The Golden Rule

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 179- Today, I am grateful for "The Golden Rule."

Remember what it is? 

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." -Matthew 7:12 (NLT)

Kindness expressed is often reciprocated, but even if it isn't... it is still worth the effort. 

We often do not know the trials of the person across the table or in the office next door. Everyone fights battles, but some remain  unspoken. Kindness can be a balm to a wounded soul weary from the battles of daily life. 

Practicing "The Golden Rule" can be a relationship healer and can give new relationships fertile soil to set deep roots. 

Today, I am grateful for "The Golden Rule."

BLT

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 178- Today, I am grateful for the humble B.L.T..

There are certain foods that taste like summer. The B.L.T. is one of them. We enjoy them all year long, but when the tomatoes are at their summer peak, it is the best! 

Simple and made from ingredients most of us have on hand. 

"Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. -Psalm 67:6

 Ample produce is a blessing we take for granted. Simple meals are some of the best. We are blessed with abundance. 

Today, I am grateful for the humble B.L.T..

Patient... Not Slow

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 177- Today, I am grateful our God is patient, not slow.

I think we are becoming less and less familiar with practicing patience. We have microwaves. Our stove tops are instant, too. There is no waiting for a fire to cook our food. 

I grew up with a percolator coffee pot until I was about school age when the fancy Mr. Coffee coffee makers hit the market. There is something about the memories of the slow-brewed coffee percolator coffee makers that still makes me smile. Perhaps, it is the memories of the sludge Grandpa Lindgren served in the late afternoon if he offered you coffee. They were frugal and threw nothing away. 

 Today, we only wait for a few minutes. We have instant pod style machines that let us brew individual cups to taste in the blink of an eye. I take longer choosing my flavor than it actually takes to brew the coffee. 

Then, I discovered the French Press. It came highly recommended by a "nephew of my heart" when he returned from the mission field in Brazil. His family didn't really drink coffee at the time. He knew we loved it. He insisted I try the French Press for my morning cup of java. It took me a while, but then I picked up the simple device and brewed my first cup. As Mama Ina Mae would say, "Ohmygoodnness!" It really was a game changer. 

Let me first note that the process of heating the water in the tea kettle while preparing the grounds becomes part of a soothing morning ritual.  Yes, it slows me down a little, but that is okay. It is a gift of the process. The mellow brew on the other side of five minutes is completely worth the wait. 

I, also, use the French Press to brew my other favorite morning beverage, Cacao (Choffy Roasted, Ground Cacao beans) of choice. It takes a few more minutes to brew than my coffee, but the deep, rich, dark chocolate taste is worth the wait. 

The goodness becomes greatness when I give it a little time, thanks to my French Press. It can't be hurried. If I get distracted and leave it for a little extra time brewing, it still comes out just right. 

It makes me think of this verse:

"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          

 He isn't slow. His timing is always perfect. I often become impatient and try to hurry things along. 

I need to be still, and let God be God in all things... and in every chapter. 

Today, I am grateful our God is patient, not slow.            

The Great Paradox

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 176- Today, I am grateful for the great paradox of Matthew 16:25.

"If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." -Matthew 16:25

The freedom is real. Why do we hesitate to embrace it? 

The will of God will never lead where His grace cannot provide for every need in every moment. It doesn't mean every step of the journey will be fun and easy. This world can dish up some pretty tough stuff. It does mean He will provide a way through the valley of the shadow... and death is no longer something to fear, but a door to the unimaginable wonders of Heaven. 

When we learn to loosen our grip on the lives we had planned out and embrace the path He places before us, we win. We cannot lose. Paul lived with the boldness of one who knew his life could not be taken. He was willing to give it up for the sake of spreading the hope of the Gospel of Jesus. 

"Father, let courage replace fear in any area of our lives that keeps us from truly embracing all that you have for us here... until you open the door and invite us into glory. -Amen" 

Today, I am grateful for the great paradox of Matthew 16:25.

Intentional Service: Compassion, Hospitality, & Love

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 175- Today, I am grateful for reminders to be intentional in service, compassion, hospitality and love.

"Intentional" has been my "One Little Word" this year. It is wearing well as I continue to pray on it, ponder it, and let it intentionally weave its way into my days. I read a devotional today that I am confident landed in my inbox to make me pause and take in this scripture passage:

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?“ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’-Matthew 25:37-40

How many times do I miss the opportunities before me to be intentional in expressions of compassion, hospitality, and love? Too many, I am sure. 

