A Little Blue Planet and Fireballs

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 182: Today, I am grateful for a little blue planet and fireballs. 

Of the countless wonders found in the realm we know as our universe, one of the biggest is the way our little, water-filled planet makes its way around a ball of fire every year providing us with our days, nights, months, and years. 

Some say science is man being driven to seek truth. I prefer to think of it as man seeking God's truth, and  finding evidence to His power and design in the magnificent order and structure of the universe. It is truly wondrous.  

"The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens." -Jeremiah 51:15

Here is a great little lesson pulled out of this passage" By his power He creates; by his wisdom he preserves." Oh dear...  I think we will need to revisit that passage. I feel there is more to learn. 

God the Creator is full of imagination. Look to the animals or the seas for  evidence of his creativity. 

Look to the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew chapter 1) to observe His hand in what seems impossible stories of survival and redemption. His love never fails and His hand is always on our lives. Each one loved individually and collectively as a part of the Family of God. 

Today, I am grateful for a little blue planet and fireballs. 

Exercises in Self-Control

 Gratitude Year 12- Day 181: Today, I am grateful for exercises in self-control.

"I'm having people over to stare at their phones later, if you want to come by..."

That hit the nail on the head, right? We try really hard to put the phones away when we are with our family and friends. It seems as if once the phones come out, they remain out. It is so had to leave questions unanswered knowing a quick search would lead to an answer for all. 

I don't have pockets in most of my clothes, so my phone gets neglected more than some... it gets misplaced more often, too. Still, I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to the itch to search for answers to my questions. 

Self-control is is a fruit of His spirit. It is tougher to do it on our own. Even the longest fuses run out. 

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Today, I am grateful for exercises in self-control.

Lemonade

Gratitude Year 12- Day 180: Today, I am grateful for lemonade.

Few things declare summer like lemonade. I have been craving it lately. It is so refreshing. When festivals come around, lemonade shake-ups are always popular. 

Lemonade quenches the thirst. Offering a glass is an act of hospitality. This passage reminds us that we are called to service. Hospitality to others is a ways we an show God our gratitude for his graciousness towards us. 

"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home." -Matthew 25:35

Today, I am grateful for lemonade.

The Mountain Stays Still

Gratitude Year 12- Day 179: Today, I am grateful the mountain stays still. 

"The wind howls, but the mountain remains still." -Japanese Saying

This was a new quote for me. Simple. Articulate. Truthful. 

Humans throughout history have found some comfort in going to mountains. Moses did it. So did some of the other prophets. Mountains are full of mystery and history. If only they could tell the tales of the many things they have seen. 

One of my favorite Old Testament passages is when God sends Elijah to the mountain to wait for Him. Elijah does as he was told to do. God had shown his power and faithfulness to Elijah, but the prophet was weary. 

 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. -1 Kings 19:11-12

After the windstorm, the rockslide, the earthquake, and the fire... God was in the still soft voice. The gentle whisper is where God gave Elijah his next instructions on the mountain and in the stillness. 

There is a comfort in stillness. 

Today, I am grateful the mountain stays still. 

Fear Busters

Gratitude Year 12- Day 178: Today, I am grateful for fear busters.

"Who you gonna call?" If you grew up in the 80's, the answer is, "Ghostbusters!" And you have to kind of sing it as you shout the answer. Oh, those 80's movies stick with us. (Oh, great... no my Earworm is stuck on that song.)

We all want someone to call when things get scary.

Frankly, when I contemplate all of the troubles in the world, I am grateful He takes the wheel and guides the way. He is in the red lights... the yellow lights, and the green lights when it is time to move. 

Another wise quote from Elisabeth Elliot"

"Fear arises when we imagine everything depends on us." -Elisabeth Elliot    

We know intellectually that it does not, but that does not keep the fight or flight feelings from popping up at different times. Our imaginations can be very active at any age. 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10

Today, I am grateful for fear busters.

