Psalms of Ascent

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 60: Today, I am grateful for the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - Psalm 134). 

This collection of fifteen Psalms in modern language were  "The Songs for the Journey to Worship." Their pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem was a long road that went uphill. They would sing on the way. 

Imagine the children learning these songs of Solomon, David, and a few that are uncredited! 

I can imagine the families singing together, with the little ones messing up some of the words but doing their best to join in with the grown-ups and older children. They would remember the words for all of their days, just like we remember the songs of our youth, too.  

My soul delights in music. I sometimes think in lyrics. Rhymes come easily. When it comes to worship, certain songs magnify our praise offering. "Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord Oh My Soul)" is one that has been mine for more than a decade. It is my worship song on the best days and the hardest days. The best worship songs seem to be able to do both.

Another one I continue to cherish is "What Do I Know of Holy?" by Addison Road. It is another song that lifts my soul in praise and humbles me all at the same time. 

Some songs are joyful. Others carry our brokenness to the throne of His mercy, healing, and grace. 

"I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer." - Psalm 120:1

If I made a list of 15 songs to make my way to worship, what would they be? I would have to think about it for a while. It would be hard to choose from the best of the best. What would make your list of the top 15? 

Today, I am grateful for the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120 - Psalm 134). 

Robin's Real Birthday

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 59: Today, I am grateful Robin gets to have a real birthday. 

Happy 15th Birthday, Robin! 

The boys call her "Aunt Robin" or "My Robin". Our meeting was by chance through our mutual friends, Melinda and Carl. Robin actually filled a position I left many years ago at the Human Service Center's Youth Services. She and Chase connected at Mindy and Carl's Wedding, and he brought her home. We kept her. Here we are, almost 32 years later. She is a part of our family. 

I was looking for something and came across these pictures. The timing was perfect for our Leap Year birthday girl. I will never forget the year that Chase was officially older than her. It wasn't long and Walker was, too. When they were little, they both loved reminding her that they were older. 

She was an extra adult in their life who has loved them fiercely. She still does. She says we taught her some things along the way, too. I believe it was mutual and reciprocal. I remember her helping paint our family room with Randy while Jill and I wallpapered the kitchen. They sounded like brother and sister, fussing at each other as they completed the task. Jill and I could not help but laugh listening to them. It is pretty close to what it sounds like when Randy is with his own sisters. Some parts of our family we are born to. Some, we choose. Others... I think God chooses for us. That would be Robin. 

Robin has mastered the gift of being "present" with people when she is with them. Some people have to work at it with intention. It is one of her gifts. When we met her, she never thought she would be great with kids, but she adapted and became the baby whisperer for all of the little ones in her world. She's a favorite with many of her nieces and nephews... and with the "greats." 

She has a way with people... and animals. She used to take the boys to Wildlife Prairie Park when they were little. She volunteered. They learned so much and had some special experiences, too. She modeled tenderness towards all of God's creatures big and small. 

A couple of years ago, she nearly died from sepsis. God rescued her...literally... and she pressed on. She is grateful for every day and every opportunity to share the Gospel. Her mission isn't complete. 

This was my verse for the day. It is perfect for her heart and the way she tries to live and love. 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7

We hope she has an amazing "Fabulous 15th" Birthday.  We hope she knows she is loved. 

Today, I am grateful Robin gets to have a real birthday. 

The Bird Prophesying Spring

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 58: Today, I am grateful for the bird prophesying spring. 

"The sun is bright, the air is clear, 
The darting swallows soar and sing, 
And from the stately elms I hear 
the bluebird prophesying Spring." 
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

I heard them today. The chatter was clear. The birds and their songs filled with hope and good cheer. 

They woke up and discovered they could not help but sing. Hold on to your hats... we swiftly approach the Spring. 

Savor the moment. Lift your face to the sun. 
Savor the reprieve, Winter is not done. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? -Matthew 6:25-26

Today, I am grateful for the bird prophesying spring. 

The Attentive Eye

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 57: Today, I am grateful for the attentive eye.

