We Were Made For Worship

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 243- Today, I am grateful to be reminded that we were made for worship. 

We were designed for worship... and for relationship. We need both. 

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice," -Psalm 95:6-7

He is our God. We are his people. Worship and relationship.

 Philosophers have observed this behavior from humans for millennia. Money, power, a king, pleasure, celebrities, fashion, pleasure, sports, nature, or God. I am sure we could add to the list.  Those quickly came to mind. 

Worship and relationships... it is where we learn to live life fully engaged. 

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." -Romans 12:1

We get so excited to see our favorite artists in concert. Do we get equally excited to worship our Lord? Something to ponder. 

Today, I am grateful to be reminded that we were made for worship. 

Bright Blooms

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 242- Today, I am grateful for bright blooms. 

These blooms are the children of seeds shared by my lifelong friend, Roxanne. The blooms are bright and beautiful... just like she is. 

She shared seeds she had harvested the year before. I planted them and harvested the seeds in the fall. Then, I planted them this past spring. These zinnias are blooming beautifully. 

This year has not been an easy year for flowers. They grew slowly, but they grew. They bloomed late, but they bloomed. They keep growing... and they keep on blooming. Nature is having a strange year, but good things come to those who are patient. 

We have enjoyed the bright blooms and our hummingbird has enjoyed them, too. 

"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”- Isaiah 40:8

These beautiful blooms will fade, dry up, and go to seed. Then, we will harvest the seeds for next year. But, for today, we will celebrate their glory days. 

Today, I am grateful for bright blooms. 

From Scratch Recipes

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 241- Today, I am grateful for from scratch recipes. 

Growing up rural, we made big grocery trips only once or twice a month. We purchased milk, bread, and other staples at the local grocery store, but for big grocery shopping... we ran to Kankakee. 

Have I mentioned how much I dislike the taste of white bread that has been frozen? It comes from a childhood of freezer burnt bread. Yuck! The truth is, I have never been hungry or I wouldn't be so opinionated about such things. I

This recipe for Bleu Cheese dressing looks delicious and easy. The hardest thing would be waiting 24 hours before serving it up. Some recipes taste better after the flavors blend together. 

Cooking from scratch makes use of what is in the pantry.

"Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch, but the diligent make use of everything they find." -Proverbs 12:27

I know the gift of easy meals, but I don't want to forget the value of "from scratch" recipes.

Today, I am grateful for from scratch recipes. 

The Tenderhearted

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 240- Today, I am grateful for the tenderhearted.

It is okay to cry at commercials and happy endings. Do the animal shelter commercials grab your heart and squeeze it tight? A tender hearts is a gift, even if it comes with some tears along the way. 

This was the passage highlighted in my Bible Study group today:

"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." -Ephesians 4:32

This passage is an excellent reminder of grace and the way Jesus answered the question, "How shall we pray?" What was the answer? 

"Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." 

A powerful and humbling response. None of us is without sin. Choosing kindness is intentional. Forgiveness is intentional. 

Today, I am grateful for the tenderhearted.

Perfect Peace

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 239- Today, I am grateful perfect peace is possible. 

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" -Isaiah 26:3

Not just peace... perfect peace. 

Trust requires action. 

Earworm is singing, "Fix My Eyes." by For King and Country.

Not all days are perfect, but His grace is sufficient. 

 Today, I am grateful perfect peace is possible.

Scrolls

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 238- Today, I am grateful for "Scrolls."   

Our family is big on supporting local businesses whenever we can. In a little village like ours, if we don't show up and shop with our local store owners, we will lose them. 

Amazon won't ever love you back... ever. Our little Mom and Pop shops do.

We have the cutest little ice-cream shop in town. It is called "Scrolls." They artistically create and roll scrolls of ice cream mixed with all kinds of goodness. It is part entertainment and part delicious dessert. You have to check them out. 

My Daughter-in-Love, Emma, testifies without hesitation that "there is always room for ice cream!" We believe she is right!  My Dad would have loved that about Emma.  Dad felt the same way and so did my Grandpa Lindgren. 

