Fall Activites

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 306 - Today, I am grateful for fall activities. 

Fall in the Midwest is full of color, football, marching bands, Help-A-Thon, community festivals, combine rides, pumpkins, apples, and the scents of harvest. Pumpkin pie spice seems to be sprinkled everywhere. The temperatures begin to drop so we can pull out our favorite sweaters, sweatshirts, boots, and cozy socks. 

Fall in our little village is a time of community coming together as a family. In our schools, in our parks, in our churches, in the workplace, and walking about town... it feels like you are a part of something bigger. A deep breath of the autumn scented air is a reminder of our many blessings. 

Is this place perfect? Of course, not! People are imperfect. I see it in my own mirror every morning. But, we head out the door every morning with the clean slate of a new day. We encounter people around us who look for the best in us. We do our best to practice kindness, encouragement, and forgiveness.

I am reminded of the "Festival of the Harvest" where God gave this instruction: 

“Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. “Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields." -Exodus 23:16

It is good to gather together. It is even better to gather in the Fall. Savor the season!

Today, I am grateful for fall activities. 

Pumpkins

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 305 - Today, I am grateful for pumpkins.

I love pumpkins. They are fun. They are good food. They are cute. In our little village, it is always pumpkin season. 

Honestly, I could spend a week or two finding gratitude related to pumpkins. They add delight to our fall and winter days. I am grateful for the canned pumpkin puree so we can enjoy our favorites all year long. 

Savor the season. 

"As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” -Genesis 8:22

Today, I am grateful for pumpkins.

Truth Spoken in Love

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 304 - Today, I am grateful for the truth spoken in love. 

How do we deliver the truth? What does it mean to "speak the truth in love?" 

Love is never smug. It hurts with the one who is hurting or struggling to find and understand the truth. 

The truth is not always easy, but it is always illuminating. Truth sheds light in the darkest places. 

In Geometry, we have proofs. You spell out every little detail logically so there are no gaps in your explanation and conclusion.  In God's Word, there are proofs, too. God spells out the details and shows us the evidence of His love. We cannot skip steps. We cannot ignore judgement errors or wrong turns. When finished, it all comes together. 

In recent years I have grown more fascinated with the ways God reveals Himself in unexpected places. It is in the broken places that His love shines light and truth. 

"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." -Ephesians 4:15  

Be gentle. Be present. Be sincere. Be patient. Be love.

Today, I am grateful for the truth spoken in love. 

Our Comings and Goings

"Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 303 - Today, I am grateful for "comings and goings."

A friend once gave this verse to me as a gift. His father had given it to him. I think about it often. 

"The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." -Psalm 121:8

I hold tightly to relationships (and sometimes things...I have the full closets to prove it!) by nature. I am a keeper and a saver. I like to keep friends and relationships for a lifetime. 

One of the few good things about social media is that we are more aware of what is happening in the lives of the people we care about who are not physically present in our daily lives. We can be more intentional in our relationships when we are connected. We can reach out across many miles and even oceans apart. We are more aware of our loved ones' comings and their goings. 

Humans like to make plans. Planning is important in many things. A good example is farming. You cannot harvest what you do not plant. Without a harvest, we do not eat. Planning is not wrong, but as every farmer and gardener knows... the rains come and they go. The Lord preserves us in the "comings and the goings" of the rains, the winds, and the droughts. Although, I think he does expect us to plant the seeds, water the garden, and do our part. 

Today marks three years since we were shocked by my brother-in-love's passing. His "going" was unexpected. He loved Lola well and their years together were precious. My favorite memories of Ken are the conversations when it was just the two of us. He was a thinker and a smart guy. He would never seek attention. You had to wait for him to be ready to talk. When he did speak, it was always worth listening to. He is greatly missed. 

Despite our best efforts to make plans, life happens. "Plot twists" as I often refer to them. They can blindside us, but I find comfort in the "Solid Rock." Our faith in Christ sustains those who seek His face. I find comfort in knowing our God is not surprised by our comings and goings. He directs our paths. 

Today, I am grateful for "comings and goings."

The Softest Place

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 302 - Today, I am grateful we can be the softest place.

