Reminders To Ask for Help

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 31: Today, I am grateful for reminders to ask for help.

First born. Stubborn. Creative. Opinionated. Independent. I struggle with asking for help. I would rather give help. 

I know I need to humble myself before my Lord and those around me, but it is not natural. This passage clearly reminds us of the importance of asking for help. 

"O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help." - Psalm 86:5     

This morning, the Love-of-my-Life prepared my morning cacoa(roasted brewed chocolate), so I didn't leave home without it. All I had to do was push down the French Press, fill the carafe, and go. It was the perfect way to start my day. I needed help getting out the door. He saw my need. He made my day. 

We all need help sometimes. Acknowledging our struggles unlocks the opportunity for others to step in and help. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to ask for help.

Favorite Verses

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 30: Today, I am grateful for favorite verses.

I started collecting quotes a long time ago. I have always been inspired by a well spoken word. I, especially, like the ones that match up nicely with a scripture passage. 

When I was an RA in college, the girls on my floor had varied schedules. We had the nursing students who were early risers and early to bed when clinicals required. We had those who were night owls, too. Finding a time that worked for everyone's schedule to get together for a floor devotional never seemed to work. 

Then I had an idea. I put inspirational quotes and complimentary scriptures on the back of the doors of the bathroom stalls. An unusual spot for a "devotional" moment, but they seemed to enjoy them. I remember writing them out by hand. We didn't have personal computers and I enjoyed writing them. 

One of my most treasured books was one called 1000 Beautiful Things. It was a gift from Grandma Marge and I loved it for all of the quotes, poetry, prose, and even short stories it contained. Each one was beautiful. 

I loaned the book out in college and did not get it back. The Love of my Life found it one year and ordered it for me. It has long been out of print.  It is a special book in my library because it is beautiful and it was a gift... twice. It is as wonderful as I remembered it to be. 

This scripture is one of my favorite passages. It challenges me to love bigger and better. The reminder to choose humility and gentleness is a good direction for every day. 

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

How do you collect your favorite quote and verses? I have them everywhere. They make me smile, they challenge me, and some touch my soul. 

Today, I am grateful for favorite verses.

Dentists

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 29: Today, I am grateful for dentists.

"My dentist said I needed a crown and I was like 'I know, right?'" 

This made me giggle. I received two crowns in the past year - but sadly, not one of them was a tiara. Both are in my mouth... with no diamonds. 

The accessibility to good dental care is a blessing worth counting. 

If your tooth hurts - so does your face, and sometimes your ear. In those moments, we are very grateful when our dentist can make room for us in his/her schedule. Taking care of our teeth is a game changer. A healthy smile is attractive and it gives us confidence. 

This passage shows that even in the days of King David and King Solomon, a healthy, happy smile was considered attractive. 

"Your teeth are as white as sheep, recently shorn and freshly washed. Your smile is flawless, each tooth matched with its twin." - Song of Solomon 4:2

Today, I am grateful for dentists.

Street Lamps

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 28: Today, I am grateful for street lamps.

I love street lamps. 

Today, we celebrated our Christmas today with the Lindgren clan in Champaign.(Hey, you do it when you can make it work with everyone's schedules). It is always good to be together and the weather was lovely for January in the Midwest. 

Kenzie and Steven live on a brick street that is so cute in the daytime. When we left after dark, I could not help but notice the street lamps in their neighborhood. They were beautiful. They stood tall and regal with big round globes. They lit the neighborhood that is full of craftsman homes, creating a scene that belongs in a watercolor painting. 

Street lamps offer light which increases safety in any neighborhood, but they do so much more. They are warm, inviting, and perhaps even a little romantic. Street lamps add charm. 

A light for our path is always a good thing! 

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105

Today, I am grateful for street lamps.

The Wonder of Worship

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 27: Today, I am grateful for the wonder of worship. 

Humans were designed for relationships. More specifically, we were designed for a relationship with God and each other. Everyone worships something. Who or what we worship is reflected in how we spend our time and use our resources. 