The Love of My Life is a big ice cream fan, too. I try to make sure he always has some in the freezer, but a trip to "Scrolls" is always more fun than the ice cream at home... especially with the family. And, the couple who own the shop (and their family) are the best! The ice cream might be frozen, but the welcome is warm.  

They have some pre-rolled and ready to go, but if you have the time... savor the experience. It is worth the wait. 

"Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." -Psalm 27:13-14

Today, I am grateful for "Scrolls." 

Memories That Don't Fade

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 237- Today, I am grateful for the memories that don't fade. 

August 26th was Saturday in 1995... the same as it is this year. We were 2 weeks from my sister's wedding on September 9th.  

April was serving in the Air Force in Okinawa. The Love of Her Life was a Marine named Mark.  She had met Mark there. They fell in love and had saved all of their leave time for the wedding and honeymoon. We had not met Mark face to face. 

April wanted to get married on the farm. Dad had it looking beautiful for the big day. Mama had wedding stuff from one end of the house to the other. She was so excited April would wear her wedding dress. April was excited that I stopped Mama from turning her beautiful A-line dress into something from "Gone With the Wind." Mama loved Scarlett's dresses and she knew how to alter a wedding dress. My last conversation with April we had a great chat, some sister giggles,  and our final words were, "I love you. See you soon!" 

On 8-26-95, my Sister-in-Love, Jennifer, was very, very pregnant with Ciara. Matthew was at work. Randy, Chase, and I were at home in Peoria. Mama and Dad were returning from their weekly prayer breakfast, just like they did most Saturdays. On the way home, they stopped by Shoemaker's where Matt sold farm equipment. No one could have anticipated what came next. 

A car pulled up. The man was not in uniform, but he had that military air about him, even without the uniform. He stopped at the John Deere shop knowing the farm people would be able to direct them to my parents farm. We didn't have GPS in 1995. When he asked, one of the guys said, their son works here... and Kenny and Ina Mae just happen to be in his office.  

The Chaplain walked in. I don't know his name. He carried the letter. You know the one. "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lindgren, we regret to inform you that your daughter, Airman First Class April Lindgren is..." I do not know how much he read, or how much he simply spoke the words from experience. I do know nothing was ever the same again. There would forever be an empty seat at the family table and an unused Christmas stocking with her name on it. 

Matt picked up the phone and called me. How do you respond? Shock is like that. Numbness is a gift.

She was gone from this life. She would not wear Mama's wedding gown. She received a heavenly crown instead. Shattered doesn't even begin to explain how we felt. There were no words, but there was a wedding to cancel. 

Caters, long distance guests, flowers, and a funeral to plan. Dad predicted almost every week of her life, "April, you're gonna be late to your own funeral." She was. That made us laugh then... it still does. Sometimes, you laugh to keep from breaking. 

We met her sweet Marine fiancé, Mark, right before the visitation. The Air Force and Marines let him accompany her home. Chuck Anders, a dear family friend, was in charge at Knapp Funeral home. He walked closely with us every step of the way. I am grateful for the people who work in our funeral homes who help us through those moments we can't breathe. 

I am grateful for the many who brought stories we had never  heard. I am grateful that I know we will have a heavenly reunion ahead... and it is 29 years closer than it was back then. 

She was there to welcome home those who "finished the race" after her. Having adult children of my own, I can't imagine the depth of Mama and Dad's grief. Our babies are always our babies... even when they become women and men. 

An undiagnosed heart defect was the final report that came from Walter Reed Hospital. Knowledge of the "why" didn't lessen the sorrow. Only time, prayer, and knowledge of the hope that lies on the other side of the grave gets a person through. 

I picture her standing at a farm table in a country kitchen serving coffee and cookies. I have no clue what is ahead when we reach heaven, but it is fun to dream of the possibilities.  

"I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again." - 1 Timothy 1:4

Today, I am grateful for the memories that don't fade. 

Garlic

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 236- Today, I am grateful for garlic. 

I missed it! I did a search and never have I offered gratitude for "garlic."

I like garlic. Most in my family love it. For me, it can be too much if the taste remains with me until I can get to my toothbrush. It is another overlooked gift from the garden. 

