Rahab

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 336: Today, I am grateful for Rahab.

The first Sunday of Advent is here. It is hard to believe another year has entered into the last month. We begin to mark the Sundays until Christmas. Anticipation, hope, and the wonder of the Christmas miracle are celebrated. It is all quite beautiful. 

Because God is love, the human story continues to unfold. No one is perfect. Some have more sordid pasts than others. Every mention of Rahab is a reminder that our God redeems and restores. 

Rahab's courage to hide Joshua and the other spies did not go unnoticed. She put her life on the line. She was not forgotten by those she protected. God changes labels and rewrites stories. 

No mess is too big or too small. He is faithful.  

Today, I am grateful for Rahab.

My Spot

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 335: Today, I am grateful for “my spot.”

We all have places we consider “our spot.” At the family table, on the sofa, and in the church pew. Establishing “my spot” creates a sense of belonging. We humans have a deep rooted need to  belong. 

Belonging is a human need. Establishing our place in the family, the community, and the universe is important. We all need “a spot.” 

 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.“ -Isaiah 43:1

We are wanted. We have a spot at the table. 

Today, I am grateful for “my spot.”

His Love Endures

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 334: Today, I am grateful His love endures our impatience.

"God is never late, we are just impatient. Read that again."

A simple statement with a big truth. We cannot rush God. His faithfulness never waivers, even when we struggle to trust and wait. I love this scripture:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." -Psalm 136:1,26

Working things out for our good and His glory can take time. Hold fast to his promises that never fail. 

Today, I am grateful His love endures our impatience.

Thanksgiving

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 333: Today, I am grateful for Thanksgiving.

It is a day of remembering our pilgrim ancestors... the Saints and the Strangers as they called themselves. They came with courage, faith, and hope. 

They endured the first hard winter and only half survived. Everyone lost loved ones and friends before the first year was over. They prayed together, cried together, and laughed together. 

We are instructed to "give thanks in all things." A grateful, thankful heart does not change God. It changes us. 

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." -1 Chronicles 16:8

A grateful heart is stronger than the one that whines and complains. A thankful heart looks for the good in any situation. I am grateful for a history that includes "The First Thanksgiving." 

Last year, I listened to a podcast with a historian who runs the Plymouth Plantation. It was fascinating. He spoke of the first twenty years and the relationship between the Native Americans and the new settlers. They learned much from each other. The Pilgrims wanted a fresh start in a new land. The native people warred with other native tribes, but the Pilgrims were more of a curiosity. Native tribes moved when the weather changed or food became scarce. The Pilgrims built homes and put down roots. Curiosity ran deep on both sides. 

I am grateful for the dreams and the seeds of hope our ancestors planted. I am grateful they were open to learning from those who were different in appearance and dress. I am grateful for the opportunity to sit with loved ones and give thanks to God for his goodness. 

Today, I am grateful for Thanksgiving.

God Sees Us Where We Are

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 332: Today, I am grateful God sees us where we are. 

"God found Gideon in a hole. He found Joseph in a prison. He found Daniel in a lion's den. Next time  you feel unqualified to be used by God, remember this... He tends to recruit from the pit, not the pedestal." -Toby Mac

He is "the God who sees me." is how Hagar put it. 

"Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”  -Genesis 16:13

Today, I am grateful God sees us where we are and meets us there. 

Dry Land

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 331: Today, I am grateful the Pilgrims made it to dry land. 

I came across this image and it seemed perfect for a Thanksgiving week post. The sailing ship reminded me of the Mayflower and some of the ships that brought the earliest European settlers to this land to start new lives. 

"The sea belongs to him, for he made it.  His hands formed the dry land, too." -Psalm 95:5

Imagine how it felt to see land after long, difficult weeks on the seas. Winter was setting in and nothing was easy. Half died the first winter. Those who survived knew hunger, cold, sickness, fear, and grief. They did not give up. 

