The Past is the Past

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 365- Today, I am grateful the past is the past.

As eleven  years comes to a close, I cannot help but reflect on the past 4017 days of gratitude. I never intended to go this long. It was a 31 day challenge that turned into two... and here we are at the end of year eleven. 

Some of you have been walking with me for all of those days. I want to say "thank you" for many words of encouragement along the way over the past eleven years. I am always amazed that we find new things to be grateful for each year. Yes, we! We are partners in this journey.

This passage came up in my reading today. It seems the perfect one to end year eleven and begin year twelve. 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. -Isaiah 43:18-19

I pray that our journey of intentional gratitude continues to increase your joy and soften your sorrows, as it does mine. You know one of my favorite verses is:

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

Together, we are better.

I have never sat in a prison cell, as Paul and Peter often did, wondering if the day would bring death, another beating, or another chance to share the good news of the Gospel. I continue to be humbled by their courage and inspired by their resilience. I am grateful for the many letters they have left us to read and re-read as we seek to chase the heart of Jesus. 

Since tomorrow is January 1st, you might jot down the numbers 1-31 and keep your own gratitude journal for the first 31 days of 2024. One sentence... or even one word is enough. The practice of the pause and the pondering is pretty powerful. (Oh, alliteration makes my heart sing.)

2023 is history and 2024 is a mystery, even when you know "The Author of our Days." There is no "undo" button on this life. Choose wisely.

We choose. We make mistakes. We fail. We learn. We grow. We celebrate. And, we do better. 

Today, I am grateful the past is the past.

For Keeps

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 364- Today, I am grateful to be claimed "for keeps."

Remember calling "for keeps" in childhood trades? It was all part of the trading game. Kids love to swap things. There are times the value they place on items is different from the actual  monetary value. Adults know what items cost. Kids just know what they value. 

"For keeps" means you do not have to give something back. It is a permanent trade. ]

This passage struck a tender chord today. The entire passage of Psalm 43 is one I should consider memorizing. It is rich in the attributes and promises of God.  

“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” -Isaiah 43:13

When we trade in our sins for His forgiveness, He claims us "for keeps." We will not be consumed by the waters, the fires, or the storms of life. We are never alone. We are claimed, covered, and declared as His. For keeps! 

Today, I am grateful to be claimed "for keeps."

Peace

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 363- Today, I am grateful for peace.

Peace. What is it? A word? A movement? 

Oh, it is so much more. The peace that transcends human understanding is a gift the world and circumstances cannot steal. 

Walt Whitman said, "Peace is always beautiful." 

He was right. Jesus said:

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

That is a promise to anyone who seeks and finds freedom in Christ. There was never a promise this world would be a safe and trouble free zone for those who choose Him. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The enemy of our souls wants us to be anxious and troubled by the world around us. 

When Paul was known as "Saul" he was deeply religious. He knew the law and the scriptures. He had a favorite hobby he was passionate about... hunting and killing believers in Jesus. Saul was feared amongst the early believers. 

Saul's conversion story was big, bold, and it still ripples into eternity. Changing his name to Paul was a way of recognizing his new life in Christ. The old had passed away. His blood-stained hands were now clean. He was a new man with a new and deep peace. A real peace that jail cells, beatings, and threats of death could not steal. The man wrote eloquently from a jail cell.

"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.  For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better." -Philippians 1:20-22 

To me, Paul's words and the heart of this passage define genuine peace. To live or to die... he wins! He penned it beautifully so those who came after him could know the truth. Peace is not an act, a meditation, or a movement. Peace is a gift. 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - Jesus (John 14:27)

His peace means we can be fearless. 

Today, I am grateful for peace.

 

Written in the Stars

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 362- Today, I am grateful for what was written in the stars. 

Those who studied the stars knew the familiar patterns of the stars visible to the naked eye. A new star shows up. Brighter than all the others. What could it mean? 

The actual timing of all the events of the first chapters of the gospels telling of the birth of Jesus takes some figuring, knowledge of Jewish laws and customs, and putting the pieces together. Why are they even mentioned? 