Embrace the Life We Have

Gratitude Year 12- Day 177: Today, I am grateful we can embrace the life we have.

"Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have." -John Piper

Sometimes a quote hits the bullseye. This one did that for me. Wow! It is succinct and full of wisdom. 

Society today seems to struggle with letting us feel the pain we have every right to feel. Grief is hard. It hurts. It comes in unpredictable waves. It is deep and wide. 

Tears help wash the grief away. A good hot shower is still an amazing place to cry. Then, towel off and face the new day clean and renewed. 

I have always said deep grief can only exist where there has been a deep love. Love never dies or is replaced, it just lives in a different space. 

Seasons change. A life after loss is different, but that does not mean it will never be good... or even great... again. Healing takes time. A good cry can speed it along. 

We can write down the things we never want to forget and then embrace the life we have today... in this moment... and tomorrow, too.  

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

Today, I am grateful we can embrace the life we have.

Courage Does Not Always Roar

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 176: Today, I am grateful for quiet courage. 

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try again tomorrow."

Yes!  Courage can be quiet. It is persistent. It does not give up. I think one of the places I have seen it most often is in the animal kingdom when a mother is protecting her young. In some species, the father is equally persistent. 

A bird fallen from the nest means a mother bird is in distress. 

Some of the more domesticated animals will seek human intervention for their young in trouble. Quiet courage can be fierce, even in the face of exhaustion. 

We are instructed to be strong and courageous. I love the promise that follows it.

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6

Everyday we get to try again. It is a gift with each sunrise. 

Today, I am grateful for quiet courage. 

Construction

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 175: Today, I am grateful for construction. 

When I first see indicators of construction, my instant concern is "how much time will I lose." That is not pretty, but it is honest. 

Today, I will intentionally choose to be grateful for the men and women who work in extreme temperatures to help improve our roads. The days can be long and the dangers are real. 

I wanted to pause and say, "Thank you."  I am, also, reminded that our lives are constantly under construction, too, when we submit to His will and His ways. 

Our former youth minister and his wife were in church today. Jon and Lindsay shared about the beautiful work they are doing with Native American community near Phoenix. Jon is now in leadership and they have several other ministries set up in that part of the country. It is incredible to hear the stories of how needs are being met and the gospel is being shared. At times, they have buildings and programs under construction while they are building the Kingdom. 

Construction can be exhausting work. 

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31

Today, I am grateful for construction. 

The Martha's

Gratitude Year 12- Day 174: Today, I am grateful for the Martha's. 

"Lord, I want to be like Mary today, but can you please invite Martha over to clean my house?" 

This cracks me up. I love Martha. I understand her. She is tired of doing the work while Mary enjoys the company. 

We need the Mary's and the Martha's of this world. They are both treasured and precious to Jesus. Jesus knows his days are limited. Spending time with him was more important than cleaning the counter, filling the honey jar or baking bread.

 They had no clue as to what Jesus would do for their family and their souls. They could not fully understand what was coming. They were caught up in the moment of a house full of guests, including and especially Jesus. Imagine the excitement... and a bit of pressure.

This passage came to mind. It is not the one where the story of Jesus's visit to Martha's house is told, but it seemed to fit. 

"The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7b

We all need reminders. Mary chose better, but I am grateful for Martha, too. 

Today, I am grateful for the Martha's. 

Art Makes Us Feel Better

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 173: Today, I am grateful art makes us feel better. 

It is true. We can make art or simply enjoy it... either way, at the end of the day we feel better. 

We are better for the experience of creating. It is part of being made in His image. 

"Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. ” -Genesis 1:26a

Even being surrounded by art gives us a sense of wonder and awe. Life is art and art is a part of life. Cultures around the world developed different kinds of art. Some things were practical like rugs, pottery, jewelry, and beaded clothing. Other creations were simply artist expressions. 

Music, paintings, weavings, pottery, and other handcrafted items show little glimpses into our souls. Artistic endeavors can have a big impact on how we feel. They help express who we are. 