A new week is just beginning to unfold. Do I offer thanks or complaints when the Lord reveals an opportunity to serve Him by serving others? Seeking Him with our whole hearts means seeing his children in need and acting with intention. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to be intentional in service, compassion, and love.

The Rainbow

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 173- Today, I am grateful for the rainbow.

We need rain desperately.  We received a little this evening. 

My friend, Julie, posted this beautiful picture of a rainbow from back home in Clifton. It actually contains part of a second rainbow, too. I thought it was beautiful.  

I was grateful to see back home they received a little, too. Rain can be spotty. Yes, we all received a little rain. 

God placed the rainbow in the sky to mark a covenant between him and humans. 

"I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth."- Genesis 9:13

A covenant between God and man is a binding promise, and so much more. Most are finalized with some form of bloodshed sealing the deal. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and The New Covenant come to mind. 

The rainbow represents God's promise to never destroy the earth again with water, as He did in The Great Flood. It isn't just beautiful, it requires certain things to be present for a rainbow to appear. It doesn't come with every rain. It always comes with reminders that He is a God who keeps  His promises. 

Today, I am grateful for the rainbow.

We Can't Hide

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 172- Today, I am grateful we can't hide.  

Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.  -Jeremiah 23:24

There is comfort and a warming in this verse. 

 Today, I am grateful we can't hide

Snoozing Buddies

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 171- Today, I am grateful for snoozing buddies.

Why don't we recognize the value of a nap when we are little? By the time we figure it out, we rarely get to enjoy them. 

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." -Proverbs 3:24

This cartoon made me smile. Our Daisy Mae loves to nap near her humans. Her favorite place to nap is on Randy's chest... all 72 pounds of her. 

May all of your naps be sweet and restorative. 

Today, I am grateful for snoozing buddies.

Country Music

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 170- Today, I am grateful for country music. 

Before I go any further, please remember... it is my gratitude post. If you don't like country music, I can fully appreciate we all have unique music tastes. Mine is quite eclectic. 

I grew up in the country and the radio on the bus was determined by the bus driver. WLS had pop music and "Animal Stories" with Larry Lujack and Little Snot-nosed Tommy. We felt famous when "The Kankakee Cow Killers" made "Animal Stories" with a little incident down by the courthouse in Kankakee.  WMAQ was our country music station. Both stations were out of Chicago, so we had high quality radio and heard the latest and greatest hits. 

There were always crossover hits that we all enjoyed such as: "The Devil Went Down To Georgia", "Take Me Home Country Roads," "Kiss An Angel Good Morning," "I Will Always Love You"(Dolly Parton's Version), "Delta Dawn,", and "Here  You Come Again" are just a few. Throw in a little Ray Stevens with "The Streak" for humor and music created the backdrop of our school day memories. 

We were a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll before Donny and Marie made it cool. Country music has always told stories. Ballads are my favorites in any genre, but country shines in that category. From "Convoy" and "Phantom 309" to Tim McGraw's "Don't Take the Girl," the stories make us smile, laugh, and cry. Carrie Underwood does a great job of telling a story, too. When Vince Gill sings, "When My Amy Prays," my heart melts. 

Last weekend was "Tailgate N Tallboys 2023" in Bloomington/Normal. We have never attended but know many who have. I love when live country music comes to local venues. It was well attended again this year from all reports. The love of country music continues to grow and spread to the next generations coming up. 

Music is a gift from God. David was a shepherd, a warrior, a king, and a musician. It was his music that soothed King Saul's soul and gained him favor with the king. 

When David was king, music was a priority: 

"David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals." - 1 Chronicles 15:16

They didn't have the country music we are familiar with today, but I am sure some of their songs included stanzas related to caring for the animals and the land. 

Today, I am grateful for country music. 

Fresh Basil

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 169- Today, I am grateful for fresh basil.

The Farmer's  Market had fresh basil this week. I love the smell and the taste. I like to touch it and smell it on my fingers. Basil is a delight to the senses. 

Tonight, I threw some in with zucchini, onions, pepperoni, and parmesan. It added  freshness to the dish, and it was pretty. 

Because herbs and spices are abundant in our markets we forget that, historically, they were symbols of wealth. They were traded like precious metals and gemstones. The following passage is from Genesis. 

"Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds." -Genesis 43:11

Yes, spices were highly valued. They were welcome gifts in the ancient world. 

Imagine pizza or spaghetti without Italian herbs?  It would be pretty dull. Basil is in that mix. 

Today, I am grateful for fresh basil.

Reminders

   

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 168- Today, I am grateful for reminders of what is important. 

Toby Mac's song, "Lose my Soul" is a long time favorite. It is one of those songs that acts as a compass. It helps us find our True North. Here is the scripture his song is based on:

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?" -Mark 8:36     

Our days are busy. Being busy can be consuming, but it isn't good. I fall into the trap easily, as I was taught to work hard and give my best. Still, there are more important things. 

Faith, family, and friends are what give the tapestry of our days the threads of gold and silver. Treasure them. Give thanks for them. Make time for them. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders of what is important.                         

Water To Drink

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 167- Today, I am grateful for water to drink.

Not everyone has the convenience of fresh, clean water that is safe to drink. What I expect to flow freely from a pitcher (filtered) or from the door in the fridge, is a luxury many will never experience. 

Chase and I were talking about a National Park he and Emma visited where the ancient people stored snow water from the winter in pots to get them through the summer months. Massive amounts of water was kept to use for cooking, irrigation, and so much more. 

I am so spoiled and ungrateful at times. It is part of the reason these "Daily Gratitude" posts continue. I don't want to forget how blessed I am. I don't want to become insensitive to those who have so much less. Intentional gratitude for the small things changes my perspective and my attitude at times. 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today, I am grateful for water to drink.

Father's Day

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 166- Today, I am grateful for Father's Day.

I have had the blessing of many God-fearing father's to echo the messages my own father attempted to teach/preach. Our boys and I have been blessed by a man who does his best every single day to love us well as a father and a husband. 

I never want to forget that many do not have the same experience.

Today, some are grieving special father's who are gone too soon. 

Enjoy this day with your loved ones. Savor the sweet moments that make memories. 

Never take one minute for granted. In a heartbeat, everything can change.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." -Exodus 20:12

Today, I am grateful for Father's Day. 

Family Time

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 165- Today, I am grateful for family time.

Technology issues tonight, so it is short and sweet. Nothing is better than family time. Uncomplicated and sweet.

Today, I am grateful for family time.

A Rock Snake

 Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 164- Today, I  am grateful for a Rock Snake.

I could not resist using this for my post today. For my friends who are not fans of snakes can appreciate the cute art that would be very friendly for children of all ages. 

The serpent in the Bible is definitely a foe and not a friend. Still, in nature, these belly crawling creatures have their place in the ecosystem. They eat things like mice and creatures I would prefer to see controlled. 

The snake is a good reminder that there are consequences for our choices. 

"Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly,  groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” - Genesis 3:14-15

This chapter in Genesis reminds us that God has a limit to what He will tolerate before there are consequences. The serpent found that out. 

As for Adam and Eve, God  showed great love even in their consequences. I find it a little paradoxical that the "curse" for women was pain in childbirth. That pain would bring our greatest joy. She would have the desire to "rule her husband", but it would be unfulfilled.  

For the men, the consequence was to work the land to provide a living. The work would require his blood, sweat, and at times... tears. Yet, a man gains great satisfaction and a sense of well-being in a job that is well done. The "punishment" would, also, bring joy.   

I love Genesis. I don't love snakes, but I don't despise them either. They have a job to do. 

This little crafty rock snake... he is adorable. 

Today, I  am grateful for a Rock Snake.

Poetry

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 163- Today, I  am grateful for poetry.

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

What a beautiful piece of poetry. Timeless isn't it. These things do not change with the times, the years, or the centuries. The Bible is full of poetic passages, the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) in particular. This particular passage reads like a modern love song:

"Kiss me and kiss me again, for your love is sweeter than wine." -Song of Solomon 1:2 

June is a month of weddings and anniversaries. Poetic words are often a part of wedding traditions. Leap Year is one of my favorite movies. The wedding toast is the best:

"“May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life, and if you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn't live a day without you.”

The Love of my Life knows my passion for poetry. I have two poem books that he has gifted me with over the years. Both are precious. One is priceless, because it was a gift to replace a lost poetry book I loaned out in college that was never returned. It is called, "One Thousand Beautiful Things." Grandma Marge gave it to me from her bookshelf and it contained poetry, short stories, and quotes. It is probably where my love for both poetry and a good quote began. Randy replaced it on a special occasion. 