"In a world of sharp words, stony glances, concrete hearts, and hardened minds, be the softest place." -Jan Brady

I love this thought. In a season of strong and differing opinions, this scripture comes to mind:

"Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." -Ephesians 4:29

To be gentle in our speech is not always easy when passions rise. As always, this is a "Daily Gratitude" spot, so you will not see me post political things. 

I do make patriotic posts because I love my country.

I am deeply grateful for those who serve in our military and put their lives on the line for us. 

I am grateful for those who "wash the feet" of widows, orphans, and those who cannot care for themselves.  Those who tend to and protect the children, the elderly, the sick, and our neighborhood. 

Right now, ordinary people are coming together to send help to North Carolina and Tennessee. Regular citizens are deploying to the impacted areas to bring help and hope. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when our nation calls. 

In this country, we work at loving and helping "our neighbors." The Constitution writers drew wisdom from "The Mayflower Compact" understanding we would need each other to thrive. We still do. We are better together. 

The world is watching. Some are rooting for us. Some are not. 

Sharp words, stony glances, and hardened hearts rarely make hard times better. Deep breaths and gentle answers are the game changers. 

Today, I am grateful we can be the softest place.

The Inspired Word

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 301 - Today, I am grateful for the inspired Word.

His Word gets it right every time. 

The term "Christian" began as a derogatory term to make fun of those who followed Jesus. "Follow me" required a different response from different believers in response to their new faith. That has always fascinated me. 

Some could share the Good News through their work, community service, the kitchen table, and business deals. Others were told they had to walk away from the wealth and power to follow. Different message? No, different humans.  

In His pack of disciples some would be the ones to carry the message of the cross and the resurrection to the world. Others remained in their homes showing love and hospitality to the hurting and the lost. All were called to "go and make disciples. Some went to Malta. Others found their mission field at the village well when gathering fresh water. 

Some of the ones who walked closely with Jesus would pen the recollections of their days and experiences with Jesus. Others would record the first Acts of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost. Peter, John, and Paul and others wrote letters to the new churches. Much of the world saw it as a movement. Others realized it was the Old Testament revealing promises kept in the coming of Jesus. 

Through an imperfect human (as we all are), King James helped put what we know as "The Bible" into print for the "common" person to have access in the language of that day. Thank goodness for more modern translations and Blueletterbible.org (giving us modern day access to "Strong's Concordance") so we can read Scripture with ease. 

We can compare translations in a click to look for clues, accuracy and understanding. We can dig into the Hebrew and Greek words as hunger for understanding grows. We can trust that even without fancy tools and multiple translations, God uses His Word to reveal himself to those who seek him. The fancy tools are fun, but His Word is the source.

We were given a brain capable of critical thinking and seeking truth. We were given the gift of free will to make choices. 

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The term "Christian" is still used. It is used as a self-proclamation for some, while others continue to use it in derogatory ways. Some claim His name like an invisible shield, but never pick up His Word or seek His truth. Others die courageously knowing little more than a sincere offering of the sinner's prayer and a few scriptures... with peace... because he is Lord. 

We have spent several weeks in Jude. Our pastor noted that there are many books written on this tiny little letter that falls right before Revelation. It is a good idea to pay attention. We do not want to neglect the gift of His Word. If Jude falls before Revelation, we do not want to neglect the warnings. 

Today, I am grateful for the inspired Word.

  

Hot Tea Before Bed

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 300 - Today, I am grateful for hot tea before bed. 

Sometimes we need to relax. Winding down at the end of the day is important to a good night's sleep. Rest and restoration go hand in hand. 

Long days need a little something to finish them off. 

"On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work." - Genesis 2:2 

Don't forget to rest this weekend. 

Today, I am grateful for hot tea before bed. 

Wisdom Takes Root

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 299 - Today, I am grateful that wisdom is rooted in fear of the Lord.   

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." -Proverbs 9:10

This verse tells us that wisdom comes when we begin to understand who God is. God is bigger, wider, and deeper than we ever dreamed. He is truly awesome. Wisdom takes root in the knowledge of God. 

"Fear" does not mean being afraid. Fear means having a healthy understanding of who God is and letting that understanding bring us to our knees in worship. 

Pride and arrogance do not please God. Humility and seeking His face do. 