The dry land was better than a cold, damp ship that had seen better days, when shelter was finally built. Dry land was a place they could find food, dig wells, and build shelter. 

The dry land at Plymouth Rock refueled their hopes and dreams. They were no longer "going" to the new land. They had arrived. 

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

Today, I am grateful the Pilgrims made it to dry land. 

Know When to Rest

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 330: Today, I am grateful for the wisdom in knowing when to rest. 

It is Thanksgiving Week. It will fly by filled with family, friends, and the glorious activities of the season. Buckle up... here we go! 

I hope to remember to be intentional. Memories are made in the moments. 

This week, I will remember that Jesus paused at a well to chat with a woman who had known hard times. He took to the wilderness to pray when he needed sanctuary. He never seemed to be in a hurry. He moved with purpose, but he did not rush. He knew when to rest. 

Today, I am grateful for the wisdom in knowing when to rest. 

Christmas Movie Season

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 329: Today, I am grateful for Christmas Movie season!

Christmas movie season begins in October and runs through December. I love them.  

Yes. They have a formula and predictable endings. It is a part of what makes them magical. Real life can be hard. Christmas movies give us a reprieve. 

It is the time of year we look expectantly… again… for the miracle of Christmas. We see His hand more readily, likely because we are looking for it. We feel the joy in the simple delights of home and family. We open our hearts to gratitude and giving. 

Christmas movies embrace, celebrate, and share the hope of Christmas.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

Today, I am grateful for Christmas Movie season. 

Warm Bed

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 328: Today, I am grateful for a warm bed. 

Today, I am grateful for a warm bed. 

Coats

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 327: Today, I am grateful for coats.

We are having our first winter weather. I do not love it. Still, the earth needs the rest that winter provides to refresh the earth for spring. I am doing my best to not fuss or complain.

When the temperature drops, a warm coat is a necessity and a blessing.

The Love of my Life just surprised me with a new coat. I do not enjoy coat shopping. I put it off until I really need it. He knows my style… a pea coat style or a cape are my go to choices. He found a red pea coat. It is a gift of warmth that warms my heart.

Today, I am grateful for coats.

Madrigals

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 326: Today, I am grateful for Madrigals.

In this holiday season, one of the things that brings back memories and makes me smile are Madrigals groups. There is a unique feel to music created by the blending of human voices alone. 

I almost missed the opportunity to participate, not trying out until my senior year. That was so many decades ago, but I have strong, sweet memories.

 The fellowship of my friends and time with the magnificent Anna Barnlund, teacher extraordinaire... and now a friend for nearly a lifetime. Madrigal music is forever imprinted on my heart as one of the things that makes the holiday season special each year. 

In the community we now call home, our Madrigal group is magnificent, under the direction of Mrs. Heather Berger. Before the annual event, they do a "world tour" of all of the schools. It promotes the music department and plants the idea of "maybe someday" in the hearts of some vocalists. Because Heather is gracious... she has added the District Office to the "world tour." This week, this year's Madrigals visited. 

They sang some of my favorites (Heather had a list I could choose from) and each one was wonderful. I am coming to the end of the students who were at the Junior High when I was there, but it is always fun to see them and to reconnect through song. One was my "Covid Buddy," Stella, who was my email pen pal during the 2020 lockdown season. The other, Titus, a talented young musician I have watched grow from a small boy who loved music into a talented musician. I am so glad we captured a picture. 

In our community, there is a church denomination that still continues its rich tradition of a cappella singing. All you need is a pitch pipe and a group of friends. Instant harmonies break out. The youth who grow up in that tradition often are present in the Madrigal group each year. 

A cappella singing seems to illuminate from the soul. Be it contemporary a cappella groups like Pentonix or Home Free, or award winning Barber Shop groups, I am grateful humans have not lost our appreciation for music that is made solely from mixing human voices in harmony. 