Earlier this week, I read a devotional that talked about worship. It has stuck with me all we long. The synopsis is that when we worship, it is like "kissing God." The Greek word reflects that observation. And today, this was my verse or the day:

"For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” - John 4:24

The same word of worship is used twice in this verse:

Proskyneo: to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence

The Greek definition also includes paying homage, showing respect, and even "on the knees, head to the ground" worship. The kiss is described like that of a dog kissing his master's hand.  it is a deeply felt and pure affection and adoration. 

Are our acts of worship well planned and intentional, or are they a soul, deep unadulterated response to a God who created us to walk with Him daily? 

On January 28, 1986, the Challenger exploded during take off. I was watching the television in "The Red Room" at Olivet, waiting for Randy to join me for lunch. The room was full of my fellow students. Christa McAuliffe, a schoolteacher, was onboard as a civilian who trained to join the mission. The world watched with excitement. 

Then the space shuttle exploded. We were all shocked into silence.  

We had no words. 

As President Ronal Reagan addressed the nation, I will never forget his words. "We will never forget them... as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God." 

I remember thinking how beautiful his words were. They somehow softened our grief. The idea of entering into the presence of God doing what they loved brought some comfort. 

Who do we worship today? Do we feel the wonder? 

 Today, I am grateful for the wonder of worship. 

Reminders Oh How To Live

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 26: Today, I am grateful for reminders on how to live.                                                

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,  be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—   take God seriously.  -Micah 6:8 (MSG)

I needed this reminder today. Micah is a little book full of good reminders about how to live. 

I can be easily distracted. I can set my focus on unimportant things. In the end, what matters is our relationships... with God and each other. 

Be fair and just to your neighbor; be compassionate and loyal to the ones you love. So simple, right? Not always. That is why we need reminders. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders on how to live. 

 

Burning Gives Off Light

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 26: Today, I am grateful burning gives off light.

"What is to give light must endure burning." -Victor E. Frankl

It is a very powerful observation from a man who endured and survived The Holocaust. Talk about being tried and tested by fires we can only imagine... and horrors I don't really like to think about. 

Hard times can refine us. The fires of life are often humbling and exhausting. Yet, when we reflect on the season, we realize that when we let go and let Him lead, that is when we find true freedom. It is a paradox for sure. In letting go, we are finally free. 

I think I have mentioned that one of my favorite Nichole Nordeman songs is from an old album. The song is called, "Burnin." 

Here are the lyrics:  

Started rubbing sticks together
I thought a spark would take forever
I never dreamt this fire would appear 

When Moses saw the bush in flames

And heard the branches speak his name

I wonder if he felt this kind of fear

'Cause I'm burnin'
Yeah, I'm burnin'
And I know I'm gonna blister in these flames
So I'll stay here
'Till this smoke clears
And I'll find you in the ashes that remain

Used to be that I could say
My faith was one arm's length away
From any flame that ever felt too warm
Asked for matches, but I received
A gallon full of gasoline
Now my cozy campfire days are gone

'Cause I'm burnin'
Yeah I'm burnin'
And I know I'm gonna blister in these flames
So I'll stay here
'Till this smoke clears
And I'll find you in the ashes that remain

I think of Job, Joseph, Daniel, Moses, Noah, Mary, Elijah, Ruth, and so many more great examples of faith. They surrendered to the fires that shape, mold, refine, and give off light. 

Today, I am grateful burning gives off light.

A Window

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 24: Today, I am grateful for a window.

I need light. Light through a window is one of my favorite  things. One of our our guilty pleasures on the weekend is lounging on the sofa in the living room... all three of us (Randy, Daisy Mae, & Me)... savoring sunbeams. 

I am so grateful our home came with a big window like the one I grew up with at on the farm. Every dog that has owned us over the years (yes, I meant to say it that way) has found that big window a place of watching, worrying, and waiting. The little pond in front of the window means we have occasional wildlife visitors. 

"As long as I have a window, life is exciting." -Gladys Taber

A window is a lovely place to sip a warm cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wassail, or cacao. It is a place to see the seasons changing. It is a place where we can see the days are growing longer. A window is a magical place. 

A window means there is an emergency escape that you hope you never need to use. 

