Surrender For More...

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 244: Today, I am grateful for reminders to surrender. 

This quote hit in a difficult place. Intimacy with an omnipotent, loving God means he has great plans for us. His plans and my plans are not always the same. His way is always better, but I am stubborn at times. 

"God can do way more with your surrender than you ever could with your control." -Craig Groeschel

In our broken moments, disappointments, and trials, there comes a moment of surrender that washes away our fears. His perfect peace is the a powerful resting place where you can breathe again.

"If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God." - Isaiah 50:10

Surrender and watch what happens. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to surrender. 

Behind Things

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 243: Today, I am grateful there is no need to trip over what is behind us. 

I love these little painted rocks that people paint and share. A rock is a tiny canvas to practice art skills. Everyone is an artist... created in His image... some use paint and others use spreadsheets. 

Every day we practice doing better, being better, and loving better. Sometimes we win. Sometimes we fail. Many days, we are smack dab in the middle of learning and growing. The training days outnumber the race days, but the race days do come. We want to practice so we are ready. 

I cannot help but think of the athletes who have made decisions to help the person who has fallen over winning. That is love.

I think of the runner in second place who alerts the person ahead of them to keep running when they get confused and stop too soon. The athlete in second place shouts out "keep running." First place was theirs for the taking, but they choose to alert the person ahead of them. They chose second place and an honest win. What a witness!  What a testimony.

There need be no regrets in an honest race. We cannot change yesterday. We can choose better tomorrow. 

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." -Philippians 3:13-14

Today, I am grateful there is no need to trip over what is behind us. 

Reminders of Unity

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 242: Today, I am grateful for reminders of unity. 

A simple gratitude today. 

This verse is so familiar. It is rich with truth. It is a passage that reminds us that our human nature likes to divide people.  Love gets lost in labels.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." -Galatians 3:28 

All one. We are better together... united in Christ. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders of unity. 

Beautiful Things in Sight

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 241: Today, I am grateful for the beautiful things in sight.

"Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it is just a daisy in a jelly glass." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

This is something that has always been intuitive to me. Perhaps, it was Mama Ina Mae's influence. It was in her nature to look for the beauty in simple, inexpensive things. Mama saw wildflowers and not weeds. She kept any glass item that could be used as a vase or for storage. Mama recycled before it was cool. 

For Mama, pretty things needed to be rescued and displayed. She would save anything that was just "a little" tattered, stained, and torn because she "might be able to do something with it" later. A little rip, blemish, or tear did not make something ugly. Just "well loved," to use her words. I miss her words and her viewpoint.

She noticed the beautiful and taught us to look for it, too. Beauty is all around us, we only need to slow down to take it all in. 

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Today, I am grateful for the beautiful things in sight.

The Most Special Thing

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 240: Today, I am grateful to be called "the most special thing." 

I came across this story about Jimmy Stewart and his wife, Gloria. He is one of my favorite actors from that timeless era. Yes, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a classic, but there are so many others, including "Harvey." So many actors were difficult to work with, even back then. Jimmy Stewart always seemed grateful to be given the gift of doing what he loved to make a living. 

His wife, Gloria, was lovely by any standard. Jimmy was matched with some of Hollywood's most beautiful leading ladies. Perhaps, that is what made him appreciate Gloria more. So much is artificial in Hollywood, and beauty that is only skin deep fades quickly. 

Gloria told this story about her husband of 45 years, "I can honestly say that in all the years of our marriage, Jimmy never once gave me cause for anxiety or jealousy. The more beautiful and glamorous his leading lady was, the more attention he paid to me. I asked him once why he did that and he said, 'Because I want you to never feel anything less than the most special thing in my life.'"

Is it any wonder he played  George Bailey so perfectly? I think Jimmy had much to draw from when he was cast in that classic role. Gloria was obviously his real-life "Mary." 

To be told, "You are the most special thing in my life" is surely one of the sweetest things a man can say to his girl in any season of life and love. 

I love this passage from 1 Peter that declares us a "chosen people" and  "God's very own." 

Amy Grant had an old song that went like this:

"Won't you say once more, I love you in the bread and in the wine. 'Til the whole world knows our love song. I am yours and you are mine." Oh, the unique and special beauty in an underserved (on our end), reciprocal, forever love! We are loved beyond measure. "The most special thing" in all of creation. 