 "Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men[royal astrologers] from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking,  “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” -Matthew 2:1-2

This is one of those times I can only speculate the answer. If scripture is God-breathed... it is important. 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17

This is what is abundantly clear from the passage. The wise men were seeking Him. They did not show up by accident. They recognized the new star as a sign and important. They responded to what they saw. They clarified their purpose: "We have come to worship him." Wow! 

They did not overlook the importance of the sign and the moment. They were not "too busy" to respond. 

I am sure you have seen the humorous quote that says, "If the wise men had been women they would have shown up early, cleaned the stable, brought a casserole, and given practical gifts." It is funny. 

This is what we know: They came. They saw. They brought gifts fit for a King and for the one who would become the sacrificial Lamb.

Gold: A gift fit for a King
Frankincense: An incense used in worship
Myrrh : A spice used at death, burial, and in mourning

Powerful stuff when  you put the pieces together. 

It is not the time or the place that is important. It is that they came with open hearts seeking and ready to worship the long awaited King. They didn't question the unexpected. They were seekers of truth. 

The praise song (not a "Christmas song" but it fits): "Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God. Well, I'll never know how much it cost

To see my sin upon that cross, " (Hillsong) 

Written in the stars. Written on our hearts. Are you here to worship? 

Today, I am grateful for what was written in the stars. 

Anna: The Picture of Faithfulness

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 361- Today, I am grateful for Anna's faithfulness. 

The Nativity is full of faithful women. Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna were all practiced in the fine art of waiting. 

Patience is a virtue because it isn't easy. Practicing patience means denying oneself instant gratification. It can mean holding your tongue when you are itching to say something. It can mean long hours, days, months, and years in the hallways of life waiting for a door to open.  It can mean choosing worship over whining. 

We do not talk about Anna much. A prophetess, a widow (married 7 years and then a widow until the age of 84), and one committed to a life of fasting and praying. Day and night she could be found at the temple. No full social calendar. No lunch with friends. She lived her life in worship. What an example she is to all of us. 

She was one of the first to truly understand and recognize the arrival of the Immanuel. She lived to see him. She lived to talk about it... and talk about it... and talk about it.

"Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem." -Luke 2:36-38

 "She talked about the child to anyone who had been waiting expectantly."  

She knew first hand that God's plan is not always easy and his timing is not always "convenient," as we plan out our days and our lives. Her persistence and prayers were rewarded with a personal encounter with the Christ child. After more than 50 or 60 years as a widow, she glimpsed the one who would fulfill the many prophecies. 

I cannot imagine the fullness in her heart. The awe and then the awesomeness of it all. 

Many years ago, my friend and Sister in Christ, Julie Largent, shared that she reserves the word "awesome" for God. I took up the challenge. It feels like a way of honoring the magnitude of who He is. For me, it has become a habit. If I use the word "awesome," it should be pointing to His grace, mercy, justice, power, timing, creativity, and more. 

Anna lived in awe of the God who never abandoned her. He rewarded her life of faithfulness, not instantly... but in a way that would echo into eternity as we are still speaking her name and telling of her devotion. 

Today, I am grateful for Anna's faithfulness. 

Being Known

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 360- Today, I am grateful to be known.

There is something very honoring about being "known." We have a whole culture striving to be famous, looking for "likes" or "shares," but they long for deep, real, and abiding friends. Celebrities often express a sense of loneliness. They are often surrounded by many willing to do their bidding. They struggle to find real connections and honest relationships. 

Jesus was taken to the temple, as is the custom, and encountered Simeon and the Prophetess, Anna.  Simeon had been promised by God that he would see the Messiah before he died. 

''In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God:

God, you can now release your servant;
    release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;
    it’s now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
    and of glory for your people Israel.
Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words." -Luke 2:25-33 

Simeon had waited a lifetime to lay eyes on the Messiah. The Spirit revealed to him the identity of the child. His delight is captured in the passage. For Joseph and Mary, it was another affirmation of the truth they were carrying in their arms. 

Being known by a God who loves us enough to die for us is pretty special. 

Today, I am grateful to be known.