A window was part of Rahab's redemption story.

"Then, since Rahab’s house was built into the town wall, she let them down by a rope through the window."- -Joshua 2:15 

Rahab protected the Jewish spies. She helped them escape. And then, she was protected, too. Protected and rescued. But the story didn't end with her helping the spies. She married and would become a mother. From her bloodline would come King David... and then Jesus.      

What is your favorite window?                                                                                                                                                                                         

Today, I am grateful for a window.

All Shapes and Sizes

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 23: Today, I am grateful for all shapes and sizes. 

I am a girl who like variety. This image made me smile. Although, it is missing the French Press. 

Yes... all of those look good to me. There is nothing like a warm beverage on a cold winter day. 

There is an old saying that says, "Variety is the spice of life." 

Made in His image, we recognized the unique, quirky, and rare. We enjoy breaking monotony. We delight in the unexpected. Goodness comes in all shapes and sizes.

How about your favorite animals? I love asking a room of people that question. We all have our favorites. We delight in the many colors, shapes and sizes for the creatures of the earth and seas. 

"O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small." -Psalm 104:24-25 

Delight in the variety around you today. 

Today, I am grateful for all shapes and sizes. 

Keep On Keeping On

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 22: Today, I am grateful for reminders to "keep on keeping on."

It was a day of remembering a life well lived. It was a day of stories, tears, laughter, and Dad jokes. Doug Tucker was a one of a kind and will be missed by so many. The phrase "keep on keeping on" keeps running through  my head. When you don't know exactly what to do, keep on keeping on. 

One of the Sunday School studies we did together focused on Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." That verse grabbed my heart and it hasn't let go. The people that share our celebrations and then show up to share our tears... they are our "tribe" as some describe it. 

Press in to the Prince of Peace... and press on. He does not abandon us in our trials. He loves to be invited to our celebrations. He is waiting for each of us to invite him into our lives. He is not afraid of the mess. In fact, He has a way of turning messes into missions. 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8   

To anyone who knocks... anyone!

Today, I am grateful for reminders to "keep on keeping on."

Composting

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 21: Today, I am grateful for composting. 

 When you grow up on the farm, you learn to feel almost a reverence for the soil. From the ground new life springs and food grows. 

I am too young to remember the "Dust Bowl" that destroyed so many farm families, but I have heard stories. The impact of "The Great Depression" was intensified because of the "Dust Bowl." Soil is not dead acreage, it is alive. 

As an adult, I have developed a curiosity about composting. People take unwanted vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, lawn trimmings, eggshells, and paper items and with the diligent work of macro and micro-organisms, we end up with fresh, new compost. (There is much more to the science, but that is a simple explanation.)

Compost looks like soil, but it is actually a soil additive that makes the soil better than it was before. Soil is mostly mineral. Compost is mostly organic. Together, they provide a rich ground for growing. 

Today, I could not help but think about all of the "garbage" that comes our way at times. Life is sometimes a stinky and smelly. Like the garbage that is added to the compost pile, some seasons in life can be a hot mess. But from that hot mess, God brings new life. 

Somehow, in the honest, organic moments of sorrows, sadness, failures, brokenness, and disappointments, our Lord does the work that only He can do. The compost pile of our life becomes something that enriches the soil around us. I don't understand it all, but I know He never fails. He doesn't abandon us. He transforms us. 

I find myself looking at the parable of the soil in Matthew 13 with new eyes.  

"Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" - Matthew 8:13

Fertile soil is better when mixed with organic compost. The "hot mess" of our lives can become the very thing that fertilizes our soil and gives us our testimony. 

Today, I am grateful for composting.

Brotherly Love

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 20: Today, I am grateful for brotherly love. 

My friend, Brenda, shared this picture and I told her I was going to steal it. It is perfect. And I love that sweet Jayne in the background. Doug Tucker and Kent Geiger were quite a pair! Not brothers by birth, but through life in Christ. 

In my mind, they were always a pair. Serving in children's ministries for many years, they never let pride keep them from acting totally goofy for the love of the children and their Lord. 