I picked up some garlic at a market last weekend. Varieties I have never tried. I forget that there are so many varieties of most herbs and spices beyond what we get at the local market.

Alden Mill House in Michigan makes custom spice mixes. You can find their spices all around Traverse City, and they have a storefront in Alden. They have two that I love that include garlic. "Garlic Lover's Delight" and "Miracle Mix" are perfect blends. Please look them up. They are a fabulous small business and their blends are oh so good! ("Char Broil It" is my other favorite. It adds the flavor of charcoal without sweet talking a husband into firing up the charcoal grill.) Back to garlic...  

I must be missing Traverse City. They have a spice store in downtown Traverse City called "Spice and Tea Merchants"  that has some unique spices, including some Indian/Asian blends. Plenty of garlic on the shelf, but I am loyal to Aldens Mill House for my garlic. 

Garlic has many health benefits which is why I am shocked I have neglected it on my gratitude list. 

One word of caution. Garlic can be toxic to your dogs and cats. Please be careful if you feed your dogs and cats "people" food. 

What do you bring to impress a King? King Solomon was known for his wisdom and his wealth. People often brought him precious gifts when they sought his help. spices were on the list. They were as precious... and sometimes more precious... than gold or jewels. 

"The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules." -1 Kings 10:24-25

 That was more educational than devotions. You never know where the gratitude train may lead. Some days, I don't know either. 

Today, I am grateful for garlic. 

Caught

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 235- Today, I am grateful to be caught.

For me, this is the right verse at the right time:

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. -Psalm 94:18-19

How I love the word picture created in this passage. The sense of being caught and supported by His unfailing love. Oh, the joy!

Sometimes, we see or sense danger. Other times, it catches us unaware. In every situation, He is ready to catch us, to support us, to give us renewed hope, and cheer. What a deal, right? 

I had a little "slip and fall" event recently, but someone was there to catch me and help me up. The only thing hurt was my pride. Hurt pride is character forming and good for us. Self reliance can be a dangerous thing. Of course, "pride goes before a fall", so maybe it was all a part of the lesson I needed for the day... or the week. 

Just when I think I have things under control, there are twists and turns in the road. When I get too caught up in my personal "to-do" list, I have to trust His plan. When He redirects me, I need to fall into His arms and not fight the fall. 

Today, I am grateful to be caught.

Belonging

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 234- Today, I am grateful for belonging.

Ruth was a young widow who had chosen the faith of her husband. She, also, chose to stay with her deeply grieving Mother-in-Law, Naomi. 

Nothing was easy about Ruth's life. Still, she seemed to try and do the right thing. Somehow, she embraced Naomi and loved her through her sorrows. As long as they stuck together, they had shared memories of their marriages. They continued to share what they had as they attempted to rebuild their lives. I am sure they found a sense of belonging when they were together. 

Boaz watched Ruth attempt to feed her and Naomi from what was left in the fields after the crops were harvested. Her work ethic must have impressed him. Her diligence and the intentional way she worked to find what they needed. 

I love that Boaz seemed to catch a glimpse of her heart. When he saw her he asked:

"Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?” -Ruth 2:5

Belonging to someone gave protection. Belonging to someone meant there would be provision. Ruth and Naomi needed both in that day and age.

We humans have a need to belong. God designed us in that manner. I am always grateful for those who foster a sense of belonging for others. 

Today, I am grateful for belonging.

Scars

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 233- Today, I am grateful for scars.

 

Our scars tell our story. 

Accidents, surgery, and even scratching a bite too hard can leave scars. No life is completely without injury. Injury is often accompanied by scars.  

"My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." -Psalm 51:17

 A good reminder that broken does not mean useless or without value. 

Today, I am grateful for scars.

Air Conditioning

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 232- Today, I am grateful for air conditioning.

We are hitting a heat wave this week. It never fails. As soon as the kids get back in school, there always seems to be a heatwave. 

Then, by the end of football of fall sports, the temperatures are freezing. I love the changing seasons, but some I would like to be longer than others. 

Our little blue planet's annual trip around the sun seems faster each year. There are truly only a few weeks between summer's heat, fall's briskness, and winter's deep chill. Right now, we are feeling the heat, so I am extremely grateful for air conditioning. 

