A lesson from the Sunflowers

 Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 242: Today, I am grateful for a lesson from the sunflowers.

For me, sunflowers evoke some sweet, strong memories. The fields of sunflowers in North Dakota are forever etched in my memory. Sugar beets, the north flowing Red River and the sunflowers.

My Daschner side of the family has roots near Fargo, ND. We visited a couple of times when I was a kid. For us, it was a real adventure into new farming landscapes. Sugar beets and sunflower fields were abundant.

For those who don't know... young sunflowers turn to follow the sun. NPR posted an article about new discoveries as to why that phenomenon occurs. Sunflowers... like we humans... have an "internal clock" set for 24 hours. If they used artificial light, the plant would behave normally in a 24 hour cycle... but a 30 hour adjustment would cause the plant to be unreliable in behavior. Ponder that for a minute.

"A young sunflower plant not only tracks the sun during the day but also reorients at night in anticipation of dawn." It actually adjusts stem length to make this happen. It is a living thing.

Then, as it matures, the sunflower change's behavior to spend its day facing the east watchfully. As a Christian, this delights my soul to ponder nature's design. Still, let's finish the explanation.

In doing so, the flower head stays warmed by the sun and it attracts five times as many pollinators. Bees like their flowers warm. As it faces east with confidence, the flower becomes more of what the bee needs. The sun provides what the flower needs. The flower provides what the bee need. "Let heaven and nature sing."

With maturity, the needs change and the purpose changes. The plant grows into what it needs to be to bring life to other living creatures.

We, too, were born to see the Son. To seek His light and follow him, until at last we mature. Then, our purpose changes. Not just awaiting death, but feeding others in the warmth of His light and standing tall watching the Eastern sky. With each new discovery of science and archeology... I feel the time getting short.

"He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” -Luke 19:40

If we will not praise him, the rocks and the flowers will cry out. We may revisit the sunflower phenomena another time. Our God is amazing

Today, I am grateful for a lesson from the sunflowers.

Dream Chasers

 Year 10-Day 242 - Today, I am grateful for dream chasers.

I tend to play it safe. My niece, Kenzie, is just the opposite. The girl was "silent but deadly" as a little one and developed her superhero skills with a cape, while other girls were playing with dolls. She has always marched to her own drum and I love that about her. 

She just returned from Gamecom in Germany for work. She is a game designer.

I was squinting as I watched the video, looking for a glimpse of her bright pink hair. No worries... she speaks at the end of the video. 

Kenzie is a dream chaser. She is fearless and fierce. She flies without a net. We love watching her stretch her wings. 

https://www.facebook.com/SaintsRow/videos/388955299881600

Today, I am grateful for dream chasers.

Room in the Inn

 

Year 10-Day 241 - Today, I am grateful for room in the inn. 

For many years  I have finished our Christmas letter with "Don't forget to listen for angels, look for the star and find hope waiting in a manger. And if you are ever near Morton, there is room in the inn."  We have enjoyed those who have taken us up on that invitation. 

The door is open and the welcome is sincere. The accommodations are nothing fancy, but we hope our guests feel at home. 

I came across this verse today - when I was searching for a different scripture. It seems to be just right. 

Isn't it good to know  you are welcome and truly belong? It is good to feel a part of the family.  This letter to the Ephesians is significant. 

Believers of Jewish decent often felt they might be a little better than the Gentiles, because of their lineage and blood lines. Jesus blood changed everything. The blood lines that streaked down His face as he hung on the cross were leveling the playing field for all of us. 

We can come to Life through Him and in Him.  Joint heirs with Jesus in the Kingdom. 

"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

We are family! 

Today, I am grateful for room in the inn. 

The Joy in Being Seen

 

Year 10-Day 240 - Today, I am grateful for the joy in being seen.

Even those who are shy and don't like to be the center of attention know that value in being seen. There is something in each of us that has a desire to matter. We want to have value and something to give. 

