Friday Night Fires

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 274: Today, I am grateful  for Friday night fires. 

The air is brisk and the crackle of the wood fire almost sings that autumn is upon  us. I am not naïve  enough to think fall is here to stay. It is likely we will have some  hot days ahead, but the trend is leaning toward cooler.   55-75 degree days are my favorites. And of course, 75 degrees in my perfect temperature. 

There is something about the fellowship around a campfire. Perhaps it is the roasting o marshmallows ? Or, maybe it is the scent of the wood. Sweatshirts and blankets add to the coziness.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." -Isaiah 43:2

We spend a great amount of time teaching children that fire is hot and can be dangerous. We seek fire anyway. Fire is mesmerizing. It draws us in. It brings us together as we seek the heat and  companionship. 

I can't help but think of the Nicole Nordeman song, 'Burning'. 

Today, I am grateful  for Friday night fires. 

The Spirit

 

                               

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 273: Today, I am grateful  for the Spirit.

" And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." -Romans 8:11 

Our mortal bodies need not fear the future. His Spirit lives within us and we can be fully alive. No fear of what this day or tomorrow might bring. 

This world tries to cash in on our insecurities and our fears. It is easy to get distracted. We need to remind ourselves He came so we could have a full and abundant life with no fear. No fear. 

Delight in the promises. Savor the sweetness of being in the Spirit. 

Today, I am grateful  for the Spirit.

A Bed

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 271: Today, I am grateful  to have a bed.

I saw this image online and had to laugh. I often joke that "My dog has a really nice bed. It used to be mine."

 No truer story was ever told. Daisy Mae is 70 pounds of thunder when she jumps on the bed and stares at us until we let her under the covers. Please don't judge us. She is a little spoiled.  She loves her bed... I mean our bed. 

One of us is a pushover. I am not going to say which one of us it is... (hint- it's not me)and her big brown eyes are quite pathetic when she at stares us into compliance. She never loses hope  and her persistence pays off. 

I was thinking tonight about the simple blessing of a soft, clean and cozy bed. So many in the world sleep in much more humble circumstances. I may have to share my bed - but I have one.

Jesus, the Messiah, was born in a stable and placed in a manger. The Savior of the world was born with no bed to call his own. 

"She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." -Luke 2:7

What a humbling reminder of His lowly birth and simple life. 

Today, I am grateful  to have a bed.

Farm Roots

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 270: Today, I am grateful  for farm roots.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my cousin's daughter, Maddie. It is from 2011. This week she as completed her last competition with a grand champion market steer. Congrats, Maddie. 

I am reminded to be grateful for my farm roots. Now, you can substitute whatever fits for you. Small town roots. City roots. Southern roots. We all come from different places and spaces. 

For me, I have farm roots, just like Maddie. 

We grew up playing barefoot in the grass, chasing after grandpa's chickens and petting cows. We were not afraid of spiders and snakes. We knew that we could play outside until it was dark, and then we had to come inside, unless we had a chance to play "Ghost in the Graveyard".  

My lifelong friend, Todd Corbin, just brought his precious wife, Laura, home for the first time to see his hometown and to meet his childhood friends. Laura even managed to drive a combine. I am glad she was able to glimpse into Todd's childhood.

Todd and his brother, Brent, were the same ages as April and me. His cousin's ,Diane and Denise, were about the same age, too. They would head to Grandpa and Grandma's farm during summer break and we spent endless days in the sun, in the creek and the barn. We were too young to grasp the wonder of such carefree days. 

The farm is a place where nature sings. We can quiet our hearts and take it all in. 

"They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works." -Psalm 145:5

Every season brings different joys and challenges. We learn to savor the good and adapt when times get tough. 

Today, I am grateful  for farm roots.

Straight Paths

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 269: Today, I am grateful  for straight paths.

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." -Proverbs 4:11

I am a fan of straight paths. They are typically the fastest route. It is interesting that this Proverb connects wisdom and straight paths. A straight path and comfortable shoes are a great combination.

A straight path has fewer surprises. Do we get bored and long for more? Do we simply savor and enjoy when the path is clear, straight and not uphill? Do we wander off from the straight path looking for adventure?  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6

 Our own understanding gets us into trouble.  When we look to Him and lean into His lead, He makes our paths straight. Such a great promise. 