As I searched for the right verse for today, I didn't have to look far. My "verse of the day" talked about using our gifts. It seems a perfect fit. I am grateful for those who use their gifts and for the teachers who teach them and lead them. 

"I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge." -1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Today, I am grateful for Madrigals.

Maps

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 325: Today, I am grateful for maps.

I love old fashioned maps. Why? I am not sure. Perhaps it is because I grew up with GPS. We used maps and landmarks. Occasionally, a map would need to be replaced because of new roads or road revisions.

Youth today have always had GPS. I am sad that they are missing out on the joy of figuring out a map and finding their way to a desired destination or location. It is a mini-adventure.

I remember an old Muppet movie where Fozzie wanted to "take the blue road" and the others cried out, "That's a river Fozzie." Poor Fozzie was not very map savvy either. 

On a family trip to Florida, our nephew, Rob, made a pirate map for the kids to follow. The cousins had a great time outside running around, looking for whatever treasure was hidden. Study, seek, and find are words that generate adventure. 

"He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go."- Proverbs 2:8-9

A little help finding our way is a blessing.

Today, I am grateful for maps.

Light Switch

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 324: Today, I am grateful for the light switch.

Imagine life without them!

The light switch is a humble servant in our homes. We flip the switch and the light comes on. We flip it again and the light goes off. It really is quite incredible. It is one of the simple luxuries in nearly every home. 

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

Then God separated the light from the darkness. Not the darkness from the light, but the light from the darkness. Interesting, right? I might need to ponder that a little more. 

Keeping it simple today. 

Today, I am grateful for the light switch.

All of It

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 323: Today, I am grateful for "all of it." 

"Be thankful for all of it. The highs, the lows, the blessings, the lessons. The setbacks. The comebacks. Everything." - Toby Mac

It all works together. See it. Choose it. Use it. 

"Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." -Psalm 119:37

Look for the value in it all. 

Look for the life in His word.

Today, I am grateful for "all of it." 

Discontentment Slayers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 322: Today, I am grateful for discontentment slayers.

"Be thankful for what you have."

A simple decision that changes the landscape of a life. 

The spirit of discontentment is not a fruit of His Spirit. It is what the enemy whispered to Adam and Eve in the garden that sowed discontentment in paradise. 

Stuff is just stuff. There will always be the next best thing in the advertisements that surround us and fill our homes. To be content with what we have plants the seeds of joy. 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This week alone there have been many discontentment slayers. Clean sheets on the bed, a warm beverage in my cup, a fire in the fireplace, a warm bed, and plenty to eat. Seriously, that is the good stuff. 

Do not miss the little things! They are worth counting. 

Today, I am grateful for discontentment slayers.

Clean Sheets

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 321: Today, I am grateful for clean sheets.

Remember when naps were punishment. Oh, how I love a good nap, now. The only thing better than a nap is crawling into a bed with clean sheets. The icing on the cake is if they smell like a summer breeze. 

Happiness is a clean sheet day! 

Daisy Mae loves it, too. Even a pet can tell there is something special about freshly laundered bedding. 

Clean sheets are one of the simple joys of our modern living. I try to not take them for granted. If I could, I would have clean sheets every night. Doing bedding does take some time. 

"If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." -Proverbs 3:24

Feeling blue? Wash your face and wash your sheets. Both are good for the soul.

Today, I am grateful for clean sheets.

Gifts We Can Keep

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 320: Today, I am grateful for three things we can give away and still keep.

"Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart." -Zig Zigler 

I love this! 

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. -Proverbs 15:30

Today, I am grateful for three things we can give away and still keep.

Walker

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 319: Today, I am grateful for Walker.

Walker arrived and turned completed our family of four. We did not know what we were missing until he arrived. He gave Chase a sibling and a forever friend. He was witty and full of life. He was the youngest in the neighborhood for a season, and everyone looked out for him. 

Walker's heart is one of his best features. He is gentle in spirit and leads with compassion toward humans and animals. He inspires me with the breadth of his grace. His capacity to love is deep and wide. 

