Art That Touches The Heart

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 273- Today, I am grateful for art that touches the heart.  

Does it take your breath away? It does mine. The lamb doesn't really even know the depth of his troubles. He is a mess. He is tired. He may have missed a meal. But, does he even know he is lost?

Does he have any clue of the dangers from the predators when the sun goes down? Probably not. 

The Shepherd knows. He knows it all. When he realizes this little one is missing, he leaves the other sheep who are safe to find the lost. When the lost one is in sight... He runs. HE runs! 

For me, this picture is emotional. It speaks a truth that is bigger than the parable it references. It reaches the deepest part of my soul with the truth told. 

"Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story:  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? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!"  -Luke 15:1-8

We are all lost when He finds us. Some of us are on the run. Others are stuck in the mud or some other terrifying or life threatening situation. We think we know what is true. Often, what we believe to be true is the answer we like best. 

Oh, if it were that simple, there would have been no need for a Savior. 

He welcomed the tax collectors and other notorious sinners. He even ate with them. Like the Shepherd in the parable - he made himself available to the lost. 

This artwork by Kevin Carden and can be  purchased at Christ Follower Life.

Today, I am grateful for art that touches the heart.  

Beautiful Souls

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 272- Today, I am grateful for beautiful souls. 

It seems that the hard seasons bring the fires that refines us. 

This is fabulous quote:

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."  -Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

She wrote a classic book on death and dying. So many have read it over the years. There is always something to learn when we observe those who have walked through the fires of life and keep going. They are beautiful souls. 

Hard things happen to good people. Although, none of us is truly good. Our human nature is self seeking. Through the refining fires of trials and by the grace, forgiveness and mercy offered at the foot of the cross, we find new joy and new hope. In Him, we can learn to love the light.  

"All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” -John 3: 20-21

Beautiful people do not just happen.

Today, I am grateful for beautiful souls. 

Fun Idioms

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 271- Today, I am grateful for fun idioms.

I once read a book about the language of the "Roaring 20's." I was struck by how I understood the words on the surface, but I had no clue to the true meaning.

The common idioms in the language of 100 years ago were like a foreign language to me. The phrases were unfamiliar. Context helped a little, but what really helped was a dictionary of phrases from that era.

Language is constantly changing. Idioms color our conversations. They can be a timestamp when someone is reading old letters.

I lived through the season of "The Valley Girl." That was almost physically painful. Idioms come and go. Sometimes, we age ourselves with our idioms.

"The bees knees" is a roaring 20's phrase for simply "the best." Idioms can, also, give clues as to where we grew up.

Farmers have phrases they use that the rest of the world might scratch their head over.

• It's a tough row to hoe.
• There was a pecking order.
• He bought the farm.
• We will be there in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

In Paul's letters to the church in Corinth, he noted his intention to use plain, clear speech to avoid any misinterpretation.

"And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 2:4

Smart, right? There is a time for fun, creative speech. There is a time for clarity. We must choose our words wisely.

Today, I am grateful for fun idioms.

Tea At Bedtime

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 270- Today, I am grateful for tea at bedtime.

As autumn sets in and the nights are a little cooler, tea at bedtime is so comforting. One of my favorites is an Apple Cinnamon tea. It tastes and smells like fall. 

A simple gratitude today. 

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C. S. Lewis

Today, I am grateful for tea at bedtime.

Grounded

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 269- Today, I am grateful for things that are grounded. 

This image caught my eye, and then I read the passage. The phrase "grounded in truth" stood out for me. What does it mean to be "grounded?"

Planes get grounded for mechanical reasons. Pilots get grounded for medical reasons. Being grounded means they cannot fly.

Children and teens are grounded as a form of discipline. In a sense, poor behavior means "their wings are clipped" and freedoms are suspended. Not forever, but until they learn a lesson or pay a debt they owe related to the misdemeanor. 

My morning coffee or morning cacao are made with beans that are ground... reduced to small pieces... a broken state that makes them usable and ready to take on the boiling water to make my cup of morning joy. 

In electricity, we use the term "grounded" to mean something is connected to the earth. A fundamental truth about electricity is that it always wants to return to its source (Craig & Jason... I fear this is not my subject of expertise... I hope your aunt doesn't embarrass you.)Ponder that spiritual application. Are we grounded in such a way that our greatest desire is to return to the source of our faith? In electricity, not being grounded can be dangerous and lead to death. 