Today, I am grateful  for straight paths.

He Sees Past Our Imperfections

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 268: Today, I am grateful He sees past our imperfections.

"We please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections and believing that He understands everything -- and still loves." -A.W. Tozer

I try to do things well, but sometimes my efforts miss the mark.  There are many times I fail to respond in the way He would have me to respond.  

We are not yet finished. We learn as we go along. He will light the way. I love the image Tozer creates of us throwing our imperfect selves into the open, welcoming arms of a God who loves us. 

This scripture was one used at Sally's funeral. It was one of her favorites and perfect for the occasion. 

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:13-14 

We are not going to get it all right, but we can keep running the race. 

Today, I am grateful He sees past our imperfections.

An Advocate

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 267: Today, I am grateful we have an advocate before the Father.

Isn't that the best? Jesus is our advocate!

He paid our sin debt in full. How great is that gift?

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. -1 John 2:1  

This verse keeps coming up again and again. I think I need to memorize it.

We have a Hope. We have a promise. We have a counselor and a brother. We can offer up our lives to be living sacrifices:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."- Romans 12:1

Our lives, our work, our play... even a shared cup of coffee become our gift to the Lord. We do not always feel "true" and "proper" with our brokenness and imperfections, He has us covered. He pleads our case.

Today, I am grateful we have an advocate before the Father.

Old Friends

 Daily Gratitude Year 10- Day 266:

Today, I am grateful for time with old friends.

Sharing memories of a special girl and knowing each day is a gift.

Some days are harder than others. God gave us each other to help carry the burdens.

Yes, today, I am grateful for time with old friends.

Sally

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 265: Today, I am grateful for Sally.

Sally's Obituary

Sometimes, there are no words. It has taken me over a week to collect my thoughts . My heart aches and breaks - for Lyn and Sally's precious children... Abrielle (I've always loved the full version of her name)... Landon.... and Haley and their families.

Sally was #10 of 13 children. All had the initials of S.S. We used to make a game out of trying to name them all. No one would have ever imagined she would be the first to make it to "home plate". It still seems impossible at moments.

And for our circle of friends that has remained tight for so many years. Sally came to Clifton Grade School when Chebanse was overcrowded. Who knew we would gain lifetime friends because of it?

Sally and I were dress buddies. Everyone else wore jeans. Sally wore some dresses. I loved it... she hated it. The memory makes me smile. I don't know how many nights our group of friends stayed overnight at Barriballs. I don't know how many games we attended together, football and basketball. I don't know how many classes, conversations, shared meals or celebrations. All I know, is it was almost all of them.

When she married Lyn... it almost as if she married into the family. The Lindgrens and Rosenbooms had always been close. Lyn's sister, Susie, was in our class. I knew that Sally would always be in my life because she married Lyn! Always.

Sally was smart as a whip and curious. She loved learning things. Conversations could last for hours and there would still be more to talk about. My favorite conversations over the years were the ones around faith and family... and sharing music, books and scriptures. She would occasionally send a "this made me think of you" quote or scripture. She was a seeker of truth and knowledge like few I've known.

She introduced me to the Christian Artist, Andrew Peterson. She and Lyn came down so we could attend one of his concerts here in Morton. Worshiping together was even better than hanging out at high school football games. She sent me a CD of his Resurrection Letters and couldn't wait to hear my favorites. She knew me well and guessed them correctly.

Sally was a constant reminder in my life of the joy there is in being known. You can know who someone is... but being "known" is different. The inside and out kind of knowledge that calls you out when you need to be called out. She was there to pick you up when you needed a helping hand.

My verse of the day is perfectly spoken. Sometimes, I know the Holy Spirit sends them my way.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. -Romans 15:7

Accept each other in love. It is how we honor God. She accepted people.

Sally served others. She prayed for others and would share prayer requests. It was an honor to pray for her children, her siblings and the people she loved. She would pray for mine, too.

We don't set heaven's timer. Only God knows the number of our days. We need to treat every day we are granted breath like the gift it is. Unwrap it with hope and eager anticipation.