Today, I am grateful that wisdom is rooted in fear of the Lord. 

Share Each Others Burdens

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 298 - Today, I am grateful we can share each other's burdens.

"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."  -Galatians 6:2

It is an instruction that adds richness to our lives. Sorrows are divided and joys are doubled when we share them with a friend.  

 It is easy to forget that we are better together. 

I have several friends battling cancer right now. For one, her workplace put together bracelets that say, "No one fights alone." I wear it and pray for her and the others in the midst of the battle. What a message! 

Two have been through surgeries recently. Those are hard. One has been fighting a long time with the most beautiful God chasing attitude. 

"No one fights alone" implies, "I want to help. Let me share your burden." 

Cancer can feel very lonely. The most difficult chapters in life are better with the help of our friends, family, and friends who are like family. 

Today, I am grateful we can share each other's burdens.

Deep Wound Revelations

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 197 - Today, I am grateful for revelations in the deepest wounds.

Pain causes us to pause. In 2007, I experienced nerve damage that has left me with strange pain in odd places and no feeling in others. The big reveal has been that pain is not our enemy. Pain sends the brain a message to stop doing something. Pain is, at times, an unpleasant companion with a purpose. 

"In my deepest wound I saw your glory and it astounded me." -Saint Augustine

Wow! That is a powerful statement. 

Human nature wants pain to go away. No one likes discomfort. At times, we learn to live with it. Some wounds are physical. Others are emotional. Both can cripple us if we cannot find the purpose in our pain.

Pain reveals so many things. Patient in affliction. 

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." - Romans 12:12

In tribulation... in our troubles... in affliction... be constant in prayer. It is powerful stuff. 

"Our deepest wounds reveal His glory." His faithfulness is real. We experience it when we kneel. Be constant in prayer.

Today, I am grateful for revelations in the deepest wounds. 

Written Our Hearts

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 296: Today, I am grateful for the things written on our hearts.

When something is "written on your heart," you do not have to contemplate it. It comes naturally, like breathing. 

"I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” -Psalm 40:8

When we love God, we want to please him. The desire to do His will reflects our relationship with him. Just as a father wants to give good things to his children, the children delight in doing things that please the father. The relationship is reciprocal and full of love.  

Relationships where we know the expectations are better than the ones where we are unsure. The laws were given to make our lives better. Following them adds joy to our days.   

Today, I am grateful for the things written on our hearts.

Healing Anxiety

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 295: Today, I am grateful anxiety has a purpose. 

Every once in awhile I am reminded that these modern times are not so different from the ones before us. Anxiety is a hot topic now. It was then, too. 

"The ultimate aim is not to escape anxiety but to allow it to usher us into the healing presence of Jesus Christ." -Charles Spurgeon (1834-1982)

Anxiety is often the thing that brings the human heart to surrender. Do we fear what He will ask us to do if we sign up for the mission? Are we afraid that He will not show up as team leader? Will we give the enemy the "win?" 

Everyone deals with anxiety. For some, it is crippling. For others, it is where they surrender to the healing presences of Jesus when they invite him in to their stressful minutes, hours, and days. He is not too busy. The Holy Spirit was left with us to be our comforter and to whisper the beautiful words of hope, healing, and life. 

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." -1 Peter 5:7

The practice of turning to Him first... and not as a last resort... takes practice. It is part of spiritual development and growth. Our super power is our "free will." Choice makes us different from the other heartbeats around us. We have souls that long for a reconciliation with God. He is our missing piece... and our missing peace. 

Yet, Jesus instructed us to learn from the flowers and the animals. 

“"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?" -Matthew 6:24-26

Today, I am grateful anxiety has a purpose. 

Good Trades - Bad Trades

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 294: Today, I am grateful for good trades.

"I give him my deaths, and he gives me his life. My sorrows, he gives me joy. My losses, he gives me his gains. This is the great principle of the cross." -Elisabeth Elliot

Remember as kids wanting to make a "trade" with a friend. Bartering has been apart of being human since the dawn of man. 

Some trades are better than others. Some are impulsive. Some are necessary. Some are fair. In this life, there are blessings that come with treating others fairly. Integrity matters not only to our neighbor, but to our own souls. Integrity matters to God. Trade well.