What about being grounded in a fundamental belief? It means you are able to provide a reason or justification for that belief. It is logical and clear. Grounded means you are not swaying with the winds, the tides, or easily moved. We come back to the passage where this thought train started. 

Let's go back to the original Greek word for a minute. Strong's G1477 - hedraioma- means to support or make stable. Grounded is a good translation. 

"but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." -1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV

"Lord, teach me how to conduct myself to be a conduit of your love. Teach me how to submit to a broken state that makes me usable. Ground me in the safety of your truth, so I do not sway with the winds or find myself easily moved. Let my soul recognize the one to whom it longs to return. Ground me in every way that makes me reflect your purpose." - Amen

Today, I am grateful for things that are grounded. 

Anti-Venom: The Blood of the Lamb

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 268- Today, I am grateful for anti-venom.

One of the sweet gals that walks with me in gratitude is Nancy Harlan Klopfenstein. Nancy is an encourager and a beautiful soul. 

Nancy posted a story about a rattlesnake bite and anti-venom. The author is unsourced, but it is perfect. 

Actually, it is better than perfect. Here is the story:

“A rattlesnake bit one of my sheep in the face about a week ago. Deadliest snake that lives around here. The sheep’s face swelled up and hurt her terribly.

But the old rattlesnake didn't know the kind of blood that flows through the sheep. Anti-venom is most often made from sheep's blood. The sheep swelled for about 2 days but the blood of the lamb destroyed the venom of the serpent.

I was worried but the sheep didn't care. She kept on eating, kept on drinking and kept on climbing because she knew she was alright.

Often the serpents of this life will reach out and bite us. They inject their poison into us but they cannot overcome the Blood of the Lamb of God that washes away the sin of the world and the sting of death. Don't worry about the serpent or his bite, just make sure that the Lamb's Blood is flowing through your veins.” -Original Source Unknown

I looked up the science and it is true. For many years, anti-venom for snakebites was made from horse blood, but there were some problems with how humans responded to the treatment. Researchers experimented with lamb's blood. Guess what? It worked better with minimal side effects to the humans. It was far superior to the previous horse derived anti-venom. 

Yes, the anti-venom is from the blood of the lamb. The spiritual significance blows me away! After all these years, the Blood of the Lamb is still the answer to the serpent's bite. The Blood of the Lamb saves lives. It always has... and science is catching up to God's truth. 

"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” -Luke 19:37-40

It shows that "the rocks will cry out." Heaven and nature not only sing His praises, they echo His truth. 

Today, I am grateful for anti-venom.

The Unimaginable

  

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 267- Today, I am grateful for the unimaginable.

What is unimaginable in your world right now? What in this moment feels like it is teetering on the edge of disaster or demise?

How easy it is to forget to trust the One who can do immeasurably more than we ask or imaging. 

Immeasurably more! 
Unimaginably good.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20

Do I doubt His goodness? Or, is it a lack of faith? 

Pause. Ponder. Pray. Prepare.

Today, I am grateful for the unimaginable.

No Moment Wasted

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 266- Today, I am grateful for no moment wasted.

"No barefooted, tree climbing, frog holding, mud pie baking, cloud spotting, puddle stomping, bird calling, wild foraging, moon gazing, firefly chasing, fort building, creek following, rock hunting moment with mother nature is ever wasted." -Nicolette Sowder

It is that time of year. When even those more inclined to stay inside find themselves called to the great outdoors. Bonfires, wieners roasts, football games, and visits to local orchards find us enjoying the great outdoors. 

We have a local park that is absolutely magical when the leaves begin to turn. I have taken pictures there often over the years. I love it when the colored leaves ultimately let go and float to the ground. 

Glimpses of the wildlife preparing for winter remind me that it is a season of preparations. But, it is not all work and no play, even for the busy squirrels. They romp, chatter, and fly through the trees. 

“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will instruct you. Let the fish in the sea speak to you... For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being." -Job 12:7-8 & 10

Celebrate the beauty of the season! Delight in nature's reminders to worship The One who gave us this beautiful season. 

Today, I am grateful for no moment wasted.

Spectacular Soft Heart

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 265- Today, I am grateful for spectacular soft hearts. 

This Charlie Mackesy image is beautiful.  The heart of the message is powerful. 

"Sometimes," said the horse, "you need to be reminded that it's courageous to have a soft heart, and you are spectacular because of it." -Charlie Mackesy

Spectacular is a powerful adjective. It implies something out of the ordinary that can be clearly seen. You can't hide the spectacular. 