I won't pretend to understand why we had to say our earthly goodbyes so soon. She leaves an empty place in the circle. But I am so grateful for her life, her love and her testimony. In a the blink of an eye in Heaven's time... we will be there

Today, I am grateful for Sally.

Lessons Donna Taught

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 264: Today, I am grateful for the lessons Donna taught.

Grief is one of those things that takes time. I was blessed to share 33 years of earthly friendship with Donna. We raised our babies together. Our lives were woven with the threads of faith, friendship and family. One of the best days ever was when our oldest children said "I do" and made that "family" connection official.

This is an old Pumpkin Festival Parade Picture and one of my favorites of the two of us. We both loved seeing the school kids we knew. Her students adored her. It was obvious. Her delight in seeing them in the parade was one of the highlights for me.

Donna's heart was one of her best parts. She had the observational eye of a teacher that saw beyond the surface or behaviors and recognized a child's need. Walker told a story on the day of her funeral I will never forget.

There was a little girl in Walker's class who was struggling. Walker remembers Donna teaching math on an overhead projector (yes... that makes him sound old, but it was almost 20 years ago). The little girl fell asleep and the other children noticed. They giggled as children do. Donna paused and simply said, "She's having a hard time right now. She needs to sleep." And with that said, she matter-of-factly returned to the math lesson, shutting down any giggles.

Her respect for the child's needs was placed before her personal agenda. She demonstrated a kindness that imprinted on my son's heart and the memory has remained for almost two decades. Never underestimate the power of kindness.

She (and Jeff) raised the most amazing young woman who turned out to be the answer to a lifetime of prayers for the perfect wife for Chase. We adore Emma and are so grateful for the many ways we see her mother reflected in her life.

This is Donna's first birthday in Heaven. We know God is sovereign, and we trust His heart... but we miss her. A pre-Covid Bible Study we did together pointed to one verse that I quote here often. We would say it to each other. One would start it and the other finish it. This one verse sums up how we can act like Jesus.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15

She lived this out in her daily life, and I am so grateful for the lessons she taught by the way she served her Lord and those around her.

Today, I am grateful for the lessons Donna taught.

Faith over Fear

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 263: Today, I am grateful we can choose faith over fear.

"Fear has two meanings" Forget everything and run or Face everything and rise. The choice is yours. "

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

We don't always get it "right" but we keep pressing on. The end goal is in sight. For some swifter than others.

Today, I am grateful we can choose faith over fear.

Not Fragile

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 262: Today, I am grateful our God is not fragile.

We, as humans, grow weary and tired. We have days we can take on the world and days we are tired. There are moments when we bump up against exhaustion and that is often where  we feel most vulnerable and fragile. 

There is good news for the weary. Our God has unfailing strength. He is ready to cover us with his wings. 

"If you wake up feeling fragile, remember God is not, and then trust him to be everything you need today." -John Piper

Why do I fight to carry my own baggage when His arms are tireless? We often make things harder than they have to be by our stubbornness. At least, I do. 

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7

He cares for you. What joy that brings to our souls!

We are not exempt from heavy loads  on this earth, but we have a Redeemer whose strength never fails us, but we have to give up the burden. 

Today, I am grateful our God is not fragile. 

The Light That Remains

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 261: Today, I am grateful for the light that remains.

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone - the light remains." 

The truth of these words stirs my soul. 

We can't measure the impact of a  loss, but we know the light remains. 

We can't always find the words to reflect all that is in our hearts. Still, the light remains. 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." -1 John 1:7

We are not perfect, but protected, purified and provided with a purpose. 

We want to preserve the precious light they leave. We are to continue on until we meet again. 

"Thank you, Jesus, for the ordinary days. The unexpected moments shared. The echoes of love and friendship that keep those who carry your light close . " - Amen

Today, I am grateful for the light that remains.

Reminders to Pause

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 260: Today, I am grateful for reminders to pause.

We go too fast. We all need reminders to slow down a bit. Some of the best things in life are worth the wait. 

I love this reminder in scripture that what likes God being slow, is really Him being patient: 

"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

Lately, more than ever, I find myself saying "even so Lord Jesus, come." But there are many who have not turned their hearts to Him. The time grows short and life has unexpected plot twists. 

Pause to seek His face.  Be still. Take in the wonder of a God who keeps His promises, but is never in a hurry. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to pause.

