Words That Bring Hope

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 213- Today, I am grateful for words that bring hope. 

The St. Jude Run is just around the corner. For those who have battled any major health crisis, there is nothing that can compare to words that bring hope. When things seem dark, a little hope lights the darkness and calms the fears. 

Nature is full of miracles and wonders. I think it is why so many feel true Spiritual connections when they are  at a beach, in the woods, or farming the land. This passage is a reminder that words can bring hope, especially,  His word. 

"You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope." -Psalm 119:114

The sea turtle in this image will lay eggs on land. Then, when the time is right, the eggs will hatch and the babies will make their way to the sea. It always seem like a miracle to me. I love to see humans cheering them on. 

The Bible really is my favorite book of hope. It is definitely worth taking time to read.

Today, I am grateful for words that bring hope.

The Lighthouse

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 212- Today, I am grateful for the lighthouse. 

This is a watercolor image I made from a photo I took on Mackinac Island several years ago. It isn't the fanciest of the lighthouses out there, but it stands sentinel against the storms that come and go. 

I do not know if this one is currently used. I know that it has a history. If only they could talk. Imagine the stories they would tell. 

 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14,16 

There is an old gospel song that says, "If it wasn't for the lighthouse, where would this ship be?" Such a poignant question. 

I love that analogy. The song is referencing Jesus... but we are instructed to share His light with the world. 

Are we living as light... like the lighthouse? Do we shine bright, or has our light gone dim in the storms of life. In the storms is when the light is needed the most. 

Today, I am grateful for the lighthouse. 

More Than One Way

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 211- Today, I am grateful there is more than one way to make coffee. 

Creative and critical thinking are often born out of frustration or "necessity" in a particular circumstance. I fell in love with this image. (How can cartoon mice be so cute and real life once completely creep me out?) These little mice are adorable as they showcase the many ways to get that first cup of coffee. 

Yes, there are countless ways. I don't see a Keurig, Moka Pot (the cute Italian espresso maker), or a Pour Over in this image. There are so many ways to make coffee. 

We love the French Press. There is something about the process that is more calming than desperate, and the finished cup is always so good. 

There is more than one way to prepare sweet corn.  How about Bubba Gump Shrimp? Another example of one item done many ways.  

There are a few things that are "one way." Paul wrote about it in his Letter to the Galatians:

"I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News  but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ." -Galatians 1:5-7

Savor the things that can be enjoyed in more than one way. Don't miss the warnings for those that require a certain path. Look for the road signs.

But for coffee, there is more than one way to make a great cup.

Today, I am grateful for there is more than one way to make coffee. 

Things Done In Love

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 210- Today, I am grateful for the things done in love. 

 "And do everything with love." -1 Corinthians 16:14

We may not get everything right, but the things done in love in will be remembered with kindness. My Mama always said it was the secret ingredient that made everything taste better. She was right.

Choosing love above all else is not always the easy choice. We humans get our own ideas about things.  

Jesus was pretty clear. Love me. Love each other. That is how you get it right. Follow the leader. 

Today, I am grateful for the things done in love.

Never Fail

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 209- Today, I am grateful for "never fail" options. 

I love a "no fail" recipe. Who doesn't. After a lifetime of cooking, I learned the best way to do corn on the cob. It is no fail. The corn will not over cook and can sit warm in the pot. You want to know, right? If this is how you have always done it, I am sorry I missed corn on the cob night at your house. 

Here it is:

1. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a full boil. 
2. Turn the water off and place the corn in the hot water. 
3. Cover and set the timer for 10 minutes. (If using an electric stove top take it off the burner.)

Why did no one ever tell me this before? It never fails. It is perfect every time. 

My own tip is for reheating and leftovers. Cut squares of wax paper and roll the leftover ears of corn up like homemade caramels or taffy. Store in the fridge. Simply throw the leftover corn straight from the fridge to the microwave. Usually, about one minute is enough. Not quite as good as the first time, but for those of us who love the Midwestern delicacy, it works.

This scripture reminds us of something else that never fails:

For the word of God will never fail.” Luke 1:37 

Never! Some things take more time than others, but His Word is 100% dependable. It warns about twisting the truth, adding to, or taking from His Word. I don't advise it.

"Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.  His love is deep. His grace is wide. His mercy never fails... and neither does His justice." -Proverbs 30:5-6 

I think we could spend a lifetime in Proverbs and still not figure out all of the wisdom collected for us there, but we can keep trying. 