Air Conditioning is on my "once a year" gratitude list because I never want to take it for granted. (Great idea for today's gratitude, Jennifer.)

This passage was perfect for today. 

"For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer." -Psalm 32:4

Spending any time outside at all zaps your strength. Air conditioned spaces provide comfort and a place to rest and restore.  The Psalm uses it to describe how we feel when we are out of step with our Lord. 

Nothing is hidden from him. It is something we know intellectually, but we forget there is a human physical response to being out of step with Him due to unconfessed sin. Confession frees our souls and lightens our spirits. It is refreshing like air conditioning. 

Today, I am grateful for air conditioning.

The Constants

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 231- Today, I am grateful for the constants in our lives. 

This is a great verse. 

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." - Psalm 16:8

Claims the blessing. He is our constant. 

Today, I am grateful for the constant in our lives. 

My Tribe

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 230- Today, I am grateful for good friends, great friends and best friends... my tribe. 

This image makes me smile every time. It is so true, right? 

I am reminded that our friends who are family and family who are friends are the ones that make each trip around the sun really special.

 They make our lives richer in laughter and experiences. They are our tribe.

Time marches on and seasons change, but our people make all the difference. 

This meme is funny, but it also makes me remember that it is important to choose the people of influence in our lives wisely. 

 "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." -Proverbs 13:20 NLT

I am grateful for those who share their wisdom... including their mistakes. It is how we learn. It is how we grow. 

Today, I am grateful for good friends, great friends and best friends... my tribe. 

Comfort

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 229- Today, I am grateful for comfort.

Sometimes, we can't make it better. Some situations require us to be long-suffering. In those seasons, we have choices. We cannot always change the situation, but we can choose how we respond. 

Comfort is never to be underestimated. Grief shared is a grief divided. 

"... weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15 

There is something unforgettable about those who walk with us in the hard seasons where comfort is rare and the trials are deep and wide.

This passage points to "The God of all Comfort."

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." -2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

To be able to give the same comfort God has given us. Never underestimate the power of compassion and a warm embrace. 

Today, I am grateful for comfort.

Good Sharers

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 228- Today, I am grateful for "good sharers." 

All of our neighbors share. We literally have seven houses on our short little street, and every one of them is filled with "good sharers." The Ackerman, Gannon, Fairley, Dietz, Hall, Smith, & Lau families have bonded. 

The men share tools, lawn care, mowing, edging, good conversation, and advice on projects. Each one has different skills and knowledge. The Love of my Life calls it "phone a friend" when it is time to consult one of the other guys. There is always laughter and smiles. 

The women... we share garden goods, cookies, encouragement, tales of our families, cups of sugar or eggs, and our hearts as we walk through each season in life. Most of us have been here for 20 years or more. 

We went from a neighborhood of small children to one that looked like a used car lot with teen drivers. Our teens shared rides to school. And now, most are empty nesters. (The neighborhood's "baby girls" are in college and 8th grade. I do not know where the time went.) 

Not long ago, "sweet corn" was my gratitude of the day. Today, it involves sweet corn, but my gratitude is for those who share with joy. We were intentional in teaching our sons to be "good sharers." That is the phrase we used when they were little. I think they are. They both have generous hearts. 

We have our friends who have become family who always let us know "when the corn is ready" at the farm. That call always feeds this farm girl's soul. There is nothing like fresh sweet corn right off the cob.  Their generosity does not go unnoticed. 

A neighbor two streets over put a table in the front yard with "free sweet corn." It is a home I drive by or walk by many times over my way to or from work each week. It is not someone I know. (Contrary to popular belief, I do not know everyone in Morton.) 

I am grateful for the sharers.  

Generosity and hospitality please our Lord. 

"And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." -Hebrews 13:16 NLT

Today, I am grateful for "good sharers." 

Masterpiece

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 227- Today, I am grateful to be His masterpiece. 

Art is pretty subjective. What some call art, others describe as something a child could have created. Actually, I've seen children create amazing art... and professional artists whose work has no appeal to me. Art speaks to the heart. 