"To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and it beholds every hour a picture which was never seen before... and which shall never be seen again." -Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Today was gorgeous. I walked outside and lifted my face to the sun. These unseasonably warm days make us think "Spring," but it is too soon. It has not yet sprung. 

Still, in this moment, we can take in the delight of an undeniable break from winter. It is easy to miss the moment because we look right past it. We must train our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to be more attentive in the moment. This hour will never return. It will never be lived again. 

How many important and potentially life changing moments do we miss because we don't pay attention? 

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him." -1 John 4:9

Dad used to have a little saying on the back of his business card that said something to the effect of, "If you meet me and forget me,  you've lost nothing. If you meet Jesus and forget him,  you've lost everything."

I probably quoted it imperfectly, but I think I nailed the truth. Some moments can change forever, but we have to seize the gift. 

Today, I am grateful for the attentive eye.

Common Sense

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 56: Today, I am grateful for common sense . 

Common sense is not that common. Acting logically and calmly is a great response in many situations, and it is necessary in a crisis. 

Our emotions are easily stirred. An emotional response is not always the most best response. A diligently practiced prayerful pause is always a good idea. 

One of things that always makes me smile is when the best solutions come from the most humble sources. New eyes on an old problem… or maybe just different eyes. 

Critical thinking skills need exercise. On the other side, overthinking can be problematic, too.  

So, how do we act with common sense? Keep first things first. Sometimes, common sense goes against the grain of what is popular. 

“Be strong and courageous!” -Deuteronomy 31:6

Today, I am grateful for common sense . 

Cemetery Records & Obituaries

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 55: Today, I am grateful  for cemetery records and obituaries. 

I have been sucked into the rabbit hole of genealogy. Mama Ina Mae was always interested. I wish I had known then what I know now. It would have been fun to share the discoveries and the stories with her.

Today, there are so many modern tools for research and turning over new stones. Some of the best resources are obituaries and cemetery records. 

Of course, an obituary or a cemetery record is limited in the information collected or the information given. All of them can be useful as future generations uncover their family stories. It is so interesting to put the puzzle pieces together. 

The generations who came before us often moved in family groups. The Calkins and St. Johns eventually settled in Iroquois County bringing some of the Chaffee and Lockwood family members, too. All of them were familiar names in Sharon, Litchfield, Connecticut. 

The picture is my Great-Great-Great Grandparents stone at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Iroquois County, IL. There are many more relatives nearby. I find this stone particularly beautiful and it has stood the test of time. I want to visit in person. 

I found this scripture that tells of Jacob setting  up a stone to mark Rachel's grave. It is one last, "I love you." 

"So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave, and it can be seen there to this day." -Genesis 35:19-20

Today, I am grateful  for cemetery records and obituaries. 

A Complimentary Cup of Coffee

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 54: Today, I am grateful  for a complimentary cup of coffee. 

This one made me giggle. I think my soul needed it, and I thought yours might, too. 

Think about the last time you received a complimentary cup of coffee. In "The Big Bang Theory" they  all worked hard to teach Sheldon that most people appreciated being offered a warm beverage if they were sad, sick, or having a rough day. Sheldon's computer-like mind struggled with it, because there was no logical connection. The head and the heart are programmed differently. 

I love coffee... cacao, hot cocoa, herbal hot teas, spiced teas, wassail, and most warm beverages. Mine never give me compliments like in the image, but they do satisfy a need.

This verse speaks of comfort and a cup that overflows with blessings. 

 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. -Psalm 23:5

Savor the next complimentary cup of goodness you receive. Let it speak to your need. Comfort, thirst, or the gift of a warm welcome. 

Today, I am grateful  for a complimentary cup of coffee.

A Robin's Hope

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 53: Today, I am grateful  for the robin's hope.

A couple of times this week, people in my world have found hope and joy in the sighting of a robin. The return of the robin means Spring is just around the corner. 

Nature is pretty fine tuned. Each creature is a part of the magnificent tapestries of the earth, lakes, seas, and skies. We can learn so much if we take the time to pause and read the signs. 

I love the constant reminders from nature that His hand hovers over his creation. 

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care." - Matthew 10 :29

Not one misses his notice. Not one. Savor the joy 

Today, I am grateful  for the robin's hope.