When looking for just the right scripture, I pray for guidance. Sometimes I know before I look, sometimes I stumble on just the right passage along the way. 

Today, I "stumbled" onto the perfect passage. I am confident the Spirit leads... if I pay attention. This passage is perfect. 

Jesus had some of his best friends in the town of Bethany. The siblings were Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. They entertained Jesus in their home. They were his good friends. Perhaps, even some of His best friends. The relationship is evident in the passages we read that include them. There is an intimacy to the friendship that is clear. 

When Lazarus fell ill, they sent for Jesus. They surely felt they had the right to send for him. They were close friends and he healed strangers all the time. They sent, but Jesus did not immediately come. In fact, Lazarus died. 

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. 

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”  - John 11:34-37

Oh, they were upset! Disappointment and anger steeped in grief clouded their vision. They only saw their troubles. 

What did Jesus do when he arrived? He wept! Yes, His heart was broken with theirs. He knew what he was about to do, but He still acknowledged and shared in their grief. 

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

I never tire of that verse. I want it written on my heart so that I remember to act out the instructions. It is not that hard. We don't have to be perfect. We just have to be present and willing to expose a tender heart. A soft heart is spectacular. 

Today, I am grateful for spectacular soft hearts. 

Those Who Comfort

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 264- Today, I am grateful for those who comfort. 

Who are the comforters in your world? You know who they are. When we hurt, it is just good to have them near. 

My friend, Holli, gifted me with a quilt that wraps me in her friendship every time I snuggle into its warmth. 

When we were little, Mama was gifted with a double wedding ring quilt that has always been my favorite. It came from a man we called "Uncle Bob" who lived in Missouri. My Great-Grandparents, Alva and Hulda, lived with him and helped care for him. He loved it when the family would converge on Lutesville for a visit. Grandpa and Grandma gave him comfort, and a house full of Bess's brought him joy. 

I have friends who are easy to be with, even in the difficult seasons of life. I have family and friends who envelope me when my strength is spent. I like to think I do the same for them. God gave us each other, because we need each other. 

"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted."  -Matthew 5:4 

Such a great verse. Acts of comfort are imprinted on our hearts. 

Today, I am grateful for those who comfort. 

Fellowship

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 263- Today, I am grateful for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.  

Grace... love... and fellowship! Blessings of the Holy Trinity. We often focus on grace and love, but today the "fellowship" of the Holy Spirit strikes me as extra special. We are never, ever alone. Nothing can separate us! 

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14

We humans were designed for relationships. First for a relationship with God, and then for each other. Together, we are better... even when we are not exactly at our best. Fellowship matters. 

I am so grateful for the fellowship of family and friends through every season in life. The older we get, the more precious these relationships become because we start to realize the "brevity of life," as King Solomon called it. 

I am grateful that the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is real, encouraging, and sustaining. There are too many daily coincidences for it to not be real. From the right song at the right time to the right scripture passage to fit every struggle or celebration. 

HE does not leave us alone or lonely. 

Today, I am grateful for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

The Valley of Weeping

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 262- Today, I am grateful for "The Valley of Weeping." 

Oh, what a powerful image. The phrase "the valley of the shadow of death" has become a familiar one. The  shadow cannot hurt us and we need not fear. What about the Valley of Weeping (Baca)?

"What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,  it will become a place of refreshing springs.  The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem." -Psalm 84:5-7  

The Valley of Weeping is a place where we cry the tears and our souls are refreshed. Like the autumn rains that restore the land to fresh and new blessings. 

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

We cry alone, but even better is when we cry together. Together is better.

We live in a culture that often tries to hide, bury, or stop the tears. Tears are not fun. They are not easy. But, tears can be cleansing. 

Sorrow is exhausting. Even in our own culture, women would dress in black for a season to signify mourning. Men had some guidelines to follow, too. Over the centuries, there have been rules set by culture about what to wear and what not to wear when mourning. 

Mourning clothes might have been a warning of emotional fragility or evidence that the person has "been through something difficult." Perhaps, it brought a fresh joy when they finally were able to put on color again. (White and black are historically the most common colors designated for mourning.)

We often still wear black at funerals, but it isn't offensive if color is chosen. The decorum has been lifted. We no longer wear mourning clothes for an extended period. I wear black often. I like it,  but I cannot imagine being forced to do so by society. On the other side of the coin, physically acknowledging the pain of loss externally may have contributed to healing. 

