Sea Glass

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 213: I am grateful for sea glass. 

"I want to age like sea glass." 

I love sea glass. It is beautiful. Each piece has a story it doesn't tell. From something broken or cast away, it is shaped by the waves into something beautiful and new. 

Naturally weathered pieces of glass take on the appearance of tumbled stones. It is found on beaches along bodies of saltwater. The blues are my absolute favorites. The greens are stunning, too. 

Broken and beautiful seems to be a recurring theme these past weeks. Sea glass is another example. 

"Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice." -Psalm 51:8

His grace is sufficient. His love is deep. His mercy is wide. He makes all things beautiful in his time. 

I am grateful for sea glass. 

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 212: I am grateful we can know the God of The Word.

"We study the word of God, not to know The Word of God, but to know the God of The Word." - Matt Chandler

Bingo! I have never seen this quote. It sums up the transformation from religion to relationship. We are instructed to learn "The Word of God" in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is amazing reading material. Full of adventure, trials, encouragement, anti-anxiety meditations, and so much more. It evokes awe and wonder. 

Studying the Word of God will make you healthier. His instructions... many of "the laws" about food kept the people healthy. The "do nots" were not given randomly. Many had benefits, both physically and psychologically. The "Big Ten" helps humans maintain healthy relationships in their families and in community. 

Read a few verses in Proverbs every day and let it take root. You will lean more about the mind of God. They are not simply great sayings to live by. They allow us to know the God of The Word better. Our appetite and cravings change. 

When God and Moses went toe to toe, Moses said, "Who shall I tell them sent me?" 

"God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” - Exodus 3:14

"I AM" is in present tense. He is always present! He is woven into history and holds the future, too, but the "I AM" is where we meet him. Give us "this day" our daily bread. He is our daily bread. He is our living water. He is life. 

May we hunger and thirst for the God of The Word. 

I am grateful we can know the God of The Word.

The Race Before Us

Gratitude Year 12- Day 211: I am grateful for the reminder to run the race before us.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." -Hebrews 12:1 NLT 

There are times I get distracted. Did someone say, "Squirrel?" I am not much different than our dog, Daisy Mae, when I hyperfocus on something that isn't "my race." Shiny things grab my attention. I get distracted from my orderly list of things I really want or need to complete. 

The Olympics always make me think of that passage about stripping off every weight that pulls us down and pushing on through, giving it our all. We have a young lady from Metamora... a hop, skip, and a jump over from Morton... who is competing. It is so exciting to have a local girl participating in the games. This is her time, her chance, and her season. She will give it her best, throwing off all that might hold her back. She will set her eyes on the goal and give it all that she has to give. She knows her race. 

As we set out on the adventure of a new week, let us pause to focus on the assigned race before us. Be patient if you are waiting on guidance and instruction. It will come in His time. He will not be hurried. 

Trust. Obey. Train. Rest. Be ready. 

Today, I am grateful for the reminder to run the race before us.

Things That Matter

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 210: Today, I am grateful the reminder to chase things that matter. 

The days are full of checklists and things to do. It is easy to be come distracted by the urgent and miss the things that matter. 

"Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." -Francis Chan

Today, I am grateful the reminder to chase things that matter. 

God Speaks in Flowers

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 209: Today, I am grateful God speaks in flowers. 

"God spoke in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation." -Ingrid Goff-Maidoff

This observation is pure wisdom. We often are so determined that we know how, when, and where God is going to speak that we miss the clear, soft whispers. 

Summer is in full bloom here in the Midwest. A walk in the neighborhood, or even in our own yard shows the splendor of the season. The King Tut grass has firework-like poofs. The pots are spilling with vines and color. 

Someone once said, "The earth laughs in flowers." It is a great observation. Joyful and unexpected at times, flowers reflect the beauty of His Majesty. They are every color of the rainbow and so many scents, too. 

"The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air." - Song of Solomon 2:12

Today, I am grateful God speaks in flowers. 

The Exercise of Writing

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 208: Today, I am grateful for the exercise of writing. 

