Make your own Sunshine

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 31: Today, I am grateful we can make our own sunshine.

It is bitter cold, but the sun has not been completely absent. The wind has been calm, too. You have to count the blessings along the way. 

Back in 2019 we did a "Make Your Own Sunshine" February. By February, we are all missing the sun. This image is of a gratitude journal page. There are 28 rays... one for each day of the month. Consider your own gratitude journal. The item can be limited to the length of the rays on the sun.  I think I will do it again. I need to be creative. 

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you.  All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance." -Isaiah 60:1-3

Be intentional this February. Look for the sun where  you can find it. If you can't find it, create your own sun. Bath in the Son-light of His grace and mercy!

Today, I am grateful we can make our own sunshine.

The Humble and The Gentle Ones

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 30: Today, I am grateful for the humble and gentle ones. 

Children can have such tender hearts. I love watching them interact with each other when they do not realize you are watching. They often imitate gentleness and humility, putting others' needs before their own, especially if one is hurting or wounded. 

Another place you can witness humble and gentle interactions is in a special education classroom where the students struggle with many of the tasks the rest of us take for granted. They have deep wells of compassion towards their classmates and the people around them. The rest of the world could learn a great deal from their example. 

My first years at the Jr. High there was a young man who had fought big battles just to walk and talk. If someone fell, he was the first one to help them up. His manners were impeccable. Kindness and patience oozed out of him. 

One day, I needed to make a quick trip home on my lunch break.  As I headed toward the door I heard, "Mrs. Smith...Mrs. Smith, where are you going?" I told him I had to make a quick trip home and I would be right back. "Mrs. Smith, it's cold outside." I assured him I would be fine. "No, Mrs. Smith, you need a jacket. It's cold. You can wear mine." 

His locker was right outside the office door and there was no way I was leaving the building without wearing his coat. I graciously put on that Cardinal's Baseball jacket. The young man knew I was a Cubs fan, but he didn't even tease me about wearing a Cardinal's jacket. His entire concern was for my health and well-being. He was so happy to give me what I needed. 

We could all learn something from that young man. Anyone who knows him for more than ten minutes learns that his abilities far outweigh his limitations.  He took a piece of my heart when he went off to high school. 

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." -Ephesians 4:2

Making allowances for each other is a special kind of love. We are all a little bit quirky, needy or broken at times. The world needs more humble servants like Jordan. 

Today, I am grateful for the humble and gentle ones. 

Servants to All

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 29: Today, I am grateful for "servants to all."

"He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” -Mark 9:35

This is such a big concept. To understand and embrace the call to humility. 

In the Bess/Guttendorf Clan there was an order we followed with every family gathering. Feed the children and those with special needs, then the husbands... and then the women go through the line. Then, we did the dishes. It was the way it was. It was how they loved and nurtured and fed our big Bess Bunch!!

I remember standing in the kitchen with Great Grandma Hulda, learning to dry dishes with a flour sack towel surrounded by my Aunts and Mama. They were teaching the next generation to serve. 

My first boss in my first professional job picked up on my tendency to go last a work potluck. It became a game between us. Mike would wait, watch, and then instruct me to go before him... and he was the boss. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I smile at the memory. 

Jesus said the first would be last and the last would be first... and we must become willing servants to all. Our message today was on Saul/Paul's conversion. He went from being an agent against "The Way"  to embracing what it meant to suffer for the gospel. In the scriptures, Jesus warns him it won't be an easy path at his conversion. 

How much time did he spend in jail? He was flogged, beaten, jailed, and misrepresented. Still, he served with humility. His name change was necessary. Saul was not the same man. Paul was a new creature in Christ. The old Saul was power hungry and hate filled. The new creature was not quiet and demure, but he oozed love, hope, wisdom, joy, and so much more. 

He served all who crossed his path (and would listen) to the message of hope, truth and new life in Jesus. 

Today, I am grateful for "servants to all." 

Record Keeping

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 28: Today, I am grateful for recordkeeping. 

I just received my W-2 at work. (For my international friends, it is paperwork for paying our State and Federal taxes.) Instead of complaining, I am going to celebrate Adam and Zach who make sure we all have what we need when it is time to do our taxes. 

Today, I will celebrate the farm families, hair salons, local shop and other small business owners who keep records, gather the data and the accountants who help make sense of it all before taxes are due. 