When walking through ordinary days my friends, don't forget to look for the poetry all around us from song lyrics to jingles that get stuck in our heads. 

Today, I  am grateful for poetry.

Make Our Souls Happy

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 162- Today, I  am grateful for time to do things that make our souls happy. 

We all have things that make our souls happy. Some chase little white balls around a golf course with great strategy, while others learn to tie flies for fishing. Some bake and decorate cakes that look like art. Some paint and paper craft while others knit, quilt, cooking, write music, sing songs, organize closets, and make places sparkle with their cleaning or decorating skill. 

We are ALL creative beings. We were designed that way. Some of us take longer to uncover our creative gifts or recognize them, but they are there. I adore these verses:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth - When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself." -Genesis 1:1, 5:1

Make time to feed that part of your soul. It will add balance and benefit other parts of your life. 

Today, I  am grateful for time to do things that make our souls happy. 

Farmer's Market

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 161- Today, I  am grateful for the farmer's market.

We have been blessed to have a farmer's market in town the past few years. It is a great place to gather, find local goodies, and catch up with friends old and new. Ours is on Tuesdays through the summer. 

There is something about seeing fresh produce, honey, baked goods, and other items that feels so welcoming. This year, there are plenty of food trucks, too, so dinner plans are made easy. 

To top of it all, the weather has been perfect.

"For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” -1 Corinthians 10:26

Today, I  am grateful for the farmer's market.

The Smile In My Heart

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 160- Today, I  am grateful for the smile in my heart. 

Our families are big and spread out. We have always spent most of our vacation time visiting family. There are places we have not been because we tend to end up where there is the most family to see and often, the Mississippi branch will meet up with us in Florida or Michigan. 

On my side, most have landed in Clifton, Chebanse and Ashkum with a few in Bourbonnais/Kankakee. Only a handful moved away. 

It is RARE that the two sides get to mix, except at weddings and funerals. This picture is a real treasure! One the left is my first Cousin Angie and on the right is our Sister-in-Love, Jan... in Florida!!! 

Jan runs the Naz Thrift Shop in Winter Haven Florida where she lives, worships, enjoys her family and just married our new Brother-in-Love, Robert. Angie and I were texting this weekend and she mentioned they were in Florida. Florida is a big state, right? Today, I asked her where she was in Florida. When she said Winter Haven, I could not believe it!!! 

The friends Jim and Angie were visiting in Florida knew where the shop was and this is the picture I received!  Yes, the smile in my heart is huge.                                                          

I love it when dots connect! 

Today, I  am grateful for the smile in my heart. 

Able to Tread on the Heights

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 159- Today, I  am grateful to be able to tread on the heights. 

Let's be very clear about something. High places make me anxious. I feel nauseas and the fear of falling sets in when I get to close to the edge. I was not programmed to be a city girl. 

This passage touched my heart today. 

The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." -Habakkuk 3:19 

Several Pink Warriors in my world are fighting some tough fights this week. This passage seems perfect for the week ahead. Another one of my forever girlfriends is trying to love her dear friend through an unthinkable loss. Sometimes, stepping into a new week means facing some uncharted landscapes and unexpected challenges. I will use this verse to pray for each one of them in their individual circumstances. The LORD knows our needs before we speak of them. 

The Sovereign Lord is their strength.
HE makes us surefooted on the high heights.

I know He will prepare a way in the wilderness. No place is beyond his reach. He does not abandon the ones who call him "The Good Shepherd."

He is our strength. He is our refuge. He is our rescuer. 

Today, I  am grateful to be able to tread on the heights. 

A Refresher Course

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 158- Today, I  am grateful for a refresher course. 

Have you ever said, "I would need a refresher course!" Is there something  you did regularly, but gave up because your season in life changed? 

We did ballroom dancing  years ago. For many of the steps, I would need a refresher course. Some come back easily. Others are filed away in the "barely used" part of my memory with a very slow download from the cloud in my brain. Ballroom is something I would love to pick up again. It is good exercise and a fun date. 

There are items I cooked and baked for years that are now seldom served. To make the item, I would need to pull out the recipe or cookbook for a refresher course.

There are times I think about our moral compass. Do we still believe in right and wrong? Have we lost our way as we live in the "gray zones" trying to figure out what is true and what serves justice... without losing the love that chooses mercy. 