This is one of my favorite recorded healings in the gospels. Jesus paused to see a poor woman plagued with demons for 18 years. 

Jesus saw her. He stopped and spoke to her. He healed her.  He wasn't too busy or on too important of a mission. She mattered to Him. Her pain and suffering touched His heart. Isn't it amazing? He knows our trials, troubles and our sorrows. Imagine her joy in being seen by Jesus! 

"When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!" -Luke 13:12-13 

I enjoy "the littles", especially one on one. Their conversations are always fun. You never know what they are going to say. So often, the ideas in their heads and their observations are bigger than their vocabularies, so they have to substitute words that are not quite right, but we get the point.  It is easy to connect with the little ones. You simply get down on their level for a chat. They are usually waiting to be truly seen. 

I am so grateful for a God who sees us. 

Today, I am grateful for the joy in being seen.

Prayer Partners

 

Year 10-Day 239 - Today, I am grateful for prayer partners.

We are better together.  I am so grateful for those who partner with us in our prayers and petitions before the throne of His grace and mercy. 

There is something special that occurs when we pray together. It is an honor and a privilege to bring our cares to Him, knowing He is present. 

Why do we wait? Why to we hesitate? Because of His work on the cross, the veil was torn giving us direct access with our prayers. Jesus taught us to pray so we would have a pattern to follow. Then, He revealed the power of praying together. 

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”-Matthew 18:19-21

 Jesus was physically with them when he spoke these words.  I wonder if they echoed in their minds as they hid in the upper room after his crucifixion? 

He encourages them to pray together in  unity and with a common purpose. He, also, taught us to pray "Thy will be done."   Are these two passages contradictory? Not when we submit our prayers passionately seeking to be in His perfect will and following His purpose. 

He never said there would not be hard days. He did promise us we could gather together to voice our hearts desires.  We are better together. 

Today, I am grateful for prayer partners.

One Body - Many Parts

Year 10-Day 238 - Today, I am grateful for many parts.

This is one of my favorite passages in the New Testament:

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." -Romans 12:4-5  

It is a clear reminder that we all have a working place and part in the Kingdom of God. We all have talents and  jobs to do. Each one is as important as the next. All of them working together is what makes His grace shine through.

We are all different. Life would be so dull if we were all the same. Yet, in our differences there is something better that occurs. Yes, we are better together.

In belonging to each other,  we have the responsibility to care for each other's needs. We step at a tie. One day at a time. 

Today, I am grateful for many parts.

Just One

Year 10-Day 237 - Today, I am grateful for just one.

How many times do we celebrate just one?

Often, "just one" makes us feel like there should be more.

If there is one cookie left, do we celebrate? If there is one roll of toilet paper left in the house, what is our response? We long for, wait for and fret about more, right?

We forget to celebrate the one. God has a different perspective.

"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” -Luke 15:10

Yes, one is reason to celebrate. One is enough to break out in song. One is enough to spark joy.

Today, I am grateful for just one.

We are multifaceted

 

Year 10-Day 236 - Today, I am grateful we are multifaceted.

"We are tender and fierce. We are soft and strong. We are fragile and courageous. Sometimes all in one day." - Kelly Rae Roberts

We behave differently because different situations call for different responses. Sometimes we have to be fierce, and then we can turn around and act with tenderness. A mother who rescues a child from a danger can be strong and courageous, and in the next moment, they hold their child with deep tenderness.

The same father who swings a hammer, manages livestock or works with a blow torch, is gentle when braiding his little girl's hair.

We have so many different components to our personalities. We have Spiritual fruits that we bear. How do we know they are from the Spirit? When His grace is evident in how we act toward others or respond to a situation, we know it is Him in us... not our own natural human response.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," -Galatians 5:22

We are many different things, and often all in one day.

Today, I am grateful we are multifaceted.

The Best Way Out

 

Year 10-Day 235 - Today, I am grateful for lessons in the best way out.