Do I love paying taxes? No. Am I grateful for some of things they help provide? Absolutely! 

I may have to do another recordkeeping post related to genealogy. I've been playing on some genealogy  websites and have made some very interesting discoveries. It is quite a "rabbit hole", but a fun one. I love it when there are multiple sources to click on and explore. Many families have done their recordkeeping well.  

The scripture mentions some recordkeeping, too. 

"And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. " -Matthew 10:30

Wow! Right? It is a reminder that our God is not unconcerned or unaware of our needs. He knows them all. 

There is one record where we want to be sure and find our name:

"Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." -Revelation 21:27

Be diligent. Be faithful. Be intentional. 

Today, I am grateful for  recordkeeping

Every Piece of Armor

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 27: Today, I am grateful for every piece of armor.

If you have ever had a child play any contact sport, you are very grateful for every piece of armor. It's rough out there on the playing field. Batting helmets, baseball mitts, soccer shin guards, football helmets, and pads. The list could go on and on. There are many ways athletes protect themselves. 

When someone is battling cancer, they gear up for the fight. The mediport makes it easier to give treatments. There are other tips and tricks they learn along the way that help them gear up for each treatment or procedure. 

When a fireman or police officer goes into the danger zone, they put on every piece of armor they have available. They never know what they will encounter, so they go in prepared. 

The right piece of armor at the right time can save lives. This was my verse of the day:

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." -Ephesians 6:12-13 

His armor will not fail. Be prepared! Be intentional when you armor up. 

Today, I am grateful for every piece of armor.

Sacred in the Ordinary

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 26: Today, I am grateful for the sacred in the ordinary. 

Many years ago my friend, Sally,  gifted me with my first "Every Moment Holy" book. Like her, I purchased some to give as gifts. It is full of prayers and blessings for the ordinary moments in life. 

There is blessing for that first cup of coffee. There is one for a sports competition. These are the ordinary moments where we can look for the sacred. 

Kelly Rae Roberts is an artist that speaks to my creative soul. I have one of her prints in my kitchen. She is whimsical and messy. Some of her quotes are perfect. Look at this wish:

"My wish for you is that you feel the full breath of possibility. That you feel your fears & act anyway. That you listen to what's calling you. That you find the sacred in the ordinary... and that love and kindness embrace your heart always. " -Kelly Rae Roberts

"The sacred in the ordinary"... the holy moments in the everyday  that come and go with no fanfare. When life has big changes, the ordinary becomes a source of joy,  peace, and comfort. We can choose to live well with others, seeking out healthy relationships. 

I love this passage:

"Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!" - Romans 12:16

Love each other, support each other and savor the sacred, ordinary moments with intention. 

Today, I am grateful for the sacred in the ordinary. 

Potty Breaks

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 26: Today, I am grateful for potty breaks. 

In ten years,  I do not believe I have given thanks for potty breaks.  Don't laugh. They are necessary creature comforts.  I've been in quite a few meetings lately. I've been reminded of the gift of a potty break. 

I remember when the kids were little, we knew that they could not wait when they declared their need for a bathroom break. How many times did we use the side of the road. The benefit of boys, right? It was easy. Not so much for us girls, but desperate times can call for desperate measures. 

Now... if you have never been to "Wally's" on Interstate 55 between Bloomington and Chicago, you have to be sure and stop there. It is clean and has so many fun things to see.  There were no "Wally's" on our trips when I was younger. 

How many times did we rejoice on trips because we knew a fast food restaurant  was going to give us a meal and bladder relief? We always felt a little extra grace when we didn't have to resort to a gas station. 

The image today reminds of a time not that long ago. We were all very concerned about not having toilet paper.  Many of us will never look at it the same way again. Today,  a cousin's daughter posted  "Jehovah Jireh!" I don't know where that is filled in my brain, but I instantly knew that it meant "God Our Provider."  I looked it up to confirm, but it is indeed the meaning of the name. 

Jehovah Jireh! Say it out loud, then say it again. 

"For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." -2 Corinthians 9:10

He provides all of our needs, one day at a time. Let us not take the littlest of blessings for granted. 

Today, I am grateful for potty breaks. 

Intentional Thinking

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 25: Today, I am grateful for intentional thinking. 