Art can impact our mood. We tend to choose and create art that makes us feel better.

Today, I am grateful art makes us feel better. 

Wisdom in Children's Literature

Gratitude Year 12- Day 172: Today, I am grateful for the beautiful wisdom in children's literature. 

Thank you to Vicki Horn for sharing today's inspiration. 

The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie-the-Pooh,  and Charlotte's Web are a couple of examples of children's literature that offers wisdom for the ages. 

“‘Why did you do all this for me?' Wilbur asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die...By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.’” 
~From Charlotte's Web by Elwyn Brooks, “E.B.” White

Charlotte's heart is pure and Wilbur can see it. Their story always tugs at my heart. He does not feel worthy of her friendship. She wants to make the most of her limited days. Their days are woven together for only a brief time, but it changes both of them. 

Charlotte spreads love because she can. Wilbur takes it all in. Then, Wilbur pours love into Charlotte's children. Helping others is good for our souls. Charlotte experienced it. Wilbur did, too. I love that one of Charlotte's children was named "Joy." Wilbur felt the deep loss, but then "Joy" came and stayed. 

Wilbur would always miss Charlotte, but his sorrow was softened by the circle of life continuing on. 

"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." -Psalm 30:5b

When reading to the children in your world, look for the simple truth found in their literature. 

Today, I am grateful for the beautiful wisdom in children's literature. 

Sing Anyway... With Intention

Gratitude Year 12- Day 171: Today, I am grateful we can sing when singing isn't prescribed.  

"I believe in kindness.

Also in mischief.

Also in in singing, 

especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed." -Mary Oliver

What a fun quote and a great nugget of wisdom is included. There are times when singing is the polite thing to do. It is expected. It opens our souls. 

There are times when singing is the last thing people around us expect. Sing anyway! Make a joyful noise. 

I wonder how many songs we have excerpts from memorized in our brains? There are more than we think. Do you ever hear a song you have not heard in decades and the words all come back to you as you sing along with the radio? Most of us have been surprised by how deeply songs and lyrics are etched on our hearts. They are there for our celebrations and in our times of sorrow. 

One of my favorite examples of unexpected singing comes from the Bible. Paul and Silas are in jail. They do not know what will be next. It could be a trial. It could be a beating. It might be death. They had come to terms with the uncertainty of their days and they chose to sing! I love those guys!!! 

"Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” -Acts 16:25-28

They did not run. They did not hide. They lived every single day with intention and purpose. They chose to sing in unexpected places. 

Today, I am grateful we can sing when singing isn't prescribed.  

Clear the Path

Gratitude Year 12- Day 170: Today, I am grateful for the reminder that it is sometimes necessary to "clear the path." 

Sometimes, the path that will bring you the most joy will need some clearing.

 I love that thought. We can trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean on Him for guidance, but that does not mean we will not have to do a little work along the way. Doing some work can actually increase our joy.

In recent years I have found the wonder in the very "punishments" that God bestowed on Adam and Eve for their pride and disobedience, are the same things that give them great contentment and joy in their lives. 

Men look at the fruits of their labor and feel the value in what they do to feed, shelter, and protect. Women were given "pain in childbirth" but that pain brings forth the little wonders that bring them the most joy for all of their days. (Please no battle of the sexes arguments of comments... it is my gratitude post.) Only God can turn a consequence into something beautiful. 

Think about it. We call both "labor." Both are necessary for a family to survive and for life on this earth to continue as it was designed. 

Yes, men and women can work together... and they were designed to be helpmates. Some men are better cooks and some women would rather mow than bake, but together we are better. 

I do not want to overlook my single friends. God blesses some amazing single people in their life's work to their contentment and to His glory! I've seen Him "clear the path" for their purpose to be fulfilled. They step out in faith in ways that leave me in awe. 

Sometimes, clearing the path means stepping back, stepping away, and taking a deep breath. If you continue to do what you've always done, you rarely get different results. Einstein called it "insanity" to expect different results without doing something different. 