Doug taught Sunday School. Kent worked the PA soundboard. Both ushered. They worked Relief Sales, led VBS groups, and I will never hear the Go Fish version of "Jesus Loves Me" or "I Like Big Bibles and I Cannot Lie" without thinking of the two of them. They walked in joy.

They acted in little skits for the kids... and Jayne and Brenda would probably say they "acted up" at times... all in good fun. The silly and then suddenly serious when a conversation turned to something like concern for another who was struggling or hurting. 

From May 8, 2021 to  January 16, 2023 they were separated. Doug joined him on Tuesday. 

My heart aches for Jayne, his children (by blood and in love), grandchildren, and their families... and his sweet mother. He was the best of husbands.  Jayne was still his bride and the love of his life. His affection for her evident every time he said her name. He loved being a husband and Dad... and being a grandfather was his greatest earthly delight. 

Doug was loved and treasured by all who knew him. At work, at church, in Tremont, and wherever he made friends. He was salt and light wherever he went. I know that his testimony will continue to echo into eternity, just like Kent's. Brenda shared this scripture and it truly fits. 

"There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." -Proverbs 18:24

The earth weeps and heaven rejoices. I am so grateful these two "brothers" lived and loved without reservation... just like Jesus.  

Today, I am grateful for brotherly love.

"Just a Farm Kid"

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 19: Today, I am grateful for growing up "just a farm kid." 

My little brother, Matthew, sent me this great article. It is a beautiful tribute to what it means to grow up a farm kid. 

There were no summers at the pool. We tanned walking beans, mowing huge lawns, and watering gardens. 

We learned early that life isn't always fair. In fact, it seldom was. Most of our pets did not live long lives. They lived well, ate well, but farm equipment, trucks, and tractors proved dangerous for many. Kittens and dogs made some poor choices that shortened their lives. 

The circle of life was real. The cows and chickens were not pets. They had a purpose. 

The author of this article talks about the beautiful sunsets farm kids see all the time. We took them for granted. We loved to watch the stars, laying on our backs and listening to the crickets. Nature's canvas and symphonies were our everyday experiences.

We could tell school would soon be back in session by the scent of the corn.  I still recognize the smell. 

We didn't have much stuff. I guess we didn't need it. Our hobbies were practical like sewing, cooking, and baking. 

Mama taught music lessons after school. April and I learned to cook real meals so supper would be ready when Dad walked in the door. Yes.. supper. On the farm it was breakfast, dinner, and supper. 

As a child, I did not realize the value of being expected to contribute, or the skills we learned along the way. We had know idea how precious those days were until they were gone. 

Today, I am grateful for growing up "just a farm kid." 

Testing Points

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 18: Today, I am grateful for testing points. 

Testing points help us navigate many things. When is a product safe? When is a product dangerous? To what temperature will it withstand the heat? What about the cold? Will it splinter or shatter when the temperatures are subzero? So many questions, right? The questions help us test a product for approval. 

Windshields, dishes, and mirrors come to mind. The product list could be quite long. Testing points must be recognized, designed, tested, and recorded. 

I stumbled on this C.S. Lewis quote from "The Screwtape Letters." I really need to re-read that book. I love this definition of "courage." 

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." 

Oh my goodness... this is my verse of the day. I went for another passage and this one was right there waiting for me! 

When I add in my scriptures my prayer is this, "If you have something better, Lord, send it." He wins, again! Seriously, this one is perfect:

"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." -1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

Yes, we will have testing points. If we look to Him, he will not let us be tested past our limit. His help is certain... when we seek His face. 

Today, I am for grateful testing points. 

A Breath of Fresh Air

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 17: Today, I am grateful for a breath of fresh air. 

If you have ever battled a respiratory illness, you know the full joy of a deep breath of fresh air. It is not something to be taken lightly or for granted. Breathe in. Breathe out. 

If you have ever had to listen to bickering, you know that it can feel suffocating. Eventually, you need a breath of fresh air. 

This verse is verse for the day:

"Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society." -Philippians 2:14-15

This is one of those instructions I feel like I fail before I get out of bed some days. Other days, I remember to put first things first. On those days, I can feel the joy of a deep breath. 