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.  " -1 Peter 2:9

Accept it. Savor it. Share it. Delight in His light and love. 

Today, I am grateful to be called "the most special thing." 

Mine

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 239: Today, I am grateful to be called "mine." 

Belonging. The soul longs for it. 

Our human nature pushes back at times. Many times we want things our own way. There are times he allows us to have what we want, but we find an emptiness there. Our souls crave a relationship with our Heavenly Father like our human bodies need air. 

He is the breath in our lungs and our souls rejoice in the wonder of His ways. He makes all things beautiful, in His time. 

Relax. Trust. Wait. Fear not. He does not leave us orphans. 

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1

Today, I am grateful to be called "mine." 

Peace & Surefootedness

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 238: Today, I am grateful for peace and surefootedness. 

 "The Law" were never meant to restrict or define. Good laws keep us safe. They guide and help us navigate the twists and turns on the path. They help us live better together. 

"Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." -Psalm 119:165 

They were not designed to be confining... but they can be refining. 

This passage boldly declares that God can grant us a peace that makes us not easy to offend. My goodness, that seems rare these days. 

"Nothing shall offend them" and "nothing shall make them stumble" are from two different translations of the same passage. I find taking both translations into consideration gives me clarity. 

When we love God... really love Him... we delight in His ways, including His laws. Those laws help us grow in our understanding of God and each other. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." -Proverb 3:5-6

The straight path from point "A" to point "B" is typically the shortest, but it is not always the easiest. The terrain, the weather, the incline, and the obstacles can impact our journey. Still, we are not alone. He goes with us. He brings us comfort and guidance along the way. Our steps may not always be easy, but we can be confident in His peace. With Him, we can walk with peace and confidence into each new day. 

Today, I am grateful for peace and surefootedness. 

Beauty, Polish, Shine, and Glitter

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 237: Today, I am grateful for choices that add beauty, polish, shine, and glitter.

Ask people to describe the same object or event and you can get wildly different descriptions. How can that be? Movie critics. Book critics. And even fashion designers see with different eyes. There is choice in vision.

I love Helen Keller quotes for her clear vision of the world around her. From sightless eyes and ears that did not hear, she saw things the rest of the world could not see. She learned to live...really live... beyond her limiting circumstances. Her example challenges me.

Choices. We all make them. Every single day. The choices we make will impact how we interact with others and live with ourselves. They reflect our spiritual life, too.

Does our hope show? Does it float? Does it shine?

This quote simply defines the conglomerate of choices we make each morning, noon and night. My choices are typically better and easier in the morning. I lose a little steam along the way of the day.

"Shine brightly. See beauty. Speak Kindly, Love truly. Give freely. Create joyfully. Live thankfully." -Mary Davis

Still, when we meet the morning with prayer...and coffee (or your beverage of choice)...and a mindset to make this day an offering, there is a new energy born. It is a soul exercise. Vision clears in a grateful heart.

What will we see today?

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a

The rest of the verse is about consequences to those who do not seek God's face and rely on "other kings" or their own power and influence.

You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” 2 Chronicles 16:9b

Wars as a result of trusting in other kings... instead of Him. Logical consequences is a parenting technique...one we always liked...and apparently, it is not a new one.

We cannot always control the world around us. We can choose new eyes and adjust our vision to His lens. See beauty. Seek kindness. Shine. Love. Live. Create. Be thankful. Add glitter where you can.

In a nutshell...

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." -Romans 12:1

Be present. Be a present. Be an offering. Love with a wild abandon. Real love and real commitment tear down the walls of resistance. Let unfailing love build resilience in the relationship. Commitment requires resilience and resilience requires commitment. It is a crazy love that fills our lungs with oxygen and strengthens us for each day. 

Now... as a work in progress... some days are great and others are epic failures. Still, each day we can choose again. Beauty, kindness, generosity, gratitude and whimsy all make a difference... one tiny act and intentional observation at a time. Whimsy is the glitter. 

Today, I am grateful for choices that add beauty, polish, shine, and glitter.

Inconvenience

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 236: Today, I am grateful for a new perspective on "inconvenience." 

Today we take another look at inconvenience. 