Clear the path. Make a new way. Work the process.

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

He will show you the path, but you might have some work to do. 

Today, I am grateful for the reminder that it is sometimes necessary to "clear the path." 

The Review Mirror

Gratitude Year 12- Day 169: Today, I am grateful for the rearview mirror. 

My current vehicle is my first with a back-up camera. What a wonderful addition to my car gadgets. Still, nothing replaces rearview mirrors. Seeing what is behind us can be very revealing.

When we hand over the steering wheel  and let the Lord "direct our paths", there is no guarantee of a quiet ride. In the craziest of times, we hold on tight and pray!  

One thing I know for certain is that our God is always good. His character can be trusted. His commandments are clear. He does not abandon His children... ever! Ann Voskamp sums it up nicely:

 “God reveals Himself in rearview mirrors.
And I’ve an inkling that there are times when we need to drive a long, long distance, before we can look back and see God’s back in the rearview mirror.  Maybe sometimes about as far as heaven—that kind of distance.”
~One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

Her words are true. 

Today, I am grateful for the rearview mirror. 

My Children's Father

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 168: Today, I am grateful for my children's father... the Love of my Life... my Randy. 

This picture is from one of our many trips to Florida. This one is special because Randy's dad, Jake,  was with us for a couple of days. He joined us for our day at Animal Kingdom. I think all of "the boys" had a great day, including their Uncle Monte who was with us for part of it. 

I've often said that our kids were blessed that Randy's family lived in great vacation spots. Trips to Traverse  City/Interlochen/Kingsley, MI and Polk County Florida provided many hours of fun, and several beaches were a short drive. This picture is from one of those trips. 

Randy has always been the most attentive  co-parent. He never "babysat" our children if I had a commitment. He parented. Most days ended with him in a recliner with a boy on each arm of the chair. It really was the sweetest of seasons in our life. 

Being a Dad is a big responsibility. He does not take it lightly. He was and still is present in their lives. They know they can count on him. They love driving him crazy. They appreciate his willingness to drop everything if they need something. 

They have learned so much about God's love watching the way he loves them and how he treats others. 

"The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him." -Psalm 103:13

Today, I am grateful for my children's father... the Love of my Life... my Randy. 

Dad Taught Hospitality

Gratitude Year 12- Day 167: Today, I am grateful for my Dad (and Mama) teaching hospitality. 

Happy Father's Day! 

This picture is of three of my favorite guys. My little brother, Matthew, Dad, and Jim LaFratta. These three guys were by our side on our wedding day. 

I've posted different pictures of Dad on Father's Day, but there is something about this one that captures his spirit. 

Dad's family and his friends were important to him. You can feel the camaraderie in this picture. 

Jim and his beautiful bride, Sissi, were more family than friends. They were brothers in Christ and full of stories. Matt, April, and I listened for hours when they were around. One of the things I loved most was the way they would learn from each other when they were together. 

Jim loved to talk about Sissi's cooking. She would make authentic German dishes you never forget. Mama delighted in Sissi's company and shared her kitchen with an open heart, as was her way. The conversation never lagged. Dad loved people... and loved to feed them at the farmhouse table. 

Like Dad and Mama, I love extras around the table, especially when I have the time to prepare for guests, although Dad and Mama never worried if the house was tidy. Their hospitality came from their desire to share what they had with others. A table with ample food, welcome family, and special guests was one of their greatest joys in life. 

A special guest could be anything from a seed salesman, pastor, hired hand, neighbors,  Uncle Mel, or college kids from Olivet. I am grateful that hospitality was "caught" as much as it was "taught." Matthew, April, and I watched and learned the joy of making room at the table and "room in the inn." 

"Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay." - 1 Peter 4:9 (NLT)

Today, I am grateful for my Dad (and Mama) teaching hospitality. 

God's Recruiting Process

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 166: Today, I am grateful for God's recruiting process. 