Unmeasurable Grace

 Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 259: Today, I am grateful for unmeasurable grace.

Some things can be measured. Some cannot.

"When the enemy comes with shame and blame, tell him to go measure the distance from east to west and get back to you." -Louie Giglio

Satan is a liar! He will use any tool to distract us from Jesus.  He delights in our defeat. Don't give in to his lies. 

Our hope is secure, anchored the Rock. He never fails.

"For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." -Psalm 103:11-12

Today, I am grateful for unmeasurable grace.

Volunteers

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 258: Today, I am grateful for volunteers.

Summer and fall are festival seasons. For our little town, the Pumpkin Festival might as well be a World's Fair. We are serious about all things pumpkins from the Pumpkin donuts to the Pumpkin Chili. I love the apple cider slushies!

Our festival wouldn't go off without volunteers. I imagine every other town feels the same. Everywhere you look, volunteers are there. People are smiling, happy and having a great time together in service.

I can't even imagine the number of collective volunteer hours it takes in preparation, in execution and clean-up for a four day festival.

Keeping it simple today.

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. "-Galatians 5:13

Today, I am grateful for volunteers.

Brothers and Sisters

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 256: Today, I am grateful for brothers and sisters.

God gives us brothers and sisters in different ways. They help shape us in ways we don't always easily see or understand until much later in life.

Some come by birth, some by marriage, some by shared faith, and some through shared loss.

There are brothers and sisters who protect, rescue and serve together. They defend us from enemies, dangers and destruction. They do it arm in arm.

Brothers and sisters do not always agree on everything. They teach us the power of learning to pick your battles. They teach us forgiveness.

One of the beautiful things about being "family", however it is created and defined, is that it is a constant living example to bear all things in love.

When this letter was written to the Philippians, I imagine it was in response to some brotherly and sisterly disagreements.

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." - Philippians 2:1-2

Love can't always make it better, but by the blood of Jesus... love covers our imperfections with mercy and grace.

Today, I am grateful for bothers and sisters.

Rest

 Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 255: Today, I am grateful for rest.

It does not always come easy… so rest when you can.

Today, I am grateful for rest.

Reminders To Be Prepared

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 254: Today, I am grateful for reminders to be prepared.

(Long Post Warning - but when He is so evident in our midst... I have to share or "the stones will cry out".)

I would be remiss to not point to His power, His presence, His patience and His persistence in longing each soul to return to relationship with Him.

This morning, I gathered with two old friends in a shared prayer. I asked the Holy Spirit to help intervene as only He can do. I know that whenever two or three or gathered, He is present in a special way. I am so grateful He is not limited by our time and space... and technology allows us to gather together even when miles and continents separate us.

The Spirit brought my heart to Matthew 25:1-13. It felt odd - even as I was praying, but I trusted His lead. When the prayer and conversation was done, I felt compelled to go to Matthew and dig a little deeper. I savor the fact that we can read the parables of Jesus hundreds of times and each time, He grants fresh eyes and new learning. His Word is living and breathing.

The Bible is not magical. It is a Holy, powerful tool in our hands and for our hearts. It is Supernatural, because ... well... HE is God and it is His Word. The sacred Trinity is three in One and One in three. So much for my human brain to try and comprehend, but he will not judge us on our brains, only on our faith and our hearts.

The simple trust of a child moves His heart like nothing else. It is okay if we "don't grasp it, can't explain it or completely understand it". We are directed to seek his heart... which really looks more like chasing his heart. (When you seek for something, you are doing it with a passion.)

Back to Matthew 25:1-13 Read it here: It is the parable where the Bride is waiting for her Groom.

We just celebrated the marriage of our niece, Ciara to her sweet man, Cody. A marriage is fresh in my heart. They were surrounded by couples who have been faithful in marriage for many, many years.

One special Aunt and Uncle in attendance would only have a few more precious weeks to share, but their hearts were making the most of the moment. The newlyweds could not help but notice their joy and gratitude in being able to be there with their girl... with them in the celebration. Cancer did not steal their joy on that day!