I have never seen this quote before, but I do like Robert Frost. It sums up a truth I hold tightly.

"The best way out is always through." -Robert Frost

We get through loss, grief and trials better when we plow right through them. Bulldoze your way through. It doesn't have to be elegant and pretty.

There are seasons when our hearts are broken. It is a part of life. It is okay to cry. It is okay to be a little bit broken... after all... "that is how the light shines in".

No life is perfect. No life is without suffering. No life is without trials.

In those crazy moments when the tears flow and we finally give it up to The One who can carry us through the storm. It is there we start to see a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.

Avoidance is exhausting and solves nothing. Denial or ignoring a problem usually increases the suffering. Seeking His face and chasing his heart as we walk each step of the journey is how we make it through.

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." -Psalm 94:18-19

Just a note - this is yesterday's scripture, but today it takes new meaning. Every once in a while, I find a scripture that works two days in a row. It is like one day of steeping in the message was not enough. Today is one of those days.

Today, I am grateful for lessons in the best way out.

Unfailing Love

 

Year 10-Day 234 - Today, I am grateful for unfailing love.

I love this passage. What confidence it brings. Soothing for the soul and the soles of our feet.

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." -Psalm 94:18-19

Anxiety runs rampant in this world today. Everyone feels it at times. Still, we are reminded that we are to cast all of those cares and anxieties on Him because he is ready and willing to keep us steady. Even in the chaos and trials of this world.

His love never fails. Never.

We can trust the hand and heart that waved the universe into order, parted the Red Sea waters and restored us in the eyes of the Father by His sacrifice.

Today, I am grateful for unfailing love.

Teamwork

 

Year 10-Day 233 - Today, I am grateful for teamwork.

Oh my goodness! What a wonderful weekend. What a wonderful reminder that we can accomplish so much more together.

Cody (our new nephew) and Ciara (my niece) are married. Friends and family gathered and she changed her name. It was a sweet, simple and perfect ceremony.

The images are from their wedding photographer, Karen Shoufler's sneak peek. I can't wait to see the rest of her images.

The weather did not cooperate and led to a change of venue, but the prayers were answered when the rain stopped long enough for some fabulous outdoor pictures that capture the farmer's daughter and her beau.

Marriage is a perfect example of teamwork. Getting ready for the ceremony and celebration was an all hands on deck job. So many memories were made and we shared moments we will hold in our hearts forever. Laughter and love were abundant.

Humans really are better together! I am praying this young couple finds great joy in their new covenant sealed. They are permanent teammates. Choosing the other with joy. Every day.

This beautiful verse is my scripture for today. It feels like a blessing over these newlyweds.

"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life." -Psalm 42:8

Today, I am grateful for teamwork.

Family Celebrations

Year 10-Day 232 - Today, I am grateful for family celebrations.

Today we celebrated a family wedding. My niece, Ciara, married the Love of her Life, Cody, in a sweet and intimate ceremony. We celebrated with mostly family and friends who are like family. (I am not posting any pictures until they do, first.)

I can tell you the day was perfect! The bride was radiant and the groom a perfect match. Both the bride and groom grew up with parents who love each other… and like each other, too.

I had to share these quick videos of Walker and my brother, Matthew, dancing with Aunt Helen. She is my special needs Aunt who brings out the best in all of us.

So many Aunts, Uncles and cousins to catch up with over the evening. It was a great day.

Jesus turned the water into wine at a wedding. It was his first public miracle. Celebrating with family the covenant of Marriage is always special.

Today, I am grateful for family celebrations.

A Borrowed Bed

Daily Gratitude Year 10, Day 231-Today I am grateful for a giggle and a borrowed bed.

This made me giggle out loud. I totally get the dilemma .

Sleep well.

I am so grateful for a giggle and a borrowed bed.

The Smell of Home

 Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 230: Today, I am grateful for the smell of home. 