"An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton

I love any quote that invites a new perspective on an old problem. No one likes to be inconvenienced, right? In truth, what looks like an inconvenience may be the hand of God intervening. 

He is patient and wise. He knows our every need. He attends to the tiniest details. God seeded the oceans with life and the forests with game. He knows our every need. 

God placed the vine that shaded Jonah from the heat of the day while he pouted about wanting to save Nineveh. 

" Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort."  Jonah 4:6

Nothing we do for him or because of him is an inconvenience. It is part of the adventure. 

Today, I am grateful for a new perspective on "inconvenience." 

Treasure in a Clay Jar

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 235: Today, I am grateful for the treasure in a clay jar. 

This passage made me think about the resilience of our souls that are currently stored in these frail, human "jars of clay." 

 "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies." -2 Corinthian 4:7-10

His great light in our lives gives us resilience. Even in suffering, there is hope. The world can be falling apart, but our souls are safe. 

Paul, who killed so many Christians, was hunted, beaten, and jailed. Still, he had no fear of death, because death had already been swallowed up in victory. 

Clay jars can break. In our brokenness, is the light of Jesus more visible? Many times, the answer is "yes." 

Today, I am grateful for the treasure in a clay jar. 

The Light Has Come

Gratitude Year 12- Day 234: Today, I am grateful the light has come.

The light of the sun warms the sunflower creating a feast for the bees. Nature is so wonderful. Nature cannot help but declare the glory of the Lord, because nature reflects the creator. 

The intricacy of His design means nature has what it needs to continue season after season. The sun rises, the sun shines, and the sun sets. Each hour of the day... by His extraordinary design. 

The more time we spend observing the "ordinary" in our days, the more our awe and wonder grows.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." -Isaiah 60:1

 Our God is an awesome God. Jesus is the "Light of the World."

Today, I am grateful the light has come.

Faith Over Fear

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 233: Today, I am grateful that we can choose faith over fear. 

These are encouraging words. 

"Both faith and fear demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose." 

It is true. Only an intentional choice determines the outcome.  

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, sets them above the crowd. " -Hebrews 11:1 (the Message)        

We must choose our response.    Fear or faith?                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Today, I am grateful that we can choose faith over fear.

Good Books

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 232: Today, I am grateful for good books... and "The Good Book." 

"Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." - Charles Spurgeon

There is nothing like a good book to fill a quiet afternoon. It is a way to take a trip to the other side of the world... or back in time... without leaving home. I love good books!

On my bookshelves are some of my favorite books from my favorite authors. I enjoy a little home library. Occasionally, I will pick up one to re-read or to share with a friend. A well-loved book is like an old friend. My Bible is like a best friend. 

Proverbs is one of my favorite books within "The Good Book." God granted Solomon wisdom and he wrote it down for our benefit. Even those who reject The Bible as God's word, often find great value in Proverbs. 

One of my favorite passages about Jesus talks about books that were never written:

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

Today, I am grateful for good books... and "The Good Book." 

Laughter Can Be Worship

Gratitude Year 12- Day 231: Today, I am grateful laughter can be worship.

We humans love to laugh. Laughter is not only good for the soul, it is good for the body. Laugher can be a real workout, especially when you find it hard to stop. 

"Let me keep company always with those who say... "Look!" and laugh in astonishment... and bow their heads. 

Do we genuinely remember to thank God for the gift of laughter?

" Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
    we are glad." -Psalm 126:2-3

Laughter and joy are contagious. 

Today, I am grateful laughter can be worship.

Gratitude Year 12- Day 230: Today, I am grateful for grace and love. 

"The grace of God will carry you and his love will hold you close."

Some things are not easily explained. His grace is one of them. 

When we are broken down from life, he carries us. When we feel alone, His love draws us in. 

 His ways are not easy of understand, but He is faithful in all things. He is good. He is true.

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds." -Psalm 36:5

Today, I am grateful for grace and love. 

Summer Splendor - God's Goodness

Gratitude Year 12- Day 229: Today, I am grateful for the snapshot of God's goodness in the splendor of summer.  

The artist who created this image included over a dozen passages on the goodness of God.    The butterflies and flowers look summery to me. Summer's bounty shouts that our God is generous to His children. His provision is often ample, and always enough. 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." -Psalm 107:1

Forever is a long, long time. 