It warmed my heart to see the evidence of love everywhere. One of the sweetest moments of the day is the Bride preparing (with her Mother and Bridesmaids) for the wedding and wedding feast. One of the most memorable moments is the "First Look" when the Bridegroom comes for his bride. Honestly, it is one of my favorite moments, and it is private. Practically the only private moment the couple shares until leaving the reception late in the evening.

The Bride waits with anticipation and joy, but the truth is... her life is about to change. She will change her name, moving the covering of her Father's name and house to her new Groom. He will protect her now, and she will fiercely guard his heart. The Bridesmaids have been a part of their love story. They are eager to watch the day unfold. It is the Bridesmaid's job to be prepared.

In the Parable, Jesus tells of the Ten Bridesmaids who came prepared with plenty of oil for their lamps. Five were prepared. Five were not. In today's language - five bridesmaids came with plenty of safety pins, hair pins, tissues, Beef Jerky, hairspray, coffee (yes, she is my niece) snacks, and water. The other five did not. They were more concerned, perhaps, with their own appearances or were caught up in the excitement of the party to think about what was really needed to be ready for the big moment.

This parable used to bother me, because of the five who did not share. I grew up with Mama Ina Mae! They say, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Mama Ina Mae didn't mind a little dirt, but your ability to share said a great deal about the state of your heart. You had better share!

Today, as that passage steeped like tea on my soul, I found that the message was clear. Only we can prepare our souls to meet Jesus by doing the work of belief, confession and acceptance in our own hearts.

Just like the Bridesmaids had to prepare their own lamps, the other Bridesmaids could not cover them. They had to take responsibility for themselves. When the Bridegroom arrived, they were not ready. The Groom did not recognize them as ones who belonged. He wasn't being unkind. What he said was, "I don't know you as one who is invited." I don't recognize you as one who belongs.

Not everyone had matching dresses in those days. Many outsiders would have loved to slip into the wedding celebration that would last for days. Good food and plenty of wine. Everyone loves a party. Their big job was to be ready when the Groom came for the Bride. Even if the Groom knew them by name, he did not know if they really belonged to the celebration of the Marriage and Marriage Feast.

If you think God is not present in the littlest things, continue on. I got chills today... good chills.

Even if you do not believe in God, let me tell you what happened in the sermon I heard today. If you are a Mathematician, what are the odds? There are 66 books in the Bible with 1,189 chapters and roughly 807, 361 words (depending on Translation) .

The Pastor started with Matthew 24:44 (NLT):

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."

It is near the end of the chapter, just before the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. Boy, did God have my attention! (Like Samuel, I thought "Yes, Lord, your servant is listening.")

Jesus tried to tell people of things to come. He spelled things out in Chapter 24, and then he retold it in Chapter 25 as a parable. He wanted them to understand and be prepared.

Then, the Pastor proceeded to pray a prayer with several who surrendered... either in victory or defeat... to Jesus... our Yeshua. He is not simply a prophet or a great teacher, but the Son of the Living God, the Long Awaited Messiah, The Son of David and "exactly who He claimed to be". (Credit to C.S. Lewis for seeding that thought.)

What was the prayer the Pastor prayed?

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9

When Christ comes for His Bride, we want to be ready. We want oil in our lamps. We want to be lighting the way so others can see He is coming. We want to be prepared. We can light the way, but each must prepare their own lamp and their own heart.

If you made it to the end of this Gratitude Post, thank you. I pray it came out the way He intended.

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be prepared.

When Help Comes

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 253: Today, I am grateful when help comes.

There are so many scriptures where the questions are asked in the Old Testament and the answers are revealed in the New Testament. Some days, I have started making "rabbit trail notes" in my Bible.

My Bible Journaling friend, Patsy, once described it to me like a castle full of secret passages. You enter one scripture and it tunnels through the generations and comes out in the New Testament. I love the image it creates in my head and the adventure in my soul.

One of my favorite examples grew out of a few weeks spent in Job. Depressing, right? Not exactly. Yes, the losses and tragedies in his life are unimaginable, deep and profound. How he didn't give up on God seems almost miraculous. Yet, somehow, in the midst of Job's darkest days, he found an intimacy with God we can only imagine. In our darkest days, His light pours in through our broken places.