"Next time you feel unqualified to be used by God, remember this: He tends to recruit from the pit and not the pedestal."

This quote is a reminder of God's clarity in his choices and directions, even when we do not understand His ways. 

I cannot help but be reminded of the many times God made his coaching and quarterback picks from unexpected places. It is like he went to the high school ranks or the senior citizen leagues to choose the next Superbowl coach or quarterback.

 It is who He is. It is how He works. 

When I think about God's directions to Gideon to build a Special Forces team, I am still in awe. Those who drank their water from the river by cupping their hands and not the ones who put their faces in the water. Not your typical selection process for a team, but His ways are never wrong. 

"But the Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.” When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the Lord told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.” Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream." -Judges 7:4-6

Gideon's obedience to God's ways and God's directions helped them defeat the Midianites in a legendary battle. The plan did not make sense, but Gideon knew He could trust God's recruiting process. 

We do not have to be perfect to be useful to God. We only need to be still, alert, and ready when He calls our name. No age requirements or age limits. 

“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

When we focus on the reminder to "be still", we must not forget to be humbled by His awesomeness, His requirement of humility, and His holiness. 

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Follow His lead and watch what succeeds. 

Today, I am grateful for God's recruiting process. 

The Storm and The Sunshine

Gratitude Year 12- Day 165: Today, I am grateful for the storm and the sunshine.

"She could have taken the world by storm... but she chose to use her sunshine."

What a great thought!

Some people take the world by storm. They rock the boat. The ground shakes when they pass by from the force of their footsteps.  Sometimes, a little storm is welcome and a little thunder gets our attention for a warning.

Others choose to bring the sunshine with them. They warm a room with their presence. They spread light wherever they go. 

Earworm is singing. "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine..." 

That makes me think of my little sister, April. I think she could play on the piano because our childhood pastors, "Grandpa Russell and Grandma Ruth Dickinson" gave her a book that included teaching her how to play it on the piano. April did not have much interest in playing the piano, but it was a great little book that sparked her interest for a bit.  

The Dickinson's were a precious pair. They were both ordained ministers in the Nazarene Church and taught my Dad and Mama a great deal about walking with Jesus. They both participated in our wedding ceremony. He facilitated our vows and she read the most beautiful prayer. 

Russell would preach a little thunder, and Ruth was always sunshine. We needed both. 

I am grateful that they were a continued presence and example in our lives until they fulfilled their mission here and were called home. Both lived to be over 90. He was almost 100. They lived their lives loving God and loving people. 

I smile when I think about April's joy in greeting them at their heavenly homecomings. Dad's reunion was  just a blink behind theirs. (Now my Earworm has switched to Johnny Cash... "Will the circle be unbroken? Bye and Bye, Lord, bye and bye." )

"And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever." -Revelation 22:5

Today, I am grateful for the storm and the sunshine.

The Night Watch

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 164: Today, I am grateful for the Night Watch. 

Psalm 121 is from the collection of Psalms known as "the Psalms of Ascent. The people would sing them on the way to Jerusalem. When we grow weary, the right song can bring great comfort. The journey would take time. God surely watched over them as they made the trip. 

"He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps." - Psalm 121:3-4

This world grows increasingly restless and confused. Our God does not change. He continues to be our rock and our protector. These days can be long,  hard, and sleep can escape us if we think too much, but the Night Watch is on guard.

Do not hesitate to speak His name in the wee, silent hours of the late night and early morning. He is watching, listening, and eager to cover you with His calm and His peace. 

I grew up on the music of Carmen. "His name is Yahweh, the Lord is One. His name is Yahweh, the Lord is One. Alpha and Omega. Beginning and the End. The Word who reigns forever, Yahweh, Redeemer, Friend"  It is a old contemporary tune that still resonates with  my soul. 

After reading 30 A.D. and 33 A.D. by Ted Dekker, Yeshua is my favorite name for Jesus. It calms my weary soul to speak his name in Hebrew. It is a great book series if you have never read it. 