I know I am a bit of a weirdo. I love to write. For me, a Thesaurus is like the Crayola Big Box of Crayons with the sharpener in the back. Adverbs and adjectives color the pages. I love writing that evokes all of my senses. I've often thought, if I ever have the chance, I would love to teach youth the joy in creative writing. Maybe someday. 

I love seeing period movies where a huge part of a woman's day was tending to correspondence. Letters were not simply a leisurely pastime, they were purposeful. I love seeing old suitcases found stuffed with letters on love, war, and even the politics of the day. 

My friend, Brenda, just found some letters her father wrote while in the service. How amazing is that? They were written and sent home to let them know how he was getting along with "Uncle Sam" as he served his country. Phone calls were expensive, but letters were cheap. I need to ask here how much the postage cost. From a base in Colorado sent to family at home.  It was a wonderful treasure to find. A well written letter captures a snapshot of life as it is at this moment. 

I have loved writing Christmas letters over the years. I have not written one since the year Mama died. We have had grief upon grief. From January 2021 to January 2024 there were 23 funerals. Aunt Bonnie, Javier, Kent, Brother Monte, Uncle Jim, Brother Ken (Brother-in-love), Mama, Donna, Cleve, Jeff, Sally, Caitlyn (Cousin Becky's Granddaughter), DeAnn, and Doug T. Some were family, our people, our friends who like family and have been with us for many decades. There are times we cannot get the words to lay just write on the paper.

I keep saying, "Maybe this year." I will say it again, "Maybe this year." I miss having the synopsis of our year on one page. We will see what December 2024 brings. I do love receiving cards and letters at Christmas. The handwritten ones are extra precious. 

The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution have inspired us for nearly 250 years. Penned by men well-versed in writing letters, they labored over every sentence to get it just right. They were men who knew how to write well and think well. 

"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they can not think well, others will do their thinking for them. -George Orwell, 1903-1950

Hang around people that challenge your thinking. Iron sharpens iron. 

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." - Proverbs 27:17

Keep writing, reading, and doing your arithmetic. Buy a postage stamp and write a letter. 

Today, I am grateful for the exercise of writing. 

Hurried Obedience

Gratitude Year 12- Day 207: Today, I am grateful for hurried obedience.

"I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands." -Psalm 119:60

My friend, Joe, is big on situational awareness. Growing up rural, we watched nature for signs. "Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky in the morning, sailor take warning." If the animals suddenly scatter or go still and quiet, take note. Something is usually up. 

As an adult, I am more in tune with what is going on around me. Common sense says that we should stay alert to our surroundings. In malls, parking lots, and festivals, it is wise to keep an eye open for anything that might be dangerous or concerning. 

As parents, when our children are about to enter into some kind of danger, we bark orders quickly. We expect hurried obedience. Sometimes, we get it. Sometimes, they end up in trouble from lack of hearing or lack of listening. 

Bad things can happen quickly. We do our best to avoid trouble.  In the same way, or Lord  directs our way. When  a message comes from Him, do we hurry to obey? Do we ignore the message? Do we do what we want to do, regardless of clear direction?

Hurried obedience declares, "I am yours and you are mine. I come when you call." Hurried obedience is indicative of a strong, trusting relationship. 

Today, I am grateful for hurried obedience.

Persistence

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 206: Today, I am grateful for  persistence.

"When you have exhausted all the possibilities, remember this: you haven't." - Thomas Edison

This quote captures the truth that we learn more from failure than success. Success is more fun, but our struggles are full of rich lessons. Most of us do not enjoy the struggle, but it does not make it less valuable. 

I think that for many, "success" turns out to be more empty than they anticipated. I think it is important to carefully define how success is measured. 

Our culture measures success by how much money is in the bank. I think good relationships around the family table are worth far more than any silver or gold. No one laughs together better than family. Shared history, shared failures, shared forgiveness, and persistence. 

"Family" includes our "forever friends" that grew up with us.  We played in the dirt together, swam in the same pools and lakes, and helped each other through disappointments and broken hearts. You do not write each other off for disagreements or difference of opinions. You persist until you find the common ground again. 