There is something comforting in the smell of home. That scent is different for everyone. For some it is the scent of overturned dirt getting ready for seeds or the winter's rest. For others, it is the smells of the sea. For some, it is the combustion of city smells that reminds them of childhood. 

Whatever scent it is for you, it is special. It is personal for each of us.  It is usually a source of comfort. 

"I will be like the dew to Israel;  he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon  he will send down his roots;   his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree,  his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon." - Hosea 14:16

In this scripture is God calling the lost ones home. Waywardness, poor choices and other things move us away from Him. He longs for our return. He designed us to recognize the smell of home.  

Today, I am grateful for the smell of home.

Fountains

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 229: Today, I am grateful for  fountains.

This picture, found on Facebook, is of a fountain outside of the Cincinnati Library. Isn't it amazing? 

I don't think I've ever stopped to give thanks for fountains! Not once in nearly 10 full year. How have I overlooked such beauty and wonder? 

They add calmness and beauty. The sound of running water is kind of magical, isn't it? 

This passage of scripture is a beautiful as this fountain:

"They feast on the abundance of your house;  you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;  in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you,  your righteousness to the upright in heart." -Psalm 36:8-10

Today, I am grateful for  fountains.

Examples of Humility

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 228: Today, I am grateful for examples of humility.

One of the things that becomes more beautiful with age is examples of true humility. It is so easy to get caught up in building ourselves up. I can become a real trap. I have always loved the quote someone gave me as a teen. "When God seems far away, who moved? " As we pursue our own ways, His Way can be ignored. 

This scripture is a perfect reminder. It reflects the heart of Jesus. God's best is always better than my big ideas.  Always.  It isn't always instant. 

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. -2 Corinthians 10:17-18

My friend, Roxanne, posted a picture from her magical flower garden. Look what she and her honey found on the milkweed plant? They are watching expectantly for this one with humble beginnings to become a butterfly.  We will watch with her. Keep posting Roxanne. 

Today, I am grateful for examples of humility.

Joy in the Field of Sunflowers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 228: Today, I am grateful for the joy found in a field of sunflowers. 

Photo Credit to the talented and creative Christian Harr! This is his mother-in-law who was excited to visit Christian and Manoa. Even more than seeing them, I think she was excited to see her first field of sunflowers. 

Her face is pure joy. It is nearly tangible. How many people drive by those fields of sunflowers and don't give them a second thought. When we choose to engage and embrace the everyday magic and miracles, it changes something inside of us. 

Someone once said, "The earth laughs in flowers." This picture is supportive evidence.

Are there other places we can look for joy? There is so much evidence of His love, mercy and blessings. 

"When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. "-Acts 11:23

What little thing do you take for granted that might make others beam with excitement and joy?

Today, I am grateful for the joy found in a field of sunflowers. 

Encouraging Music

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 227: Today, I am grateful for encouraging music.

I find driving a great time to pray. There are no interruptions most of the time and when I have music on, it is typically Christian Contemporary music. It is crazy how many times God affirms or speaks to me through music. Sometimes, a song connects the dots.  I am sure I am not alone. 

"10,000 Reasons" is an old song. It was popular in 2012 when I prayed through the decision to make a job change. That song has become very, very special. Tonight, I was praying out loud, seeking guidance and what came on the radio? "10,000 Reasons" followed by Mathew West's, "What if?". They were the right songs and the right time as our local radio station labels them. 

How many times do we cry out to the Father in prayer, but we do not pause to listen for His answer. We pray and move on to the next task. Dad always said, "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will not force himself." We have to pause, listen and "open the door". 

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.   -Revelation 3:20  

  For me, music is a place I can find clear direction, conviction and a closer walk. I love writing notes and journaling in my Bible for the intimacy of the conversation. There are times I write song lyrics in the margins when inspiration strikes. I wonder if the artist felt guided by the same scripture? 

If music is not your thing, where do you connect? You know when you are plugged in. 

Today, I am grateful for encouraging music.