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?  If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” - Mark 8:36-38

This day comes with the opportunities limited to a 24-hour clock. How will we use our time? What trades are for the Kingdom? 

Jesus made the ultimate trade. His life for our souls, but he made it clear it is not automatic. We must choose. He is willing to make the trade. We have to say "yes." Our hot mess for eternally blessed. 

Today, I am grateful for good trades.
 

Fall Sunrise

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 293: Today, I am grateful for a Fall sunrise. 

There are some ordinary things that happen every day that are truly extraordinary. The miracle of the ordinary way the Earth spins and makes its way around the sun each year is anything but ordinary. It is a perfectly timed, God designed wonder. 

Every day the sun rises and sets... like clockwork. Science and the math are fun for man to study, explore, and interpret. Man gets it wrong. Man gets it right. In the process, humans delight in the work and new discoveries. God still rules the universe. Only God can create a sunrise.    

Sunrise in the Fall is something to see. The warm golden light illuminating the dancing, multicolored leaves in more shades of green, red, orange, yellow, and brown are unique every morning until the last leaves fall. No two are the same. 

"O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens." -Psalm 8:1

Today, I am grateful for a Fall sunrise.   

Waiting on God

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 292: Today, I am grateful for the reminder to wait on God.

"The only thing harder than waiting on God, is wishing you had."

That can be a hard lived truth. Human nature often wants to rush in when God is still working out the timing and the details. Pushing forward... outside of His perfect will... means we cheat ourselves out of His best for our lives. 

We want what we want. Waiting is hard. 

"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." -Psalm 27:14

His ways are better. They are not always easier, but they are always better. 

Today, I am grateful for the reminder to wait on God.

Martha and Mary

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 291: Today, I am grateful for Martha and Mary.

"I may sometimes run with Martha to do what Christ needs of me, but I think I should more frequently sit with Mary to receive from Christ what I need from Him." - C.H. Spurgeon

There is much truth in this quote. There is value in work. Working for the Kingdom of God is an honor and a privilege. Still, it is easy to get so caught up in the work that we forget to sit at the feet of Jesus to receive what we need from Him. I have been guilty of this more often than I would like to admit.

My dear friend, Julie, and I have enjoyed dressing up as Martha and Mary on Palm Sunday. We use that opportunity to teach about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. It is always special. 

Staying in our roles, we share their story. Their hospitality was not only for Jesus. He came with a pack of hungry men who needed food and rest. They opened their home and shared from their resources. They were a blessing to Jesus and the disciples. They showed us how to be intentional in our hospitality. 

I can learn so much by their example. 

Today, I am grateful for Martha and Mary.

Work We Were Born To Do

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 290: Today, I am grateful the work we were born to do. 

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." 

Work adds purpose to our days. God "created the heavens and the earth" and when he was finished, he rested. God created and saw it was good. He was delighted with the work. 

Our life's work can change in different seasons of life. Some work we are made for, designed for, and live for. Some work is necessary. Attitude matters. 

Working within our skill set can be fruitful. Working outside of our natural abilities we stretch and grow. Being intentional can make all the difference. 

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." -Colossians 3:23

We can make the most of this day. 

Today, I am grateful the work we were born to do. 

Morning Moments

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 289: Today, I am grateful morning moments with the Master.

"Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.  " -Psalm 90:14

It really is the best way to start the day. Prayer is an easy addition to a morning routine. The shower is a wonderful place to pray and praise. It is good to thank Him for the gift of a new day. 

My commute to work is really short, but I am very intentional about packing a little WCIC (91.5) on my way. It satisfies my soul to hear the scriptures, the songs, the stories, and the voice proclaiming the victory, redemption, and the hope we have in Jesus. 

He satisfies the soul like none other.  

Today, I am grateful morning moments with the Master.

The Best Day

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 288: Today, I am grateful we can proclaim it the best day in the year. 

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote makes me think of my dear friend Jim Sedgwick. Jim was one of two work coordinators at Peoria Alternative High School. Jim was a hoot. He worked at Manual High School in Peoria before he came to PAHS. 

