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.