The 10 Commandments are not really outdated. It still provides classic rules to live by. The first four direct our attitudes, actions, and relationship with God. The other six, help us live well with others. Those 10 directives do not come with options. No, choose "A" or "B". They are clear, simple rules for living. Simple does not mean easy.

This is a great quote: "People of character do the right thing, even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world, but because they refuse to be changed by the world." -Michael Josephson

The author of the quote is an ethics expert. Ethics asks questions and works to reason out what is good, what is true, what is right, and what is not. Ethics work is not easy work. Many give up and decide it is easier to follow the popular crowd. 

Truth is a light. Eventually, it leads us home. There is no promise the waters will be smooth and easy to sail. But hope still floats, my friends. Keep going. 

 "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." - Galatians 6:9

There is the word from "The Word"... for this day. 

Chin up buttercup. At times, we all need a refresher course that includes a word of encouragement. 

Today, I  am grateful for a refresher course. 

Best Dressed

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 157- Today, I  am grateful for the best dressed.  

There is more to being well dressed than the latest fashion trends. I enjoy fashion. It is fun and keeps us feeling fresh and current. It is, also, good when we reach a season when we know that there is a difference between being well dressed and on trend. They are not always the same. 

I have always loved Audrey Hepburn's style. The little black dress and pearls never really go out of style. Of course, I love a more Bohemian flowing look and a jean skirt, too. Again, it is good to get the place that you are comfortable with what you choose to wear. You wear what you like and don't worry about the rest. Now, from experience... your children may be horrified. It is good to try to not embarrass the children. 

This passage is one of my favorites. It is real. It is challenging. It is one to pull from your memory when you are struggling and "don't know what to wear."

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." -Colossians 3:13

Not always easy, but always worth pondering on. 

Today, I  am grateful for the best dressed.  

Simple Pleasures

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 157- Today, I  am grateful for simple pleasures.  

We spent so much time outside as kids. Mama Ina Mae would send us outside to give her some peace and quiet. Until I saw this image, I had forgotten about the hours spent under a clothesline tent. 

We could make the tent into any magical place we could imagine. We would giggle and dream big dreams. It was even better if we could have cousins join us. Life was simple. 

Life happens when you are making plans. God  has much to say about how we use our time. 

"I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is fading away."- 1 Corinthians 7:29 (the Message)

Today, I am especially grateful for the simple pleasure in knowing our Lord hears our prayers. 

Today, I  am grateful for simple pleasures.  

Omnipresent

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 157- Today, I  am grateful HE is  Omnipresent.  

The concept of being omnipresent is a bit hard to fathom. HE is always with us. Like air. He sustains us and gives us. I need this reminder when the load gets heavy or when I am sure of what to do or how to pray. 

"Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God." -Psalm 90:2,4

There is something that calms my soul in the knowledge that he is always present. 

When we can't breathe- He is our air. When we are out of strength, He is ready and willing to take our burdens. When we are scared, he finds ways to remind us that we are never alone. 

Today, I  am grateful HE is  Omnipresent. 

The Throne Room

 Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 156- Today, I am grateful for the Throne Room. 

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." -Hebrews 4:16

Earworm is singing that song, "Oh come to the Throne Room...his arms are open wide." 

Some days we simply need to be reminded that his love is deep and wide. His grace is sufficient. His mercy overflows. His help sustains us. 

Today, I am grateful for the Throne Room. 

Words of Encouragement

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 155- Today, I am grateful for words of encouragement. 

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." -1 Thessalonians 5:11

This world is full of people hoping to make themselves feel bigger and more important by putting other people down. It is how they attempt to raise themselves up. Honestly, it seldom works. 

In fact, in our attempts to build up another human, they somehow take us along for the journey. 

Encouragement doesn't usually cost us anything. The impact can resonate far beyond what we can see, like the ripples when you drop a stone in a lake. 

Today, I am grateful for words of encouragement. 

Uncomfortable Truths

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 154- Today, I am grateful for Uncomfortable Truths. 

Why? Because I cannot improve without constant evaluation.  Someone once told me, "Valerie, you can't stay stagnant in your walk with the Lord. You are either moving forward or slipping backward on the path." I wish I could tell you who the wise soul was. 

I had so many faith mentors in my childhood. (A special shout out to all of those who invested in Nazarene Youth Camps in the Chicago Central District and youth ministries... it was a game changer for me.)