Today, I am grateful for "never fail" options.

When You Can't Lose!

  

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 208- Today, I am grateful for the times you know you can't lose.

One of the greatest feelings is knowing you can't lose. In this life, there are  ups and downs, twists and turns, and seasons of chaos and struggle. But, for those who have peace in their salvation... we can't lose. 

There are so many ways to frame it, but I love this one: 

"Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? -1 Corinthian 15:54-55   

On Sunday, the sermon included this quote. I was going to use it earlier in the week, but it goes perfectly with this post:

"The devil doesn't even have the keys to his own house! Don't invite him into yours."  

The thought made me giggle then, and I have thought about it all week long. In Revelation, an angel is sent with the key to lock the enemy away. 

Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. -Revelation 9:1

The Faithful enjoy the splendors of heaven. The fallen keep falling. 

Our God does not abandon His children. Death is not a destination or an end. It is a door. 

Today, I am grateful for the times you know you can't lose.

Sweet Cherries

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 207- Today, I am grateful for sweet cherries. 

The Love of my Life lived in Traverse City, MI, as a child. Much of his family is still there. July means it is Cherry season and time for the Cherry Festival. We have not been there for the festival in years, but we have fond memories of our visits there. 

There is a story downtown Traverse City that specializes in cherry items. From salsa to wine, if you can make it with cherries, they do. It makes me homesick for our family there. 

I am reminded this passage: 

"So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit." -Matthew 7:17

The scripture is actually an analogy for people. The whole passage is worth reading. "You will know them by their fruits." 

Be the good fruit. Savor the good fruit. 

Today, I am grateful for sweet cherries. 

Encourage Someone Today

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 206- Today, I am grateful we can encourage someone today. 

Just as a candle does not lose anything by lighting another along the way, encouragement is good for the one who gives and the one who receives. 

My sweet friend, Clara Jo, is an encourager. She told me she once told her that being an encourager was "Being a Barnabas." I have never forgotten the conversation.

Barnabas traveled at times with Paul. Paul had some physical struggles that made his days harder at times. Barnabas was an encouragement to Paul and to everyone else. 

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." -1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encouragement is not false praise. It is not blustery. It is not self serving. Encouragement says, " I see you are trying. I see you improving. I see you not giving up." We all need encouragers around us. 

We have a favorite family story about our niece, Kenzie.  I made her a pink "Super Kenzie" cape for her birthday. Not long after, I received a call from my Sister-in-Love, Jennifer. Kenzie was practicing her flying. 

She would attempt to take off from couches, stools, and steps. She was determined to fly. She wasn't giving up. Some stools were taller than others. She would leap and land. Leap and land. Leap and land. She did not quit. She would say, "I almost had it." 

Her tenacity and belief was precious. 

Uncle Randy was very helpful. He told Jennifer to tell her to "Climb a little higher!" He was joking. Jennifer and I feared she might. She is my brother Matthew's daughter. 

I am glad that Jennifer let her try. She needed encouragement in her attempts far more than she needed someone to shoot down her dreams of flight. 

Who can you encourage today? 

Today, I am grateful we can encourage someone today. 

Perfect Timing

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 205- Today, I am grateful for perfect timing. 

In cooking, you can ad lib. You can add brightness, salty, peppers, heat, or creaminess to fit your personal tastes. There can be emotion in cooking... for better and for worse. Sometimes we are heavy handed with one thing or another and have to figure out how to "fix it" before the dish is served. 

Honestly, we can learn a great deal about living when we cook. 

Baking on the other hand, it is more of an exact science. Things have to be measured more precisely. Too little or too much and the baked goods are ruined. The bread won't rise. The biscuits can end up like hockey pucks. 

While we are cooks, God is the baker. He gets it right every time. 

This image is full of statistics on those who waited in the Bible. It was in Sunday's sermon and I had to share it. The patience test is one I frequently fail. I need the reminder to trust our God who has perfect timing. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV

God is never early... and He is never late. His timing is always perfect. 

Today, I am grateful for perfect timing. 

"A Little Help From My Friends"

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 204- Today, I am grateful "I get by with a little help from my friends." 

I love that song. It captures that life is awkward and silly... sad and fun, too. We get by with a little help from our friends. 