The other half of the work coordinators team was my very special Cleve. They were quite a pair. Polar opposites in so many ways, but Jim and Cleve were both committed to helping "the least of these" who landed at PAHS be successful at work and school. 

Jim was one of the rare White Sox fans in the Peoria area. Back home people were Cubs or White Sox. In Central Illinois, it is either the Cubs or the Cardinals. Jim was an anomaly in so many ways. 

Jim liked rules and order. If you moved a pen on his desk, he would notice.  Our alternative high school students struggled with authority and rules. For Cleve, loving the students was a reflex like breathing. For Jim, it was intentional, and that made it special and beautiful. Both men loved Jesus and it translated into how they spent their days. 

If you asked Jim how he was doing, his typical reply was, "Every day is a holiday and every meals a feast." He worked at his attitude and it showed. He was quick to smile and laugh. He was passionate about the things he loved and the work he did. He loved singing in the church choir. He loved people and parties. He has been gone 22 years, but I can still here his voice, with a bit of a Chicago accent that never really left him. 

"Every day is a holiday and every meals a feast!" Make the most of this day. Proclaim it a good day, and it will be. 

"The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." -Psalm 118:24

Today, I am grateful we can proclaim it the best day in the year. 

A Walk

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 287: Today, I am grateful we can take a walk. 

"Few people know how to take a walk.  The qualities are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good silence, and nothing too much." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Love-of-my-Life and I took a lovely walk this weekend. It was a perfect afternoon for simple pleasure. It was too nice to stay inside. The leaves are turning. The animals are playful. It is always good for the soul. 

Daisy Mae's arch nemesis is the squirrel. They are too quick for her to catch(thank goodness). The squirrels in our back yard typically taunt her. I think they enjoy that part of the game way more than Daisy Mae. On our walk, a neighborhood squirrel in another yard took to the tree when we walked by, but did not flee. We watched the squirrel and the squirrel watched us. Strangers yet familiar with the roles in nature's design. 

We saw nature's final wave of summer's glory losing its luster. Fall pumpkins and decor appear. Some take to their porches, enjoying the mild temperatures and sunny skies. 

"There is such value in taking to nature. It is good for the soul. 

"You crown the year with your bounty,
    and your carts overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;
    the hills are clothed with gladness.
The meadows are covered with flocks
    and the valleys are mantled with grain;
    they shout for joy and sing." -Psalm 65:11-13 

Today, I am grateful we can take a walk. 

Access to the King

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 286: Today, I am grateful for access to the King. 

I adore this quote:

"The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access." -Tim Keller

I love everything about the implications of this quote. I find myself often "crying out" in prayer on the night shift. 

If I wake up and cannot go back to sleep, it always seems perfectly natural to talk to the Father. There is something about the stillness of the night. It soothes my soul and eases any worries. 

I love that the scriptures tell us that He delights in the moments we seek His face. He wants to be a part of all of our days from sunrise to sunset. 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8

He longs for the invitation. 

Today, I am grateful for access to the King. 

Rocking Chairs

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 285: Today, I am grateful for rocking chairs. 

I love a good rocking chair. We have always kept a pair, since the early days of our marriage. We had Rubbermaid in white (think "Little Tikes" for many years. Then we added some wicker furniture with two rockers. 

We have a new outdoor set for the backyard. Randy and Daisy Mae needed a couch. I wanted rockers. Rocking is soul soothing. 

When the boys were babies and needed to be nursed or consoled, the glider rocker was where I would rock them until they fell back to sleep. Sometimes the comforting motion would lull us both to sleep. 

"Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn't get you very far." -Jodi Picoult

The soothing rhythm found in rocking helps us to sort through the good and the bad in life. A person can think, rest, and restore in a rocking chair.  

One of the first verses I memorized on my own was this: "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" - Matthew 25:27

Do not fret. Just rock and rest. 

Today, I am grateful for rocking chairs. 

It Is Well With My Soul

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 284: Today, I am grateful for the old hymn, "It is well with my soul." 

It has always been one of my favorite hymns. It is a song about finding peace when everything goes wrong. 

The story is powerful. Horatio Spafford's good friend, D.L. Moody was to be preaching in England. Spafford had sent his wife and family ahead of him, while he finished some business at home. He would follow them on another ship.

