December

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 333 - Today, I am grateful for December.

The end of the year draws near. December comes every year with a full calendar. I do not want to forget to savor the sweet things that come with it.

Time with family and friends is precious. New adventures are around the corner. New memories to make. We take it all in.

It is easy to rush through December just going through the motions. I want to be intentional in taking it one day at a time. I want to savor the beginning.

"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God." - John 1:1-2

Yes, it is good to pause and remember the beginning.

Today, I am grateful for December.

The Last Breath of November

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 332- Today, I am grateful for the last breath of November.

November is always packed full. With only 30 days on the calendar, it seems like we blink and it is December. 

Another harvest comes to a close. The leaves are mostly spent. Our Walker is another year older. Some days we celebrate. Some days, a fresh grief is still heavy. And, Christmas is just around the corner. 

I am so grateful we have a God for all seasons. 

"He watches over it through each season of the year!"  -Deuteronomy 11:11

Today, I am grateful for the last breath of November.
 

Tiny Happy Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 331- Today, I am grateful for "Tiny Happy Things."

Ohmygoodness! This hit every note for me. This are all the tiny little happy things that I love celebrating. Our work gratitude challenge was on favorite writing instruments today. I had sunshine through the window a couple of days ago. This is absolutely what my soul needed today. 

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His faithful love endures forever." -Psalm 136:1

Relish the tiny. Savor the happy. Squeeze the sweetness out of the ordinary. 

He is good! 

Today, I am grateful for "Tiny Happy Things."

Time to Sleep

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 330- Today, I am grateful for time to sleep. 

One thing the long weekend give us is a little extra sleep time. Sleep is so good. 

The first real snow of the season came gently. We woke up to the ground and trees covered. There is always something majestic about the scene. 

"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, 'Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again." -Lewis Carroll

I love the image created by this passage. The earth does not weep because the summer is spent and autumn has lost its color. It seizes the opportunity to rest and restore. Nature has lessons to teach us. 

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety." -Psalm 4:8

Today, I am grateful for time to sleep. 

Rays of Sunshine through a Window

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 329- Today, I am grateful for rays of sunshine through a window.

God is very clear about the importance of rest. We all need it. Without it, we really are a mess. It isn't easy in this busy season to pause and take in the goodness of the simple things. Take a break and rest in the sunshine. 

Our fur-baby, Daisy Mae, is ridiculously spoiled. She is a pain, but we adore her. One of her favorite things to do is stretch out in a sunbeam. She will follow sunbeams on the living room floor and loves to lay in them on her sofa. 

(Yes, we don't even try to pretend the sofa is ours. We are grateful we can give her nice things.)

As I thought about her pattern of behavior, I was reminded that I do the same thing. I stretch out my bare feet so they can be warmed by the sun. Sometimes, Daisy Mae and I share the sofa.  Occasionally all three of us cozy up, but one of us thinks that is too many on the couch. I will not name names. 

Laying in a sunbeam is a reminder to "Be Still." 

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;" Psalm 46:10

Today, I am grateful for rays of sunshine through a window.

Delivery People

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 328- Today, I am grateful for the delivery people.

Our delivery people have been running since Amazon introduced "Prime" memberships. I do not believe they have stopped. The Covid years only increased their workload. Be kind to them. 

Dry goods, essentials, take out and groceries come by designated delivery services, USPS, UPS, and FedEx. The number of services being delivered continues to grow. 

Would we have even believed the landscape of how we shop for goods today if someone had told us to imagine it 20 years ago? 

I could not help but think of the Queen of Sheba who made her way by caravan to visit King Solomon, who was known for his Godly wisdom and great fortune. Imagine the camels arriving loaded with expensive gifts and the Queen, too. 

"When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She arrived with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. " -2 Chronicles 9:1

Things are so different now, but it is still special when good things get delivered. 

Today, I am grateful for the delivery people.

Thankful Tongues

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 327- Today, I am grateful for thankful tongues.

Someone once said there is a reason God gave us two eyes, two hands, two feet, two ears, and one tongue. That little body part causes more trouble than the others combined.

" but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison." -James 3:8 

Jill and I used to joke about James 3 being in every translation of the Bible. Of course, it is there. And in each one, it boldly points out all the trouble our tongues can cause. To be intentional with our words is a way we can honor our Lord, or cause him pain. 