This passage came up this week in Bible study:

"If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad." -1 Corinthians 12:26  

It compliments Romans 12:15. 

Life is better together. When one suffers, we all feel the pain. When one is honored, we all rejoice together. Tears and cheers. This is what it means to do life together. 

My dear friend, Julie C. (not L.), lost her mother this week. The ache is deep and real. 

Mothers are special. Julie loved my Mama well when others found her Huntington's Disease oddities uncomfortable. Julie was the last one to get my Mama ready for an "earthly party", as she does that special work for our hometown funeral home. Mama's soul was already gone, but Julie made sure she was ready for her viewing. 

Julie loved her own Mama well, too. She made sure she felt loved and valued for all of her days. Juanita lived for her family and her faith. Now, Juanita is free from the limitation of an earthly body. She is happy, whole, and with Jesus. Those who were already there welcomed her with rejoicing... and with requests for her to make potato salad. She made the best potato salad!  

I don't really know if Heaven has kitchens, but it is fun to imagine.  

Today, I am grateful for "a little help from my friends." 

Rules That Keep Us Safe

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 203- Today, I am grateful for rules that keep us safe.

Most rules are not designed to make us miserable. They are designed to keep us safe. 

If you think about it it is true. Speed limits, scuba diving, diets, and other choices we make every day. We can live within the rules, outside of the rules, or we can try to skirt the limits. That later can be a dangerous place to live. 

"I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me." -Psalm 119:30

We can ponder it all day long, but we come to the same conclusion. Most rules have purpose. 

Today, I am grateful for rules that keep us safe.

Lavender

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 202- Today, I am grateful for Lavender. 

I came late to the table when it came to lavender. I have never hated it, but I haven't always loved it. For me, it was an acquired delight. 

Now, I understand all that they say about the calming qualities. Taking in the scent of lavender leads to a sense of well-being.

I like my Earl Grey tea with cream and lavender. I like FarmHouse Fresh's Fluffy Bunny shower gel with its hints of lavender. I have a few cleaning products with lavender, too. What's not to love? 

"But I have calmed and quieted my soul," -Psalm 121:2(a)

Do not neglect the things that calm your body... and your soul. 

Today, I am grateful for Lavender. 

To Be Held

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 201- Today, I am grateful to be held. 

This old song speaks to my soul. 

Held by Natalie Grant 

This is what it means to be held
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell, we'd be held

The phrase "when the sacred is torn from your life and you survive" is a powerful lyric. Brokenness is a part of this world. We are instructed to be set apart. 

The song "Held" reminds me of this precious promise from the Old Testament. 

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

Victory guaranteed. 

Today, I am grateful to be held. 

Everyday Courage

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 200- Today, I am grateful for everyday courage.

This image is sweet. 

"Everyday courage has a few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name." Robert Louis Stevenson

Some days need a little extra courage in unexpected moments. The use of the word "noble" is perfect. It is about knowing who you are and who goes with you.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Today, I am grateful for everyday courage.

Faith By Hearing

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 199- Today, I am grateful faith comes by hearing.

"Can I get a witness?" is a line from an old Grand Funk song, "Some Kind of Wonderful."  It is repeated several times in the chorus. It is fun and upbeat. 

In any testimony, we are looking for  witnesses who saw, did, or heard something that is relative. A witness to a crime or a witness to a random act of kindness. I prefer kindness. 

There is something significant about a verbal testimony. Still, unless it is heard and received, the message is useless. 

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17

The sweet deer in the image has such big ears. They don't miss the tiniest sounds in the forest. They know what dangers are around them because they hear them. They don't have to see to believe it. If they did, they would fall prey to the predator. 

To be able to listen to the Word of God is a gift. To listen and believe is life changing. From sermons, from friends, from song lyrics, and storytelling. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God and the testimonies of those who have received and believed. 

Can I get a witness? 

Today, I am grateful faith comes by hearing.

Love Is Better

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 198- Today, I am grateful for reminders to love more. 

I love to learn. I enjoy research. I dig into a subject and get sucked down rabbit holes and follow unexpected trails. Learning is fun. 

This passage is a good reminder that knowledge can create arrogance. Love builds others up. Love is better than knowledge. 

"Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up." -1 Corinthians 8:1

Today, I am grateful for reminders to love more. 

Sanctuary

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 197- Today, I am grateful for sanctuary spaces. 

