic black sheath dress and a string of pearls. They are not my normal style, but they are timeless. The same goes for classic pumps and kitten heels. I can't leave out the classic cars. They never lose their appeal.

Classic American meals include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, fresh corn and a fruit pie. They come together with ease and make a great menu for any family gathering.

An old iron skillet... Grandpa Lindgren had his on the stove for decades. I am not kidding... decades. He lived to be 96 years old. Never washed it out and used the same grease every single day. He, also, worked hard and ate what he grew on the land from the garden, to the orchard to the chicken house and livestock. Days were long at times, but the work was honest and good.

Timeless values were lived out each day like caring for family, neighbors and friends. If you had excess, you shared. My little brother, Matt, recently shared his memories of driving grandpa around on his milk deliveries when he was probably 12-14 years old. Grandpa and Matt had a regular routine. Eggs were a great gift to widows and large families from church. So were fruit and vegetables in season.

Not all things are timeless. Most things wear out. Seasons and tastes in fashion change. What does not change is the new covenant sealed when prophecy was fulfilled. The flawless lamb was slain, buried and he rose again to defeat death once and for all. Talk about something that lasts!

"But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them... For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. " - Hebrews 7:24-25,28

Forever... yes, forever.

Today, I am grateful for things that last.

Sharp Scissors

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 198: Today, I am grateful for sharp scissors.

There is nothing more frustrating than dull scissors. You have a certain expectation when you pick up a pair of scissors. On occasion, they fail to do the job well. Either they are the wrong scissors for the job or dull scissors. For those of us who enjoy crafting, you know what I mean.

My guys will still ask, "Is it okay to use these scissors for..." and then present the tool and the item to be cut. Fabric, paper and metal all require different scissors. I fear they have scary memories of me overreacting when they grabbed the fabric scissors and cut paper. (My Mama did the same thing.) Nothing dulls the fabric scissors faster than paper. Honestly, you learn pretty quickly to hide the fabric scissors with the sewing stuff.

Scissors can be sharpened. The heart of the child (or husband) is far more important. Still, there is something to be celebrated in a pair of sharp scissors. Fiskars brand is one of my favorites. They have the perfect scissors for nearly every job.

They did not have Fiskars scissors back in the days of Moses. They did have craftsmen and women who understood the right tool for the job.

" I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts." - Exodus 31:3-5

The right tool for any job makes all the difference.

Today, I am grateful for sharp scissors.

Quilts and Holli

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 197: Today, I am grateful for my treasured friend, Holli, and a beautiful quilt stitched with love.

There is nothing like a quilt for comfort. It is even more special when handmade by someone special. My dear friend, Holli, made me this quilt. It is in the colors of St. Thomas (my happy place) ... and it makes my heart happy. The best part is, she has one that matches it, she made for herself. I love knowing that we are covered in sister quilts.

She does things I cannot do. Her gifts are different from mine. My life is richer because she is in my world. Over the years, she has become like a big sister. Our days have been woven together over the past ten years. What was once a new relationship has grown into something comfortable, warm and true.

I do not have the patience for quilting. The art of it intrigues me, but the practice of it overwhelms me. By comparison, I can spend hours getting a photo just right. What's the difference? When we enjoy the work, the labor brings joy.

Did you know beautifully stitched garments stretch back in the time at least as far as the Israelite exodus? They had few resources but what they had they gave to God. Only the most skilled person would stitch the garment for Aaron and his sons.

"the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.” - Exodus 35:19

The coziness of a quilt is a gift for today, tomorrow and beyond.

Today, I am grateful for my treasured friend, Holli, and a beautiful quilt stitched with love.

Cousin Angie

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 196: Today, I am grateful for my cousin, Angie.

She is four years younger than me... my cousin and my friend. I had the chance to spend some time with her and my Sister-in-Love, Jennifer, this weekend. We giggled like school girls and stayed up really, really late... like 11:00 p.m.. (I know...crazy kids!)