Mourning jewelry has made a comeback in recent years. Comfort and connection are found in the practice. It can be a private way to walk through the valley of weeping until you come out on the other side of the sorrow. 

Love never dies or is replaced, it just lives in a different space.  

Today, I am grateful for "The Valley of Weeping."

Animals and Humans

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 261- Today, I am grateful for the relationships between animals and humans. 

It would be easy for me to go directly to dogs and cats with this post. They are our family members. But, this picture of Fred Rogers with Koko, the gorilla is a favorite capture with a beautiful story I found online. 

"Most people have heard of Koko, the gorilla who could speak about 1000 words in Sign Language, and understand about 2000 in English. What most people don’t know, however, is that Koko was an avid Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fan. When Fred Rogers took a trip out to meet Koko for his show, not only did she immediately wrap her arms around him and embrace him, she did what she’d always seen him do onscreen: she proceeded to take his shoes off."

I love that she knew he took off his shoes. She saw him do it every day. How humbling for Mr. Rogers to have her full attention. I know she felt his gentle spirit, too.            

"Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." Exodus 3:5

Such a great verse. We never know when we might be standing on "holy ground." I think this moment between man and beast was just that. 

Today, I am grateful for the relationships between animals and humans. 

Intercession

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 260- Today, I am grateful for intercession.

We all have days, weeks, seasons, months, and maybe even years when we simply do not know how to pray. Some things are too big or they hurt too much. Others are unfamiliar and inexperience makes us feel like we are out of our league or in waters of hurt or grief that are too deep to traverse. 

This was my passage for today:

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." - Romans 8:26          

That beautiful reminder that the Comforter we were promised came, just as Jesus said he would.

 We know from the scripture that the Holy Spirit carries our prayers "with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Pretty powerful stuff. We so often fight to hold on to the burdens when we are told to lay them at His feet. 

We are told to yoke ourselves to Him like the young oxen does with the strong and mature oxen as part of the yoke training. Such a great mental image. 

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep in step with the Spirit. He will carry our troubles to the throne. 

Today, I am grateful for intercession.

Doing Good Works With Humility

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 259- Today, I am grateful for those doing good works with humility. 

This passage was my verse of the day. As my beloved Pumpkin Festival comes to a close, I am struck by the plethora of good, busy, kind, and service-oriented people volunteering all over town. 

Is it because they love pumpkins and the festival? We do love our pumpkins, but more than that... they are people who love our community and the people in it. 

I love the Pumpkin Festival. Most of the time, it brings out the best in us. 

Acts of service offered in humility are often a reflection of a deeper love, not just for a particular place or people, but a love deeply  rooted in Christ.  

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. -James 3:13

Why do you serve? Perhaps the more important question is, "Who do you serve?" 

Thank you for enduring my over the top enthusiasm for the festival, the people, the Apple Cider Slushies, and all things pumpkin. 

Today, I am grateful for those doing good works with humility. 

Seasoned With Salt

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 258- Today, I am grateful for lives seasoned with salt.

I love salt. I wish I didn't like it so much. The Love of My Life and I are opposites when it comes to salt. I tend to use it lightly or leave it out of many dishes and add my own later. 

I crave salt over sweet. I blame Grandma Opal Maxine. She and Papa Chet always had bags of chips for us to snack on when we visited on Sundays with the aunts,  uncles, and cousins. I realize now that it was cheap food and she always wanted to have plenty on hand to feed the herd of family that showed up on Sundays. 

I love the reference to salt in this passage. 

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." -Colossians 4:6

I do not have all the answers. I do know that we are expected to share the Good News when we have the opportunity. We are to be salt and light. 

Today marks one year ago that my dear friend, Sally, finished her earthly race. I still miss the unexpected conversations and random things shared over the years. I remember thanking God when she and her husband, Lyn, married because the Lindgrens and the Rosenbooms form lifetime friendships. 

If there was an opportunity to dive down a rabbit hole related to mysteries in the scriptures... Sally and I would take the dive together. I miss those conversations. No matter the time and space in between visits, we picked right back up. Won't heaven be grand?

Let us not forget to make our conversations gracious and seasoned with salt. 

Today, I am grateful for lives seasoned with salt.

Increase and Abound

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 257- Today, I am grateful we can increase and abound in love.

If we live in Christ, we should not struggle to love one another. It should flow from the source... Him... to us and through us. 

"And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows." 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Still, we are human and have not yet mastered "perfect love." Some days we hit the mark. Other days, we fail miserably. At least, I do. 

I love the lesson in this verse. It is one that is easy to miss. 