"So God created human beings  in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27

I see things in him that reflect the image of God.

He never makes you feel like he is in a hurry. I see him being intentional at being  present(yes... putting the phone away to chat). We are so grateful to celebrate the day he was born! He marks another  year and begins another trip around the sun. 

Today, I am grateful for Walker.

Your Calling

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 318: Today, I am grateful for a calling.

What is  your calling? 

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." -Ephesians 4:1

Those who know the call on their hearts live every day with a purpose. There are no empty days. Each sunrise has a purpose. Each sunset is a chance to rest and recharge. 

A calling with a divine purpose speaks to our souls. The One who created us knows what makes us tick. Discovering it for ourselves is illuminating and exhilarating. 

When we seek His face, we find joy in the journey.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." -Matthew 6:33

Today, I am grateful for a calling.

A Quiet Heart

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 317: Today, I am grateful for a quiet heart. 

"Lord, give me a quiet heart that does not ask to understand but confident steps forward in the darkness guided by thy hand." -Elisabeth Elliot

Most of you know I love Elisabeth (and James) Elliot. His life was cut short when he was killed in the jungles of Ecuador on the mission field in 1956. 

James and Elisabeth were college sweethearts at Wheaton with big dreams of bringing the gospel to the world, starting with a remote tribe in Equator.  

Elizabeth became a widow with a 10-month-old (named Valerie) when Jim and Nate Saint and three other friends were killed by the native tribe as they were attempting to connect with them. The men had guns, but none were raised in self-defense. They were all killed by spears that day. I can only imagine how it felt when they did not come home.

The mission did not end in death. The women went back to the same tribe with forgiveness, love, and the Gospel. 

It is a powerful story of redemption and grace. The part of the story that always chokes me up is to know that the Elliot and Saint children called one of the tribesmen "Grandfather." Steve Saint remembers thinking as a child that the Huaorani people must be very special if his dad and the other men were willing to die for them. 

Spot on! Right? They loved boldly and completely. They held nothing back. They learned how to "quiet their hearts" and say, "Not my will, but Thine be done." 

"Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me." -Psalm 131:2

To quiet our hearts is intentional. 

Today, I am grateful for a quiet heart. 

Veterans Day

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 316: Today, I am grateful for Veterans.

The llth hour of the llth day of the llth month... in 1918 was originally called Armistice Day. It marked the end of WW1. Emotions were high and mixed - celebration and grief combined. The high cost of war should not be forgotten. 

In 1954, President Woodrow Wilson gave the day an official name change to include all veterans of our armed services. The US Marine Corp birthday is November 10, 1775. Next year is a big birthday for the USMC. From them, it is a double celebration. 

My heart is full as I think of the many soldiers who serve and defend. At land and at sea, most of us will never fully understand the sacrifice. It is truly humbling. 

I have been digging through family records and have found glimpses into the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, WW1, and WW2(Several St. John family members were at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked). Uncle Mel served in the Army during the Korean War. Dad served in the Army during peace times not long before Vietnam. Papa Chet Watson was in the Navy. My sister, April, was in in the USAF in the mid-90's. My twin cousins, David and James, have been career Navy (Papa Chet would be so proud.). James just retired and David is currently deployed on the USS Wasp. Freedom isn't free. 

I do not consider myself very brave. I like a "just in case" back-up plan. I am in awe of those who choose military service. They are willing to lay down their lives for our country, their brothers and sisters in arms, and for their families back home. They stand in the gap between chaos and peace. They protect and they serve. 

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

I love the quote that reminds us that their service is not defined by hatred for an enemy; their service reflects their deep love for life, liberty, and freedoms we know in these United States. They do it for the people they love at home. 

Today, I am grateful for Veterans.

Sesame Street

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 315: Today, I am grateful I grew up on Sesame Street. 

Happy Birthday, Sesame Street!