Reminders to Make Room

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 359- Today, I am grateful for reminders to make room. 

I have not yet put a Christmas card together... yet.

Putting the letter together has always been a way of connecting with loved ones near and far. It is one of my favorite things to do. 

The past two years have been packed with loss, change, love, and hope, too. Every card and letter I receive is a treasure. (Thank you... and don't give up on me.) 

When I saw this quote, it reminded me to to reflect on the importance of "making room." 

"Later in his life, I bet the Innkeeper wished he'd made more room than he thought he had for Jesus. Me, too."  -Bob Goff

I need constant reminders to pause, be present, and make room.  Most often, it is the "God appointments" we know nothing about that really matter most. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to make room.

Promises Kept

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 358- Today, I am grateful for promises kept.  

As little children it is hard to wait for Christmas. The excitement builds as the day grows near. Everywhere there are signs. Everything seems to point to "the day."  There is a wonder in it all. And, it is never more precious than through the eyes of a child. 

We watched For King and Country's Christmas Special tonight and it was beautiful. It was part music and part drama... and 100% beautiful. 

A baby did come, not as they expected... so many missed Him. The retelling never gets old. I always find something new. 

"And the government shall be upon his shoulder" is quite a weight to carry. He did it anyway. 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  -Isaiah 9:6

God is with us! 

Today, I am grateful for promises kept. 

Pondering

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 357- Today, I am grateful Mary "pondered these things in her heart." 

Mary surely was overwhelmed with the birth, the physical drain of a new baby, and the guest who arrived to worship. Oh what a night!

"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." -Luke 2:16-20

Somewhere between the excitement and the exhaustion, Mary paused to ponder. What went through her mind, we are not told. Did Psalm 46:10 run through her mind? 

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:10  

Sweet, gentle Mary. She held the Way, the Truth, and the Light in her arms that first Christmas morning. She would tend to his every need for now, but He would save her and her people from their sins. So much to ponder. 

Today, I am grateful Mary "pondered these things in her heart."

Do Something

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 356- Today, I am grateful we can "do something."

The Love of my Life likes to be busy. He likes to keep moving. He will often jokingly say, "I've got to do something... even if it is wrong." It always makes me smile. 

Today, it struck me that Christmas is an action verb. It is the giving of "The Gift" and so much more.  

"Believe like Mary.
Trust like Joseph
Hope like Shepherds.
Seek like Wise Men.
Praise like Angels.
Love like Jesus."

Actions speak louder than words. "Incarnate" It is a powerful word in old hymns reflecting some serious theology. Look at this second verse from "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing""

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin's womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th'incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. 

"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see." What a line! Man cannot in human form look on the face of God. Arrogance and pride tell us differently, but no scripture I have found supports that

Amy Grant's version of the song is one of my favorites. 

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel

Believe. Trust. Hope. Seek. Praise. Love.  All are action verbs. We can "do something." None of these things are wrong. In fact, they are all reflections of a heart that has glimpsed the Savior. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” -Luke 2:11-14

What will you do with this day? 

Today, I am grateful we can "do something."

Days are Getting Longer

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 355- Today, I am grateful the days will start getting longer. 

We made it through the shortest day of the year. From now until June 21st, the daylight will last a little longer each day. It is a reason to celebrate. 

Long day. Short post.

Today, I am grateful the days will start getting longer. 

Songs of Joseph

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 354- Today, I am grateful for the songs of Joseph.

Joseph has a special place in my heart. Mary's proof grew in her womb. Joseph had to step out in faith in a different way. Yes, the angel came to him in a dream, but when the sun came up, his long awaited, promised wife was pregnant. People talked. They did then, as they do now. Gossip is present in every culture. 

"But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  "-Matthew 1:20

Joseph trusted. Joseph obeyed. Joseph did not have her stoned as the law allowed. Joseph protected her and the child with all that he had. He was the "adoptive" father to our Lord. He was... as the country song declares... "he was the man he didn't have to be." He chose to love the child whose birth he witnessed without reservation. God has a special place in heaven for men like Joseph.  