Animals are predominantly driven by instinct. I always think when an animal acts outside of a natural, instinctive response, there is a bit of a miracle involved. 

We humans have higher thinking abilities than the other animals. Now, we don't always behave better because of those abilities, but we do have the power to choose. 

This passage is full of guidance : 

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."-Philippians 4:8

Earworm started singing "Fix My Eyes" by King and Country. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXGuWHb5INk

Whatever the day ahead brings, we can be intentional in our thoughts. It helps to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Today, I am grateful for intentional thinking. 

Gentle Hugs & Snacks

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 24: Today, I am grateful for gentle hugs and snacks.

I love this Curly Girl card. It makes me think of my friend, Roxanne. I know she likes the artist "Curly Girl, gentle hugs, and snacks. 

Roxanne is such a warm and gentle soul, it is no wonder she became a nurse and spent many years in hospice. This is one of those cards that is perfect for so many moments. We all need to know we are not alone when life hurts. 

".... a time to embrace..." -Ecclesiastes 3:5 

Don't waste the moments meant for embracing. Strength can be infused through the power of a hug. And... don't forget the snacks. 

Today, I am grateful for gentle hugs and snacks.

A Knock and an Answer

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 22: Today, I am grateful for a knock and an answer.

There are times I am not "ready" to answer the door for deliveries or anyone else. Especially on a Saturday. I treasure the "stay home and go nowhere" mornings. They are rare.  Days designated for a good cleaning mean I am not "company ready" in my attire, hair,  or face. Knock at your own risk. Some things cannot be unseen. 

Mama Ina Mae was kind of a stickler about appearances when I was young. She never went to town without freshening  up, blush, lipstick, mascara, and hair combed. She always taught us that how you presented yourself to the world mattered.  She taught us to smile. It wasn't really vanity... Mama never considered herself beautiful. (I would beg to differ.) She was radiant from the inside out. 

Of course, Mama never knew who and how many were coming to dinner. Dad would invite anyone in the yard at meal time to join us at the table.  Mama's welcome was always warm and sincere. There was always plenty.  The door was always open. We simply set another spot at the big farm table.

This scripture struck me today: 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8 

"Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking." 

The instruction demands some action. Keep on keeping on. How easy it is to become lazy in our pursuit of His purpose. I know I am easily distracted and find rabbit holes. This scripture does not tell us to wait for an invitation. It calls us to be intentional in seeking His Will and His Way. 

When we knock He answers; when He knocks, he knows he will not find the house in perfect condition. He comes to rescue and restore. It is His specialty. 

Today, I am grateful for a knock and an answer.

Snail Mail

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 21: Today, I am grateful for "snail mail". 

My cousin, Cheryl, sent me a card with this picture by snail mail this week. Oh my goodness!  It included a picture of her with my sister, April. We have so few pictures of April and this one is priceless. To have one of Cheryl is a bonus, too. 

We giggled about the fashion trends of that day... early 90's... and it was not long before April left for the Air Force - as this was her Air Force hair-do. What a fun treat in the mailbox. 

Her card brought "good news" and that is a bonus! 

Never, ever underestimate the power of a paper hug and a picture. I love to make cards but I am terrible about getting them to the mailbox. This year, perhaps I will master a system for sending out cards... in fact... I may do that as my 2022 Christmas card that did not get sent. When you least expect it... it will appear. 

Snail mail is good for the soul. One of my favorite scriptures grew dear to my heart because Chris Wright, a former youth pastor... had his father's shoes mounted on the wall with this scripture:

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! "-Isaiah 52:7 

Or in the New Testament-

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” -Romans 10:15

Let there be GOOD NEWS! Let there be celebration when there is hope and a future... and there is for all who know Him as Lord. 

Today, I am grateful for "snail mail". 

Verse of the Day

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 20: Today, I am grateful for my verse of the day.

I get several "Verse of the Day" passages in my inbox. . Some in my inbox. Another from a friend. And, my Bible Study group always has a passage. Somehow, the verses always seem to be "the right words at the right time." 

This was in my inbox today: 

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." -James 1:2-3

The wisdom of this passage never gets old. The truth never fade. When our faith is tested, our endurance has a chance to grow. It helps us with "the race". 

Today, I am grateful for my verse of the day.

Refining Fires

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 19: Today, I am grateful for the fires that refine.