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7

Choose love. Look for common ground. Laugh generously and often. Be salt and light. Keep dancing. Never give up. Be persistent. 

Today, I am grateful for  persistence.

Cursive Writing

Gratitude Year 12- Day 205: Today, I am grateful for  cursive writing. 

Cursive writing almost went extinct. Thank goodness for those who are seeing the value. There is something so intimate in a handwritten letter that most documents fail to achieve. 

I love to doodle and embellish letters. My handwriting is better when I am not in a hurry. I love to slowly form each letter. Time does not always allow that luxury. 

My handwritten notes in my Bible and sermon notes are a mess. I hope my children can read them someday when I am gone or at least enjoy the puzzle of deciphering them. The thoughts come too quickly. Perhaps, I will be more intentional to keep it neat. I am usually writing quickly before my train of thought derails. 

Most of us find that we have favorite writing instruments that seem to improve our penmanship with the right tip or the comfort of the barrel when we hold the pen. These are the ones that help us produce our best handwritten items. 

Cursive writing in my Mama's or Grandmother's handwriting is a treasure. The best place to find them is often in old recipe boxes or in the margins of family cookbooks. Mama Ina Mae's handwriting was a mess. She would be the first to speak that truth. I love it anyway. Dad had better penmanship but the star in the family was my Uncle Mel. He had a teacher with a wooden ruler who had high expectations for the ones she taught to write in cursive. Uncle Mel's penmanship was beautiful. I know my cousins treasure the handwritten things they find. 

I have been reading old wills and other historical documents. The ability to read cursive writing helps us discover our past. Our beloved U.S. Constitution was handwritten. 

"Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others."- Habakkuk 2:2

Carry the message. 

Today, I am grateful for  cursive writing. 

Summer Tomatoes

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 204: Today, I am grateful for summer tomatoes. 

Summer tomatoes are the perfect addition to so many meals. We love them. BLT's are a favorite summer meal. We are grateful for friends who share their abundance. I attempt tomatoes every year, some years are more successful than others. When the cherry tomatoes start to produce, I love to see a big bowl filled. There are so many ways to enjoy tomatoes. 

The image is from the art of Susan Branch. Her work always makes me smile. It is full of friends, fun, recipes, quotes, and more. Her art speaks of caring, sharing, and the good things in life we often overlook. 

It is a great day to pause and savor the goodness that comes to our table from our garden or the shared abundance from a friend. 

"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance." -Psalm 65:11

Today, I am grateful for summer tomatoes. 

The Broken Places

 Gratitude Year 12- Day 203: Today, I am grateful for the broken places. 

As I have mentioned, Mama Ina Mae and her family were poor. Grandpa Vernon was an over-the-road, long haul truck driver. Grandma Opal Maxine worked in a sock factory and at the State Hospital as her children were growing up. 

Child number five, our precious Aunt Helen, was diagnosed with spinal meningitis under the age of two and was left with intellectual impairments. She learned to walk and talk again with Uncle Bob (#6) and Aunt Kathy(#7). Mama Ina Mae was her first born and a second mother to the rest. 

I cannot imagine how overwhelmed Grandma must have been. She was small in stature, but she was fierce. As a child, we knew that no one discussed religion and politics in her home or she sent them home. She meant it. One look and she could silence anyone pushing the boundaries she set. 

I am so sad we lost her so young. I would have loved knowing her better as an adult. One thing I know for sure, family was her heartbeat. Nothing was more important than keeping the peace as the Sunday family gatherings. She was the perfect combination of tough and gracious. 

Mama and the older siblings learned that their own wants and desires had to be weighed against what was good for the whole family. One person was not more important than the others, but all recognized some were needier. In the "broken places" they became more closely knit together. In the broken places, they become stronger. 

Walker broke his arm in Kindergarten and 2nd grade. I remember worrying about the broken spots until the orthopedic doctor explained that the bone would be stronger in the places it had broken and healed. What? Yes. That is what he said. It calmed my heart and the information remains close in my memories. 