Lids

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 52: Today, I am grateful  for lids. 

Yes, lids! I know it is a first time gratitude. Eleven years and 52 days of gratitude and I have never observed the value of a simple lid. 

On the way in from work and the grocery store, my bag broke. Dinner landed on the garage floor. No worries! The lid saved the day. It didn't come off. Nothing was lost. It was a happy ending. 

I love glass containers with lids that seal well. They are the containers I grab first for leftovers. I need to replace some of my Pyrex lids that are old, cracked, or were microwaved by "nobody."  

Lids can keep bad things out and good things in. They are a simple kitchen tool, but they are priceless when you need one. 

It made me think of this  passage from Psalm 91:4- "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

He protects and he shields us. It is a simple, yet powerful image. 

Today, I am grateful  for lids. 

Balance

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 51: Today, I am grateful  for balance.

When I read this poem, my first thought was "balance." 

There are two sides to every coin. The night ends at dawn. Trials build our resilience. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote beautifully. 

As we walk through these days, there are good days and tough ones. In time, He weaves them all together into something memorable. 

" Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." -Ecclesiastes 3:11

 Today, I am grateful  for balance.

Memories of Grandma's Kitchen

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 50: Today, I am grateful  for memories of Grandma's kitchen. 

My friend, Kelly, posted this picture today. I want to give her credit for inspiring today's gratitude. She posted memories from all of her Grandmother's kitchens. I want to do the same. 

They are rich memories, right? They bring us back to our childhood sights, scents, flavors, and even the textures around us. 

(I'd love to see your memories in the comments.) 

Grandma Elaine Bess - my bonus Grandmother - that woman could make the best cabbage rolls I have ever tasted. I remember her amazing homemade noodles drying around the kitchen. It meant we were in for a special treat. And... her Taco Salad was "modern" and delicious. We were always surrounded by Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles. That made everything taste better. 

Grandma Opal Maxine St. John Bess Watson was Mama's mom. I was her first grandchild. Her mother died when she was a small child and her family mostly lived in California. She and my Grandfather had seven children. They didn't have much. Grandma Opal Maxine knew how to stretch a dollar and her food was always delicious. The foods I associate with her kitchen are hamburgers and hot dogs with chips. It was the standard meal at her house. 

At the holidays, Grandma Opal Maxine made amazing oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies we called "Pride of Iowa." It came to her from Grandma Guttendorf's side of the family tree. We still make those cookies in our family. The chocolate chips can be changed to butterscotch. With or without pecans - I always want pecans. The secret ingredient is coconut. Even those who swear they do not like coconut seem to like it in "Pride of Iowa." I can still hear my Aunts singing in the kitchen as they washed and dried any dishes. 

Grandma Mabel Daschner Lindgren died when I was two. I have strong memories of her. That kitchen had the strong scent of a percolator coffee pot and a frying pan that was used daily to fry eggs and meat. Those scents continued after she was gone. 

Grandma Marjorie Brown Lindgren was Grandpa Lindgren's happily-ever-after. She was a gentle soul who loved to set a pretty table and believed in manners at the table from all of us. We loved it. Dad and Uncle Mel tolerated her demand for decorum. It was good for them. Grandma Marge was an excellent cook. She often made "Seven Layer" salad.  The thing I remember most were the tea parties with "Friendship Tea" and cookies and sleepovers with cousins when her grandchildren visited with highlights around the kitchen table with the Formica top and the Harvest Gold barrel swivel chairs. Grandpa Lindgren would bring up the Schwann's Maple Nut ice cream as a treat. The memories are sweet. 

Great-Grandma Hulda Guttendorf Bess was the queen of her kitchen when they lived in Cape Girardeau, MO. Great-Grandpa Alva grew up in Lutesville, MO and they returned to that area for a season. They took care of a sweet, elderly man who was blind. It was a big house in my memory. We all went down one time for a big family gathering. The kitchen was a place for women to gather and work together. Flour sack towels were used daily. I do not remember the meals. I do remember the fellowship of family. 