In the dark of night or in the midst of a battle, Yeshua never abandons us. 

Today, I am grateful for the Night Watch. 

Against The Wind

Gratitude Year 12- Day 163: Today, I am grateful we can run against the wind. 

This picture cracked me up. Oh I remember these. To be honest, they were Mama Ina Mae's favorite go-to outfit. She loved them. Jennifer and I searched far and wide to find them when they were no longer fashionable, but still her heart's desire. 

Earworm started singing, "Against the wind. We were running against the wind. We were young and strong and we were running against the wind.", in the voice of Bob Seger. I bet your Earworm is now singing it, too. 

Against the wind is always a struggle. Life rarely remains smooth sailing for long. There are always construction zones, detours, and plot twists. We keep going. Running against the wind builds stamina. Going with the flow makes us lazy and less observant. 

This is the first scripture that came to mind. 

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." -Romans 2:3-4 

We just had this scripture in Sunday School a few weeks ago. We grow more in the face of struggles and resistance than we do when the path is straight and flat. We don't have to enjoy the hard times, but we do need to remember that we are never alone. He does not abandon His children. 

When we run against the wind, He is present. When we lay down to rest, He is present. When we reach the finish line, He is waiting to say, "Well done!" 

Keep on pressing on. Keep on running. The finish line gets closer all the time. 

"We're older now, still running against the wind." 

Today, I am grateful we can run against the wind. 

Fireflies

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 162: Today, I am grateful for the firefly (or lightning Bug as we often call them in the Midwest).

They have been evening visitors already this year. I love watching them giving off their soft glow in the cool of the evening. I find them fascinating, as I do any creature that glows. 

As children we would capture them over the course of an evening, and then set them free. In an old Mason jar or in our hands, we were delighted  every time they lit up. 

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms. A fancy name does not take from the wonder of it all. From age 5 to 85, the firefly captures our attention. 

I thought of this verse:

"Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light." -Genesis 1:3

He hung the sun and knows each star by name. 

"Let Heaven and nature sing..."

Today, I am grateful for the firefly (or lightning bugs as we often call them in the Midwest).

Simple Childhood Memories

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 161: Today, I am grateful for simple childhood memories. 

My friend, Jan, shared this image. I knew in an instant it would be a part of today's gratitude post. Thanks, Jan!

I spent hours on my back with Matthew on my legs up in this position. Matt loved to "fly", even then. He was my first practice baby, before Ryan Leander, and long before our firstborn, Chase. The simple airplane activity was good exercise for me and pure fun for him. 

Matt and I made up our own version. Sometimes, he flew like a plane. Other times, he wanted to be in a helicopter. On the helicopter days, he would turn around, use my bent legs as a seat, and my feet were pushed forward and backward to fly the chopper. Up and down. Forward and backwards. And sometimes, in my weariness, there was a crash. How we laughed! 

We used our imagination. We took a known "game" and changed it up. The creativity that came from not having many toys, limited television for kids, and time led us to stretching our imaginations. Because our life was pretty simple, we were more imaginative. 

I think this is true for many. Too much of even a good thing can be overwhelming. 

Proverbs 17:7 spoke to my heart today. First in "The Message:"

A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. - The Message

And, now in the New Living Translation:

Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. - NLT

What is something simple you hold onto today, that this world and culture try to complicate? Hold on to it. Make time for it. 

Choose the small town diner and the Route #66 way of life, exploring the nooks and crannies of this amazing place we call home.  Make extra time for the simple things that count most. Savor the local ice cream shop, swimming in a lake, board games or cards with family and friends, a picnic, picking berries, a local music/ theatre performance, or watching the fireflies dance. 

It is the simple things that make life full. 

In this chapter of life, Matthew and I would be pretty comical attempting "airplane" or "helicopter." In fact, one or both of us would likely be injured. I wouldn't trade the memory for anything money can buy. We didn't have much, but we had it all. 