I love this reminder that we are all unique and all are treasured by the One who shapes us and gives us breath. 

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10

Embrace your worth... but by your own design, but because of a touch from the Master's hand. 

Today, I am grateful to be His masterpiece. 

The Inextinguishable

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 226- Today, I am grateful for the inextinguishable. 

My obsession with light continues. His light casts no shadow, and darkness cannot extinguish it. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. - John 1:5 NLT

The first rays of light at dawn and the last light of the setting sun, light always wins over the dark. I love to ponder that truth. It has great spiritual significance.  

Today, I am grateful for the inextinguishable. 

His Truth

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 225- Today, I am grateful for His truth.

This verse spoke to my soul today.

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." -Psalm 25:5

His truth lights our way. We can place our hope in him all day long. In His light, there are no secrets or secret places. In Him, there is hope and restoration.

The echoes of the film "Sound of Freedom" are still fresh in my mind. The world is so full of darkness, but His truth remains our hope.

Today, I am grateful for His truth.

Chase

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 224- Today, I am grateful for Chase!

How can it be that 32 years have flown by? 

What a wonderful ride it has been to see him grow from newborn to a man and a husband. I never want to be prideful about my children, because I know they had imperfect parents. Somehow, they came out really special. Today is Chase's day. 

I love his integrity, his compassionate heart, his deep ability to love, watching his mind work, his wit, and his wisdom. He listens and picks up not just on things said, but unsaid. He loves Emma with complete devotion, and her taking first place as the most important woman in his life, somehow makes me love him more. It is as it should be... and she loves him back with the same devotion, as God intended.  

He looks like his Dad... but there are things we have in common that are totally genetic. (Sorry Emma... he will always have hobbies and something new sparking his interest every 5-10 years.) He is faithful, loyal, and his soul is gentle. One on one conversations are the best. He really listens. 

He is precious to us... but Jesus loves him even more. I don't think I fully understood "being willing to lay down my life without hesitation" for another, until I held him in my arms. It is why you don't mess with Mama Bears. 

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." Psalm 127:3 

We love him more than words can say. We are always happy to celebrate his special day... but he is not one who seeks attention. We pray that God grants him many more birthdays to live, laugh, love, and serve. 

Today, I am grateful for Chase!

Captive Thoughts

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 223- Today, I am grateful for captive thoughts.

How often do our thoughts get in the way? We let them wander to places that lead us to worry, anxiety, or poor decisions.

Human arrogance has been a problem since the fall. Someone once wisely said that "eating the forbidden fruit was not the original sin. It was the pride and arrogance that led to that first bite." Their desire was to be like God. God's desire was for them to love Him back by choice and out of love and relationship. Not by force or fear.

How do we "take every thought captive"?

"We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

Sometimes, our thoughts run rampant. They lead to places we do not want to be. This passage is a challenge to take those thoughts and mold them into obedience and build relationships. The scriptures are consistent. His desire is to love and be loved in return.

Our thoughts are prone to wander. We see shiny things. He wants us to be captivated by Him.

Today, I am grateful for captive thoughts.

Encouraging Words

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 222- Today, I am grateful for encouraging words. 

You may never know the difference an encouraging word can make in someone else's dark day. Everyone has some unseen trial they have experienced. Encouragement is like throwing light on a dark place. 

It scatters. I like to think of it as glitter. 

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

My friend, Patti M....she is an encourager. She gave me a sign for my desk that reminds us to build each other up. She does that in her classroom. I have seen her throw a little glitter of encouragement and change the mood in a room. 

The Complain Train and the Encouragement Engine ride the same rails. Sometimes, they are hooked together, which is good for one of them. 

I need the reminder to be intentional. The Lord knows my thoughts... which is pretty humbling. 

I used to have a quote on all of my emails that said, "Be a lamp, a ladder, or a lifeboat." It is a choice we make every day. Lamps light the way and disperse the darkness. A ladder lifts someone up who is struggling. A lifeboat is purely a rescue. All of us need to be rescued sometimes. That, too, is  humbling. 

Today, I am grateful for encouraging words. 