Savor the sweet moments. Lift your face to the sun. Smell the flowers and fresh breeze. 

 Today, I am grateful for the snapshot of God's goodness in the splendor of summer.

Gentle, Real Strength

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 228: Today, I am grateful for real strength.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength. 

This quote resonates with a great truth. You witness it often in nature. 

You see it when giant animals form relationships with tiny humans. You see it when giant humans rescue tiny animals. 

When a man holds his tiny little baby for the first time with tenderness, there is nothing as gentle and strong as that kind of love. 

When a spouse gently holds the hand of the one they have loved and treasured for decades and watches them take their last earthly breath, it requires a gentle strength to let them go and press on. That is real strength. 

There is a gentle strength in refusing to engage an argument, especially if it is one you can win. That is strong gentleness and real strength. Self-control is a way of expressing real strength. 

In the sermon on the mount Jesus said:  “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5 - 

Some translations use the word humble instead of meek. Others use the phrase, "the gentle ones." I like reading it in many translations for greater understanding. 

A pastor once used the illustration of a young stallion. Wild and strong when it runs free, but when the animal comes into relationship with the right human, a bond is formed. The horse does not lose strength by submitting to a relationship with the human. In fact, the God given strength finds a purpose. Natural gifts become more usable because of the relationship. 

Meek is not weak. To be humble and gentle is a way we can reflect Christ's image.

Today, I am grateful for real strength.

A Clean Lens

Gratitude Year 12- Day 227: Today, I am grateful  for a clean lens.

I had a recent reminder of the value of cleaning your lenses. One a camera or on  your glasses, cleaning a lens can make all the difference. 

I was sitting at work, staring at the computer and one eye felt weird. It wasn't really a headache, but perhaps the start of one. Something was no quite right. Finally, I took off my glasses and looked at the lenses I was attempting to see through. There was a huge foggy spot on my right lens. 

I proceeded to the kitchen and used the available dish soap to clean my lenses. Oh what a difference a little soap can make. I am grateful for the person who taught me that trick. Dawn and a microfiber cloth for drying is my favorite soap and cloth combination. On my glass camera lens, I like the alcohol wipes. 

Through a clean lens, everything looks better. Headaches can be averted and eyes strain is reduced. 

A few years ago, there was a popular book titled, "Girl, Wash Your Face." Well, "Girl, clean your glasses" might be equally good advice. It is amazing the difference clearer vision makes as we face our days.

This miracle recorded in the Gospel of Mark says this:

"Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.: -Mark 8:25

Restoration and clear vision. Jesus is way better than dish soap and a cloth! 

Today, I am grateful  for a clean lens.

Discomfort is a Wise Teacher

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 226: Today, I am grateful discomfort is a wise teacher. 

"Discomfort is a wise teacher." - Caroline Myss

These words ring true. Discomfort causes us to reflect on other options. Discomfort makes us think outside of the box for solutions. Discomfort is an irritating companion but a wise teacher. Often through discomfort, we grow in stamina. 

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." -Romans 5:3-5

Pain is not in vain. 

Today, I am grateful discomfort is a wise teacher. 

Symbols of Patience

Gratitude Year 12- Day 225: Today, I am grateful for symbols of patience. 

Sometimes, we have to wait.  

This image was so pretty. I like fishing. I love when someone takes my fish off the hook for me. My men are not fishermen. Chase used to enjoy going with our dear friend, Robin. It is not a common family activity, unless we are with extended family in Michigan. 

The bobber is the symbol of "the wait." When it starts to bob up and down in the water, the excitement builds, but if you move too soon... you lose the fish. Learning to wait is a real life skill. 

Teaching children to save is not easy in a society that rewards us for purchases we make at a whim online. I am guilty of it, too. I do not sit here in judgement. I, also, know that when I wait, the impulse passes and no purchase is made. Practicing "the pause" is good. 

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him." -Psalm 62:1

Watch the bobber and wait. 

Today, I am grateful for symbols of patience. 

Chase

Gratitude Year 12- Day 224: Today, I am grateful for Chase.

Chase changed our world. He made us parents. He turned us from a couple into a family. 

Chase could ask questions like no other. He was constantly thinking and evaluating. He was comfortable with adults, but enjoyed being around kids his own age, too. He is still fun to engage in conversation. 