• A Strange Way To Save the World by 4Him is one of my favorites songs from Joseph's perspective. 
• The Carol of Joseph (I Believe in You) by for King + Country is lyrically rich and beautifully sung.
• Joseph's Lullaby by MercyMe is hauntingly sweet. 
• One Quiet Moment by Glad has been a favorite since my youth. 

We often think of Mary. I don't want to forget Joseph.

Today, I am grateful for the songs of Joseph.

Songs of Mary

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 353- Today, I am grateful for the songs of Mary. 

Mary holds a major role in the retelling of the nativity story. It is easy to forget that in all likelihood, she was young, innocent, and completely out of her comfort zone. Isn't every first time mother? 

For her, it was so much more. She was fulfilling the prophecy she knew so well from the Hebrew scriptures. For her to say:  "And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her." -Luke 1:38

And it was as the angel said. She was not pregnant, and then she was. Explain that to your fiancé! She trusted God to write her story, and He did. 

She was human. She was not holy, yet she carried Holy life within her womb. Can we even imagine it? There are certain songs that take me to the heart of Mary. They capture her emotions. My top 5 are:

• 5. Still Her Little Child - Ray Boltz
• 4. Breath of Heaven -Amy Grant
• 3. A Baby Changes Everything - Faith Hill
• 2. Mary, Did You Know? - Mark Lowry
• 1. Be Born in Me (Mary) - Fracesca Battistelli

Be Born in Me and Mary Did You Know are probably tied for first place. It depends on the day. They all capture the very human Mary carrying her little miracle. For nine months he was all hers. From His birth, every step he took was one step nearer to the cross. Did she know? 

We do know she trusted the God who loved her, chose her, and would sustain her every step of the way. In the miracles, in the brokenness, and in the resurrection celebration.  

Today, I am grateful for the songs of Mary. 

Innkeepers

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 352- Today, I am grateful for the innkeepers. 

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." -Luke 2:7

I am grateful for the innkeeper who compassionately offered the young, weary, and pregnant couple shelter in his stable. He wasn't expecting them. The inn was full. He could not kick another guest out of an already occupied room. 

I cannot imagine the man's distress, especially if he had a wife who saw the young woman near birth. We do not know for sure, as the scriptures do not say, but I suspect he would have needed the partnership of a wife to run the inn. 

Like the innkeeper, we have to decide if we want to make room for Jesus. Each one of us decides if we will make room in our lives and in our hearts. He will not make demands. He will not push. We must invite Him in. 

Today, I am grateful for the innkeepers. 

Prophesy Fulfilled

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 351- Today, I am grateful for the prophecy fulfilled. 

I think it is easy to think of God as Santa Claus as we approach the celebration of the nativity. Santa traditions bring kindness to the world. The downside is that we can get the attributes of Santa confused with the known attributes of God. 

Santa keeps a naughty list and the good children receive Christmas gifts. God knows our every hidden sin. God took on human form so that Jesus could become the perfect lamb. He would be beaten and nailed to a wooden cross. He called "game over" when he declared, "It is finished." 

He chose to die for all of the naughty children, like me. 

There is no comparison! One is mostly blended cultural traditions. One is fully documented. One has changed lives for two millennia in spite of every effort to destroy the Good News of His redemption opportunity.

Jesus  was prophesied for generations before he came.  He came and fulfilled some say over 300 prophecies (I have not counted them). Isaiah 53 is full of them. Psalm 22 is, too.  One man fulfilling even 300... what are the odds of that? I am not a mathematician, but I can recognize when the statistics point to truth. 

"So Isaiah told him, “Then listen to this, government of David! It’s bad enough that you make people tired with your pious, timid hypocrisies, but now you’re making God tired. So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us). By the time the child is twelve years old, able to make moral decisions, the threat of war will be over. Relax, those two kings that have you so worried will be out of the picture. But also be warned: God will bring on you and your people and your government a judgment worse than anything since the time the kingdom split, when Ephraim left Judah. The king of Assyria is coming!” -Isaiah 7:14  

Because he came as He did, we can be adopted into the family. Forgiven and free is not a bad deal. In fact, the older I get, the more I am humbled by the magnitude of the gift. 

