Reframing

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 151: Today, I am grateful for reframing. 

No, I do not mean reframing a picture. So many times we get frustrated and discouraged because we do not use the power of reframing a situation. How and what we think about something impact can set the tone for any experience. 

"A whole lot of what we call "struggling" is simply delayed obedience." -Elisabeth Elliot

Life comes with struggles. It makes a difference how we choose to see the trials that come our way. It is easy to miss opportunities to grow in understanding, empathy, and in relationship with our Lord. 

I love this passage. Imagine the man with a tiny house but a happy wife? How about the woman with a beautiful home but a grumpy spouse? Reframing these situations can change everything. 

" Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." - Proverbs 21:9

Perhaps our struggle is truly because we are trying to ignore God's hand in our plans. It is okay. He is persistent. There is joy on the other side of the surrender. Perhaps is is not a struggle but a training ground.

Today, I am grateful for reframing. 

Trust the Process

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 151: Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust the process. 

Does life imitate art or art imitate life? I don't know the hard answer, but I do know we learn much by pausing and taking it all in. I get in a hurry and miss the meaning and the wonder of "the process."

"Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God's word, and trust the process."- Germany Kent  

Does my life reflect my faith? "Fear nothing" means fear nothing. "Pray about everything" means we should pray about everything. God does not trip over His words. His meaning is clear. Trust Him. Trust His timing. Wait. 

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."  -1 Corinthians 4:5

Each mystery will be revealed. Are we ready? 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust the process. 

Humor is infectious

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 150: Today, I am grateful humor is infectious. 

When Monday is a holiday, Tuesday feels like a Monday. By Thursday, it feels like "Blursday." Like the week went by in a blink and a blur. I am going to use this noun more often. 

Our souls need humor. I can look at creation and know our God takes delight in the things that make us giggle. Watching baby animals and some of His more unique creatures are constant reminders that our God loves it when our hearts are merry. 

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

Seek the laughter. Find the funny. Face the "Blursday" with courage. 

Today, I am grateful humor is infectious. 

Rhubarb Season

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 149: Today, I am grateful for rhubarb season. 

I miss the rhubarb patch from home. Mama Ina Mae made a delicious rhubarb sauce that came from cooking the rhubarb down with some sugar. The tart and the sweet come together creating the most wonderful sauce. 

Dad loved Mama's rhubarb sauce over ice cream, in pies, and she was always looking for new ways to cook it. It is always a fan favorite around the farm table. 

It is amazing the variety of fruits, vegetables, and roots that provide us with colorful tables with every season. 

"The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit." -Genesis 2:9

It is easy to take for granted the variety and the abundance. Rhubarb is one of the unique flavors from the garden. Savor it while it is in season. 

Today, I am grateful for rhubarb season. 

Reminders

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 148: Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust and encourage each other. 

I always say, "I love reminders!" I keep alarms, post-it notes, and use other tools to help me remember things. My "hard drive" is kind of full and can be slow. Reminder tools help. 

We need reminders in other areas of our lives. I find myself often moving from task to task with a check-off list. Being busy in life easily becomes our business. 

The days fill up with worries and checklists. It leaves little room for the pause to encourage others. I do not think "busy and worried" is how God intended us to live our days. 

I have a friend who spent a year in Proverbs. It is a sure way to gain wisdom. 

"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." -Proverbs 12:25 NLT

Breaking free of the cycle of worry might come from focusing, instead, on building others up with intention. Planning our days to be intentionally encouraging can impact our attitudes. The time it takes to pour love, hope, kindness, help, encouragement, comfort, and joy into someone's day is always time well spent. 

Here is a great reminder for the work week following Memorial Day:

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

Today, I am grateful for reminders to trust and encourage each other. 

Memorial Day

    

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 147: Today, I am grateful for Memorial Day. 

This image is new to me. It is from a collection of pictures from Mama Ina Mae's extended family. This is Lloyd Kenneth St. John, Sr.  Uncle Lloyd served in the US Army stationed in Hawaii in 1940. He was Grandma Opal Maxine's older brother. He did not die in the war. He survived Pearl Harbor, but it was a close call. 

The 1940 census records show Uncle Lloyd living in the US Army Schofield Barracks located in Honolulu and in the Wahiawa District of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Hawaii in 1940. It lists the other men who lived with him and where they were born, too. (He was the only one born in Illinois.) Census records can be interesting. 