"Kintsukuroi" is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. It makes the pottery more beautiful and each one tells a story. I remember writing about it and chatting with my friend, Sally. The whole idea struck a chord with her, as it did me. I miss talking with her about  spiritual things now that she is in Heaven. Her life was her testimony. Her family presses on... growing and more beautiful... in the broken places. 

"Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations." -Psalm 119:27-30 

Today, I am grateful for the broken places. 

St. Jude

Gratitude Year 12- Day 202: Today, I am grateful for St. Jude.

For twenty years, God granted me the gift of walking with families through pediatric oncology treatments at St. Jude. I am forever grateful for them.

I have never lost my sense of awe and wonder for the Peoria St. Jude Telethon and the Memphis to St. Jude Run. You cannot really describe it. It must be experienced. 

A special shout out to the "local runs", if you want to call running from Chicago or St. Louis to Peoria "local" because some of them literally run a Marathon on run day. It blows me away. Their commitment and their passion is humbling. 

For the medical teams who care for pediatric oncology patients... their patient families become a part of your family. You know them all. The Grandpas and the Grandmas were addressed in whatever way the patient addressed them.  Grammy's, Mimi's, Gigi's, and Noni's were well known. So were Aunt Cindy's, Aunt Mindy's, Aunt Maggie's, Grandpa Harry's, and Uncle Mike's. Siblings, cousins, and other extended family members helped so parents could take a breath or keep their jobs.  Treatment days could be long. We got to know them well. They let us share their journey... both the celebrations and the pain.

Cancer treatments are long and rarely kind to body, mind, spirit, and soul. It takes all kinds of support. Even with support, there is no promise of the outcome you want. Still, there is always hope. Hope can come in the form of healing... or at the end of a long, weary road when a Heavenly healing arrives with the deepest of griefs. Cancer is not fair. 

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.  Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past." -Psalm 25:4-6

When God led me into the next chapter of my career, I asked him for very clear signs. He provided. He knew leaving St. Jude would not be easy. In His unfailing compassion, He allowed me continued connections with many St. Jude families in my community (one might have promised to stalk me... and I am so glad she did) and nearby. The truth is, the St. Jude family is so wide-spread, I did not really leave them all behind. 

Woven into the fabric of our lives and stitched into our hearts forever, every St. Jude family that came through Morton Jr. High was extra special. One of those was sweet Tess. I actually knew her Mama, Libby, as a teen. We danced at the same weddings. We knew the same people. We were at the same bridal and baby showers. When I left St. Jude, it seemed as if it would be forever before Tess and siblings would be with me at school. 

The same for the Riddle girls. I knew they were coming...but I had to wait. Kayci and Shelby came... but Lanie's healing would be in Heavenly before junior high. Romans 12:12 was her verse and it is still inspiring that she chose it. 

"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." -Romans 12:12

Lanie was all of those things. I can still see her sweet face that is forever in my memories. 

One of my favorite verses comes not long after hers. My dear friend, Donna Davis Roth, and I captured this one in a Sunday School class. We quoted it to each other often when she was still with us. It sums up loving people and being present with them through cancer. 

"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15

If we do these things, we are tending to widows, orphans, and the broken-hearted. Mix that with Lanie's reminder to "keep on praying" and you have a pretty good recipe for getting through the hard days and making the most of the celebrations. 

The picture is from Tess's High School Graduation party. She is planning to be a Special Education teacher. She is amazing in every way. It seems like only yesterday we were pretending to be Ariel and Ursula with her Ariel Barbie. Today, she is a St. Jude Memphis Runner. Hope floats! 

Today, I am grateful for St. Jude.

The Cicada's Song

Gratitude Year 12- Day 201: Today, I am grateful for the cicada's song. 

The cicada's song was heard for the first time this evening. Grandpa Lindgren always said to note the first day of the cicada's song on the calendar, because it would be 6 weeks until frost. I hope it is a little longer than that. 

Nature is pretty insightful. We can learn to pause and watch for the signs.

Today, I am grateful for the cicada's song. 