Wisdom of the Humble

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 221- Today, I am grateful for the wisdom of the humble.  

Someone once said, "If you want to understand life again, talk to a 4 year old or an 84 year old. This picture captures that perfectly. My cousin, Cheryl Wheeler, found this image and sent it to me. I am so grateful she didn't pitch it. 

I was able to take this really over-exposed image and bring it back to a real memory. This image is my Grandpa Harry Lindgren (born in 1989) and my little brother Matthew (born in 1971). 

Grandpa Harry was painting the outside of the windows. Matthew wanted to be with him, but he was too little  and too "helpful" to not end up in the paint or in the barn unsupervised. This picture speaks volumes about the relationship between these two. 

"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" -Job 12:2

"At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." -Matthew 11:25

Then, my niece, Ciara, shared a story with me today. It had a picture of a farmer in his overalls, but it made me remember this family photo, and I had to use it. Here is the story: 

A pastor asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.

"Lord, I hate buttermilk", the farmer began. The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going.

The farmer loudly proclaimed, "Lord, I hate lard." Now the pastor was growing concerned. 

Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, "And Lord, you know I don't much care for raw white flour". The pastor once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn't the only one to feel uncomfortable. 

Then the farmer added, "But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits. So Lord, when things come up that we don't like, when life gets hard, when we don't understand what you're saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen." 

Such a simple wisdom. Such a beautiful prayer. 

Today, I am grateful for the wisdom of the humble.  

To Be Considered Valuable

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 220- Today, I am grateful to be considered valuable. 

I love the sassy and fabulous Liz Curtis Higgs. Years ago we heard her speak at Ladies Day at ONU. She brings scripture to life like few others. She does it by reading directly from passages. No embellishing (do not add or take away)... but somehow, she makes it read like today's newspaper or blog. 

I remember her teaching about the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon. She reminded us that she came with her entourage and animals loaded with rich gifts for King Solomon. One of the things I remember from that day is that she reminded us that the spices were often worth more than the gold. 

I've heard this phrase so many times, "It is only worth what someone is willing to pay." Just like on the Antiques Road Show that the Love of my Life and I enjoy watching. Then we discuss, "would we keep it our sell it?" On reruns of older episodes, they often update to the current price of the items on today's market. Some should have sold when they had the chance. Others increase significantly just a few years or a decade. Markets are unpredictable. 

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." -Luke 12:6-7

We are of great value! You. Me. Crazy, right? He is crazy about us. He longs for us to return to a relationship with him. What are we worth? He chose human skin, a lowly birth, a humble childhood, and a cross to redeem  us. His sacrifice was intentional. His love is deep and wide. We can run, but He is there. To surrender is true freedom. It is a paradox. It is true. 

Today, I am grateful to be considered valuable. 

Weird Little Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 219- Today, I am grateful for the weird little things that make you happy.

This picture is the best. If you feel the need to wear a teacup on your head like a helmet, go for it. It doesn't hurt anyone. Just be sure you can see where you are going. 

Being just a little weird is a good thing. Dr. Suess said, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out, right?" 

Look at this passage. It even has a semicolon. 

"He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me." - Psalm 18:19

Ohmygoodness! He delights in me, I am that weird little thing that makes Him happy... and so are you. 

Embrace your quirks, but never be a jerk. Be kind to others when their uniqueness leaks out. Savor it. We all have so many things that are alike, but is our differences that make us interesting. 

Cold sheets are a delight for some, and a nightmare for others. Morning and nighttime rituals vary from person to person. Some are more unique than others. 

Today, I am grateful for the weird little things that make you happy.

Healthy Respect & Balance

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 218- Today, I am grateful for a healthy respect and balance.

These days, we have all kinds of marketing related to health and dieting that looks at finding that perfect balance. Diet, metabolism, vitamins, exercise, hormone balance and so much more. It is not a bad thing to have a healthy respect for these human bodies that need to live well for all of our days. It seems that our modern conveniences have taken a toll. 