"Children are a gift from the Lord;
    they are a reward from him." -Psalm 127:3

There is so much truth in those words. Our children fill our days with love, life, and laughter. As Chase celebrates another trip around the sun and begins another, I know God has good things in store for him and for Emma. 

When Chase was little, we used to read the book, "I Love You, Forever." These words are still so true: "I love you forever, I like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be." 

They grow out of our laps, but never out of our hearts. They make their own homes, but we love "family reunions" when everyone is around the table the way it was when they were little. 

I am grateful for the child he was and the man he has become. 

Today, I am grateful for Chase.

Walk In Nature

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 223: Today, I am grateful for reminders to walk in nature. 

We celebrated a special life today. So much of Herb's years was spent in nature or watching nature. He loved farming the land...  and the weather channel. I think he was well aware that, "to walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles."

As the cicada's sing and the fireflies dance, there is no doubt in my mind that nature sings and dances to glorify God. 

"Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
    Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
    Let the trees of the forest sing for joy." -Psalm 96:11-12

The crops are growing taller and the days are getting shorter. Savor each morning as the scents begin to change from summer to fall. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders to walk in nature. 

Use What You Have

Gratitude Year 12- Day 222: Today, I am grateful we can use what we have. 

"Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang the best." -Unknown

This is a beautiful reminder that life is full of opportunities to sing, laugh, learn, and love. 

We can easily get caught up in the details and attempts at perfection. Life is never perfect. The world has woes. Sing anyway.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." -Psalm 19:14

Today, I am grateful we can use what we have. 

Moses: Age Is Just A Number

Gratitude Year 12- Day 221: Today, I am grateful for the reminder that Moses was 80 when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. 

It is easy to focus on age. Age is a number. Moses reminds us that God's plans and our plans can be very different. 40 when he fled to the desert. 80 when he led the people out of Egypt. 120 when he died. What an incredible life, and age was not important. The size of his God was what changed everything. 

King David was on the other end of the age scale when he took on a giant of an enemy with a slingshot and some stones. When the prophet Samuel asked Jesse to present his sons because one would be the future King, Jesse did not bother to call David who was a child tending the sheep. But God saw David's heart and his potential. The size of his God was what made the difference. 

The moments we expect to be amazing can be disappointing. The moments we fear may turn out to be beautiful and sweet.  

We do not know the number of breaths we will take. We do not know how many years we will add to our count. Today is a gift we unwrap each morning at dawn. We can never be sure what any day or night might bring. 

We need not fear the unknown. He will grant us the strength for each day as it comes. Learning to trust His hand and His plan makes all the difference. 

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." -Psalm 90:12

When we surrender our days to Him... anything can happen. 

Today, I am grateful for the reminder that Moses was 80 when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. 

Men Like Herb

Gratitude Year 12- Day 220: Today, I am grateful for men like Herb.

This scripture has been flooding my thoughts since our dear friend, Herb, took his first breath of Heaven on Monday morning. 

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

It sums up Herb perfectly. He sought the Lord with a faithful heart. He raised his children and grandchildren to know "The Way" that leads to life. He loved the earth and cared for its creatures. He loved the Lord, his family, the church, the land, the Morton community, and serving others. 

Herb could tell a story well and would always ask "How's your family doing?" He was always interested in the crops "over there." I loved the farm talk and the Roth family provided it. Herb and Darlene took us in when we were newlyweds and always made room for us at the table. 

It was as if they were "caring for orphans." We were not real orphans, but our family was far away. They would often check with Jill to make sure I wasn't home alone on a holiday. I remember times we had a vehicle down that we would end up with the "old brown truck." It wasn't fancy, but it was faithful. My Dad would have done the same, but he wasn't close. God gave us Herb and Darlene. 

Herb loved our kids, too. Grandparents Day in Morton is a big deal. One of my favorite pictures is of Ryan, Chase, and Emma with Grandma Darlene and Papa Herb at Morton Jr. High's Grandparent's Day. They insisted Chase join the picture. Who knew that picture would be shared at Chase and Emma's wedding?

Walker was younger than the rest of the kids, but Papa Herb talked to him like he was one of the big kids. He listened to what Walker had to say and Jill would often share tidbits of the conversations. I know they would stop at the Grain Elevator and see him. The kids knew Papa Herb had candy (I think it was Tootsie Rolls). 