Reflecting on the memories, I am reminded how blessed I was to have these women in my life. They mentored their daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters for all the days of their lives. They taught us how to cook and showed us how to love. 

As Mama Ina Mae would say, "The secret ingredient is love." 

I was going for another verse, but my "verse of the day" seems perfect:

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us." -1 John 4:11-12

His love is brought to full expression in Grandma's kitchen. 

Today, I am grateful  for memories of Grandma's kitchen. 

Discernment

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 49: Today, I am grateful  for a lesson on discernment.

"Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is to know the difference between right and almost right." -Charles Spurgeon

Pow! There you have it. Discernment in a nutshell. 

It is pretty simple, really. They say "the devil is in the details," and this would echo that thought. Right and almost right can look so similar. 

Wisdom and discernment are gifts from the Spirit. They are not the same. They complement each other. What are the Gifts of the Spirit?

"To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.  The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.  He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said."  -1 Corinthians 12:8-10

Being able to discern from right and almost right can change our path. It can change the direction of a couple, a community, or a congregation.

The discerning observation is not always popular. It can be quite uncomfortable. 

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

Do we ask God what message He has for us today? Do we pause to listen to the answer? 

Today, I am grateful  for a lesson on discernment.

Stillness

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 48: Today, I am grateful  for stillness.

"Stillness is the flower of winter, all hope waits beneath a blanket of white." -unknown

February is half over and I am done with winter. Winter is not yet done with me. A few warm days gave us a break, but winter is back. The snow on the ground still sticks. 

It won't be long before the ground warms and the crocus will appear, but not today. Today, we will take in the stillness of the winter. Hope does wait beneath a blanket of white. 

This is a favorite verse of mine. It reminds me to be still in the present. It offers reassurance of good things to come. There is comfort and a promise.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” -Psalm 46:10

It is one of my very favorite passages. Reassurance for this day. Hope for tomorrow. We can "be still."

Today, I am grateful  for stillness.

Apricity

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 47: Today, I am grateful  for a new word...apricity. 

Apricity is not really a new word. It is actually antiquated. It is a word for the warmth of the sun in winter, coined in 1623 by Henry Cockeram. 

I have no idea why that word would become obsolete! 

Who doesn't love the feeling of a sun warmed car on a winter's day? Or what about sunbeams flooding through a window, warming whoever is fortunate enough to catch them?

"...for he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. "Matthew 5:45b

The warmth of the sun in the winter is like an unexpected gift. Savor it. 

Today, I am grateful  for a new "old" word...apricity. 

Not A Mouse

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 46: Today, I am grateful it is "not a mouse"... I am grateful for tech teams.  

Me: It doesn't have a tail so I'm pretty sure it's a hamster.

Tech Support: Okay. Fine. Right-click the hamster. 

I read this. I laughed out loud. I could not help it. 

I love my tech teams, at work and at home. I try to do all of the obvious things before I call for help. 

It, also, made me laugh because I do not entertain mice! They are creepy. I can tolerate spiders and snakes... but not mice. 

Today, I am grateful it is "not a mouse"... and I am grateful for tech teams. 

True Love

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 45: Today, I am grateful for true love.   

All of the fairytales and movies  point toward "true love." I love a good movie that requires little thought and a happy ending. We all know life is full of twists and turns and that love is not all sunshine, glitter, and rainbows. 

True love is a love that is true. It stands the test of time and withstands the storms. It grows sweeter with time. It is not about me. It is not about him. It is about us. 

Yes. Not simply the individual, but what we become together. We are better together. 

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." -1 John 4:10 

Our human love is a reflection of God's love for us. It is self-sacrificing as much as it is self preserving. It finds joy in the giving. Real joy.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Today, I am grateful for true love.   

Queen Helen

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 44: Today, I am grateful for Queen Helen.                                                              

She is our "Queen of Hearts" for all who call her "Aunt Helen." 

Mama's little sister, Helen, was just a toddler when she contracted spinal meningitis in the 1950's. Fevered. Her back arched so much that her feet touched her head in the "seal" position. It was a scary time for their family. Aunt Helen was child number five. Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy came right behind her.  Mama only spoke of the illness, but she often spoke of my Grandma Opal Maxine's stubborn courage in the face of great adversity. 