A breath of fresh air is good for the body, mind, and soul.

Today, I am grateful for a breath of fresh air. 

The Urge to Purge

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 16: Today, I am grateful for the urge to purge. 

I am not really a collector, but I am a saver. "You never know when that might come in handy." How many times have I said those very words. Occasionally, the item is a lifesaver. Too many times, closets and storage spots get full. 

When it comes to my treasures, it can be hard to let go. I am sentimental by nature. 

When we do find the courage to let go of some stuff, there is a unique freedom. We lay our burdens down and are set free. 

Here is great advice:

"My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. "Galatians 5:16

I like this list of suggested purges. The love of my life would be thrilled if I conquered just a few room. I did do some purging over the Christmas break.

Today, I am grateful for the urge to purge. 

A Nap and a Snack

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 15: Today, I am grateful for a nap and a snack.

Being intentional means having a plan. Even if the plan fails, you made the attempt. I loved this image today, "If at first you don't succeed, have a nap, find a snack, then try again." 

That is pure wisdom. Naps are a reset. Snacks are a pick-me-up. They are a perfect combination. 

I was reminded of a recent sermon where Elijah was having a particularly bad day. Queen Jezebel wanted him dead. King Ahab wanted the Queen happy. Her prophets of Baal failed and God prevailed with a miracle.  Jezebel was embarrassed and became angry. To say Jezebel was furious is an understatement. Elijah fled to save his neck.

I like this passage in The Message: 

"When Elijah saw how things were, he ran for dear life to Beersheba, far in the south of Judah. He left his young servant there and then went on into the desert another day’s journey. He came to a lone broom bush and collapsed in its shade, wanting in the worst way to be done with it all—to just die: “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush. 

Suddenly an angel shook him awake and said, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and, to his surprise, right by his head were a loaf of bread baked on some coals and a jug of water. He ate the meal and went back to sleep. The angel of God came back, shook him awake again, and said, “Get up and eat some more—you’ve got a long journey ahead of you.” He got up, ate and drank his fill, and set out." -1 Kings 19:3-9

Physical and mental exhaustion require taking a break. A nap and a snack made a huge difference for Elijah. With rest and food, he could face what he needed to do next. 

Many in the Midwest are getting some extra time at home because of the weather. If you can, take advantage of a nap and a snack.

Today, I am grateful for a nap and a snack.

Burdens We Can Lay Down

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 14: Today, I am grateful for the burdens we can lay down. 

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." - Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I love that quote. I used it in an email today, and then one of my life-long friends posted it. I am convinced that was a prompt to dig a little deeper. 

It is not  MLK's most famous quote, but it is one of my personal favorites. Hate is exhausting. Someone once said that carrying unforgiveness is like giving someone "free rent" in your head. I know that is true. Hate and anger are exhausting. A heavy spirit is harder to bear than physical weight, but both will wear us down.  We are blessed to have choices when it comes to what we do with our negative feelings and disappointments. 

When Randy and I were newlyweds in Peoria, we had a neighbor named Gilbert. Gilbert was sweet, eager to chat,  and always thrilled with anything shared from our kitchen. He lived alone, but never struck me as lonely. 

We enjoyed conversing with Gilbert. He was patient if we were slow to understand his words. I believe Gilbert had CP. Walking (and talking) were not easy for him, but he walked all over Peoria with a heavy backpack on his back. We believed the burden of the backpack helped him keep his balance. The heavy burden kept him from falling. He never complained. He was grateful to be on the go, and he was... nearly every day.  

Memories of Gilbert remind me that some burdens strengthen us, and others we can choose to lay down. Love is greater than hate; love always wins.

When my lifelong friend, Sally Rosenboom, went to be with Jesus, her funeral was beautiful. Her children spoke and my heart is still full because of their thoughts, words, and reflections on their mother's life. Her life was her testimony. Sally put down her cancer burden and ran to Jesus, but she left us all a challenge. We were to memorize 1 Corinthians 13.  The whole chapter is only 13 verses. 