Hospitality was just as much Herb's gift as Darlene's. Countless people stayed with them over the years. He delighted in sharing. His heart was generous. Doing the right thing was the way his compass was set, with Jesus being his true North.

Heaven rejoices. Herb is delighted to be in the presence of his Savior. Heavenly reunions must be unbelievably sweet. His life was long and full, but he will be deeply missed. 

https://www.knappjohnson.com/obituaries/Herbert-Daniel-Roth?obId=32595923

Today, I am grateful for men like Herb.

We Can Only Imagine

Gratitude Year 12- Day 218: Today, I am grateful "we can only imagine." 

It is true. There are some things we can only imagine until we experience them. A first kiss... the birth of a child... snow... white, soft, sand. The first breath of heaven. 

The song, "I Can Only Imagine," is one many know. There was a movie made about it. It talks about Heaven, and comes to the conclusion that we cannot know, we really have no clue. 

We get glimpses of Heaven in different scriptures, but there is no map or snapshots.  

The overwhelming feeling of being in the presence of God is something my head cannot truly grasp.

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

The overwhelming love of God is not something we can put into words, but we know it is true. 

Today, I am grateful "we can only imagine."

Lesson from a Diamond

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 217: Today, I am grateful for a lesson from a diamond. 

Years ago, I had a family that introduced themselves to me at St. Jude as "The Job Family." I remember it stopped me in my tracks and I might have gasped a little. Then, they shared their story. 

Trust me. A pediatric cancer diagnosis is always huge, but they told me they had been through tougher times. They knew they had survived harder things, and I do not say that lightly. They knew that when they could not change the situation, they had to figure out how to press on through. 

The patient was full of life, humor, and hope. His burden was not light, but they were not lightweights when it came to trials and tribulations as a family. 

Last I knew, he was doing well. I am grateful for every win. Not everyone gets an earthly healing. That is why St. Jude is still fighting the fight every day to bring hope and healing to children and young adults with cancer. 

There is so much cancer everywhere right now in people of all ages. My prayer list is long. The "Pink Ribbon" list is full, but there are many other cancers, too. So many need our prayers, as do the loved ones caring for them and walking with them. 

I love this quote: 

"Affliction promotes holiness. The more the diamond is cut, the more it sparkles." -Thomas Watson

Diamonds are my favorite stone. Most are colorless and go with everything. (I like the colored ones, too.) And... they sparkle! I have a soft spot for Old Mine Cut and Old European cut diamonds. They sparkle brilliantly and have for centuries in some cases. The more they were cut (by a skilled craftsman), the more they sparkled. Every stone has a story to tell. 

Every uncut stone requires cutting, shaping, rubbing, polishing, and more to become desirable and useful. In the same way, affliction can refine us, shape us, and keep our focus on God. His desire is to know us intimately in our joys and in our sorrows.

Human nature often forgets Him in our celebrations, but He longs for the invitation to our weddings, holidays, and other celebrations. We are quick to run to him when things get to be too much to bear on our own. Death, loss, job loss, illness, and other trials. 

"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 5:3-4 

We do not wish for affliction and trouble, but we know that our Lord can help us trade in the ashes for beauty, in His tender care. 

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

The Shovel

 

Gratitude Year 12- Day 216: Today, I am grateful for the shovel.

"I've found that if I pray for God to move a mountain, I must be prepared to wake up next to a shovel." 

Yes, sometimes we are required to do some manual labor. God didn't promise that we could always sit back and watch the mountain move. He made a way for the Israelites through the Red Sea, through the Desert, and into the Promised Land, but they were required to participate. 

They gathered manna daily, except on the Sabbath. The miracle of the manna always makes me reflect on God's intentionality in meeting our needs. It arrived everyday to meet their needs, but they had to gather it into baskets. 

The manna could not be stored overnight, except in preparation for the Sabbath when they were to rest. On the Sabbath, the previous day's manna would still be good so the people could rest from their labors. But on the day after the Sabbath, they would need to go out and gather the manna again. They had to put in some sweat equity. 

God provided for their every need, but they were required to shovel the manna into their baskets. They were active participants in their daily miracle. 

Where has God placed "a shovel" in your life? 

Today, I am grateful for the shovel.