This passage came up in my Bible Study goup:

"Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" -1 Corinthians 3:16 (HSCB)

The song, "Sanctuary" has these lyrics:

"Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary.  Pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I'll be a living sanctuary for you. " 

What a beautiful thought. At times we feel like a broken mess, He still chooses to stay. He stays and waits. He lets us cry it out or pray it out, until we find that place of stillness in sweet surrender in the "not my will, but Thy will be done." 

Surrender is not giving up or giving in. Surrender is letting go and finding the freedom this world and its sorrows cannot steal. 

And suddenly, our souls are set free. 

Today, I am grateful for sanctuary. 

A Summer of Song

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 196- Today, I am grateful for a summer of song. 

This summer we have been enjoying Morton's live concerts in different locations. Thursday night we have Arts in the Park and on Fridays in July they have "Groove in the Garden." Our Farmer's Market is on Tuesdays in the late afternoon, and sometimes, there is live music there, too. It has been a summer of song. 

"Cousin Eddie" is one of our favorite local bands. They play a great mix from my youth and a little older, too. There was something for everyone. Tonight, we knew almost every song and they sounded great, despite the heat. The Baking Baer was there with sweets and Big Jake's Tater Tots kept the crowd fed. Some packed coolers. Most came with lawn chairs. 

Seriously, it has been a summer of song with something to do locally several times a week. If your little town or village goes to the trouble to put something on, it is a great idea to show up. 

Tonight, "Groove in the Garden" broke a record. I think she said 350 people attended. The garden was full of people. All ages. Mixed generations. Enjoying our summer of song. 

The following passage from Jeremiah talks about what it will be like when His people return to Him. It will be a celebration with singing and dancing. 

"For the Lord has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them. They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts— the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds.
Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone. The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing." -Jeremiah 31:11-13

Carpe diem... seize the day! Get out and join the summer of song. 

Today, I am grateful for a summer of song. 

 

Value

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 195- Today, I am grateful to be valued. 

Jesus told the parable of the good shepherd leaving his ninety-nine safe sheep to go and find one who was lost. The amazing thing about the parables is that you can learn something new every time you read them. 

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?: -Luke 15:4

Counting sheep would be a taxing task because they move around. Imagine, all of the  sheep are in the field and the shepherd realizes one is missing. I imagine they have their individual personalities and the shepherd knows his sheep. He probably isn't surprised by the identity of the one who wandered off. He has to find him. A protective force within him, calls him to the task. He feels driven to find the lost one and return it to the herd. 

The shepherd has 99 other sheep, but the one who is lost is worth risking his own life to save. He does not know what dangers lay beyond the pasture borders. Still, he goes. Why? Something of value needs to be saved. Something or someone. The value of that life becomes pricless because the shepherd sees its worth.

I love that!

Today, I am grateful to be valued. 

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 194- Today, I am grateful the real things haven't changed.

"The real things haven't changed. It's still best to be honest and truthful; it make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mama Ina Mae loved "The Little House on the Prairie" books even more than I did. When the TV show came out, she watched it over and over again. It was one of her "comfort shows" in her last days, too. They made me cry when I was little... and they still do. They dealt with some tough issues. 

One of the things we loved about the Little House series was the reminder of the things that really matter. From one generation to the next, the important stuff doesn't really change. How we gather and communicate may look a little different, but it is the people that matter most. The relationships that shape us, define us, refine us, and many last a lifetime. I love this passage.

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. -Psalms 100:5 NLT

His goodness continues. Recognize it. Be intentional.  

Today, I am grateful the real things haven't changed.

Ducks in a Row

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 193- Today, I am grateful for the times my ducks are all in a row. 

In the last half of my day... I did everything I could do to put my ducks in a row... but, they would not stay in a row. They would not stay put.

It was just one of those days. I love this quote:

"My ducks are absolutely not in a row. I don't even know where some of them are... and I'm pretty sure one of them is a pigeon." - Unknown (Shared by Sister-in-Love Jennifer) 

When I saved this image, I had know idea of what the day ahead would bring. I just set it aside because it was funny. I thought I might be able to use it on another day. Well, it turns out today is that day.

Next time you are having a day that doesn't go quite right... imagine the ducks... and the pigeon. Chin up and press on. 

The days that humble me are not my favorites, but they are good for the soul. 