On November 10, 1969, a new children's show made its debut. "Sesame Street" was created by writer and producer Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, Jr. They wanted to create learning programming for young children. They put together a team that became the Children's Television Workshop. 

Interestingly enough, their goal was to create a children's television show that would "master the addictive qualities of television and do something good with them." They battled "new technologies", too. Music played a huge part in the curriculum developed by educators, great communicators, psychologists, and creative people in the arts. Most of us can still sing the theme song, "Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?"    

Hiring Jim Henson was brilliant!  His Muppets are still some of the most beloved characters from childhood. Season 56 is currently running. Big Bird, Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, Zoey, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Ernie helped us learn about letters, numbers, seasons, friendship, cultural diversity, and having fun. The simple storylines touched some tender topics at times including grief at the loss of a grandparent, pet, or friend. Courage, forgiveness, compromise, and friendship were common themes. 

Our children knew the characters, too. Walker once told a healthcare provider checking for concussion that his name was "Walker Melmo Ryan Matthew Smith."  Melmo was how he said, "Elmo." Not all of those names were given at birth. He added a few. His thinking was clear and there was no concussion. He was just a boy who loved Elmo and his buddy, Ryan enough to take their names.

The characters on Sesame Street learned to respond to each other in love. 

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

I am not 100% sure what it looks like in 2024, but I am grateful to have grown up on Sesame Street. I know that we are still better together. That "better" is enhanced by our unique gifts, talents, and strengths. When we learn to help each other in  struggles and trials, we all grow stronger. 

Today, I am grateful I grew up on Sesame Street. 

Mama's Recipes

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 314: Today, I am grateful for Mama's recipe box.

Mama cooked. She was the oldest of seven... and then ten. She learned how to cook early, as Grandpa was over the road with Allied Van Lines and Grandma had to work to help feed the family. She enjoyed preparing meals and sharing. 

I recently brought her recipe box home. Inside it were mostly clippings and shared recipes from friends and family members. I love seeing the handwritten recipes, some in cursive. 

Mama cooked most meals from the heart. She could make the best breakfast in the county like it was no big deal. She didn't fret and somehow, everything hit the table at just the right time. She taught April and I to cook from an early age. She taught music and I would start dinner to it would be ready when Dad came home from work. 

I am grateful that it was "no big deal" to cook for my family when I was a child. It came in handy when I was snowed in parentless with my siblings for three days when I was barely eleven years old.  Our meals were country meals with plenty of beef. Spaghetti was a side dish in Dad's eyes. He liked meat, potatoes, and a vegetable with each meal. These weekly dinners were not in her recipe box. They were in her head. Most of the recipes I found were for sweet treats. I did find the original recipe for my "Turtle Brownies" that I have made for 50 years. 

The memories in that old recipe box are priceless. They take me back to another place and time. They bring back the scents of the farm kitchen and cooking with Mama and April. Honestly, when I imagine them in heaven, I imagine a farm kitchen with a huge table filled with family and friends. I do not know exactly what heaven looks like, but I know there is feasting and celebrating. I know there is community. 

The humble little recipe box holds the recipes Mama, April, and I held in our hands more than 50 years ago. I am grateful they left them behind for me to hold today. 

Tip for today's tech savvy world: write down your recipe the ancient way. Pen and paper are perfect. They can be passed on to your children's children. Do not worry about sprinkles and stains from the cooking process. Those rips and stains become beautiful memories when your loved one is no longer here. 

 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ -Matthew 25:37-39

Today, I am grateful for Mama's recipe box.

Plenty of Books to Read

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 313: Today, I am grateful for plenty of books to read.

I love to read. I always have at least one audiobook going. I have used e-readers. Still, a book in the hand is special. The feel of the pages and the smell of a real book is hard to beat. 

It is a great  day to show your local library some love. Check out a book in a new genre or pick up a new title from the shelf. 