Most of us don't go looking for difficult days. We do not excitedly sign up for them.  Still, trials and troubles find us. In those moments of utter brokenness, our God is always near. 

Why is it when things are going well, we forget to consult Him? It is easy to get wrapped up in the insanity of each day's calendar. Do we look for the God appointments? Do we lean into opportunities to speak of His goodness and faithfulness. I am so easily distracted at times. 

This is one of my favorite James Elliot quotes. He penned this prayer in his college years, before hitting the mission field in the jungles of South America. 

 "God deliver me from the dread asbestos of other things. Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. ~ Jim Elliot" 

What are the "other things" that keep me from being on fire for the gospel?  Jim prays to be saturated with the "oil of the Spirit" that he might be on fire for the Lord. He was offering up his life as a living sacrifice. God used Jim's life and his death as a testimony. 

"But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. " -2 Timothy 4:5-6a

Nicole Nordeman has an old song - "Burnin'" that nails it! It is one of my comfort songs when life gets challenging. 

https://mozaart.com/en/t/burnin-nichole-nordeman

Today, I am grateful for the fires that refine.

Gentle Hands

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 18: Today, I am grateful for gentle hands.  

I love to watch children out in nature. They are fascinated by everything from bugs, to bunnies and butterflies. They want to capture it and take it home. How many times did Mama let us have a Mason jar with holes popped in the top. 

It was one of our earliest lessons in "being gentle" that I can remember. Now, a child's version of gentleness can vary quite a bit. While many animals seem to be instinctive about gentleness, it has been my experience that humans have to be taught to be gentle. 

What a little one calls "giving the kitty or bunny a hug" might feel more like strangulation. "Be gentle." is something young parents say over and over, especially when a new baby arrives home to a toddler sibling. 

Gentle hands observed pull at our heartstrings. The internet is full of videos of sweet moments between little ones and their pets... and their siblings. 

As grown-ups, we love the nurse or doctor with gentle (warm) hands. We take great care when handling fragile things like glass, wounded animals, broken-hearted children, and antiquities. Gentle hands often are the best approach for some tasks. 

I love this snippet from today's Bible Reading from Bible Study group. I struck just the right chord. He sees us at our best and he sees us in our brokenness. He will not crush us in our weakness. Evil is real in this world, but so is the refuge we find in Him.

"He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious." -Matthew 12:20

Today, I am grateful for gentle hands.  

Make Every Effort

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 17: Today, I am grateful we can make every effort.  

Some days our efforts are more successful than others. I know I never get it all right! Not even for one day. 

We have a God who knows our thoughts. That, my friend, will always be humbling!!!

This scripture struck a nerve today. 

"Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."-Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)

Work... at living in peace... it takes work.

Work at living in peace with... everyone. Not just people you like. 
Work... at living a holy life... it takes work. The sinful nature is real.
Why bother? So those who do not know Him will see the Lord! 

Hebrews 12:14 is worth looking at in "all English versions." 

Some versions say, "Pursue peace." In other words, chase it. Run!

"Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears." - Hebrews 12:14-17 (The Message)

We don't have to be perfect. We are instructed to "make every effort".  Not half an effort. Not even a "good" effort. We are to make "every" effort. 

We are to make it our daily mission to behave in a way that points to "The Way." I am so grateful for His grace and mercy. 

Today, I am grateful we can make every effort.

Heavy Burdens Lifted

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 16: Today, I am grateful for heavy burdens lifted.

There are times the life load feels heavy. This world can deliver many trials, troubles and burdens. Hard things come. Things we didn't sign up for or ask for.  

When the load gets too heavy, where do we turn? 

"Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

This passage, in context, really tries to communicate that He wants us to be "yoked" with him. When we are yoked with him, He can carry the weight. 

What is overwhelming to us, is light to Him. Why do we fight it? But, we do. 

Today, I am grateful for heavy burdens lifted.

The Soul Count

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 15: Today, I am grateful for soul counting. 

Highest Duty was written by pilots Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles. It was their autobiographical account of "The Miracle on the Hudson." We watched it on the news. They lived it in the cockpit. Clint Eastwood and Todd Komarnicki brought the story to life on the big screen in the 2016 movie, "Sully." 

My little brother, Matt, rarely recommends a movie, but when he does, I watch it. He is a fan of Eastwood movies because in this season of life, every story Clint Eastwood wants to tell is a passion project of one sort or another. "Sully" falls into that category. 