Here is what Job prayed:

"If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, " -Job 9:33-34

Jesus became our advocate before the Father. Our sin; His sacrifice. He purchased our sin debt so we could be redeemed. He removed God's rod from those who accept His gift. Look at John the Beloved's letter in 1 John 2:1-3

"But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands " - 1 John 2:1-3 

Job's prayer is answered. Many generations later, when the time was right, God answered Job's prayer. Jesus is our mediator. He never abandons us. He defends us with His blood.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." -Psalm 121:1-2

Best help ever!  Here is a glimpse of what is to come:

"After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” -Revelation 7:9-10

Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. We do not need to feel alone or abandoned, even when answers do not seem to be quick, we can trust that He hears our prayer and answers. In His time and to the Glory of God. 

Hold on and stand firm. You are not alone.

Today, I am grateful when help comes.

Every Minute of Sunlight

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 252: Today, I am grateful for every minute of sunlight.

That Simon and Garfunkel classic song is now playing in my head. I love the song. I don't love the shorter days, but they are part of autumn and winter.

This scripture holds a simple since truth.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:5

Light always disperses darkness. Light cannot help but shine. A tiny little match lit and suddenly, we can see. It only takes a glimmer of light.

Darkness cannot overcome light.

Today, I am grateful for every minute of sunlight.

Our Strength and Our Portion... Forever!

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 251: Today, I am grateful He is our strength and our portion... forever!

I cannot get enough of this verse.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. " -Psalm 73:26

This body is not meant to last forever. It has an expiration date known only to God. We don't even know what "part" is going to go bad and give us trouble.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. " -Psalm 73:26

We humans like to know things and do stuff. We get frustrated when we can't solve the problem. We feel like failures. Sometimes, He is simply reminding us to pause and ponder that He is our source. He is our help. He will sustain us. He is our "enough".

I spent a year on the word "enough". Praying and looking at in in scriptures.

I remember Mama Ina Mae looking at April and I and saying, "Enough!" if we were bickering like sisters do. "Enough", meant stop it, and stop it now!

The same word can mean different things. How were say it and our intent matter, too. I say, "Enough" when something is being filled and it is getting too full. "Enough" can be a request to stop, sometimes.

When my flesh and heart fail, His love kicks in

Today, I am grateful He is our strength and our portion... forever!

Three Times

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 250: Today, I am grateful for three times.

There are so many times in the Bible that we see examples of a message given three times. Dr. Kale taught us that for a message to be truly heard, we must give it three times.

Tell them. Tell them, again. Tell them you told them. You will see the same commercial three times over the course of a couple hours. Advertising knows this to be true.

I have never forgotten that lesson from Dr. Kale. Once isn't enough when something is new, when there is fear or when there might be confusion. Our God knows we need to hear certain messages again and again.

In Joshua 1, Moses has died and they are about to enter the promised land. God tells Joshua to "Be strong and courageous." three times in four verses, and then again in verse 18. He needed him to really hear the message and believe it.

There are troubles and trials in our days, but we are not alone. Sometimes 40 minutes can feel like 40 years. Sometimes, 40 years can feel like 40 minutes.

Whatever the trial might be, "the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This is soul food. It is a word we can trust. It is His word.

Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous.

So things bear repeating.

Today, I am grateful for three times.

Slip Resistance

 

Daily Gratitude Year 10-Day 249: Today, I am grateful for slip resistance.

This is such a perfect verse for the world today. There is a slippery slope that makes some things seem okay because it is culturally acceptable. Acceptable does not make something good or right.

True story... this is not a new trend of modern times. Remember, every current time was a modern one. Every convenience and invention that made life easier is one they soon believed they were entitled to not live without.

I love the direction given to keep us on path. The instructions to help us sift through what is "modern", what is "culture" and what is offensive to God. I don't get to decide what is offensive to God. I am instructed to study to "show myself approved".

I am not saying it is easy. I get so many things wrong - some days go all wrong. I am saying we are directed to :

"Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation." - Luke 22:39

Not get up and judge. Not get up and offer your own wisdom or interpretation. Get up and pray. Such sound advice and very modern wisdom. Timeless, in fact!

Praying means I am not complaining. Praying means my tongue isn't running wild and uncontrolled. Praying means I am not judging another human. Praying means I draw near to the Father and he draws near to me.

Today, I am grateful for slip resistance.