Angels Unseen

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 200: Today, I am grateful for angels unseen.

"For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways;" -Psalm 91:11

I have always loved this verse. Even as a child, it gave comfort. As an adult, it is humbling to think that the God of angel armies cares about our human needs. Big and small, our needs are known and seen. 

Short but no less sincere. 

Today, I am grateful for angels unseen.

Power Restored

Gratitude Year 12- Day 199: Today, I am grateful for power restored! 

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house." -Luke 8:16

Just before midnight Tuesday, our power was restored. Our days in the darkness were a reminder of how dependent we are on electricity. Our dear friends and best of neighbors, Jim and Susie Ackerman, shared their "light" with us. They literally poured power into our home by sharing their generator. We are so blessed to live in a neighborhood where we take care of each other. We are grateful for them.

It is amazing how little light it takes to break through the darkness. We used battery operated lanterns to move around the house. I love a well lit home, but our eyes adjusted and we managed with less. 

The moment the lights came back on, we were excited. It was back to hot showers, washing machines, and lights at the flip of a switch. For a few days we will remember what a luxury these things really are. 

Today, I am grateful for power restored! 

The Day After the Storm

Gratitude Year 12- Day 198: Today, I am grateful for the day after the storm.

We lost power last night at 8pm. The storm was vicious! This gives a better picture of the huge chunk that came out of our healthy maple tree. Somehow, my beloved King Tut grass is no worse for the wear. Randy moved it close to the house, but that wind was vicious. Jim and Susie Ackerman's sunflowers are battered, but each bloom somehow held on to almost every petal. How? The mysteries of nature always remind me that heaven and nature cannot help but sing His praises.

The National Weather Service confirms an EF-1 tornado occurred Monday night from East Peoria to Mackinaw, moving through the east side of Morton.

According to the NWS, the tornado began in East Peoria near Bloomington Rd and Pleasant Hill Rd and continued along I-74 toward the north side of Morton where it damaged an industrial complex. The tornado then traveled toward the east side of Morton near the high school where several trees were snapped. It then continued into rural Tazewell County, north of Mackinaw where it did damage to the American Legion Post. The tornado lifted not long after.

The tornado occurred within a broader area of wind damage stretching from Elmwood to Bloomington where the NWS has estimated straight line winds up to 80 mph. Damage surveys continue and it's possible we see more confirmed tornado reports as they are completed.

Yes! That was our neighborhood. Sideways lightning.

Today, I am grateful for safety and the day after the storm.

Buckets and Team Work

Gratitude Year 12- Day 197: Today, I am grateful for buckets and teamwork. 

An EF-1 Tornado just blew through our neighborhood in Morton, IL. 

The lights went out at 8 p.m. and we were looking for emergency lighting in the basement when the worst of it blew through. 

Lost a huge branch on our maple tree, but it was as if angels guided the huge bough to the ground. Nothing was damaged by it at our house, or at any of our neighbors. 

Our neighbor, Mike, has a wonderful flag for all of us to enjoy in the neighborhood. She took the winds that were at least 80 miles and hour, and she still stands. 

The "Ace in the Hole" sump pump backup battery said "ready", but then it was not ready. We spent the night bailing buckets out of the sump pump. My Guy was kind of amazing. We figured out a system and made it through with no overflow from the sump hole. Hallelujah! 

Power out. Safe and sound. God is good.

Today, I am grateful for buckets and teamwork. 

Be On God's Side

 Gratitude Year 12- Day 196: Today, I am grateful we can choose to be on God's side.

Abraham Lincoln fascinates me. He had Godly wisdom presented brilliantly. He included humor when he could. Humor is a great diffuser. Anger often dissipates when humor breaks out. 

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side for God is always right." -Abraham Lincoln

I do not think I have seen this quote before. It is perfectly spoken. 

Each of us has our own set of unique perspectives that grew out of our upbringings or other experiences. They shape many of our thoughts and opinions. Sometimes, I need to be reminded that our God has given us His Word so we can know His mind and His heart. When in doubt, check it out! 