What if every unkind word I said caused Jesus to feel the blow of the hammer to the nails in His hands as they placed him on the cross? Could I bear the responsibility of His suffering and pain?  In truth, that is exactly what happened. He bore our sins and transgressions so our debt could be marked, "Paid in full." 

We can use our tongues for help or harm. We can use them to lift up another soul or cut them down. 

"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." -Colossians 3:17

Choose kindness and encouragement. Choose gratitude. I need to be reminded to do the same. 

Today, I am grateful for thankful tongues.

Trust His Goodness

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 326- Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust His goodness. 

"... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe, but he's good. He's the King, I tell you." - C.S. Lewis, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"

This is one of my favorite quotes from "The Chronicles of Narnia" book series by C.S. Lewis. He packs so much meaning into that little exchange. No, He is not safe. Yes, He is good. 

So many times when we are stretched beyond our comfort zones and understanding, it is where we come face to face with our God. The mystery of it all brings me to a place of wonder and awe. 

His goodness is greater than all of my failures. It is greater than all of my disappointments. His goodness is found in His love and mercy. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." -Proverbs 3:5-6

The road is rarely easy. There are always plot twists and turns, but we are never alone. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust His goodness. 

Thanksgiving Day

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 325- Today, I am grateful for Thanksgiving Day.

In the past year I have discovered that our family goes back to the Mayflower on my Grandmother Opal Maxine St. John Bess Watson's side. Edward Fuller is our 11th Great-Grandfather and his son, Samuel, is our 10th Great-Grandfather. Samuel was a boy on the Mayflower. I can only imagine what he saw and endured. So many died on the passage or that first winter. His parents did not survive the first hard winter.

It has been fascinating, humbling, and leaves me with a sense of awe for the courageous people they were to come to this strange new land. I love a good story, and you get to know them as you read about them. I am near completion of the documentation.

One of my favorite discoveries has been the name of one of my 8th Great Grandmother. Her name was Thankful Fuller. She married Jabez Crippen. Jabez and Thankful seem to be named in gratitude. I can only imagine the stories she heard about the early days in the New World. Records show Jabez lived to be 105 years old.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the things that give us roots and wings. I am grateful to get to sit at the table with our children the way they did that first Thanksgiving.

Family and offering thanksgiving. It does not get any better than that!

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." - Psalm 105:4-5

Today, I am grateful for Thanksgiving Day.

Handed-Down Family Recipes

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 324- Today, I am grateful for handed-down family recipes.

I am pretty sure we all have them. Recipes that came to us from our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and sisters-in-love. Fathers, brothers, and uncles hand them down, too. What do we love most? The food or the memories that come with that particular holiday dish or dessert? The answer has to be both.

We have Grandma Guttendorf's Pride of Iowa that makes me think of holidays with my Mama's family. They are a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie that is a little bit magical, if you ask me. Most of my extended family agrees. Grandpa would put pecans in some and swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch. The secret ingredient... now don't be a hater... it's coconut. Even our coconut hating family members admit that they don't taste it. It does something to the texture of the cookie and it would not be the same without it.

Aunt Judy has a chocolate pudding recipe that is always a hit for young and old. My Sister-in-Love had better make banana pudding, or she will hear about it. My corn casserole has replaced the scalloped corn of days gone by. I've been making it for nearly 40 years. Grandma Elaine's Taco Salad is still a favorite, too. I'd better not show up without Turtle Brownies... or I will be sent home. Actually, I made many double batches in Jennifer's kitchen.

So many memories are wrapped up in our recipe boxes.

Someone in our "Let's Be Grateful- 709" challenge posted about a Swedish Tea Ring. I thought of my Mama. She only made it at Christmas, and maybe Easter, too. Dad loved it. I miss Mama's Pineapple Pies. Perhaps, I just miss my Mama.

Several in our family have the Paprika App for recipes. I love it. It even helps with a grocery list. But as we move into the holidays, I am reminded of the precious gift of a handwritten recipe. When a loved one leaves us, their handwriting becomes priceless.

Over the next 6 weeks there will be many shared meals along with good fellowship. It makes me think of this verse from Acts 2:46-

"They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity."

I wonder how many of those shared meals included handed-down family recipes? I am sure there were quite a few.

Today, I am grateful for handed-down family recipes.

709 Gratitude Challenge

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 323- Today, I am grateful for "Let's Be Grateful-709."

We have a group of about ninety-six Morton 709 staff members walking in gratitude together for the entire month of November. 

I have loved getting to know my work family better as they have shared their responses to the daily gratitude prompts. It has been so much fun! 