Today is Angie's birthday. What a gift she is to the family! We laughed and talked growing up spending Sundays with our grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Aunt Helen. Like the old saying goes, "We had no idea we were making memories... we were just having fun."

Saturday night we sat in the family room and sang all the songs Aunt Helen played on her record player and recalled the ways she would con us into cleaning her room. (Aunt Helen just turned 70. For those who don't know our family, Aunt Helen had spinal meningitis as a baby that damaged her brain. She never grew up in some ways. She was one of our best pals for all of our childhood. We ALL adore her!) We laughed and we smiled at the memories.

Angie is beautiful inside and out. She is diligent and hardworking (at ONU... first floor of Burke in Administration). She loves her husband, sons, her daughters-in-love and her grandbabies. She cherishes her Mom and misses her Dad (my sweet, funny, goofy Uncle Lee) and values and appreciates her family. She is a loyal friend.

Jennifer... I think she was the grown-up this weekend. Every place we went, Angie and I would occasionally wander off. She may not have been born into the family, but she is part of the glue that holds us together (kind of like Lola on Randy's side of the family). I hope Jennifer knows how much she is loved, appreciated and treasured, too. Last minute plans are sometimes the best of plans.

I guess we girls are never too old for a sleepover. Our souls are a little lighter and we made a few more memories. We are old enough to know that each birthday is a gift.

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you... This is my command: Love each other."  -John 15:12,17)

She is easy to love. Her heart is sweet and sincere, overflowing with His love. We are blessed to call her family.

Today, I am grateful for Angie Muhlstadt.

Letting Go

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 195: Today, I am grateful for the times we learn to let go.

This quote resonates. 

"She took a deep breath and let it go."

Don't fret. Don't fuss. Let go!  

Sure, Elsa from "Fozen" dreamed of letting go. Sometimes it was appropriate . Other times, she had to work the problem out. Good solutions can take a little time.

Don't hurry or  worry. 

Today, I am grateful for the times we learn to let go.                                                                                                            

Homegrown Tomatoes

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 195: Today, I am grateful for homegrown tomatoes.

"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." -Lewis Gizzard 

It is true. When the tomatoes start to bear fruit in a garden, they give and give all summer long. We love fresh salsas and BLT's. I like to eat cherry tomatoes by the handful. 

Harvest day seemed far away when the plants went in the ground. Then, they begin to take root. They grew and they grew. The wonder of it all never stops amazing me. 

My favorite summer meals include fresh corn, tomatoes and watermelon. Each one might get their own day of gratitude. Each brings a unique flavor to summer. In the same way, each of us brings a unique flavor to the kingdom of God. 

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." -John 15:16

We are all uniquely formed in the womb. So much in common with each other, but each with our own personalities, likes and dislikes. We are reborn in Him when we say "Yes" to His best for our lives. 

In His garden, there are many shapes, sizes, colors and varieties. Some share the Good News like a perfectly formed Heirloom tomatoes that takes time and patience. Others are like the firm Roma that make the best salsas. Some are like the cherry tomato plants that bear fruit morning, noon and night. 

Savor the summer fruits and vegetables. They are only fresh from the garden for a short time. Celebrate those who plant, water and harvest in faith and love. Their gardens echo into eternity. 

Today, I am grateful for homegrown tomatoes.

Music in the Park

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 194: Today, I am grateful for music in the park. 

Our little village loves the fine arts. One of the things we enjoy most during the summer is the Thursday night music concerts. Tonight it was songs mostly from the 80's. It was a fun mix. We found ourselves singing along. Friends make the shared experience even better. 

Music is good for the soul.

Today, I am grateful for music in the park. 

Aunt Mary

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 193: Today, I am grateful for my Aunt Mary. 

My Aunt Mary is 87 years young today. She is a one of a kind and I love her to pieces. When I was little, she was my protector and my champion. 

Aunt Mary was my first school bus driver. She made sure Marty Rudin, Todd Widholm and I sat right behind her when we were in Kindergarten. I was four years old when I started school. We must have seemed so small. She made us feel safe until we made friends with big kids like Marie and Betty Peters. 