It is funny how that generation did not talk about some of the hard things they survived. They were full of grit and gratitude.  I never remember this being a "family story." I am grateful to have uncovered it through his branch of the family tree (thank you cousin Cindy). The story of that day is pretty incredible as it has been passed down to her, mostly through her Grandmother. 

I learned from his granddaughter that he had left one branch of the service shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor, but they still lived nearby.  Uncle Lloyd had married a local girl, Emma DeLima St. John. She was born in Hawaii. Hawaii was her home. 

The young couple had two baby boys at that point. William Vernon was 16 months old and Lloyd Kenneth, Jr. was 6-weeks old. Uncle Lloyd had purchased a car when he left the Army. He had his own taxi service. Aunt Emma would make pies to sell for extra money. On his days off, they would push the boys in the stroller and sell her pies around the Base. That is what they were doing and where they were on December 7, 1941. 

When literally "all hell broke loose" they went knocking on doors to find cover from the bullets with the baby boys in the stroller. Their whole little family was there in that unforgettable moment in time. They all survived. Their car, which was their source of income, was destroyed by the gunfire. With their main source of income gone, Uncle Lloyd re-enlisted, this time in the Air Force. 

Uncle Lloyd was twenty-five. Aunt Emma was twenty. With their world crashing in and two baby boys to feed and protect, I cannot even imagine what it was like to survive such an ordeal, but they did survive. I am sure they carried the names of friends who did not survive in their hearts. 

I never want to forget that freedom is not free. Every life cut short by war has a ripple effect on families and communities. The Star Spangled Banner still chokes me up, as does Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." 

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

Today, I am grateful for Memorial Day and a family story captured. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 146: Today I am grateful for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

The record of the faith of the three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), always brings me to pause and reflect. Taken captive and recognized for their intelligence and physical health, the King liked them. They were of use to the king as captive servants. They were still slaves. 

The boys found a special camaraderie, probably a little like soldiers find with their brothers and sisters-in-arms, in each other. Their shared faith and memories of home and life before captivity were surely a part of their resilience. Together, they could take on life's daily challenges. 

Their faith was not a big deal to the king until they were set up. As  long as they went about minding their own business, the king seemed indifferent. Those who were jealous of their favor with the king knew they would not bow down to an idol. Then came the plan that landed them in front of a fiery furnace faced with death.

They refused to worship the idol in the image of King Nebuchadnezzar?  I wonder if they thought about Isaiah's prophecy from Isaiah 43:2.

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2 NLT

What a promise, but would God act for their protection? They knew he was able. They did not know if He would do it. Would he step out and act miraculously on their behalf? What a moment it must have been. 

They stood together. They stood strong. God showed up in a way they knew He could, but could not be sure he would. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” -Daniel 3:16-17

Our God is able, but even if he doesn't... we will not bow down! Courage that is unwavering is always humbling to observe. 

It might not be a fiery furnace, but we all have moments when our faith is tested. We know God can, but will He? We cannot see the big picture of His plan. We have to trust His hand in those moments of uncertainty. 

Today I am grateful for  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Weird Little Things

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 145: Today I am grateful for the weird little things that make my heart happy.

Kelly Berry - you know I am going to tag you in this one. "It is good to be weird." Our little quirks are what make us unique. Uniformity is boring, right?

The smell of rain.
Silk or satin on my skin.
Cotton clothing.

The smell of clean laundry.

Warm towels from the dryer on my face.

The scent of freshly turned dirt in the fields.

The scent of corn from the grain auger.

Hanging my feet out of the bed to free my toes. 

The cicada's song.

The first swipe in a new jar of peanut butter.

Raw cookie dough.

This was a simple one, but it makes me smile. I am sure there are many more things that make me smile. 

Today I am grateful for the weird little things that make my heart happy.

New Eyes

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 144: Today I am grateful for New eyes. 

Epcot is our favorite Disney Park. Even when the boys were little we all enjoyed eating our way around the world and trying out different cultures. We have been fortunate enough to go a couple of times during the Flower and Garden event. It is magnificent! The landscaping is over-the-top on the creativity scale.

This image reminded me of the kinds of things we have seen at that exhibition. Landscape artists thinking outside of the normal box. Looking at plants with new eyes to see the possibilities. 

Does God know our possibilities beyond our failures?  Absolutely. A new life begins. Bigger and bolder are the possibilities. We see with new eyes.  