What seemed like an ordinary day, turned into something the nation will never forget. LaGaurdia Airport is busy all of the time. The airport sends and receives "souls" everyday. As I was writing this, I learned that the Coast Guard uses the phrase, "How many souls on board?" (I love that! It is so accurate.)

When a flock of Canadian geese hit the plane, they lost both engines. Sully recalled that the cockpit was quiet in the crisis. The engines were not whirling. There was zero thrust. They slipped into all of their shared experience and rolled into crisis mode to solve the problem. They had 155 souls to save.  

Sullivan graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973. He had the best military training and many hours in flight. Following orders, rules, and regulations was in his training. If the people lived or died that day, it would be his name that people would remember. Every calculation and decision was crucial. They only had minutes. 

The tower wanted them to head for an airport. He couldn't do it. In his gut he knew their best chance for survival was to land that plane on the Hudson River.  Jeff supported him. They went to work with the weight of 155 souls pressing down on their chests, not to mention figuring out how to land that plane on water. Crazy? So crazy it worked.

As Captain, he was the last one off that plane before it sank. One of my favorite moments in the movie is when they are trying to do a physical on him and all he wants to know is if all 155 souls have been accounted for. Tom Hanks plays the part with so much emotion. The moment he finally knows they are all alive is one of the biggest of the moments, in my opinion. His relief is tangible. No one was lost. 

My other favorite moment is when Sully  addresses the NTSB at his hearing. They would be judging him for his decisions that day and for defying orders, "Can we get serious, now? ... you still have not taken into account the human factor. " Retrospectively, they were going to make decisions about his career without ever walking in his shoes or taking into account the human factor.  

The weight of a soul is barely measurable on human scales but to God, each one is precious. He longs for each one to return to Him. Jesus took on the weight of all our sins and carried them to the cross so countless souls could be saved. 

"We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” -Acts 15:11

The date of the emergency landing  was January 15, 2009, which I did not know when I started this post. 155 souls saved. 

Coincidence?  Probably not. You decide. 

Sully and Jeff were not alone in the cockpit that day. Neither were the rescue teams, on the ground and in the water, who orchestrated the rescue without losing a single life. 

Today, I am grateful for soul counting. 

Touch the Hem

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 14: Today, I am grateful we can touch the hem of His robe.

Have you ever been desperate for a healing? Have you cried out and felt your prayers fall on deaf ears? If the answer is "Yes.", I am confident you are not alone. 

When we are in the middle of the crisis and the mess, it is hard to clearly see His hand moving. Fear can take over.

 Our Jesus wants to replace fear with faith. 

Matthew 9 records the details of Jesus doing a healing marathon. The word was out. The demand on his time was constant. The drain on his energy must have been constant, too. Part of this day was recorded in  Matthew, Mark, and Luke. (Yes, three out of four Gospels capture this moment, so we better pay attention!)

In the Jewish world, a woman bleeding  was considered unclean. There was a ritual cleaning that would take place at the end of a cycle before a woman would return to her husband. Bleeding women were not allowed in the temple. Imagine, 12 years without entering the place where your heart longed to be for worship? Not being able to participate would have been horrible for her. She must have been lonely and desperate after 12 years.  

She hears of Jesus. She knows miracles abound. Is there one left for her? Her self esteem was probably low or non-existent. She wanted it to be over. We cannot know what her true expectation was or her state of mind, but we know her faith was real. She didn't want to bother the rabbi, but she knew touching the hem of his robe would be enough. 

Here is the passage:

"Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment." -Matthew 9:20-22

The times were changing. Jesus was changing things. It was her faith that he desired. He responded not just with a healing, but with giving her His undivided attention, and he was on His way to raise a girl from the dead. (He was kind of busy.) Still, her believing in Jesus was a game changer. He felt it. 

Putting her trust in Jesus would change eternity for her and others who chose to believe and receive.

She had know idea how her healing would come. She simply knew touching Him would make the difference. Connecting to Jesus would be her rescue. He would "make her well." (Strong's G4982-sozo) In Him, alone, she would be safe.  

Our Jesus wants to replace fear with faith. When we reach out and "touch the hem", we will be well.  Sozo...it will be well with us. 