She was always the best gift giver at birthdays and Christmas. The only thing I wanted one year for Christmas was a Cinderella watch that came with a Cinderella for my dresser. It was not under the tree on Christmas morning. I did my best, but it is hard when you are little to not show disappointment. We went to Aunt Mary and Uncle Mel's house for Christmas dinner. Guess what was under the tree? 

That is a Christmas I will never forget. She made a little girl's dream come true. 

In her 87 years on the planet, she has lived, laughed and loved. She loves her children, grandchildren and the great-grandchildren are extra special in her eyes. 

"Gray hair is a crown of glory;" Proverbs 16:31a 

She is old enough to know the gift of gray hair. So many of her friends were not blessed with so many birthdays. She is grateful to be able to get around and enjoy outings with family and friends. 

She always makes me smile. 

Today, I am grateful for my Aunt Mary. 

The Magic of Fireflies

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 192: Today, I am grateful for the magic of fireflies. 

When summer is in full bloom, there is a certain scent in the air. That scent is full of memories, moments and magic. 

Tonight the fireflies danced around us. They are quite fascinating. They shine bright with all their might. They Illuminate the darkness.  They don't make a sound. 

I think I could learn a great deal from the fireflies, if they could talk. 

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 3:12

Go light your world, by day and by night. 

Today, I am grateful for the magic of fireflies.

Unexpected Dinner Companions

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 191: Today, I am grateful for unexpected dinner companions. 

We rarely eat out during the work week. Tonight, we made an exception and had the best surprise. Friends from church walked in the door of the restaurant. We were actually about done with our meal, but they asked us to stay and visit. We did. What a great time!

I am reminded that we go too fast and don't make  enough time for the friendships we value. It feels like it is hard to carve out time for extras when life is full.  I am grateful for the times God places friends in our path for unexpected encounters. 

"Show hospitality to one another..." -1 Peter 4:9a

Hospitality is opening our hearts and our homes... even restaurant tables can become places where fellowship happens. 

I need to learn to be more intentional. But, until I do, I will be intentional with my gratitude for unexpected encounters.

Today, I am grateful for unexpected dinner companions.

Three and a Half Decades

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 190: Today, I am grateful for three and a half decades. 

I have no idea where the time has gone. The song "Sunrise, Sunset" was sung by Kelly Cawthon Berry at our wedding. The words ring more clear today than ever. 

"Sunrise, Sunset swiftly fly the years." I am old enough to know each one is a gift and the next one is not promised. This one feels big. Like the kind of anniversary "old people" share, but I guess I don't see us as old. 

On the inside, we are still the two kids in this picture who had now idea what they were signing up for when they said, "I do."  I am so blessed by this guy every day. 

There is no one I'd rather do this life with than him. I like him. I make him crazy. I think it is the same for him. God has blessed our days. Not everyone is good and perfect. The hard ones bring us closer. The sweet ones make us smile. The laughter is still good. 

"Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” -Genesis 2:23

I love Adam's joy in the gift of Eve.  It is like he is filled to the brim with excitement, "God made this one just for me!" After all the wonder of the animals in the sky, air and seas... this one was just perfect for companionship. Not perfect, but perfect for him. 
    
Never go to bed angry. Never leave without a kiss. A welcome home kiss, too. It says loud and clear, "I was waiting for  you." He was worth the wait. 

Today, I am grateful for three and a half decades. 

Dance With Your Heart

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 190: Today, I am grateful we can dance with our hearts.

"It is with your feet you move... but it is with your heart that you dance." 

Oh, how I love that quote. Don't miss a chance to dance. 

I did a little dancing on vacation recently. We didn't care who was watching.  There is something about dancing that lifts our spirits. We were being completely silly and it was good. 

 I think God feels our joy when we move to the music. David danced before God. 

"And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod." -2 Samuel 6:14

David danced with wild abandon. He danced with all his might. He didn't care who was watching. He let the Spirit move him. 

I think we can learn from David's example. 

Today, I am grateful we can dance with our hearts.