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" -2 Corinthians 5:17

We are new people. We see things differently. Praise God for his redeeming, rescuing, radical love. It is love that would not leave us as blind orphans. He gives us New Life for all of our earthly days and beyond the veil that separates this world from the next. New people with new eyes. 

Today I am grateful for new eyes. 

Posture

Gratitude Year 12 - Day 143: Today, I am grateful Mama harped about posture.

I was taller than most of my classmates for a long time. By junior high...they started to grow, but until that time, I felt tall, too physically mature, awkward and out of place. Slouching was an attempt to fit in with the crowd.

Funny to think I graduated high school one of the short girls. God grows us each to our full height in his own time. For a brief season...when I was tall for my age, I slouched. It lasted five minutes. Mama Ina Mae would have none of that!

In our house, you had to stand up straight...shoulders back and chin up. "Stand up straight". I wonder if April and Matt heard it as often as I did in the elementary years. She cured me. Good posture became a habit. Today, I am grateful for her tenacity in teaching that lesson. Good posture has some health benefits.

I love this image: "Chin up princess or the crown slips."

Mama called us "Princess" more than she did any other endearment at home. It was sweet. I know now that a mother's eyes see past the dirt, the windswept mess of hair and the dirty, bare feet. A mother really does see a bit of "Cinderella" in every mess of a little girl. At my house, we were expected to behave in a certain way.

A princess should stand up straight...with an air of dignity...no matter the mayhem in the midst of life's struggles. We must never forget who we are. We belong to the King of Kings. No need for the "pea" test if your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. We can live with the confidence that we are cherished, protected and loved deeply. That is a reason to stand tall, even in life's storms.

Do not forget you are a Child of the Most High God. 

"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith." - 1 John 5:4

Today, I am grateful Mama harped about posture...it keeps the crown from slipping. 

Great Freedom

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 142: Today, I am grateful for great freedom.

One of my favorite superhero quotes is "with great power comes great responsibility." As I was reading this scripture passage today, it seemed clear that in the same way "with great freedom comes great responsibility." 

I think this was a struggle for the early church, and it is a battle we still continue to fight. 

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." -Galatians 5:13 

The Law was full of dos and don'ts. At the heart of it all was the Ten Commandments. Just keeping the "Big Ten" perfectly seemed humanly impossible at times. When we look in the mirror with human eyes, it is easy to become proud and arrogant. We see what we want to see. We focus on our own successes, gifts, and self-importance... and we miss the true meaning of the greatest gift we were ever given. 

Our freedom was not free. It was bought with a price. We humans focus on "equal and fair" while the nature of God includes justice along with mercy. We could never keep the scales balanced. Pride gets in our way. In the Garden, at the flood, the Tower of Babel, 40 years in the desert, 400 years when God seemed silent, and missing the Messiah because he came in the most unexpected package. 

Life came through death. In dying to self, we find new life and opportunities to walk closely and humbly with our Lord. The goalpost changes. Victory takes on a new definition. Freedom takes on the face of great responsibility. In death, there is new life. 

Forgiveness came at a price. What we do with His act of mercy and forgiveness is our gift back to the Father. Immanuel... God with us, for us, and not against us. One of the Father's sons paid the price for the rest of us. What does He ask? 

"The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” -Luke 10:27

Serve one another...humbly (in some translations)... in love. Why? Because we are free! Free from chasing earthly things and focused on the end game. By His grace and mercy, we don't get what we deserve. Another paid our ransom. It cost him His life so we could be free. 

Freedom isn't free. Do we respect, treasure, and remember what it cost?

Today, I am grateful for great freedom.

. 

Choose Our Ruler

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 141: Today, I am grateful we can choose our ruler. 

"Be determined that your life is not going to be ruled by fear, but by God's word." - Unknown

One of the quotes I wrote in my Bible as a teen was "Whatever you make Lord of your life will, also, be your Shepherd." It still causes me to pause and think. It still sticks with me. 

It is so easy to let the "other things" take over as "The Ruler" of our lives. It is not as God instructed or intended. 

The world tells us to look for victory in "the wins" and the accolades of those around us. His Word reminds us that it is His heart we should be chasing and seeking. His arms are our resting place. 

When He is Lord of our lives, fear cannot be our ruler. Fear and Faith do not cohabitate. 

Moses had so many fear over faith moments, as is noted in Hebrews:

"It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible." -Hebrews 11:27

Keeping  our eyes on the one who is invisible seems like an odd instruction, but it is where faith takes root and grows as we intentionally choose our Ruler and what we will allow to rule our lives. 