We can try and make ourselves more loving, but in time, we fail. We get tired. We get worn out. We forget to keep our focus on The One who is the source of love. 

He "makes us" increase and abound. When we rest in Him, he does the rest. 

Today, I am grateful we can increase and abound in love.
 

Fall Festivals

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 256- Today, I am grateful for the fall festivals.

It is good to come together in celebration. The fall festivals get us all thinking about the harvest season. 

Pumpkins and squash are abundant. The warm spices take center stage at the table. Parades, pancake breakfasts, and craft shows are a part of most festival weekends. 

Celebrating together is good for our souls.

"For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." - Deuteronomy 16:15b

Today, I am grateful for the fall festivals.

Apple Cider Slushie

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 255- Today, I am grateful for apple cider slushies! 

The wait is nearly over! This makes the gratitude list once a year. I made the scrapbook page several years ago. 

"A slushie a day until the festival goes away!" 

They use Tanner's Cider and that makes them the best of the best. 

Simple post, but truly heartfelt. 

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" -Philippians 4:4

Today, I am grateful for apple cider slushies! 

The Meaningful

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 254- Today, I am grateful for the meaningful. 

"A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, or being perfect. It's about being real, being humble, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others." -Unknown

Meaning makes all the difference. One of the most impactful books I ever remember reading was Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning." The book talked about the power of our choices in the times when it looked as if all choices had been stripped away.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

Frankl survived four different concentration camps. I cannot even imagine it. 

He observed that those who found their suffering meaningless succumbed to hopelessness. They died long before their last breath. Those who had rich inner lives, could dig deep and survive. Humor, art, faith, and a sense of having something to give the world around them gave them the grit to keep going. They lifted up those around them. 

Even surrounded by the horrors and atrocities of a concentration camp, those who found humor, beauty, a connection to God, and a purpose found ways to survive. They would not let their circumstances break them. They would not internally bow to the evil they endured. Those who pursued a cause greater than themselves found purpose. They found a reason to get up and live another day. 

Frankl uncovered a beautiful truth in the darkest, cruelest of all places. He said, “Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.” Yes, love. Love gives us meaning.

I have been working on memorizing 1 Corinthians 13. I am not there yet, but I keep the passage close every day. It was a challenge given by the amazing children of my beautiful sister in Christ, Sally, at her funeral. 

It is a passage I have always loved, but now I associate it with her life, how she loved, and how she endured suffering. Sally never lost meaning. She always chose love. 

" Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.  -1 Corinthians 13:4,7 & 13 

Choose love and find meaning.

Today, I am grateful for the meaningful. 

Patriot's Day

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 253- Today, I am grateful for Patriot Day.

There are so many things that can be said about this day we remember the terrorist attacks on our country. Planes became weapons. First responders and ordinary people became heroes... some making the ultimate sacrifice. 

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." -John 15:13

We establish days like Patriot Day so we remember to pause and give thanks for those who gave all. In a season when it is easy to become discouraged with the politics that surround us, it is good to remember that were are a nation of the people... for the people and by the people... and under God. 

One of my favorite Ronald Reagan quotes comes to mind. 

“If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be one nation gone under.” - Ronald Reagan

Today, I am grateful for Patriot Day.

Bee-You-Tiful

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 252- Today, I am grateful for the bee-you-tiful. 

There are things I find strangely beautiful. Today, would have been April's 28th wedding anniversary. The date has been one I think about every year. Today God redeemed that date, as only he can do. 

A dear friend married after great loss. He loved my dear friend so well and fulfilled a promise to be open to a second chapter in love. He trusted God... even in the hardest moments. His new wife did, too. 

Their first love stories didn't end. They continue in their beautiful children. They are all reminders of God's faithfulness and redeeming love. 

This was my verse for the day:

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." -Isaiah 46:4

He is our God throughout our lifetimes. In youth. In the first thirty years... and the second... and beyond. 

Through the days that sting, and for those as sweet as honey... I am grateful.

Today, I am grateful for the bee-you-tiful. 

Bigger Victories

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 251- Today, I am grateful for bigger victories. 

"This is getting harder," sighed the boy. 
"Then every step is a bigger victory." 

-Charlie Mackesy, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse 

Wow! That is profound. It is why I have always been a fan of children's literature that isn't really just for children. 

Winnie the Pooh and the Velveteen Rabbit are two of the books from my childhood that I loved for their wisdom. I need to get more familiar with "The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse." 