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

I am so grateful for those who are kind and loving when I miss the mark.  It makes me even more grateful for the days that are smooth sailing. 

Today, I am grateful for the times my ducks are all in a row... even if a pigeon joins the row!  

Another Year

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 191- Today, I am grateful for another year.

In this season of life more than ever, I do not take for granted the gift of counting another year together. Each one is a gift. 

The Love of My Life really is perfect for me. I have a very full day tomorrow so he surprised me with an Anniversary meal that we both loved... and fresh flowers. There is nothing like a colorful bouquet to make my day. 

Love in this chapter of life is even sweeter than it was when we were younger. It is seasoned with the spice of so many memories made together. Some days have trials, but most are sweet.

Randy can quote this scripture:

 "It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home." -Proverbs 25:24                                

I am grateful neither of us has to live on a corner of the roof or in the attic. 

The  best part of the day is coming home. 

Today, I am grateful for another year.

Jude's Letter

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 190- Today, I am grateful for a letter from Jude.

Last Sunday, a message from Jude was given with no holds barred. Straight up and personal. 

The Book of Jude is a letter placed just before Revelation, which I find interesting. It feels like it is the author's "last chance" to tell something,  just in case he does not survive to write the next letter. 

I know that man had a hand in ordering the ancient manuscripts of the Bible as we know it, but it is equally true that God directs man's hand when it is His Word.  

The authorship of Jude is not completely clear. Most believe he was one of the original twelve. He was likely related to James... but was it James, the son of Alpheus, or James, the brother of Jesus? Jude/Judas are the same name. Thaddeus means "courageous heart", and was a possible nickname for the disciple since Judas Iscariot was a disciple, too.  

Does authorship matter? I find it more interesting and it can help us gain a deeper understanding of a text, but it is God's Word. He protects it. We are instructed to protect it, too. Jude tries to get that point across to the readers, too. 

To me, Jude's letter feels like a "read this before leaving" letter. Revelation comes next.  

I went back and reread Jude's letter... the entire text. It gave me chills (the good kind) to find it connected directly (vs. 11) to another Old Testament passage I had explored after listening to Jordan Peterson interview Tim Ballard and Jim Caviezel about the "Sound of Freedom" movie. Peterson mentioned the passage and I looked it up (Genesis 4:7 with the original Hebrew for comparison) to read it for myself. Again... chills! 

"Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” -Genesis 4:7 

The word for "its desire" in  Hebrew is one that means a craving... like as a woman for a man, a man for a woman, or a beast to devour. It strongly links the need for power with sexual cravings. Interesting, right? Relevant in 2023? I think so. 

From the beginning of time, it has been a struggle. For Cain, it led to the murder of his brother because of the sin in his own heart. Predatory and power seeking behavior is real. Human trafficking is real. "Sound of Freedom" gives a glimpse into the very real darkness. Money, power, and unthinkable perversions surround the victims who are sold again and again.  

It makes me angry. Then, Jude gives me more to think about:

"And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." Jude (vs. 22-23)

God will judge those who have sold their souls for power and pleasure. Courageous men and women are on the front lines of bringing justice to the evil, rescue to the victims, and hope for the future. We can support things like Operation Underground Railroad (Justice) and International Justice Mission(Mercy). We can wear a dress every day in Dressember. 

May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. -Jude (vs. 2)

Today, I am grateful for a letter from Jude.

Emma

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 189- Today, I am grateful for Emma.

I am so grateful for the sweet little girl who grew up to be our Daughter-In-Love. Today is her special day of celebrating her arrival into our world. 

We will never take for granted the rare blessing of knowing her from her birth and getting to watch her grow up with our son. 

We find her amazing in every way. She was always on the "short list" of girls you would love to add to your family, but what are the odds of it really happening outside of cultures where marriages are arranged by parents and families?

Their love story did not really bloom until they were adults, but it was well seeded, watered, and grew deep roots. I am so grateful Chase recognized the rare "pearl of great value" and didn't miss her because she was familiar and comfortable. 

"When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" -Matthew 13:46

She will always be considered an answer to a lifetime of prayers for God's best for our son. She makes us laugh, smile, and adds so much to our family. 

Today, I am grateful for Emma.

Softens But Doesn't Melt

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 188- Today, I am grateful for a heart that softens but doesn't melt. 