Our Wellness Coordinator, Stephanie Brown, came up with the idea. Stephanie and two of our technology savvy team, Jenny Auxier and Don Sturm, helped me figure out the best way to share the daily prompts. Jenny made the spreadsheet look pretty. I like pretty spreadsheets.   

We only have 10 days left. I will miss the daily connections when we are done. So many have shared glimpses of their lives and some great stories. Our stories are important. Some of the quirkier prompts have turned out to be some of the most fun. "Something old you treasure" was one of my favorites. 

"Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30

It is good for our souls to praise and give thanks. 

Today, I am grateful for "Let's Be Grateful-709."

Practical Shoes

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 323- Today, I am grateful for practical shoes.

Shoes have been a gratitude theme today. 

Practical shoes are ones you can wear all day and your feet do not hurt. They are the right shoes for the job at hand. We like rubber boots for the rain and warm winter boots for the snow. I know some who wouldn't give up their fuzzy Crocs. I am very serious about  the cute factor, but in the end, practicality usually wins. 

Shoes are necessary, although I would rather be barefoot. Spring, summer, and as far as I can into the fall, I wear sandals. I always joke that I breathe through my toes. I typically go from sandals to boots. I do have some flats I wear when the weather or day's demands require more. I have the boots pictured in this post. The low heel makes them easy to wear. The fringe makes them fun.

I had a conference in Chicago over the weekend, practical shoes were a necessity. Walking everywhere we went was great for my step count, but my feet are still recovering. 

I thought this passage worked well: 

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." -Ephesians 6:15

The full passage talks about putting on about putting the full armor of God. It mentions peace as a tool and being fully prepared.

Be prepared... and wear cute practical shoes.

Today, I am grateful for practical shoes.

Truth

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 322- Today, I am grateful for truth.

Truth is a word we hear often. Truth has always been powerful. Some like to twist it, stretch it, and redefine it, but truth is truth. 

"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." -John 17:17

Truth can do a powerful work in our lives, if we let it. It can be ugly. It can be healing. It can be painful. It can bring deep relief. 

Long day. Short post.

Today, I am grateful for truth.

Miracles and Alpacas

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 321- Today, I am grateful for miracles and alpacas.

This is Isabella and her alpacas. My cousin, Doug and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters. Both came came to their arms with miracles attached. 

Maddie was born way to early. Barnes (I think it was Barnes... or St. James) in St. Louis referred to her as "Miracle Maddie." We all prayed so hard for her survival and she did. She didn't just survive, she thrived. When her birthday pops up every year so close to Walker's I am reminded of the miracle. 

They knew Maddie needed a sibling. There are so many ways to make a family. 

Their second miracle was born in a far away place and from another womb. Isabella came to make them a family of four.  

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” -2 Corinthians 6:18

Maddie grew up loving cows like her Daddy. Isabella loves alpacas. They are so soft and so cute. I hope to hang out with them one of these days when we are back home. 

Their hearts are full and so are their barns. 

Today, I am grateful for miracles and alpacas. 

No Coats in November

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 320- Today, I am grateful for no coats in November.

What a glorious thing it is to not have to wear a coat in November. November in Illinois is usually pretty cool to cold and the wind and the rains often come. As the beautiful leaves fall to the ground, taking their final bow, they will die and nourish the earth. 

The sun was warm today - in the high 60's - and absolutely gorgeous. It is good to see people out walking and truly enjoying it. 

Savor these days, as this too shall pass. You know how I feel about Thanksgiving. It is probably my favorite holiday because it is not as crazy on the calendar. I don't want to rush Christmas. I love it, but it will come soon enough.  

These extraordinary days kind of defy the patterns and laws of nature, so I want to be sure and celebrate them with intention.

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law."  -Psalm 119:18

Open my eyes that I may see.

Today, I am grateful for no coats in November.

Strength Training

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 319- Today, I am grateful for strength training.

I am not a weight lifter, but that was the image that came to mind when I read this passage of scripture today. 

"As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands." -Psalm 119:143

My friend, Joe, likes to say, "Muscle only grows in the presence of resistance." He is right. It is a physical training truth. For many, the ritual of going to the gym for strength training is a part of their weekly routine. For athletes, it is necessary to keep them performing at their best. Most have some kind of an exercise plan. I admire their discipline. 