The disease caused mental limitations. She learned to walk and talk for the second time with her younger siblings. She learned her letters and numbers, but has limited reading and very few math skills. It did not impact her ability to have fun, love deeply, and enjoy life. 

Aunt Helen was one of our favorite playmates as children. She was a "grown up" who never grew up. Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathy were fun, too, but they got busy with teenage friends and dating. Not Aunt Helen. Aunt Helen always wanted to play games with us, especially if we let her choose the game. We learned quickly that she liked to win. We did not care. My siblings and cousins adored her.  

She was smart enough to con us into cleaning her room. We danced to Connie Francis and Nancy Sinatra on her record player. We sang and dressed up in things the sisters had left behind. We crafted. We did what she wanted us to do. Our playing with Aunt Helen gave our grandparents and parents some peace. 

Aunt Helen is now in her 70's. She is still charming. I believe she was one of the first clients/workers at the Kankakee Valley Training Center when it opened. She was in high school when she first attended. She is still there. When asked when she might retire, Aunt Helen replied, "Why would I do that? What would I do?" She has a work ethic! 

Last weekend the Training Center had a "Prom." They called to let my Cousin Dawn know that Aunt Helen had been chosen as the Prom Queen. Dawn was so excited she couldn't sleep either. She shared pictures with the family. Aunt Helen was over the moon. We are all so happy for her. 

Aunt Helen is beloved. 

"My beloved is mine and I am his;" -Song of Songs 2:16

She is beloved. By God and by all of us. 

Today, I am grateful for Queen Helen.

Love Always Wins

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 43: Today, I am grateful love always wins. 

This scripture keeps popping up. It is the time of year when our thoughts turn to Valentine's Day and love themes. When we look through the eyes of love and act with intention, all of our relationships are impacted. 

"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." - Corinthians 13:6-7  

Do we get it right 24/7/365? No. But, we keep trying.  We get up each morning and try again. Love endures!

To love courageously and honestly is the way to face each new day. We get weary. We get irritated.  Love anyway. Love more intentionally. 

Still, love is always the best choice. It frees our spirit. It has the power to endure. 

Live this day. Do not attempt to carry tomorrows trials. Be present, engaged, and ready to manage only this day with a faith that does not waver.  

Today, I am grateful love always wins. 

Foot Washing

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 42: Today, I am grateful for foot washing. 

I found this image this afternoon. I told the one who posted it that I would likely borrow it for today's gratitude. 

My friend, Stacy, sent me the sweetest text tonight. She reminded me of the many years that my ministry partner, Julie Largent, and I washed the children's feet. Her text made my night. 

We always had foot washing as a part of the children's church on Palm Sunday. I did not grow up in the tradition, but after the first one, it became one of our favorite Sundays of the year. The children looked forward to it, too. 

We would take on the roles of Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. We would have such fun acting as if we were in Bethany 2000 years ago. We enjoyed sharing the lesson and the experience of washing another person's feet. We spoke of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. We told them of Peter's resistance to the idea, and how Jesus insisted. 

"So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him: - John 13:4

Foot washing allows us to intentionally humble ourselves before each other and before God. It goes against our human nature. To find contentment and joy in serving versus being served. 

Outside of our comfort zone and fully alive.

Today, I am grateful for foot washing. 

 

Multi-Generational Gatherings

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 41: Today, I am grateful for multi-generational gatherings. 

One of the things I loved about growing up with a big, extended family nearby was the gathering together for no particular reason. It happened most Sundays at my grandparent's home. We grew up knowing our cousins. They were our first best friends outside of our siblings. 

Multi-generational relationships bring a richness to our lives. I always learn something new from the younger ones and those who are older, too. We are called to fellowship with each other because it is good for our souls. 

"For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel.
He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children,  so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children.
 So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles
 and obeying his commands." -Psalm 78:5-7

Savor the moments. Delight in the laughter. Collect the memories. 

Today, I am grateful for multigenerational gatherings. 

40 Days

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 40: Today, I am grateful for 40 days.

The first forty days of 2024 have had their fill of laughter, love, tears, friends, and family. 