This is a verse that has always fascinated me:

"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written." - John 21:25

Imagine books stuffed with miracles and recorded interactions and miracles!  

Today, I am grateful for plenty of books to read.

Dancing Leaves

 Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 312: Today, I am grateful for dancing leaves.

"Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing in the wind." 

I have been in the woods when the autumn leaves are falling. They dance on the wind as they fall. They spin, twirl, and nearly pirouette. 

As the forest delights in nature's ballet, there is the knowledge that the next act is winter. Therefore, we must be intentional when we pause to take it all in. 

Fall is fabulous. 

Today, I am grateful for dancing leaves.

Wisdom and Discernment

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 311: Today, I am grateful God grants wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 

I was just talking with a friend about this verse:

"He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars." -Daniel 2:21

Wisdom comes from God. Discernment comes to those who seek His face. 

As always... this daily post is for gratitude. Election seasons can be divisive and emotional. I love reminders to lead with love in all things. Let us love our neighbors well... all of them. 

Our God is sovereign and trustworthy.

"God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth." -Ephesians 1:9-10

Let our words be gentle and full of grace. 

Today, I am grateful God grants wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 

  

A Word Spoken At The Right Time

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 310: Today, I am grateful for a word spoken at the right time. 

This scripture stood out to me today. The image feels like fall. The scripture speaks truth. 

"Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket." - Proverbs 25:11

The right word at the right time can make all the difference. There are times we simply need a little affirmation. Encouragement and kindness can change our days. 

There are times we need a little nudge, too. Again, the right word at the right time. 

Sometimes, our tongues need to be checked and controlled. If it is not beneficial or helpful, is it necessary? Oh, the tongue is a powerful weapon. 

 "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

There are always opportunities to use our words for good. 

Today, I am grateful for a word spoken at the right time.

Baptisms

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 309- Today, I am grateful for baptisms. 

We had five who made decisions to be baptized today. The oldest were in high school. It was beautiful to read their testimonies in the bulletin and to hear a little about how they are growing, going, and and living out their faith. 

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” *-Matthew 28:19-20

One step at a time. One day at a time. 

Today, I am grateful for baptisms. 

Clean Hot Water

 

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 308- Today, I am grateful for clean, hot water.

Clean water is a life saver. Hot water is a game changer. Clean, hot water provides us with necessities and luxuries, too. 

A hot shower and a warm beverage are part of my morning rituals each day. They feel like a necessity, but they are... in truth a luxury. 

Yes, we need safe, clean water. Heating it can help us sanitize everything from silverware to medical instruments. Now, there are fancier ways to get surgical tools ready, but it is good to remember the power of boiling water. 

After a storm or tornado takes out the power, we are quickly reduced to more primitive ways of living. It is always humbling to realize how much we depend on modern conveniences. It is good to practice and prepare for those times. Access to fresh clean water is the difference between life and death. A way to heat that water can be a game changer, too. 

North Carolina and the other states impacted by recent hurricanes know far too well the difference clean, hot water can make. First responders barely slept. Many volunteer citizens organized, donated, and delivered much needed items. Clean drinking water was key to survival. A way to heat clean water would seem almost miraculous. Imagine the joy found in a hot shower, a hot bowl of soup, or a hot cup of coffee! 

This passage came to mind. It is from a letter to the early church in Laodicea. It was a warning sent in love, meant as a wake up call. God knows our hearts. 

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." -Revelation 3:15-17

We do not want to be lukewarm. 

Today, I am grateful for clean, hot water.

Soup Season

Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 307 - Today, I am grateful for soup season. 

Soup season is upon us and I love it. As the days cool down and the nights get cold, there is nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm us from the inside out. 

Most soups require more time than talent or fancy ingredients. Most cultures and regions have favorites. To me, a pot of soup feels like a welcome home. 

"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" -Hebrews 13:2

Hospitality is one way we can show love.

Feel free to share a favorite soup recipe in the comments. 

Today, I am grateful for soup season.