Today, I am grateful for simple childhood memories. 

Ordinary Moments

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 160: Today, I am grateful for ordinary moments. 

There is a large measure of joy in ordinary moments. -Susan Gale Wickes

I love this quote for the morning and at bedtime. We can face each ordinary day with joy if we remember to savor the things that are routine. Routine does not always mean boring. 

What about that first cup of coffee? Or the bliss of the fragrance of freshly cut grass? The scent of rain on dry ground is another ordinary but extraordinary scent. Reading a favorite Psalm, a kiss from a spouse, or a hug from a child are a few more joys in our ordinary days.

Satan is a thief of joy. Not time. Not circumstances. Not the amount of money in our bank account. The enemy of our souls steals our joy by attempting to convince us that we deserve something more, better, or sooner. He feeds impatience and delights in our frustrations. He whispers discontentment. 

I think of our Lord and the scripture that reminds us of His joy in the redemption of one soul. 

"“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’" -Luke 15:4-6

For Him, it never gets old. When the lost if found, all of Heaven rejoices. When a faithful one finishes the race at Heaven's gate, all of Heaven rejoices. Those are extraordinary moments prefaced by many "ordinary" days of seeking His face. 

I have to confess, I giggled when a thought crossed my mind. What if we replaced the words "lost sheep" when we find ourselves finding something lost? "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost keys or lost phone." 

Savor, celebrate, and delight in the small, mundane, and the ordinary moments of the day. Joy is sure to follow. 

Today, I am grateful for ordinary moments. 

The Mercy Dispenser

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 159: Today, I am grateful for the mercy dispenser.

"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice. - Abraham Lincoln

What an interesting observation and piece of wisdom. Lincoln proved he believed this time and time again. His life was far from easy, but he kept pressing on. He couldn't make everything right, but he did his best to lead, teach and guide where he could. Our nation was a mess - and he answered the call to be our leader. He attempted to lead with grace and mercy as he walked humbly with our Lord. He knew the value of greeting and meeting God in daily prayer. 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;   his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:22-23

My "Earworm" is singing this loud today. It is the old hymn, "Great is thy Faithfulness"  Silly Earworm forgets that hymns are not my favorite, but there are times I think he is determined to change my stand. There is rich theology in their artful verse. They are a balm to the soul when tired, wounded or weary. They are often taken straight from scripture (in the KJV, of course).

Mercy.  Oh, how I love to receive it. Do I find equal joy in dispensing it to others?  I should. My Jesus does. 

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Seriously, this verse should be read out loud by James Earl Jones' voice every single day at the moment I open my eyes. Maybe, then, I would remember to live it out. What a great verse. What a challenging one, too. 

The hard hand of justice must be dispensed - as God's character does not change and demands it. But, to balance out justice with mercy is required.  How do we figure put that complex balance? I think it is answered in the same verse. "To walk humbly with your God." Seek to be like Jesus in the morning, afternoon and night and submit to the Holy Spirit's leading. 

Sounds easy. Right? And perhaps it would be except for one big variable.  Other people. One unkind word. One person who fails to use the four-way- stop the correct way. One step on our heart by another...intentional or accidental...and we want justice so much more than mercy. 

How quickly I forget all the wrongs I've been forgiven when I am the one dispensing mercy over justice. Firstborns and other rule lovers...I think it is harder for us sometimes. Rules and order make us feel safe. 

 "All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." -Ephesians 2:3-5 

To intentionally live with grace and mercy adds good life to our days. We must not forget His ways and his rules...but we cannot be like Him and not be rich in mercy. 

Lincoln bravely extended mercy where he could. It was unpopular at times. Still, he repeated the behavior often enough to see that mercy did...indeed...bear rich fruit. Worth the risk. 

I am grateful for mercies received from His hand and from others. Undeserved and unexpected. It is soul piercing. It clears our vision so we can see His face more clearly. 

Today, I am grateful for the mercy dispenser.