Today, I am grateful for the prophecy fulfilled.

The Best "Yes"

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 350- Today, I am grateful for the best "yes."

Fear can make us careful. It can keep us from making poor decisions. It can help us avoid negative consequences. Fear can, also, cripple us and cheat us of God's best for us. I love the example Joseph gave us. He said, "Yes." 

"Yes" to the mess. "Yes" to the backstabbing, gossip, and more. "Yes" to God's plan. 

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21

I need constant reminders to be bold and courageous. I only need to look to Joseph for the reminder that God's plan is unique, special, and surprising at times. In faith, we can say, "yes" to God's best. Fear is human. Faith is knowing His plan is better. 

Today, I am grateful for the best "yes."

Bricks

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 349- Today, I am grateful for bricks. 

Bricks... as Year Eleven comes to a close, I am 100% sure that I have never remembered to be thankful for bricks. They are one of my favorite building materials. 

When we purchased our home we did not really want a 70's ranch with a long hall. We liked craftman homes with character and charm.  When we found our house it was in the right place, at the right price... and it was a 70's ranch with a hallway long enough to set up a bowling alley. 

It did have the 2-car attached garage, a wood burning fireplace, and it was brick on the front of the house. The brick was one of my favorite things. I've always thought brick homes felt safe. Remember "The Three Little Pigs," story from childhood? The brick house could not be blown down. 

We snatched it right up, and feathered our nest. And now, I love this little house that has housed our family and friends for more than 27 years. Now, I appreciate the convenience of ranch living. There are some rooms with a step up or a step down, but it is more of a ranch than anything else and it is perfect for this season of life. 

I love brick streets. They sweep you back in time. 

The only time bricks did not thrill me was when they ate the heels on my dress shoes in college. The Quad at Olivet Nazarene University would chew us shoes faster than anything else I had ever experienced, but it looked beautiful then and it still does. 

Many fireplaces are created from brick. And, chimneys are often brick. They had character and charm, too. 

Today, a talented mason who is skilled in laying bricks and stone is a rare find  these days. It is a timeless skill, but it is hard work. My dear friend Holli's husband, John, is a retired mason worker. The brickwork at their home is stunning. You can see the attention to detail with every brick put in place. You can see the love. 

To have bricks, we must have people skilled in making them and working with them. 

"When the amount had been determined, they gave the money to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. With it they paid those who worked on the temple of the Lord—the carpenters and builders, the masons and stonecutters." -2 Kings 12:11-12  

Today, I am grateful for bricks, brick makers, and bricklayers. 

Jingle Bells

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 348- Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

I have a very "in your gut" response to buzzers, doors, and bells after a decade on door security. Somehow, "jingle bells" are not included in that list. I love the gently jingle of a jingle bell... even the big ones. We have one that Daisy Mae uses to let us know she needs outside or some attention. Even when it is an interruption, I still love the sound of the jingle bell. 

"They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the robe. And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses." Exodus 39:24-26

I imagine, for some, the jingle of the bell is a holy sound if they were raised in the Jewish tradition. Perhaps, the appearance of jingle bells at Christmas is not so unexpected. Perhaps, it is a perfect reminder of the new baby born who would be our High Priest, Messiah, and King. 

Today, I am grateful for jingle bells. 

 

Buddy the Elf

  

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 347- Today, I am grateful for Buddy the Elf.  

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." -Buddy the Elf

Some movies are destined to be classics. Some are a little more unexpected as they repeat their way right into our hearts. That is "Elf". 

For me, it was not an instant classic, but I have come to enjoy it. It is the uninhibited joy and sense of purpose in Buddy that is hard to ignore. 

Buddy didn't worry about what anyone thought. He simply wanted to do his best for Santa. 

We worry about getting things right, but the scriptures never point to perfect. They point to a heart that seeks His face. A pure and unselfish heart that reflect the Father's love. 

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” -Psalm 86:11

Today, I am grateful for Buddy the Elf.  

Kind Cashiers

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 345- Today, I am grateful for kind cashiers.  