A Full Dinner Table

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 226: Today, I am grateful for a full dinner table.

I miss the days of a full table. A minimum of four, but there were  often more. I am my Mama's daughter. I am happiest with a full table. The meal is rarely fancy, but usually good.  

Take out means a little more relaxed kitchen and less clean up. (I am not opposed to take out.😊 ) I enjoy trying new things and the kids are pretty adventurous adults. 

A full dinner table is a perfect place to express gratitude. The Bible records a visit Jesus made to Peter's house. Peter's mother-in-law had been sick with fever.  Jesus healed her. Her immediate response was to get up and prepare a meal for everyone.

" So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them." -Mark 1:31

The woman was well and wanted to embrace living again. 

When Simon Peter left to follow Jesus,  you have to wonder how his family felt. Was his wife  supportive? His Mother-in-Love, it appears, was a believer. I suspect she was a big help to the household with her cooking. Simon Peter was impulsive at times, and courageous, too. I imagine him having a huge personality and an infectious laugh. I bet the house was much quieter when Peter was traveling with Jesus. 

The night the miracle was performed, they celebrated with a shared meal. A shared meal is a great way to celebrate.

 Today, I am grateful for a full dinner table.

TAPS

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 225: Today, I am grateful for TAPS.

TAPS is our local  "no kill" shelter.  Our family grew by 12 paws through TAPS. Our Daisy Mae,  Chase and Emma's  dog Penny, and Walker's cat Theo who picked him at TAPS. All three add so many smiles to our family. 

TAPS always gives any of the Cat and Dog litters born at the shelter group names. Daisy Mae was in a liter given Tech names. She was "Google" when we rescued her. Our friend, Rae Ann, is responsible for us bringing Daisy Mae home. She adopted Winston (Belkin) and told Randy about the big litter at TAPS needing homes. 

I believe there were 8 pups in all, but one did not make it through the sterilization surgery. So of the seven remaining puppies, we have 5 of them located and we have had the joy of watching them grow up. They have similarities and differences. Their Mother, Louise, was part Standard Poodle. They have American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bulldog in them, too. 

Most of them like to be under blankets. Even when it is hot.  This picture of Winston cracks me up. Isn't he cute?

Fur babies are a blessing and a pain at times. Still, they are worth the hassle. I tried really hard to stay dog-less after Harley died. It didn't last. The Love- of-my-Life needs a dog, and I probably do, too. Their unconditional love is a reminder of God's grace to all of us. 

" The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel. " -Proverbs 12:10

Love them like family and you will never be lonely. 

Today, I am grateful for TAPS.

Chase

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 224: Today, I am grateful for  Chase.

Chase made us parents. He is the best of big brothers to Walker. He is kind, compassionate, loyal and does not like attention drawn to himself.  He looks like his Dad, but he is a mix of Randy and me. I love so much about him, I don't know where to start. And,  probably the list is far more interesting to me than it is to anyone else. 

I am always amazed that first born children survive. They are raised by people with relatively no experience. They are over parented at times and other times, we forget they are kids. Somehow, Chase managed it all. We are grateful for the love and grace he has extended us over the years. 

Adult children are so much fun. I miss having the house full at times, but there is a reason God gives us different seasons at different ages. 

Right now... at this moment... one of my favorite things about Chase is how he loves his sweet and beautiful wife, Emma.  Love is a choice  we make daily.   These are some of my favorite pictures of them, taken one Fourth of July.

I love seeing them choose each other every day. They constantly consider each other's preferences. Love is so much bigger than grand gestures. Lasting love is in the little things. The ordinary moments are the extraordinary ones.

As Chase celebrates another year, I have to pause and give thanks that God allowed us to be his parents. Our hearts are still so full. 

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." -Psalm 127:3

Yes, our children are gifts.

Today, I am grateful for  Chase.

The Prepared

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 223: Today, I am grateful for those who are prepared. 