Today, I am grateful we can touch the hem of His robe.

Price Checks

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 13: Today, I am grateful for price checks.

I am a huge fan of the price checking stations found in some stores. Most places are understaffed and help is hard to find. Nothing is easier than doing your own "price check" with a scanner. 

No one likes surprises at the checkout register, unless the price is lower than you thought it would be. That doesn't happen too often these days. 

This was a verse in my Bible Study group today:

"So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." -Matthew 10:3

I found the picture appealing and the passage, too. Then, I sat with it for awhile. 

It didn't take too long to come  up with the reminder that when Jesus did a price check on us... in our broken, messed up state... and He still found us worthy of His sacrifice. That is good stuff! 

Today, I am grateful for price checks.

Moses

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 12: Today, I am grateful for Moses.

I love this quote from D.L. Moody:

"Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody; forty years learning he was nobody; and forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody." - DL Moody

Moses is one of my favorites. He is flawed and fearless at times. Other times, he over reacts or presses the envelope. There were times Moses went too far and God had to respond. 

God loved Moses and used Him to free Israel from slavery! Moses was often full throttle. Other times, God pursued Moses for answers or actions. Yes, Moses is a life worth studying.  

When God gave Moses direction to lead the nation out of slavery, Moses replied:

"God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”- Exodus 3:14

Who sent you?" What better response than, "I AM who I am?" 

Today, I am grateful for Moses.

My Car Heater Works

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 11: Today, I am grateful my car heater works. 

This time of year, I really try to be intentionally grateful for things that keep me comfortable. My car heater is one of them. 

This time of year, the heaters in our cars are not just a convenience, they change everything! They help defrost our windows and bring the inside of our cars to a comfortable temperature. 

When we travel, I usually do not wear my coat. I have it with me, but for long trips, there is comfort in not wearing a coat. That could not happen if the car heater didn't work. 

I am so grateful for the many inventors, scientists, engineers and factor workers who are part of the story of the car heater. Is he Lord over my car heater? Well... He is the God of all comfort. 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort," -2 Corinthians 1:3

It is a small thing that is really a big thing!

Today, I am grateful my car heater works. 

The Centurion

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 10: Today, I am grateful for the humble Centurion.

I love words and stories. We learn so much about people from hearing how they lived,  loved, worshiped, worked and died. 

Over the holiday, I spent some time exploring family history on my Mama's Bess side of the family. I learned some stories of my great grandparents (many greats) and great aunts and uncles. To get a glimpse into the lives they lived is fascinating to me. 

I learned my ancestors were soldiers in the Revolution and the women were courageous, too.  I am sure some of their stories will show up in this year's gratitude journey. 

My Bible reading today was Matthew 8. Matthew 8:5-13 records a conversation between Jesus and a Centurion soldier. This is in my top five miracles of Jesus and it might be in the top two or three. Why? Because it clearly illuminates Jesus's heart for all who have the courage to call him Lord. 

The Gospel of Luke captures the same encounter in chapter 7. If something is repeated in more than one Gospel, I think we need to pay extra attention. 

In this recorded interaction, "Centurion" meaning the Roman soldier was in charge of 100 men. He held status. He knew what it was to command. He knew what it meant to carry out orders, too. He believed in  Jesus and Jesus was amazed by his faith. It is the only time that Greek word is use (in both the Matthew and Luke records) that means amazed or marveled at. (Strong's  G2296 (thaumazō))

"When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith." Matthew 8:10

"When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:9

The only other time the Bible says Jesus marveled... it was at the unbelief  of the people in Nazareth, his hometown. 

"And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching." Mark 6:6

I want to be like the Centurion. I want to marvel at the wonders of Jesus and his love that embraced the soldier and the gentile. 

Today, I am grateful for the humble Centurion.

Today's Trouble

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 9: Today, I am grateful today's worry is enough.

Do you know someone that seems unflappable? It appears they don't have  a care in the world. Looks can be deceiving. 

What is there about worry that sucks the joy and energy right out of  us? Worry is exhausting. Jesus said this: 

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Matthew 6:34

Seriously, this is a tough one. To let go of the worry is to fully trust "The One" who will see us through every trial. Worrying is a lack of trust. Trust and faith please our Lord. Yes, trust and worry are not compatible.  I am slow to learn at times.