We can all hear the same message and pull different things from the word. Today was communion and the scriptures from Matthew 22 and Hebrews 53. Both were illuminating. Both centered around Yeshua... the Hebrew name for Jesus and my personal favorite... who was both human(his mother) and devine (his Father). 

Jesus was at creation, with Isaiah as he penned what we know as chapter 53 long before his earthly birth. He was physically present on earth to do intellectual battle with the Sadducees and Pharisees in Matthew 22, and what a battle of wits it was! He was the ONLY ONE  who could take on the sins of the world and raise from the dead victorious once and for all. (Oh, my Earworm is singing...)

"Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus!" 

What was once accomplished one sacrificial animal at a time was over. Finished! On a cross at a hill called Golgotha, a greater work was done, once and for all. He did that! 

Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. -Hebrews 7:27

Not to make us feel guilty, but to show us the depth of His love and  His consuming desire for us to not be commanded to love him, but to love Him from the deepest part of our souls. Free will. It is priceless and easily misused.

 There is still an intentionally designed God-sized hole in our souls that only He can fit and only  He can fill. 
HE is our missing piece! HE is our missing peace!  

I cherish my family and friends. I enjoy my hobbies (Photography, Paper Crafting, Scrapbooking,& Genealogy), my writing, reading, the arts, and entertainment. I save the movies on my Philo App that I don't want to miss. Do I reserve time for Him first... or does he fall behind other things? Is HE my first love? 

Before his death in the Congo, Jim Elliot penned one of my favorite prayers: "God deliver me from the dread asbestos of "other things" Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame." And not long after, he was called to the jungle with a passion to share the gospel with those who would never hear it, if he remained in his safety zone. Jim Elliot was one of the missionaries killed during Operation Auca, in an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of ecuador on January 8, 1956, Curaray River, Ecuado. 

They didn't take Jim's life that day, he gave it. Just like his Jesus. 

There are many things in this world that we were given to enjoy. He gave us brains that can create wonders like technology, the ability to explore space, and create amazing music concerts given by artists He hasgifted with talent. What other gods, pleasures and desires do we put before Him? When we seek anything before Him, it becomes our God, including success and a comfortable bank account. 

He is really quite clear about how he feels about idols and other Gods.

Today, I am grateful for Uncomfortable Truths. (I often need this reminder.)

He is not Fragile

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 153- Today, I am grateful HE is not fragile.

Imagine TobyMac and CS Lewis sitting down together in conversation. Both gifted with the power of words born many generations apart. What if they wrote lyrics together? 

CS Lewis wrote: "If you wake up feeling fragile, remember that God is not, and then trust him to be everything you need today."

This little pick me up is the perfect for this moment. I hope others find it encouraging, too. 

Yes, there is a fragility to this life that is very real. It  is, also, a place where we can truly learn who God is. In these imperfect, overwhelming, and sometimes scary days, we are told to not be discouraged our dismayed. 

" This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

It is not a suggestion. We are instructed to be intentional with our trust in Him. That is easy when things are going well. But, this life does bring trials and troubles.  Who you gonna trust? "Ghostbusters?" No!!  We  are to call upon the Lord... who is worthy to be praised.  

We used to do an "echo song" with the littles.

 "I will call upon the Lord" (echo) 

"Who is worthy to be praised."  (Echo)

So shall I be saved from my enemies. (Echo)

Chorus together- 

The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock

And let the God of my salvation be exalted!

The Lord liveth and blessed be my Rock

And let the God of my salvation be exalted!

(I like the Petra version... it rocks)

We can "get a piece of the rock"... and I don't mean Prudential. 

Today, I am grateful HE is not fragile.

A Nice Breeze

 

Daily Gratitude-Year Eleven: Day 152- Today, I am grateful for a nice breeze. 

We have not yet succumbed to the air conditioning. I am savoring the nice breeze coming in the windows. I love fresh air. I know that too soon, the windows will be closed for days at a time. 

A gentle breeze often makes me think of the Holy Spirit. Dad always used to say "the Holy Spirit is a gentleman who would not force himself on anyone." I think Dad was right. 

The  Spirit is like a best friend who is always near to gently teach, remind, and comfort. We need Him like Linus needed his blanket in the Peanuts cartoon. 

"But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." -John 14:26

Savor the breeze and delight in His Spirit. 

Today, I am grateful for a nice breeze.