His four daughters were lost at sea when the steamer ship, the Ville du Havre, sank.  It was hit by another ship. The girls were all lost, as the ship sank in twelve minutes. 

His wife, Anna, was found unconscious, floating on debris. She sent him this brief telegram from England, "Saved alone." Alone. They were shattered and an ocean apart. 

On the crossing to reunite with Anna, Spafford was taken to the spot where the Ville du Havre went down by the Captain. It was a powerful moment. The lyrics  for this beloved hymn were seeded in that moment. 

What many do not know is that Horatio and Anna had already lost their first son, Horatio Jr., to scarlet fever. They had already survived the Great Chicago Fire, where they did their best to help others less fortunate through the trials after the fire took many homes, jobs, and lives. They were not strangers to loss. The hymn articulates deep pain, but it comes out on the other side victorious. They had three more children - two who survived into adulthood. 

Every life has seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow. Sometimes, they are mixed. Today is my sister, April's 57th birthday. She has spent her last thirty birthdays in Heaven. Time flies. Our first Lindgren niece arrived a little early... and four days after April's birthday that same year. Ciara's birth was a gift to us all. New life brings healing and new joy. 

In the storms and in the valleys, we can still trust The One who holds the universe in place by His perfect design. As we move through the chapters in this life, we can look back and see that our God was always present. He never abandons his children. His purpose will not be thwarted by storm, by circumstance, or by our attempts to take the steering wheel. That is good news!  

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." -Proverbs 19:20-21

It is well... it is well...  with my soul. 

Today, I am grateful for the old hymn, "It is well with my soul." 

Fragrance of the Crushed

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 283: Today, I am grateful for the beautiful fragrance of the crushed. 

There are flowers and herbs that when crushed release a beautiful fragrance from their oils. It strikes me as something worth pondering. 

The crushing is part where the change begins. It is where the oil pours out. It is where it changes into something beautifully fragrant.

What was once beautiful to behold on the vine or the stem becomes truly special when its life appears to be over. It is not over. It is transforming. 

"Do the hard things, trusting God when it hurts, humbling yourself... it is the perfume you pour on Jesus' feet." -Unknown

The times we are "broken and poured out," we might be in the process of becoming something new. What seems hard... and is hard... in the moment, is part of the transformation. When we put our trust in Jesus in those painful moments, it is like pouring perfume on his feet. 

"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:2

Beautifully broken. 

Today, I am grateful for the beautiful fragrance of the crushed. 

Strength of Spirit

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 282: Today, I am grateful for strength of spirit.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." 

True strength is not as simple as bench pressing a certain amount of weight. Physical strength plus strength of will collide at the point of falling to our knees and saying, |"Not they will but Thine be done." 

I cannot help but think of Jesus. 

Knowing two of his best friends were about to betray him, Jesus washed his feet. 

Knowing he was the last chance for two criminals, he used some of his last breaths to offer help and salvation. 

Knowing church leaders wanted him dead, he continued his work to heal the sick, feed the poor, and meet people at the point of their need. 

Knowing the likely answer was "No,"  he knelt before the Father in the garden known as Gethsemane and said, "Not thy will by thine be done." 

It is all quite humbling. Tonight I walked to the car singing, "Let me tell you 'bout my Jesus." When I turned the car on, that was the very song on the radio. The "coincidence" made me smile. 

"For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” -John 6:40

The Father's will... Jesus's will... all who live walking in and by His Spirit... will be saved. 

Today, I am grateful for strength of spirit.

Healing Animals

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 281: Today, I am grateful animals help us heal. 

"Sit with animals quietly and they will show you their hearts. Sit with them kindly and they will help you locate yours." -Ramblings of Claury

There is great truth in that observation. I always wanted a horse as a child. Dad always said, "No." They required time and a dedicated space. They needed and deserved companionship. 

We started watching the series, "Heartland" when we were in Florida one summer for Monte's funeral and to spend time with family there. We learned quite a bit about horses from watching the series. Dad was right about the high cost of keepings the beautiful and majestic creatures. The show supports the idea that animals can help us heal. 

"And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." - Genesis 1:25

Good in so many ways. 

Today, I am grateful animals help us heal.