Today, I am grateful we can choose our ruler. 

A Seed of Hope

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 140: Today, I am grateful for the life in a seed of hope. 

Mother's Day weekend is when we plant most of our flowers and seeds. This year was no different. 

This week, the seeds are breaking through the soil. I am so excited that my zinnias and hyacinth bean vines are alive and growing. When harvesting seeds from the spent blooms of the previous year, I always worry that they will not grow. 

The excitement is the same every year. I do not believe I will ever get over the miracle and wonder of a hard, dead, seemingly lifeless seed coming to life.  

"There is so much life in a seed of hope." 

The scripture that comes to mind is the one that talks about having the faith of a mustard seed:

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” -Mark 17:20

Nothing. Hope is not a wish. It is much more certain and solid. 

Today, I am grateful for the life in a seed of hope. 

Cover Your Bases

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 139: Today, I am grateful we can cover our bases.  

I am a just incase girl who likes to have a fully loaded back-up plan. Life rarely goes as planned, and I have discovered that the plot twists are simply a part of living a full life. That said, I like to have all of my bases covered when I can. 

This gave me pause and food for thoughts:

"Fear-based repentance makes us hate ourselves. Joy-based repentance makes us hate the sin." -Timothy Keller

I had never considered the importance of understanding the "base" of our repentance. Is it fear? Is it joy? Is it something else? A change of heart impacts everything we do. 

What is my relationship with His Word? Am I hungry for it? How do I feel about sin? Do I have my bases covered? 

"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. -Hebrews 6:10

What drives our days? 

Today, I am grateful we can cover our bases.  

God's Wisdom and Ways

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 138: Today, I am grateful for God's wisdom and ways. 

I know in the military and intelligence there is a "need to know" category.  There are times the information given is directly important for a task or an assignment, but it is not the whole story or the big picture.  

Personally, I like to have a little more information. In fact, I believe I operate better when well informed. I am curious. I like to know things. 

I need to be reminded that although made "in His image," He still holds the keys to the universe. This usually happens in the pauses, the hallways, and other waiting spaces in my life. 

"Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!" -Romans 11:33 NLT

Yesterday's verse is still resonating with my soul, "With his love, he will calm all your fears."

I forget there are times we are spared anxiety because we choose to trust His heart, even when his ways are hard to understand. We only see a small piece of the puzzle from the vantage point we know as "today." 

I was reminded by a friend this week of God's conversation with Job. I have always thought it was as close to sarcasm as I have seen in the Bible. Perhaps, it is just a simple line of questioning to establish who is God, and who is not. 

" Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions    and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations,    and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together  and all the angels[a] shouted for joy? -Job 38:4-7

God loved Job deeply, yet allowed suffering. In that suffering, their relationship strengthened and deepened. The intimacy and trust deepened, even when there was pain, discomfort, and suffering. 

I would like to say I am an equally engaged student when things are going well. I am honest enough to confess that I am not, but that is my goal. I have often said, "I would not sign up for the trials, but I would not want to give back what I have learned in the valleys." 

I do not understand His ways. I do trust His heart. 

 Today, I am grateful for God's wisdom and ways. 

Verse of the Day

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 137: Today, I am grateful for my verse of the day. 

(Image artist unknown)

I never really know where a daily gratitude post will start or what the message will be. It surprises me often. Sometimes, I think there is a plan and it gets derailed. 

I still pray, "Lord, if something is wrong in this post, please delete it." He has more than once. Recently, one post was "lost" twice. I gave up and did something quick. Then, several said it was the post that spoke to their need. Coincidence or a God Wink? 

It never ceases to amaze me that He is in the tiniest details of our days. We are simply called to surrender our lives as a living sacrifice daily. Not chasing perfection, but chasing His perfect heart. 

This passage was my verse of the day and it was exactly what this girl needed. 

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” -Zephaniah 3:17

For the one facing cancer - He will calm your fears with His love. 
For the one facing griefs old and new... He is living among you... lean on Him.
For the one who wonders if they can go on another day... He is a mighty Savior.  

For the one who is weary and worn out... rest in His arms. 

He will rejoice over you with singing.

This is just the message I needed today. 

Today, I am grateful for my verse of the day. 

 

The Mysteries of God

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 136: Today, I am grateful for the mysteries of God.  