40 Days is more than a month. Most of us can commit to just about anything for 40 days. It is almost 6 weeks. I have heard it said that it takes about 6 weeks to form a new habit. Making a change requires diligence and consistency. 

40 days is doable. Right? 

Noah, Moses, Elijah, and Jesus had seasons where 40 days marked something important. Some had multiple.  Many of the 40 day assignments were times of trials and testing. The one I find the most interesting and the least written about were the 40 days after the resurrection. 

"Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."-John 21:25

"He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God." -Acts 1:3

There are just a few verses between the two passages. It was a busy 40 days for Jesus, and then he returned to the Father.

What a homecoming it must have been. As the earth wept, Heaven rejoiced. 

Today, I am grateful for 40 days.  

Leftovers

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 39: Today, I am grateful for leftovers.           

I love leftovers. It means less cooking during the week. I love leftovers even more when they transform into something fresh and new. 

I am fortunate that my guys never minded leftovers. In fact, leftovers are often planned overs. Fresh chili is great, but it might be even better the second and third day. You have to have chili before you can make chili-mac.   Yes, that is a fan favorite. Chili 5-Way or Chili- Three Way... everyone has their plate made to order (look up Steak-n-Shake if you are unfamiliar with the dish). 

I was contemplating this gratitude post, I could not help but think about the disciples Jesus chose. Many of them were society's "leftovers." They were not the popular, elite, or flying first class. (I know, there were no airplanes, but you get the picture.) 

" The Woman at the Well", she was definitely in the leftover category. How many men had she been with?  Yet, Jesus sent the disciples away so he could have a genuine conversation with her. 

Matthew was unpopular as a tax collector. The "Sons of Thunder", the nickname for John and James indicates they might have been boisterous. Peter was impulsive at times, but his loyalty ran deep. 

Saul was playing for the other side when Jesus recruited him. Mary Magdalene had a checkered past. She was not first on anyone's invitation list. Mary and Martha lived with their brother Lazarus. We do not know why they did not have homes of their own. We do know that Jesus was a frequent guest in their home.  

Jesus seemed to embrace those the world overlooked, treated poorly, ignored, or left behind. He did not see them by their race, gender, job class, or financial status. He saw souls.  

When the Roman Centurion's servant was sick, he brought the need to Jesus. Not only did Jesus stop what he was doing to address the soldier, he spoke of the soldier's great belief. 

"Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” -Matthew 8:7

The man who commanded many men was confident that if Jesus spoke the healing, it would be done at His word, in the same way the men under his command obeyed his orders. The scriptures say Jesus "was amazed by his faith."  It is one of my top five passages in the Gospels. And the man was a Roman officer. 

The crowd saw a Roman soldier. Jesus saw a believer pleading for the life of another. Powerful stuff. 

My Earworm is singing the old Casting Crowns song, "Does Anybody Hear Her." It is one of my favorites. It challenges me to attempt to see what Jesus sees, even though I fail miserably at times.  

I am grateful Jesus loved the leftovers, too. 

Today, I am grateful for leftovers.

Lesson from a Diamond

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 38: Today, I am grateful for the lesson from a diamond. 

I love this quote. Diamonds are my favorite gem. They go with everything and they sparkle.

"A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well."

We cannot always control our circumstances. We can choose our response. We choose the lens. 

I love to laugh. I do not get excited about the trials of life, but I am old enough to know the trials and struggles are what refine us. They melt us, shape us, turn up the heat, and the pressure. Sometimes, something beautiful happens as a result. 

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.-Ecclesiastes 7:3

Today, I am grateful for the lesson from a diamond. 

Puposeful Pursuits

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 37: Today, I am grateful for purposeful pursuits. 

We were designed for a purpose. We were programmed for relationships. They are not always easy, but they are good. We are better together.

Think about the relationships that shaped our early years. Even if they are gone, pieces of them remain with us. They may be our parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, church family, or neighbors. We think of them and smile. 

In every chapter of our story, there are people who lead by example. The ones who pursue righteousness and model unfailing love are never forgotten. They offer wisdom to newlyweds and encouragement to young parents. They love our toddlers and our teenagers without hesitation or reservation. They keep an eye on our aging parents and the widow next door. 