Today we sang, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." The clarity, power, and sound judgement found between the pages of His Word can bring us to our knees and encourage our hearts at the same time. 

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  -James 4:8

"But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:15

Today, I am grateful we can choose to be on God's side.

We Can Do Better

Gratitude Year 12- Day 195: Today, I am grateful we can do better. 

A gentle reminder - "Daily Gratitude" is read by people I love on both sides of the political aisle. It is to remain a politics free zone. You can privately message me any thoughts, but please do not post them here. This is a neutral zone for politics. I have a patriotic heart.

On the other side of the coin, "Daily Gratitude" will never be a faith-free zone because without Christ's decision to pay my sin-debt on the cross, I would not be free. All are welcome, but that is my "full disclosure." 

Now for today's gratitude... I am grateful we can do better. 

What "better" looks like, have we nearly forgotten? Some of our children have never seen "better." There will be no peace without true peacemakers. There can be no "Stone Soup" when we thrive on drama and celebrate the pot stirrers more than those who gather the meat and grow the vegetables. 

Some pots need stirring and some lines need to be drawn, but there must be a moral compass to guide the way. 

Our ancestors sought refuge and religious freedom. First in the Netherlands and then they made the miserable journey on the Mayflower to Plymouth Rock. They brought very little with them and lost much of it along the way, including family and friends. They came in hope of finding a place they could live and worship freely.   Surely, we can do better. 

Our ancestors wrote the "Mayflower Compact" as a means of setting some ground rules in the new land. It was drawn up by the Pilgrims aboard ship to serve as the basis of their future legal and social organization. Many agree it is an early example of a social contract.  It is said that John Quincy Adams referred to it as a fore-runner of ideas that developed into the Constitution of the United States of America. That is a powerful piece of paper. Surely, we can do better.

Current rewrites of history forget that when the Pilgrims came, the Native Tribes saw they came with their elders and their children. They recognized that as a sign of coming in peace. You do not bring your families when you come to fight and conquer. The Native Tribes offered the Pilgrims venison, something rarely offered to the peasant population. The Pilgrims saw their gift as being treated like royalty. 

The first 20-30 years were pretty good. The Native Tribes moved often. The newcomers did not move as much. Some even paid some of the tribes for land. (This is a synopsis of a fascinating 45 minute podcast with one of the foremost experts on the Pilgrims' arrival to the new world and their early years  in the New Land with some additional research.) Looking at our past, there is evidence that we can do better. 

Assignation attempts in the political arena are never acceptable in a country that has prided itself on law and order. We may vote Blue, Red, Green, or Independent... but we are Americans. We can do better. 

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson,  James Madison, and our Founding Fathers won an unwinnable war. They didn't agree on everything, and giving birth to a new country was not without trials and frustrations, but they believed in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and a moral compass. They believed in freedom to safely worship God as you knew him with other believers. Churches were some of the first buildings put up in any town. We can do better.

"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

 A wise friend shared this observation, "What and who people hate says more about them than it does the person they target." It is food for thought. We can do better. 

As I have been praying over the state of our nation, the Holy Spirit seemed to whisper the reminder that Israel got a king because they whined for one. They were relentless. All of their neighboring nations had kings and they wanted one, too. God wanted to be their only king, so they would have undivided hearts. 

When the Founding Fathers came together to figure it all out, they wanted George Washington to be our king. Washington refused. He would not take the job if they made him a king. I know he knew the Bible well. I wonder if he remembered the trials that came along with Israel's kings? I do not know, but I love to ponder it. 

In 1787, James McHenry of Maryland kept a journal. When Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention Elizabeth Willing Powel asked “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” Franklin replied tartly, “if you can keep it.” 

Now, 237 years later, Franklin’s observation on our Founders’ great experiment haunts us.

Social media has not made us better informed. Snippets of any conversation are not the whole story. We can dig deeper. The great song from "Hamilton" suggested... "Talk less. Smile more." Listen more, too. Be respectful. 

Today, I am grateful we can do better. 