I love mysteries. Mama Ina Mae gave me my first Nancy Drew for my birthday when I was in second grade. "The Secret of the Wooden Lady" was the title. I learned about ship's figureheads in that book as part of the story. I fell in love with mystery books and history. I still enjoy a good mystery and suspense. 

There is something in our human design that makes us curious and questioning. We are made in His image, right? God gave humans the power of choice. We choose which way we will go. It is our super power. 

Who knows the path of the wind or how a tiny baby in the womb forms bones, blood, and a heartbeat?

"Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things." -Ecclesiastes 11:5

I love this verse so much! It is full of the simple wonder of the mysteries of God. 

Today, I am grateful for the mysteries of God.  

All The Good You Can Do

  

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 135: Today, I am grateful for "all the good you can do." 

John Wesley sets the bar high, but it is a good high bar. 

"Do all the good you can, 
By all the means you can,
In all the places you can, 
At all the times you can, 
To all the people you can."

-John Wesley

The world is full of hard stuff, sad stuff, and evil. To be "not of this world" means we have to look and act differently. Be different. 

"Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." -Psalm 34:13

The choice is always ours to make. Daily. 

Today, I am grateful for "all the good you can do." 

Only One

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 134: Today, I am grateful there is "only one." 

"How cool is it that the same God that created oceans and mountains and galaxies looked you and thought the world needed one of you too. "

Only one! The uniqueness of the human soul means there is only one you. 

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." -Psalm 139:16

It really is fascinating. The wonder of it all never gets old. 

Embrace your uniqueness. I know that it delights our Lord. Created in His image, but each one a masterpiece with a new story to tell. 

Today, I am grateful there is "only one." 

Things That Are Excellent

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 132: Today, I am grateful for things that are excellent.

Philippians 4:8 is still speaking to my heart, so we will remain another day. 

We are instructed to "think about things" that are excellent. What is excellent? 

Excellent is better than good. It is often a result of being consistent and intentional. 

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8 

We return to a restaurant because it is excellent. We stick with a certain brand, because the quality is excellent. We spend time with our favorite people... and it is excellent. 

Today, I am grateful for things that are excellent.

Things That are Pure

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 132: Today, I am grateful for things that are pure.

Happy Mother's Day! I decided to spend another day reflecting on Philippians 4:8.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8 

Not many things are pure. The scriptures are clear and we know it if we look in the mirror... "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It is why we need a Savior. 

Still, a mother's love for their children is pretty special. It is fierce, protective, and pretty close to pure. 

Today, I am grateful for things that are pure.

Things That Are Lovely

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 131: Today, I am grateful for things that are lovely. 

It is not the most common word in the New Testament. The Greek word is "prosphilēs" and translates as "acceptable" or "lovely." 

I find I am drawn to the word. Not everything has to be big and grandiose. Some things are perfect by simply being "lovely." 

The first cup of coffee, tea, or cacao in the morning. That is lovely. The scent of fresh cut grass is lovely, too. Closing your eyes and lifting your face to the sun on a cool spring day is absolutely lovely. 

I find there is a calmness associated with things that are lovely. These are good things to think on. . 

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." -Philippians 4:8

Today, I am grateful for things that are lovely. 

Soft Strength

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 130: Today, I am grateful for soft strength.

"How strange that the grass is all the remains standing after the storm," said the Boy.
"Sometimes being soft is strong," said the Rabbit.

These words speak to my heart as I think about Mother's Day. If you still have her here, hug your Mama well. 

I can't help but think about one of my best friends, DeAnn, who joined Jesus last fall. She is having a heavenly reunion with her own mother... who was also named "Ina" ... this Mother's Day. Their joy is full, but the grief here is fresh and deep. 

DeAnn, like my own Mama,  didn't just mother her own children, she mothered anyone who needed a little extra dose of tender-loving care sprinkled with common sense. When a person was weary, DeAnn was the best of companions. Yes, she and my Mama were more alike than I ever realized until sitting down to write this post. 28 years of friendship was wonderful, but not long enough. 

Mama and DeAnn were both great examples of "soft strength." When their children were faced with broken hearts, their hearts broke, too. Still, they would keep it together and remain calm and strong on the outside. 

They knew that to love deeply would require opening themselves up to the joys and the sorrows of living. They loved deeply anyway. Their soft strength recognized weariness in their world and they would offer to share the load.  

Then I think about Jesus, who exemplified soft being strong. By his stripes, we are healed. 