I am not sure I've told the story from when I was a little girl. I didn't like a wet diaper, so I would crawl to the baby potty before I could walk.  Wetting my pants was not something Dad and Mama worried about when we went places. I was curious and would figure out where every bathroom was located. 

One afternoon, we went to "Grandma and Grandpa Wade's" house. They were neighbors and their sons were best of friends with my Dad and Uncle Mel.  Dick and Jim Wade and Melvin and Kenny Lindgren had many good times together.  Grandpa Wade would always engage the children. His quick smile is something I can still see in my memory. A bunch of farmers who loved any time the work stopped for a gathering. 

I do not recall the occasion. I do recall how I accessorized my outfit for the day with the Wades and friends. I wore two purses. One slung over each shoulder. Grandpa Wade was curious and I had a lot of language for a little girl (big surprise, right? ).

"We do you have two purses?" asked Grandpa Wade.

I proudly opened one of the purses and pulled out a shiny dime. 

"What is in the other purse?" he asked. 

My response was a little more shy this time around. I opened the other purse and produced a spare pair of underwear. I whispered to him, "Just in case."  

He never forgot that story and told it every time I saw him. 

"Just in case." It really does reveal a strong part of my personality. 

I like to be prepared. When we go downtown to the huge "Red, White and Boom" show in Peoria on the 4th of July, I always pack snacks and toilet paper. That toilet paper has come in handy when the bathrooms run out. We've even shared with strangers. 

When trouble comes, it is good to be prepared. 

I know Scar is the bad guy in "The Lion King", but I love his song "Be Prepared". 

This scripture comes to mind. 

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." -Psalm 46:1

He is always ready to help, just in case we find ourselves in trouble.  He is amazing. 

Today, I am grateful for those who are prepared. 

The Straight Path

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 222: Today, I am grateful for reminders to take the straight path.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Most have heard that observation. It is true. Now, it isn't always the fastest route, but it is the shortest distance.

I love Proverbs. It is my "go to" for inspiration.

"Wisdom will save you from evil people,  from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths." -Proverbs 2:12-13

Such great directions. Yes, wisdom can save us from bad decisions and the influence of twisted minds and values. It can be tempting to leave the straight path because it isn't the easiest. 

One of the things I have been reminded of recently is the need to ride the struggle bus. In struggling with weights, people build muscles. In the challenges of learning new things, the learning sticks. Repetition and patience are great tools for the journey. 

Press in and press on. The destination is worth the perspiration. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to take the straight path.

The Good News

 Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 220: Today, I am grateful for a little good news.

The Journal Star posted two positive articles that touched my heart today. One was about my dear, sweet Cleve who joined Jesus just over a week ago. It reflected on the way he loved like Jesus and it showed in everything he did. So good to see good news. Even though the loss of Cleve feels deep and tragic, the legacy of living a life in Christ is so rich and beautiful, it softens the grief.

https://www.pjstar.com/.../retired-peoria.../65390179007/

I smiled when the article mentioned his hunting for arrowheads. I had just mentioned to my Sister-in-Love Jennifer and Cousin Angie about my friend Cleve's arrowhead collecting, when we saw some arrowheads at a flea market. Thinking of Cleve will always bring a smile, even if the smiles come with a few tears for a season. Then, a second article on my sweet amiga, Maria "Chayo" Miranda. She and her husband, Luis, are incredibly hard working people in our community. They have opened a Mexican specialty shop in Peoria on Prospect that is making it through all of the challenges of this economic season. She is our Health Professional at Morton Jr. High and she is absolutely the best! The Journal Star article focuses on several businesses that have fought to survive opening through the pandemic as new businesses. She is by Asada Fries on Prospect. It is an adorable little shop full of Mexican wares and flare.

I will link the articles. Enjoy them.

https://www.pjstar.com/.../peoria-business.../65390511007/

Here is the best news of all:

"but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” -Luke 4:43

Today, I am grateful for a little good news.