That card is still at my desk. (Sally, you know I am still working on it. I will complete it before I join you.) It will remain there until I have completed my assignment. Memorizing is so much easier when you are younger. It is a powerful passage that reminds us of the power of love. (And now my Earworm is now singing the Huey Lewis song, "Power of Love.") 

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."   -1 Corinthians 13

Love helps us lay down the burdens we were never meant to carry. Love helps us carry the ones that make us stronger and give us balance. Which ones can we lay down today? 

Today, I am grateful for the burdens we can lay down. 

Breath of God

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 13: Today, I am grateful for the beauty in the "Breath of God."

This is taken from an old post, but it was exactly what I needed to hear today. 

This photo was taken in my backyard. Ice can be so beautiful. Fierce and destructive, but beautiful, too. 

Although I am not a fan of icy roads and the many dangers out there when the weather turns ugly, I never cease to be stopped by the beauty of an ice covered world. When sleet and rain turn to ice, it becomes an artistic, frozen wonderland. 

I found this verse:

"By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast." -Job 37:10

Nature seems to revel in the blanket of ice and frozen fractals, while I shiver with the cold. Creation relaxes... and I get more tense. I have a feeling there is a lesson to be learned. 

Every season has wonder. In most trials, there is a beauty hidden. We can choose to pause, reflect and discover that the immediate emotional response to any crisis is not the final feeling, unless we choose that stopping point. There is more. 

Icy conditions... my initial reaction is to cringe and fret. Once a sense of safety is restored, there is nothing to do but sit back and take in the phenomenal spectacle. 

By the breath of God... man takes his first breath.

By the breath of God... the stars line up and stay in order.
By the breath of God... the Red Sea parts.
By the breath of God... the waves continue to kiss the shores.
By the breath of God... nature sings.
By the breath of God... ice is given.

Nature is inspiring. It calls us to discover not just its marvels and miracles. Heaven and nature sings of the glory of the Lord. It can't help it. 

Ice makes me slow down; there is power in the pause. 

Today, I am grateful for the beauty in the "Breath of God"... and the lesson to be learned.  

Heat in my Car

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 12: Today, I am grateful for heat in my car. 

If you travel in a vehicle that has heat, it is a perfect point of gratitude. 

It is so easy to fall into the trap of complaining about the blizzard weather. I really do not like the bitter cold, but I have been trying to be very intentional the past couple of years of finding ways to be extra grateful in the winter months. 

I love my "bun warmers" in my car. Some have heated steering wheels (right Wendy?) that are amazing. Randy has them, too. But as we reflect on the simple gifts, if your car has a heater that works, you are very blessed. 

A warm car on a long or a short drive is a delight. 

The seasons will continue to change as long as this little planet continues her orbit around the sun. 

"As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” -Genesis 8:22

This, too, shall pass, but until it does...

Today, I am grateful for heat in my car. 

Sunshine in Winter

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 11: Today, I am grateful for sunshine in winter!

Yes! The sun came out today. It was so exciting. It seems like we have had a series of gray days and I really need the sun. It was spectacular!

Several around the office commented on the sun, too. It was contagious... finding joy in such a simple thing is good for the soul. 

Sunshine in winter is a game changer. I am reminded that the one who created summer created winter, too. Both are temporary. He set their boundaries. 

"You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter." -Psalm 74:17

Take in the good on this day. We have more bad weather coming, but for today... I will savor the sun. 

Today, I am grateful for sunshine in winter!

Balance

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 10: Today, I am grateful for balance.

"As you learn to fly, may you also learn to rest... both will prepare you for the journey ahead." Morgan Harper Nichols

Such a great quote for January. It is all about balance. Learn to fly, but rest, too. Your body, mind, and soul need both. 

Many are taking advantage of the "re-set" that comes with a new year. It is good. I know there are a few things I am trying to do differently or better. One day at a time. Some days I succeed. Other days, I don't. 

I am grateful for the tender mercies that come with each sunrise. Balance is not always easy for us. It requires pausing to reflect and evaluate. 

When I do find balance, I know I do not achieve it alone. 

"How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" -Galatians 3:3

Not on our own. "Not by might. Not by power. But, by the Spirit, says the Lord."