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:2

Today, I am grateful for soft strength.

Evidence of Value

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 129: Today, I am grateful for evidence of value.

Any item of value is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

"Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it." -Charles Spurgeon 

Ponder that for a minute or two. How exciting... and humbling it is... at the same time. 

We love to watch "Antiques Roadshow." One man's junk is another man's treasure" is the old saying. What might seem really ugly and worthless to one person, is another person's long searched for treasure. The value of art is subjective. So is the worth of a gemstone, precious metal, and even antique tractors and toys. 

Then I thought about this verse:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

How do you measure the worth of a soul? It is a priceless treasure sought after for eternity. 

Today, I am grateful for evidence of value.

Reminders to Press On

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 128: Today, I am grateful for reminders to press on.

Some days are long. We all grow weary at times. We all need a little encouragement and reminders to press on. 

" So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." -Galatians 6:9 NLT

Keep doing what is good. Keep doing what is kind. Keep doing what is helpful. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to press on.

Size Checks

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 127: Today, I am grateful for size checks.

"Stop making what people did to you bigger than what Jesus did for you." -Christine Caine

Christine and her husband, Nick, fight human trafficking through their organization, A21. Helping victims find help, hope, and restoration is their mission. They have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in this world.

It is not the size of your problem that matters, it is the size of your God.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." - James 5:16

Earnest prayers have great power.

Today, I am grateful for size checks.

Bee- Loved

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 124: Today, I am grateful for bees.

Bees are amazing little workers. They work all day collecting what they need. In the process, they transfer the pollen that leads to fertilization. Over 100 crops... including our bee-loving and bee-loved pumpkins... rely on bees. 

I try to have plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Nature is a symphony. 

"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." - Proverbs 16:24

Simple post today. 

 Today, I am grateful for bees.

Another Chance

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 124: Today, I am grateful for another chance. 

We all make mistakes. We mess up in small ways, and we mess up big. It is not pretty, but it is part of being human. 

This image is out of season, but I had to use the quote. It was new to me, and I love it. 

"Never ruin an apology with an excuse." - Benjamin Franklin

I think he nailed it on the head. Well stated and heartfelt apologies can help healing begin. Excuses tend to shift blame. Excuses pull the humility right out of the confession. 

I thought of this scripture passage: 

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

When we humble ourselves we are not making excuses. When we seek His face, we seek a better way. When we make a change, He hears us and forgives. Then, He restores. 

Today, I am grateful for another chance.

A Good Giggle

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 123: Today, I am grateful for a good giggle.

This meme was just what I needed today. Honestly, I think goats make me giggle.

Goats are so charming. They are funny to watch and to feed. They are typically friendly. They are busy little fur babies.

Our kids always enjoyed feeding the goats in petting zoos. They always seemed to be starving, but we knew they were well fed.

Goats are easily distracted, making them the perfect animal for this meme. I, too, get distracted. I need reminders to keep first things first.

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." -Colossians 4:2 NLT

Today, I am grateful for a good giggle.

Pete Martin

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 123: Today, I am grateful for Pete Martin.

33 years of teaching beginning orchestra. 1991 - 2024. Tonight was Pete Martin's final orchestra concert as the director at Morton Jr. High School. I love words, but tonight... words fail me. 

To hear some beautiful tributes about his impact on students (current and former), co-workers, and our community was so special. The night was perfect. There was laughter, love, and of course... music.

Perhaps God gave us music for this very reason. Sometimes, words are inadequate. Music touches places words can't reach without the aid of a melody. Sometimes, no words are needed when the notes and chords are just right.  

The grand finale tonight included our Daughter-in-Love, Emma. She was one of 70 former students who joined in Pete's final performance as director of the MJHS orchestra. "Fiddles on Fire" was the first song he purchased for his students as a new teacher. It was so moving to see people coming from every corner of the gym to pick up an instrument and join in the grand finale. There was a sense of excitement mixed with awe. 

Pete's humility and sense of humor were woven into every word spoken about his 33 years at MJHS. He planted the seeds of a lifelong relationship with music for countless students. He taught the value in relationships, and that sounding a little different (or being a little different) is where the beauty and the harmony are found. 

"... In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you." -Psalm 45:8

I am excited for Pete... for his beautiful wife, Laura... and their family to have more of his time in the next chapter. Best wishes, Pete! 

Today, I am grateful for Pete Martin.