They are a part of our world many times a week. If we purchase goods, we encounter cashiers. A kind cashier can make your day.

I am not a fan of self-checkouts. I fight with the machines, the bar codes do not always work, and they waste my time. I love a checkout with a beautiful, breathing, brainy human at the helm. 

Today, I had several places I needed to go for work. At every encounter, the people at the register were kind, helpful, and they knew their job. I love to watch them showing kindness to the elderly who rely on their trips to the grocery store for human contact. Cashiers become their friends. It is sweet to watch. 

So much of this world has turned to technology. I know it makes life easier at so many levels, I hope we don't lose the human factor. One soul reaching out to another is still a thing of beauty. 

"Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves." -Proverbs 11:17

Today, I am grateful for kind cashiers.   

Charles Dickens

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 344- Today, I am grateful for Charles Dickens.       

"for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself." -Charles Dickens

Dickens is a most interesting author. He was a masterful wordsmith. He could paint harsh scenes with his words, and then delicately pull at the heartstrings. Most are familiar with "A Christmas Carol." It has stood the test of time and captures a very English tradition of telling ghost stories at Christmas. 

Dickens must have carefully observed children. It is reflected in his writing. I love the hopeful disposition of Tiny Tim. 

Children are fun to observe at Christmas. They are full of enthusiasm for everything that reflects the season.  

“God bless us every one!”

It all began with a child. 

Today, I am grateful for Charles Dickens. 

Redemption... not Revenge

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 343- Today, I am grateful for redemption... not revenge.

My favorite part of Charlie Brown's Christmas is Linus quoting from Luke 2. It still gives me chills because insecure little Linus drops that blanket and proclaims the real meaning of Christmas. CBS wanted to cut that part from the movie. Schultz said, "No." Charles Schultz won. 

I have read the passage thousands of times over the years. I turned to Luke 2, even before the message began. I have pieces of the passage memorized. Still... something new came alive today. 

In this season, many speak of peace, but many want revenge. I am so humbled we have a God who chose redemption and not revenge. As you walk through the Old Testament and arrive at the New, time after time we see "what man intends for harm, God redeems for good." 

Why did the angels appear to the shepherds first? They were not the social elite. 

The scriptures prophesied that the Messiah was to come from the lineage of King David. David was the great-grandchild of Boaz and Ruth by their son, Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse's son was David. The same David who was left to tend the sheep, while his older brothers paraded before the prophet. Samuel was waiting for God to reveal which one would be King. David was left out. 

David's brothers were in the army fighting the Philistines. He was just a boy, but he was a boy who chased the heart of God. He was brave against the predators who wanted to take the lives of his flock. He stood up to wild beasts knowing his little slingshot had to land correctly, or his own life would be in danger. David did not cower. He was the shepherd. Without him, the flock would lose lives. 

And David's dad did not think to include him when the prophet asked to see his sons? 

The shepherd boy was left out. 

I cannot pretend to know the mind of God, but I am always delighted to see the evidence of His heart.

Let's look at some shepherds who came several generations later:

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." -Luke 2:8-9

When the time was right, Emmanuel came. "God incarnate come.", as the Christmas hymn declares.

 Who would be the first to hear the Good News? To whom would he send the angels to declare His Son's arrival? (Do you have chills yet?) He chose the lowly shepherds abiding in the field for the angel's announcement and the heavenly choir. Oh what a night! 

I have always known that farmers were pretty great at spreading news. Apparently, they can follow directions, too. They found the wee baby King. Laying in a manger, of all things. 

Did they feel the wonder and the awe of that night? Did they find themselves wondering if it was anything more than a dream? Oh wait, God provided the first "On-Star" GPS service. He hung a star.

Today, it makes more sense than ever that God would redeem the status of shepherds that night. Jesus is still called, "The Great Shepherd." He gave his life so the lost, forgotten, broken, and weary sheep could be saved. They only need to seek, ask, and open the door of their hearts.

Today, I am grateful for redemption... not revenge.

Elastic Waistbands

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 342- Today, I am grateful for elastic waistbands.

This made me giggle... and then it made me grateful. 