Today, I am grateful for balance.

Lagom

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 9: Today, I am grateful for "lagom." 

Vocabulary building is one of my favorite things. I love learning new words. It expands how I see the world. 

"Lagom" is a Scandinavian word. It means, "not too little, not too much; just right." Anyone else thinking about Goldilocks and the three bears? She wanted the bed that was "just right." 

Lagom! How many cups of coffee is lagom? It differs for everyone. What is your perfect temperature? The correct answer for me in 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 75 degrees is lagom! 

When the mattress on your bed is not too hard and not to soft... it is lagom. How often do we celebrate the "just right" things in our lives? Do we seek out a state of contentment? Or, are we always looking to change something? 

To find joy in the "just right" is an intentional act. I love this scripture reminder:

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have." - Philippians 4:11. 

Look for the "just right" in your day. You won't regret it. 

Today, I am grateful for "lagom." 

Snow Plow Drivers

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 8- Today, I am grateful for snow plow drivers. 

We are at the front end of a winter storm. I am grateful for the many people who work on the road crews. They are out plowing, salting, and working to keep us safe in the most inclement weather. 

Remember, they have families at home, too. Be kind. 

It is so easy to get impatient or frustrated. Instead, choose gratitude. Be intentional. Look for the simple gifts. A freshly plowed road is a simple gift. 

We have a neighbor who spoils us by plowing us out after most winter storms (We appreciate you, Jim!). I kind of like being snowed in, but it is comforting to know that you can get out if you need to go. 

“He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down." -Job 37:6

Take in the storm. Look for the mysterious and magical. Take in the beauty and practice "the pause." 

Today, I am grateful for snow plow drivers. 

Companionship

 

Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 7- Today, I am grateful for companionship.

I am drawn to this image of  three geese walking together in the snow. They do not seem to be in a hurry or bothered by the humans who may be watching. They are simply taking a stroll in the snow. 

In contrast, so much of the walking  I have done in the recent past has been for exercise and with a mission. Up that heart rate! Maybe even drop some pounds. I forget about walking for the sheer pleasure of taking in nature and enjoying my companions.

This image took me back to the days of long walks down to "the bridge" to play in the creek with my siblings, cousins, and friends. It reminded me of  leisurely walks around the familiar small towns of my childhood. The days were filled with conversation and companionship. 

I like to imagine this scene from scripture: 

"Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” -Mark 8:27

They were simply walking along.  It is the picture of "companionship." The conversation was natural. Then, Jesus asked some big questions. He first asked them to share what people said about him. They were eager to share what they had heard. Then he asked, "Who do you say that I am?"  

We know it was Peter who answered it correctly: "You are the Messiah." 

Peter got it right. He boldly declared it. (Peter was not subtle.)  Peter made his declaration in front of all of his friends. And then, Jesus asked them to keep it to themselves for a bit. 

Iron sharpens iron. Choose your friends wisely, and then delight in their companionship. 

Today, I am grateful for companionship.

Sabbath in Winter

 Daily Gratitude Year Twelve-Day 6- Today, I am grateful for the Sabbath in winter. 

I just finished the book, "Seven". It is an old book many have read, but it was my first time reading it. It is about simplifying so that we keep "first things first."  It has different challenges that point toward focusing on what is really important. Less is more. 

One of the chapters talks a little about the Sabbath. 

"Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." - Exodus 20:8 

It was not a suggestion. It was a command. 

It is so hard to guard the time for a true Sabbath. Everyone tries to fill it. Setting aside time for worship, study, fellowship, hospitality, naps,  and rest is good for our souls. Our bodies benefit from work, healthy diet, and true rest. 

I have many places I can improve on these matters. Finding a  healthy balance seems to be harder in these more modern times. 

Jesus's declaration in Mark 2:27:

 "And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 

Ah... yes... the Sabbath was made for man. We need it. 

In the winter season, it seems a little easier. We want to hunker down, cozy up, and enjoy the deep breath. Savor the slower pace. Plan for it. Embrace it. 

Today, I am grateful for the Sabbath in winter.