Don't buy tomorrow's troubles. They may never arrive. Fretting is not freeing. We were designed for freedom... the freedom that comes when we fully embrace what He provides.

To quote Elsa from "Frozen": "Let it go!"

Today, I am grateful today's worry is enough.

The Open Hand

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 8: Today, I am grateful for the open hand. 

I recently read a devotional that caused me to pause. It focused on one of the seven Hebrew words used for worship. Worship described as "yadah" or "yad"  is an open-handed worship.

 Ponder that a minute. (Strong's H3034 and H3027 is where you can dig a little deeper, if you heart desires.) 

Open-handed giving. Open-handed receiving. Open-handed praise. Open-handed thanksgiving. There is vulnerability about an open hand. 

Fingers are easily broken if you hit a hard surface just right. An open hand stance is used in meditation in other religions. Interesting, right? 

We cannot hold onto anything too tightly with an open hand. An open hand is a sign of generosity. An open hand is how we humbly receive the gifts we are granted. 

It is a natural response to lift open hands in worship. It isn't for show. It is in adoration. Sports fans do it all the time and do not worry about who is watching. It is more than okay for God fans to raise their hands! We respond to God when we lift our open hands to him in praise. 

A raised or closed fist does not give or receive. A raised or close fist is a popular sign for power. It can suggest a threat when we raise a fist. 

With our hands, we choose to show our strength. Are they open in worship, giving and receiving? Or are they tightly clenched in defiance or determination to have things the way we want them? 

I am constantly amazed by the relevance of the Bible. The lessons are timeless. In Genesis 3:22, the humans take from the Tree of Life:  Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”

 To reach out and take what we want is a part of our human nature, but do we always want what we take when it is in our hands? One of the biggest lessons in intentional gratitude is reframing what we have and turning it into enough. 

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1) 

We can't rewrite history. We can move forward with an open hand. On the wall of my bedroom I have a craft I made at a family shower. It simply states, "Love Generously". Of course... it has glitter... but the message is still simple. To give and receive with an open hand and open heart. 

Today, I am grateful for the open hand. 

Great Expectations

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 7: Today, I am grateful for Great Expectations. 

The literary classic, "Great Expectations", is a Charles Dickens novel. It is a hard read, due to the language of the century and some of the phrases unique to the time and place. Still, it is a good story with many twists, turns and timeless lessons.

The protagonist, Pip, is an orphan who grows up over the course of the story. Dickens weaves a rich story. Pip has scary moments, heartbreaking moments, and hopeful moments that keep the reader engaged. 

Pip's great expectations change as he experiences life. His priorities and hopes change along the way. He has regrets and celebrations. Such is life, right? 

Ann Voskamp provides some free downloads. This image is one of them. It reminded me why  I keep "The Message" in my reading resources. There are times when today's language helps unfold a deeper meaning that is easy to overlook. 

Let's look at Psalm 31:24 in the English Standard Version (ESV):

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! -Psalm 31:24 ESV 

It is a great verse and familiar to many. Here are all of the Psalm 31:24 English translations in one place. They are all encouraging and hopeful. "The Message" defines "waiting" as "expecting".  Somehow, that resonates deeply with my soul. 

When I say I am "waiting" on God, do I really anticipate he will show up? Trust me, I have learned that he does... every single time. Still, I have to wait. 

Do I wait intentionally or do I doze off? 

Sometimes the waiting place is for my heart to learn trust and to grow. There are times I am sure he is moving other pieces of the puzzles in other believers' lives. None of us are "only children." Like us, He loves all of his children equally, but differently. Sometimes, one child has to wait because another has a need that is a priority. 

Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon. Psalm 31:24 (MSG)   (H3176 - the Hebrew Word provides a deeper look.  https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3176/esv/wlc/0-1/ The Message is accurate.)

Do I pout in the waiting places, or do I look harder for His face as I grow "Great Expectations?" 

Patience is not my greatest virtue, so He continues to give me the patience test. I've known this about myself since childhood. You would think I would have it mastered by now. His grace and love continue to be extended while I learn to wait. 

Perhaps that patience test wasn't about waiting at all. Perhaps, it is about learning to "expect God to get here soon." 

In our waiting spaces, as He moves in other places, our God is faithful and good... and He is coming! It might be sooner than  you think. 

Today, I am grateful for Great Expectations.