"They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights." -Psalm 36:8

Sometimes, the short and the sweet hit all the right notes.

Today, I am grateful for elastic waistbands.

She Loves My Shoes

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 341- Today, I am grateful she loves my shoes.

Our Friday nights are still precious when it works out that we can gather. We've been at it for more than 30 years. 

This little one melts my heart. She is always willing to dance with "Aunt Valerie." I was sitting at the dinner table when she shuffled over in my animal print shoes. She was quite satisfied with her accomplishment. 

Nora Claire is Ryan and Anna's youngest. There are times I still can't believe we have a girl in the Leander/Smith clan. She is always ready to dance, high five, and shake her "cookies". She is talking more every day and "baby" has been added to her vocabulary. Her first 14 months have flown by so fast. 

During this advent season, I am always humbled by the reality that Jesus would take on human skin. It was surely uncomfortable. His birth was humble. His trade was one that meant his hands would know bruises, bangs, and probably cuts, too. Did he tolerate the injuries, or did he heal them? We do not know. We can only speculate. 

We do know that years later, when the wine ran out at a friend's wedding, Mary knew her son had the power to fix things. I wonder how she knew? What had she observed? 

I am so grateful we have a Savior who was willing to wear "the shoes that didn't fit" to pay a debt he didn't owe, so we could be forgiven and free.  

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”" - Isaiah 52:7

I am so grateful for the "Good News" of the gospel and His grace and mercy that fits just right.  

Today, I am grateful she loves my shoes.  

Moments

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 340- Today, I am grateful for  moments you can't put into words. 

"Live for the moments you can't put into words." - unknown

This struck a beautiful chord today. 

Life in this world is far from perfect, but there are beautiful moments that are unforgettable. They are the ones we gather up and keep forever in our memories. 

The birth of a baby or a loved one's last breath... they are the beautiful and the "beautiful-ugly" as the German phrase translates. Some  moments are so full of joy they overflow. Others have beauty frosted in pain or sorrow. This is living.

Many try to avoid the pain that comes with loving deeply. I have always loved the quote by Alfred, Lord Tennyson that goes like this:

"I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all."

These are the moments you can't put into words. It is what we feel when George Bailey realized that his imperfect life is beautiful. Perhaps, it is what Mary felt when she said "yes" to the moment and the miracle that would change her life and how everyone saw her. Her "yes" meant the beautiful and the beautiful-ugly. 

What did Mary do? 

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." - Luke 2:19

Today, I am grateful for  moments you can't put into words.

Character Tests

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 339- Today, I am grateful for  character tests. 

A person of good character has integrity. It is how we behave when no one is looking. 

"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." - Mayo Angelou

My friend, Katrina, sent this image to me a couple of nights ago. I am so glad she shared it. As I thought about it, the common denominator is that each of these inconveniences test our character. How we reframe the irritation says a great deal about who we are down to our core being. Is it the good, the bad, or the ugly? 

Really, these three things are mostly inconveniences. 

If the luggage contains a wedding dress or something else not easily replaced, then it is a bigger deal. In truth, lost luggage usually means rethinking what is really necessary. The Love of My Life would love me to travel lighter. It is not in my nature. I always want to be prepared for the "just in case" moments.  

To be honest, petrichor is one of my favorite scents. What is petrichor? It is that amazing smell when the rain first kisses the dry earth. The scent it releases is magical. Now, if it pours on your one day at Disney's Animal Kingdom... that is a little more irritating. But, the reality is that the most important part is who you are with when the monsoon hits. (Yes, I might be speaking from experience.)

Oh, those tangled Christmas lights. Now, that is a character test! Some find it easier to just throw them away. My Randy handles the lights, and I must say, he is pretty patient with them. He did say the next time a string goes out, we will just buy a new tree.  He doesn't love managing Christmas lights, but I am grateful he loves me. 

"Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride." -Ecclesiastes 7:8

What a perfect passage! Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. The rain will stop. The luggage usually shows up. The Christmas lights war can be won with a patient hand or the string can be replaced. 

Today, I am grateful for  character tests.