As I was unwrapping this passage, it occurred to me that when the pressure and stress of life bear down on us, we have His Word and His commands to keep us on track. Like a training workout, it can test our limits and cause discomfort, but we grow stronger through the process. 

Over the years, I've heard so many reflect on their trials by acknowledging they would have never signed up for the struggle, but they grew spiritual muscles in the presence of resistance. When the struggle is real, so is the opportunity. 

Choose to press in. Choose to press on. Choose joy.

Today, I am grateful for strength training.

November

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 318- Today, I am grateful for November.

How do you sum up November in the Midwest? This snippet of poetry says it perfectly:

"It was November- the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines."-Lucy Maud Montgomery

Instead of mourning the fallen leaves, celebrate the sunsets and the changing of the guard. The cicadas are silent. The geese gather. The wind in the branches creates a lullaby for those who listen. Don't miss the moments in November worth savoring. 

We move so quickly through our days. We are constantly focusing on the next big thing. Why do we do that? We miss the magic in the ordinary moments. We miss seeing the hand of God in the tiny little miracles. 

“Be still, and know that I am God!" -Psalm 46:10

Be still. Life moves too fast. 
Know. Without a doubt! 
That, He is God. 

When November is upon us, we cannot help but marvel at the majesty of it all. 

Today, I am grateful for November.

Walker

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 317- Today, I am grateful for Walker.

It is the anniversary of the arrival of the baby boy who completed our family of four. He was long awaited by us and by Chase. The 5 years and 3 months between them made one a hero and the other a treasure. 

Some of my favorite memories of them as children are the times I found them simply enjoying each other. Chase was always ready to guide and protect. Walker looked up to Chase in the special way little brothers do. 

Giving birth to a baby around the holidays is special. Walker was a newborn at Thanksgiving and a month old at Christmas. I am sure post-partum emotions were running high, but what I remember most was the wonder of it all. Holding another miracle in our arms. Another baby boy to love and watch grow up. 

Walker has the most generous heart. His compassion for others runs deep. He is loyal and fun. He has always added laughter to our family. He still does. 

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb." -Psalm 139:13

In just a blink of the eye our little boys become men, but in truth... God is still writing their story. 

Happy Birthday, Walker. We love you more than we can put into words. 

Today, I am grateful for Walker. 

Seasonal Homemade Breads

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 316- Today, I am grateful for seasonal homemade breads.

There is something special about seasonal homemade breads. They make great gifts. They are a lovely way to show hospitality when guests are at the door. They are good for breakfast or snacking. 

What are your favorites? Zucchini bread makes me think of summer. The fall season is chock full of flavors. Apple and cinnamon breads are popular. In Morton, we love our pumpkins, so pumpkin chocolate chip bread is always a good choice. When we do not have time to make it ourselves, I am grateful for our local Great Harvest Bread Company that specializes in homemade breads  

In today’s sermon, we studied a little about Lydia. She was a competent and capable businesswoman, as a vendor of purple cloth. She had her family with her in Philippi while she was doing business there. The home was large enough to invite unexpected guests home after we encountered Paul, Timothy, Luke and the others with them. We are not told what she served, but every culture has bread. 

The day she met Paul, she was introduced to the Good News of Jesus. She learned of the fulfillment of the prophecies. She believed and received. I imagine she wanted to learn all she could before they parted ways, so she persuaded them to stay with her and her family. I wonder what bread was served to the ones who introduced her to “The Bread of Life?” 

As the Thanksgiving holiday kicks off the Christmas season, I can’t help but reflect on the wonder of it all. 

“ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” -John 6:35

 Today, I am grateful for seasonal homemade breads

Laughter

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 315- Today, I am grateful for laughter. 

I am not sure I have ever documented my gratitude for laughter and the things that make me laugh. 

We all have things that make us laugh. I love to watch videos of babies belly laughing. It is pure joy. My Cousin Angie, has me on the lookout for smiling dog pictures. Yes, dogs smile. 

The Love of my Life enjoys "Fail Army" videos or other videos that are more physical laughter. I enjoy the puny, the witty, and the absurd. 

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength." -Proverbs 17:22 

This squirrel meme is one of my favorites. It still makes me laugh like the first time I saw it. Animals make us laugh. So do little ones. 

I love when little ones try to make the words they know fit what they are trying to communicate. It is precious. "I have a headache in my stomach," is one I remember from being around little ones. 

What makes you laugh today? Embrace it. Seek it out. 

Today, I am grateful for laughter. 

Veterans Day

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 313- Today, I am grateful for Veterans Day.