To live with purpose changes our days. 

"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor." -Proverbs 21:21 

Delight in the ordinary that becomes extraordinary. 

Today, I am grateful for purposeful pursuits. 

Mugs With Meaning

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 36: Today, I am grateful for mugs with meaning.

Yes... I am sentimental about mugs/teacups. I love hot beverages, even in the summer. It is how I start my day. My collection of mugs is not as big as the one pictured, but I have quite a few. Some I love because I can fit four fingers in the handle. I have my Grandma Mable's hands. They are not delicate. The size and shape of a mug handle matters to me. 

Some are special because they were gifts from loved ones. I even claim mugs as "mine" at Matt and Jennifer's house.  

I have several from students and their families. One of them has the phrase, "Start everyday with a grateful heart." It is a treasure. 

One has an elephant and it says "one day at a time" from my scrapbooking friend, Kathy Leight-Gregg. It reminds me of stories shared and the time Kathy came to visit. She knows I have a soft spot for elephants. Randy steals it most mornings and it always makes us think of Kathy. 

We had communion on Sunday. This passage speaks of the new covenant between God and his people. Each time it is shared, it is a fresh reminder of His sacrifice.  

"In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” -1 Corinthians 11:25

That is a cup with meaning! 

Today, I am grateful for mugs with meaning.

Fantastic February Fruits & Veggies

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 35: Today, I am grateful for fantastic February fruits and veggies. 

Eating healthy is important for overall wellness. We are far from perfect at our house, but one of the things we try to enjoy are fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies. 

The Love-of-my-Life will eat at least a dozen items on this list. I will eat almost all of them. There is no reason not to take advantage of the good prices and the beautiful assortment. 

Broccoli is a favorite in our house. Have you ever squeezed fresh lemon over broccoli? Try it. It is so good. If you have not tried Brussel sprouts as a grown-up, give them another chance. 

I must pause and give thanks for the abundance and availability. Shopping at the local supermarket is not really "hunting and gathering." 

I cannot help but think of Daniel and "the Boys" as I think of them when they were taken captive to the house of the king. They asked for a vegetable diet and to be tested on the results:

“Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.” - Daniel 1:12-13

The king granted their request. In the end, they shined brighter than all of the others. God blessed them with special understanding and insights, too.

Enjoy the season's bounty. 

Today, I am grateful for fantastic February fruits and veggies. 

This Day

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 34: Today, I am grateful for this day.

Today, I did not spend time at the computer, so I am keeping this simple. 

It was a gorgeous day. The Love of my Life marked another year, and I do not take that gift for granted. 

The birds were singing. The sunshine beamed warmly through the front window. Heavy coats were not necessary. 

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:25

Today, I am grateful for this day. 

Good Things Ahead

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 33: Today, I am grateful for good things ahead. 

We all go through seasons when nothing seems right. Loss, struggles, trials, and disappointments are a part of this life. We take them as they come. Sometimes, they seem to come in heaps, but the troubles are not for keeps. 

Troubles pass. And we are never alone. 

One of the things I have learned through the different plot twists in my life is that His presence is real. When we walk through the struggles, we run out of strength and finally learn to rely on Him. The intimacy grows deeper. Constant prayers mean we are in constant communication with the one who hears and comes to our rescue. 

How do we know there are good things ahead? Because, He told us in John 14:2:

"There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" 

Good news, right? 

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” " -1 Corinthians 2:9

How do we get an invitation? Be counted amongst "those who love Him." 

Seek. Repent. Believe. Receive. Then seek Him some more.  

We invite Him to our funerals, but what about our other celebrations? Do we set aside time to "chat" in prayer or to read the "love letters" in His Word. Do we take His rules seriously, or hope we don't get caught. The whole omniscient thing is real. We can run but we cannot hide. 

Actually, that is good news. When we are a hot mess, He is ready and willing to hold us until our tears stop. He wipes our tears and encourages us... if we invite him into our hearts.  The trials are temporary. 

Today, I am grateful for good things ahead.