"Allow God to continually soften your heart, so that it beats for what His heart beats for... people." -Unknown Source

This quote took my mind to an unexpected place. Melted butter and soft butter. They are the same ingredient when we purchase it at the store, but butter can easily change form and shape. 

It makes a huge difference when baking. Do not use melted butter when a recipe calls for softened. When the recipe is done, something will be off. The right state of being for the right job. 

Perhaps there is a life lesson in there to be learned. Let God soften your heart, but don't completely melt. Sometimes we need to hold on to a little form to be useful. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we are clearly told not to harden our hearts. 

" So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” -Hebrews 4:7

Soft hearts that are able to receive the truth and remain firm make all the difference.  

Today, I am grateful for a heart that softens but doesn't melt. 

Words On A Page

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 187- Today, I am grateful for words on a page. 

In this high tech world, I still love a book and words on a page. A handwritten note is the sweetest of gifts. Words captured on a page feel safe and permanent. 

I've been reading a fictional book series about the world in crisis when suddenly and with no warning, all electronics go down. Cars won't start. Phones do not work. The book is a harsh reminder that life as we know it can be fragile.    

What real books do we have in our homes, on our shelves, and in our hands? If the internet was down, how would we find answers? Yes, words on a page can be passed down from generation to generation. 

             

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." - Matthew 24:35

It is a promise. His words will never disappear. 

Today, I am grateful for words on a page. 

Proverbs 31

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 186- Today, I am grateful for Proverbs 31.

If the 10 Commandments and Golden Rule help us align our moral compass, Proverbs 31 sets the bar for being a woman. This passage is rich in wisdom and direction. It is full of encouragement while providing examples of womanhood in step with our God. 

In the image, The Living Bible is the translation. I really liked that version. The NLT is good, too, but something about the way it frames "kindness" as the "rule" for everything she says hits  home with me. 

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." - Proverbs 31:26 (NLT)

None of us is perfect, but we can keep trying. Practicing these instructions daily helps to make them a natural response. 

Today, I am grateful for Proverbs 31.

The Fourth of July

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 183- Today, I am grateful for The Fourth of July. 

The rabbit hole they call genealogy is a big adventure. This year, I know a little more about our family history. This year, I know that on my Mama's side of the family the Revolution was something they lived, and not just read in the history books. I can't even imagine it. 

The Calkins, St. John, Forney, Bess/Best/Bosch, Crippen and Davenport men choose freedom over tyrannical rule. They were men of courage and conviction. They had a vision. They were dreamers and doers. They did not shrink in the face of danger or defeat. They kept pressing on and into the hope that gave birth to these United States. They believed in something bigger than themselves. 

This verse reminds me to take notice of all God has done. Every little detail of His plan unfolds and points to the glory of God. 

"In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!" -Isaiah 12:4

The Fourth of July is another chance to remind ourselves of His might... and to give thanks for those who purchased our freedom.  

Today, I am grateful for The Fourth of July. 

Freedom Warriors

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 182- Today, I am grateful for freedom warriors.

I cannot truly imagine 1776. Neil Diamond's song "America" always pulls at my heart strings. From so many different places, races, languages, and ways of worship, an infant country was born. The desire for freedom was held like a sacred tenant as the Declaration of Independence was written. 

Things were already different from the "New World" the Mayflower passengers found when they stepped ashore. I am sure sea travel had improved by 1776.It was still not easy, but easier than the Mayflower and early ships that arrived. 

In this modern era, it is easy to become sentimental about the good old days. In truth, the only thing we can be certain of is change. Technology changes constantly, but do people really change? Over the course of centuries, most cultures abide by a code of conduct, laws, or expectations. Many over the centuries self-destruct. They destroy themselves from within. History tends to  repeat itself, if the people living it out do not learn from the mistakes of their ancestors.

As I look through the pages of history, there is something that happens when any culture, community, or government loses its moral compass. Once True North" is lost, corruption thrives and hard times follow. In the hard times, there are choices to be made. 

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." -2 Chronicles 7:14

That passage contains a powerful promise.

"Sound of Freedom" is being released this week. It is based on the life of Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security Agent who decided he could not sit by and do nothing while children around the globe were being abducted into the dark, evil, and cruel world of human trafficking. I've heard him speak on several occasions. His desire is to fight for truth, for freedom, and to help reset the moral compass of this nation. 

Today, I am grateful for freedom warriors.