Be still my soul. It is true. If it is getting harder, then every step is a bigger victory. 

This day... this week... this month... we may find ourselves weary of the journey. There are unpaved roads, loose gravel, and uneven, untrodden terrain. It is exhausting. But, keep going. Every step you take is a bigger victory. 

"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands." -2 Corinthians 5:1

Don't give up. Don't give in. Keep going. Temporary troubles test us. 

"But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

Our trials here are temporary. His promises are true. His Light always disperses the darkness. Always. Look for it. 

Tend to the lamps. The Bridegroom will come for His bride. 

Today, I am grateful for bigger victories. 

Harmony

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 250- Today, I am grateful for harmony.

I love to listen to old hymns in four part harmony. There is nothing like it.  What about harmony in relationships? 

Patience and encouragement in relationships help us live in harmony with others. We aren't always going to agree, but we can learn to live in harmony. Iron sharpens iron. Learn together. Lean into His grace. 

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus." -Romans 15:5 NLT

Today, I am grateful for harmony.

The Marvel of the Ordinary

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 249- Today, I am grateful for the marvel of the ordinary. 

The wonder in a newborn... child, puppy, or kitten.
The delight in the many shades of green in the trees and grass.
Crying when pets and people die... this is important.
The infinite pleasure of the touch of a hand or a hug.
To make the ordinary extraordinary. 

A hummingbird in flight.

These are beautiful things.

Life can be bitter... and life can be sweet. One helps us appreciate the other. 

"How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them." -Psalm 111:2

Today, I am grateful for the marvel of the ordinary. 

Grandma Carried Me

  

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 248- Today, I am grateful for Grandma connections.

This image caused me to pause and ponder something I have intellectually known for years, but never put together. 

While our grandmothers carried our mothers in their wombs, we were the tiniest of eggs in our mother's ovaries. The three of us were together. Grandma carried Mama and we were the tiniest eggs in our mother's ovaries. Talk about tiny science! Is it any wonder that Grandmothers and Granddaughters feel a special connection? 

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb." -Psalm 139:13

Today, I am grateful Grandma for connections. 

First Line of Offense

Daily Gratitude Year 9 - Day 245: Today, I am grateful prayer is our first line of offense.

"Your life will change radically when you stop making prayer your backup plan." -Lisa Bevere

What coach ever started with the third string defensive line or a backup to the back up quarterback? Not one who intended to win a football game and keep their coaching job. They put their best foot forward and their strongest players in prime positions.

I heard someone say we should not pray like it is our last resort. Prayer is a powerful thing. It is a direct line to God, our power source. Still, it is easy to neglect prayer time.

When we choose to intentionally pray for our loved one, it is offering them up to the Father's protection and care. His office is never closed. His help is never unavailable. He longs for us to be in constant communication. Those who belong to Him seek his face and long to hear His response.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

His response is not always instant. It is not always a "Yes." Sometimes, we forget "wait" is not a "no" or an unanswered prayer. We can grow in the waiting spots if we remain patient in our prayers. His way is always perfect. Even when it makes no sense from our own personal playbook. He gets it right every time.

Remember, a constant prayer doesn't have to be a fancy prayer. Jesus was never impressed with long, fancy, pompous prayers. He could see into prideful hearts. He responded to those society thought unimportant. He took time for children and widows. He still listens to simple prayers made as we are driving down the road or waiting in a drive-thru line.

Some may feel He is uninterested in our ordinary, daily lives, but I don't think that is the case. The scriptures point to a Savior who cares about the details of our lives, our stories and most of all... our souls. He didn't turn away those society that rejected. He made the way to make them children of the Most High God.

He is the perfect life coach. Prayer takes us right to the throne of His grace and mercy.

Today, I am grateful prayer is our first line of offense.

The Great Commission

 Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 247- Today, I am grateful for the Great Commission. 

To be commissioned gives us purpose. 

We taught this passage through a song on Wednesday nights for many years. Even now, the song is running through my head:

"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." -Matthew 28:18-20

We live in an age when many seem to lack purpose and direction. Confusion is served up daily from many different places and spaces. It is easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed. When in doubt, remember your purpose... your commission. 

My twin cousins, David and  James, who serve in the US Navy know all about commissions. With a commission comes the powers and rights to perform certain duties... and with it comes responsibilities, too.

We were given "The Great Commission" not as a burden, but to give us purpose. One that adds meaning, purpose, direction, and joy to our days, one day at a time. 

Today, I am grateful for the Great Commission.