This verse was in my Bible study:

"Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God." -2 Corinthians 7:1

Do we see a healthy balance in our spiritual lives? Do we work so hard at the law that we miss the love? Do we focus so much on love, that we are not as aware of His laws and His ways. When we see the words "fear God," yes... we tremble in His presence... He is awesome... but we can be confident that His love is deep, wide, forgiving and self-sacrificing. 

As I was thinking on this post, this was my verse of the day:

"For the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us." -Isaiah 33:32

He offered me the perfect compliment to the other scripture. He is our everything. He provided a way to our reconciliation and the knowledge of His sacrifice will always be humbling and something to celebrate all at the same time. 

A healthy "fear" of the Lord is one that remembers that He is love, justice, and mercy. Our God is an awesome God! 

Today, I am grateful for a healthy respect and balance.

These Three Remain...

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 217- Today, I am grateful "these three remain."

 I am in the middle of a series from Terri Blackstock that was written around 2005. In the fictional series something knocks out all technology. Nothing that uses electricity works. 

Last Light(2005)
Night Light(2006)
True Light(2007)
Dawn's Light(2008) 

In the books, all of the cars stop without warning. Planes drop from the sky. The entire nation becomes a place where people loot, steal, rob, and struggle to survive. No one is exempt. It is a reminder that real life skills (like knowing how to grow food and dig a well for clean water) are still important. Those who are not afraid to work find themselves in a new life rhythm and somehow survive.  

The absence of electricity and modern conveniences brings out the worst in those who already lacked a moral compass. It brings out the best in those who try to live with faith, in hope, and in love. As the story unfolds, everyone has to embrace their new lives. I won't say anymore, but it is worth reading. 

Post pandemic, such an event does not seem so far-fetched. I love this reminder that when we are stripped of everything else, it is faith, hope and love that remain. 

When stripped of everything and placed in a Holocaust Concentration Camp for helping Jews, Corrie and Betsy Ten Boom found that they still had faith, hope, and love. 

"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13

And... the greatest of these is love. 

Today, I am grateful "these three remain."

Intentional Dissent

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 217- Today, I am grateful for intentional dissent. 

This cartoon is funny. What you don't catch at first glance are those who just buckle down and do the work. They just keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

They are intentional about not complaining. 

They had many of the same thoughts as those as the chronic whiners, but they just keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." -Philippians 4:8

Think on these things! I love that verse. 

Yes, you still get tired, your feet will still hurt, and those around you might become increasingly annoying. Keep going anyway. 

Today, I am grateful for intentional dissent.

I Will Sing

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 216- Today, I am grateful we can sing!"  

 "But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress." -Psalms 59:16 NLT

I love the attitude and the energy in this verse. "I will sing" appears twice in this  verse. It is as if the author is filled with so much joy and excitement, he cannot help but sing. Have you ever felt an uncontainable song burst from your soul?

The author is so moved by God's presence that he bursts forth in song!  

When I was in high school, we performed the song "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" in the classic musical, "Carousel." The dance was a bit of a can-can and we swished our skirts back and forth. It was fun. It was sassy. It oozed with the confidence of life returning in the Spring. 

"June Is Bustin' Out All Over" still comes to mind when June returns each year. It is a time when we cannot help but sing.  

Is that the way I feel when I enter into the presence of our Lord and King? Does a song burst out because I can't contain it? 

What modern music artists who draw the crowds in such a way that the average "worshiper" bursts out in song? No one is embarrassed or shy about singing "Sweet Caroline", "I've Got Friends In Low Places", or "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Yet, we shy away from being fully sold out and uninhibited before the throne of His Grace and His Mercy. 

Who do we worship? It is something to think about reflectively. Who do we sing about with wild abandonment? 

Today, I am grateful we can sing!"  

Consider Your Ways

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 215- Today, I am grateful for reminders to "consider our ways."  

Why is it so easy to mix up priorities? Do I focus on the urgent and miss the important? First things first. It is that simple and that hard, right? 

In the little book of Haggai, God is a bit irritated with His people. They need a priority realignment. They get one:

This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! -Haggai 1:5-7 

Wow! Powerful words. The good news is they listened and made some changes. We can learn. It is one of the great gifts of being human. 

We don't have to live by our impulses. We can make intentional choices. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to "consider our ways."