Flower Picking in the Storms

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 194: Today, I am grateful we can go flower picking in the storms. 

"Even in the midst of storms, I'll still find flowers to pick." 

I know lightning can be dangerous. Use common sense. Still, this image made me smile. Choice is a powerful thing. 

Most run for shelter when the storm begins. If you are already wet, why not slow down and pick a few flowers? 

Last night, we were at a concert in the park sitting with friends who are more like extended family. The entire evening there was a gentle rain off and on. More of a sprinkle than a full on rainstorm. We stayed, and enjoyed the music and the conversation. 

In the storms of life, we still have choices. In the storms of life, there will still be flowers. 

"Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers  and singing and joy!" - Isaiah 35:2a

Today, I am grateful we can go flower picking in the storms. 

Gentle Rain

Gratitude Year 12- Day 193: Today, I am grateful for gentle rain. 

We have been blessed with some gentle rains. What a difference it makes for the grass, the grain growing in the fields, and the gardens. 

I know some of our friends and family have been living with brutal storms this week, and we are getting perfect gentle rains. I know there is  no "fairness" in the weather. "The rain falls on the good and the bad." Remember to pray for those who are needing shelter and restoration. 

"Let my teaching fall on you like rain;
    let my speech settle like dew.
Let my words fall like rain on tender grass,
    like gentle showers on young plants." -Deuteronomy 32:2

Do we let His Word fall on us like a gentle rain? What scriptures are we saving in our memories for when our souls feel dry. 

Today, I am grateful for gentle rain. 

Citrus

Gratitude Year 12- Day 191: Today, I am grateful for citrus.

Mama Ina Mae always said the body will crave what it needs. Listen to it. Well, mine has been in a citrus phase the past few years. And, this is one more time I think Mama was right. I miss her. 

This image captured my eye. I adore tropical, citrus colors. They are my best color palette, and they make me happy. The scents are amazing, too. Bath and Body Work used to have a soap that was part citrus and part evergreen. I keep trying to find one that is close. The scent of citrus makes me feel alive. 

Vitamin C is almost always a good idea and it is found in citrus fruits. 

If you ever get to Peoria on a Saturday, visit Than Lin's for some Saturday Soup. It is a Vietnamese pho soup that is incredible. It is full of flavor and you can add your own favorite things when they bring out a dish full of goodies to add to the bowl. (I love the bean sprouts. Walker loves the cilantro.) The magical finish is the lime. You squeeze the lime into the soup and throw it into the bowl until you finish. It is the final citrus touch that makes it a perfect bowl of soup. 

Citrus fruits appeal to multiple senses. Pleasing to the eye, delicious to eat, and they smell glorious. The creative mind of God always amazes me. We only need to glance at common fruit to glimpse the extraordinarily creative mind of God. 

"The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:12

It is very good. 

Today, I am grateful for citrus.

Emma

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 190: Today, I am grateful for this girl that would change our world. 

Her sweet mother, Donna, and I shopped for maternity clothes together Jill's assistance and opinions offered. Donna's due date was one month ahead of mine. 

I remember the news of Emma Ruth's birth. I do not remember if we knew she was going to be a girl. I do not think we did. I remember buying one red, white, and blue outfit and one in pink and heading up to meet her when she was less than 24 hours old. 

Emma was the sweetest bit of sunshine and perfect in every way. I was in awe of Donna. She weathered childbirth like a pro. She gave me courage for what was to come in a few weeks. We were becoming parents, ready or not. Do you ever feel ready? 

Motherhood can be overwhelming when you are new and have no idea what you are doing. I am so grateful I was blessed by a group of women who walked with me on the journey. Who knew that Chase and Emma would marry someday? Yes, it was a secret prayer on my heart, and she was at the top of my "short list" of approved girls, but when the dream comes true, all I can do is say, "Thank you, Lord, for this precious young woman who adored my first born son with her all of her heart. "

They shared their first Morton Pumpkin Festival when they were 2 months and one month old. We sat under a tree across for Jefferson School by Dr. Patton's office. They shared their first Christmas program, their first day of Junior High, their High School graduation, and their wedding day. They have experienced life's good days and the hardest days side-by-side... holding hands. 