Dad served in the Army. Uncle Mel served in the Korean War. April in the United States Air Force. My first cousins, James and David, are career Navy today. I am humbled by their courage and grateful for their service. 

I work every day with a Lt. Colonel who is one of the best men I know. Joe has a quote book on his desk that is full of patriotic thoughts and reflections. He is a leader to many and a servant to all. 

For everyone who puts on the uniform, there is excitement and adventure... and a little fear. A little fear is healthy and wise. 

Our town has the name of our hometown heroes in the military on utility polls on the way to our local Wal-Mart. I have long made a habit of praying for them when I drive by their names, especially the ones I know. 

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

To put on the uniform is to accept the risk of coming face to face with tough times, tough assignments, and missed moments at home. Still, they choose to serve. Not because they hate the enemies they may face, but because they want to protect the ones who wait for them back home.

“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Today, I am grateful for Veterans Day.

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 312- Today, I am grateful for opportunities to "hurkle-durkle."

My friend, Patsy Alejandro Paterno, shared this "word of the day." Patsy and I connected over our mutual love of the scriptures and art. When this image popped up, I had to smile. It was just what I needed to read today. A new phrase to me, but an old Scottish term. 

I've been reading "Outlander" which is set in Scotland. I have, also, recently discovered we have a fair amount of Scottish ancestors. When Patsy shared this, it decided it was perfect for today's gratitude. 

The week has been so full. I look forward to the opportunity to "hurkle-durkle" this weekend. Lounging in bed, just because you can is a treat. We have had some fast and full weekends. Good things to do, but a little lounging is good, too.  

"On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work." -Genesis 2:2

Yes, rest is good! 

Today, I am grateful for opportunities to "hurkle-durkle."

Fall Decorating

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 311- Today, I am grateful for fall decorating. 

I know some have already put up their Christmas trees. You get no judgement from me. Do what you need to do. 

Still, I like to pause and take in the fall decorations. Leaves, pumpkins, and acorns add earthy color and warmth to home decor. 

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." -Ecclesiastes 3:3 

Keeping it simple today. 

Today, I am grateful for fall decorating. 

Time Just Is

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 310- Today, I am grateful for moments when "time just is." 

"Time doesn't seem to pass here, it just is." -JRR Tolkien

A room full of books, we call a library. Books have been around for 1000's of years, but for many of those years, only the rich could bring them home. A public library really is a beautiful thing. 

Books are such good company. When lost in a good book, it is as if "time just is." You do not even know that it is passing. It is as if time stands still. 

I could not help but think of the battle Joshua and the Israelites fought when the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until they had defeated the Amorites. 

"So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day." -Joshua 10:13

When lost in a good book, time does not really stand still as it did for an important battle to be won, but it does grant us a small reprieve from the daily busyness of our days. It is always a gift.  

Today, I am grateful for moments when "time just is."

His Ways & His Plans

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 309- Today, I am grateful His ways are higher and His plans are better. 

Some of my Bible favorites were people who spent a great deal of time in waiting places. Some of them were uncomfortable, too. God sees what we cannot see. He knows what is to come when we are left to contemplate how a situation could ever work out to His glory. 

My simple way of explaining it is that "We don't have God goggles." We can only see our circumstances from our current vantage point. Yes, there are times we look back on hard seasons and we can see His hand working... but that moment can be a long time coming. There are times it does not become clear on this side of heaven. 

"God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." -Ephesians 1:9-10

We love the good times. We enjoy the mountain top adventures when we step out in courage and find He provides the wings. We know the reality of the storms and the valleys, too. 

Remember, we do not have to fear or wonder about death when He promises that we will only know "the shadow" because His resurrection swallowed up death in victory.  In the difficult seasons, we are not alone. We might not clearly see his hand, but it is there. Always. Every single time. 

Today, I am grateful His ways are higher and His plans are better. 

High Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 308- Today, I am grateful for high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

Sleep is so important to good health. I need to be more disciplined in my sleep schedule. I love the quiet of the late night and early morning. But sleep is required for humans to perform at our best. 

God directed us to rest. In fact, He gave us an example of rest..."and on the 7th day, God rested." He doesn't need it, but we do. 

To be able to peacefully rest in safety is something many around the world do not experience. I try not to take it for granted. Good rest helps us restore and be ready for the challenges of a new day. 

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

When I do sleep, I love high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. They are perfect for the business of sleeping. They make for sweet sleep. 

 Today, I am grateful for high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

Soul Songs

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 308- Today, I am grateful for soul songs. 

There are songs that help us through the hard days. They lift our spirits. They comfort. They make us feel like we are ready to take on whatever the day may bring. They can help us reframe the situation and refocus on what is important. 

For me, one of my favorites... "Born For This"... is sung by Mandisa from the CD "Songs Inspired by the Story." I love the video, too. Esther was filled with conviction and courage. She knew who she was. The King  could not help but be taken with her. Her physical beauty was evident, but she was so much more. 

"when my nights were filled with joyful songs.  I search my soul and ponder the difference now." -Psalm 77:6

Some days are harder than other. Some days, a song gets your through. Don't neglect your soul songs. 

Today, I am grateful for soul songs. 

Beautiful Things

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 307- Today, I am grateful for "1000 Beautiful Things." 

Grandma Marge loved to read. So did I. She would encourage me to read books that were good for my soul. "Two From Galilee" and "1000 Beautiful Things" were two of my favorites. "God Calling" and "God at Evening Tide" were the other two I will always associate with her. 

"1000 Beautiful Things" by Marjorie Burrows is where I first read some of my favorite quotes and short stories. The book is a collection of poems, stories, plays, and quotes. Grandma gave it to me and it became a true treasure, until I loaned it out and it never came back. Now, normally, that would be fine with me, but this one was a gift from Grandma. 

One year, The Love of My Life, found a copy and purchased it from a used book vendor. The book is now back in my collection and it is doubly treasured because it represents two people who have loved me well. 

Beautiful words and poetry are not new, as this passage reveals:

"Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet." -Psalm 45:1

Not new... and still treasured. 

Today, I am grateful for "1000 Beautiful Things." 

Good Neighbors

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 306- Today, I am grateful for good neighbors. 

I was raised on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. We watched it on a television that required an antenna. There was something so inviting about the song and the feeling he created with every episode. 

As I grew up, I observed that people would criticize children's television shows for one reason or another, but Mr. Rogers always had big defenders in any crowd. His kindness not only touched others, he brought people together. 

Being country, our closest neighbors were Case and Gladys Corbin and the Kreuger family. We shared a "party" telephone line. We had so much fun when Case and Gladys would have their grandchildren out at the farm. Todd, Brent, Diane and Denise were close to the same age as April and I were. We never had the experience of neighbors next door, but we could find companionship across the road on some of the long summer days when the Corbin grandchildren came to stay and play. 

In our house in Peoria, Miss Melba, Mark S. and Mark D. were some of Chase's first favorite playmates. There were no children, but our neighbors acted like grandparents and doting uncles. 

Once we made the move to Morton, we enjoyed neighboring with my lifelong friends, Tom and Lana, for a season when we were newlyweds. Our forever home... or at least for 27 years landed us with the best of neighbors. We raised our children here, together. In a time when children were already spending a great deal of time watching video games, we were the mean parents that promoted outdoor play until dark when we could. In fact, the kids learned to appreciate a rainy day because they could play inside... but only if invited in by the Mom. 

One house began with the Winkels... followed by the Moschels... and now the Ackermans have made that house their home for decades. One house has brought us three rich and beautiful friendships... all because of proximity.  

Susie would make cookies... and pass out cookie dough to those who wanted some. We kept snacks on hand. Our kids are still blessed with Susie cookies on their birthdays. 

A good neighbor is more than an acquaintance. They are the people who share our joys and our sorrows. 

Savor your neighbors today. 

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” -John 13:34-35

Today, I am grateful for good neighbors. 

Favorite Fall Scents

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven-Day 305- Today, I am grateful for my favorite fall scents. 

We live in a stuff obsessed society. It is so easy to become caught up in the chaos. When contemplating daily gratitude, I find it helpful to focus on the five senses. 

What are your favorite fall scents? I bet you have more than one or more. 

One fall scent that whisks me back to childhood is the scent of grain flowing from a combine auger into a wagon. That harvest smell is one that makes my soul dance. It brings back so many memories. It is a glorious and unique scent. 

Another is the scent of cinnamon that says "welcome home" and "Christmas is coming." I associate it with wassail (a hot spiced apple/cranberry beverage) and holiday baking. Paul mentions gifts being like a sweet-smelling sacrifice in one letter to the church at Philippi after Epaphroditus arrives with a care package. 

"At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God." -Philippians 4:18

Today, I am grateful for my favorite fall scents.