I am so grateful to have this girl as a part of our family. She turned us from a family of four into five. She was worth the wait. She continues to bring joy, laughter, smiles, and wonder into our world. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." -Ephesians 3:20

She is so much more than the dream. We love you forever and ever, Emma. Happy Birthday!

Today, I am grateful for this girl that would change our world. 

His Palm of Mercy

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 189: Today, I am grateful for what His palm of mercy washes clean.

"Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, 'I can clean that if you want.' And from the basin of his grace, He scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin." -Max Lucado

Yikes! A word aptly spoken. Max Lucado has been one of my favorite contemporary authors for nearly 30 years. "He Chose the Nails" and "Traveling Light" will always be two of my favorite books penned by Max. 

"He Chose the Nails" taught me to find the joy in Easter beyond the guilt of knowing my hand might as well have held the hammer and nails. He doesn't want our response to His sacrifice to be one of guilt, but one of unending wonder, gratitude, love and joy. 

"Traveling Light" was a gift from my friend, Linda Neuhauser, not long after my sister died unexpectedtly two weeks before her wedding day. The book unlocked the joy in the Psalm 23. I associated Psalm 23 with funerals, but it is so much more. It is living with confidence. It is knowing death is a door and not a destination. He took the cross so we might only feel the "shadow of death." 

Shadows can be scary, but they cannot really hurt us. 

I've recently learned that the ancient shepherds would often battle burrs in sheep fur. Especially in the fur of the ones who wander into trouble. The prodigal sheep, when recovered, often had sticky burrs  to be removed, or they could potentially harm the sheep. Olive oil would help with the removal process. It makes the process more comfortable for the sheep, consequently making it easier for the shepherd, too. To make it even better, olive oil has antibacterial properties unknown to the shepherds. Again, God's instructions were ahead of "science" but who is keeping score? 

Ohmygoodness! Apparently, He is. This was my verse of the day when I went to grab a passage from Psalm 23. He wins the "Who Picked the Better Scripture" game... again! His is perfect. (I have chills.)

"God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." -Psalm 18:30

When we love deeply, it brings new eyes of understanding to our Savior's hands that long to rescue us, clean, and restore.  

Human nature means we want to point out everyone else's sins and shortcomings as lesser than our own. Pride rises up in all of us at times. We do our conscious best to beat it down until it looks more like humility. No one is exempt. When we fail or fall, He longs to clean us up and make us clean again. 

Today, I am grateful for what His palm of mercy washes clean.

Good Spirits

Gratitude Year 12- Day 187: Today, I am grateful for good spirits. 

Fear and timidity create anxiety. They can be crippling. We all experience moments, seasons, and scenarios where fear and timidity want to reign in our hearts and in our heads. This scripture spoke to my soul today. 

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

"Fear Is a Liar" is a recent song (Zach Williams, 2016) that speaks of deep truths. Fear steals our joy. It is the enemy's tool. We can armor up and fight back.

"Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." -Ephesians 6:13-17

God did not improve our spirit. He gave us His spirit! In His power, we can stand firm. 

Faith provides our shield of protection. We will not be penetrated by the flaming arrows. His Word is our sword whatever battles come. 

His Word never fails... and like it or not... it always speaks truth. 

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News. 

Let our actions speak love and manifest self-control. It is not always easy. Social media and the media divide and inflame. Where are the "good spirits?" Seek them out. Speak them. Affirm them. 

Light always dispels the darkness. Shine the light.  

Today, I am grateful for good spirits. 

Stop and Start

Gratitude Year 12- Day 186: Today, I am grateful for reminders to "stop" and "start."

"Stop waging war and start washing feet." -Rachel Held Evans

This is great advice. It is not always easily followed.  

We are better when we are focused on serving. "Washing feet" is a practice in some churches, but the phrase refers to humble service. 

War destroys. Serving others builds them up. Pick a team. We cannot do both at the same time. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to "stop" and "start."